Bordentown City Environmental Commission

Bordentown City Environmental Commission Minutes from Meeting of January 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Submitted by Lynn Robinson Meeting was called to order at 7:06pm Public Meeting Statement was read by Chairperson Cathy Elliot-Shaw. Members present: Cathy Elliott-Shaw, Brooke McMinn, Lauren Drumm, Lynn Robinson, Joel Dowshen, Mike MacEwan, Dan Preston, Ralph Simon, Ralph Tolomeo Guest: Charles Latini, Anna Hart, Peg Peak, Dan Aubrey Minutes from December 13, 2023 meeting were approved with minor corrections. Special Guest- Charles Latini, Jr., City Planner Some of the areas discussed: the addition of a pre-screening committee within the Planning Board which works directly with the applicant so the presentation before the Planning Board can move more fluently; Review and update code on sidewalks; Rezoning the waterfront which is pending (accessing beach code to be an extension of the waterfront and connected to the trails); Streetscape and outdoor dining on Farnsworth Avenue; update sections of the Master Plan with the trails; The BCEC members asked questions for discussion and consideration: Who does the railroad line serve? Are there any plans to update the conservation part of the Master Plan and how can the BCEC help? How will the City Commissioners put together the Trail Committee? (The Trails Plan can be closely connected with the Open Space Plan.) Reports  Planning Board Report (Lynn) Meeting was cancelled due to the storm  D&R Greenway & Abbott Marshland Reports (Joel) The asbestos removal is completed; Roof needs to be repaired; Power was off during the storm. Joel has asked if it is OK if he adds events of the Abbott Marshland to our BCEC calendar. He will make sure he only puts relevant information. We all agreed.  Burlington County Green Teams meeting held December 17th Cathy said it was an inspiring meeting. There was a good mix of people and networking to share resources, project ideas and challenges. It might be a good idea to invite them to our Green Fair. Discussion Items  2024 BCEC proposed budget – Cathy shared proposed budget attached to the minutes.  February meeting – Continue with ZOOM meetings at least until April. Pollinator Garden - Brooke and Cathy will come up with dates for Liz Backman and her class as well as other volunteers to work in the Pollinator Garden. Information and updates (discussion only if needed)  Green Team – still seeking a Co-chair - Anna Hart will be assisting Cathy.  Invasive Species Remediation – next meeting January 23rd at the library.  BCEC storage area –clean up and re-organization continues. The storage area is moving along…… thanks to Mike. Volunteers are welcome. Bordentown City Environmental Commission proposed budeget 2024 ANJEC membership $650.00 Cranberry Festival $100.00 Green Fair $400.00 Document printing (ERI and other) $500.00 Volunteer Tee Shirts $600.00 Composters $350.00 Speaker gratuities $200.00 paper shredding $1,400.00 Public works pizza party $250.00 Website maintenance $150.00 Tools for invasive species mgmt $420.00 Litter pickers $175.00 Creative Team $500.00 Certified Pesticide applicator course $200.00 Deer survey $350.00 Total $6,245.00 Upcoming events: January 15, 2024, 6 – 8 pm Green Team Meet and Greet @ Old City Hall January 30, 2024 @ 7 pm Presentation by Yasmin Qzailbash, member of the Central Jersey Beekeeping Association. Dan Aubrey will coordinate. April 30, 2024 Presentation about Native Plants (Brooke coordinating) Adjournment at 8:12pm