Bordentown City Environmental Commission

Bordentown City Environmental Commission Minutes for meeting of Februaty 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Submitted by Lynn Robinson Meeting called to order at 7:05pm. Present at meeting: Cathy Elliott Shaw, Joel Dowshen, Lynn Robinson, Lauren Drumn, Ralph Simon, Dan Preston Minutes for last month (January 10, 2024) were approved. Public Meeting Statement was read by chairperson. Reports and Recap  Planning Board Report (Lynn) We only dealt with one issue at this meeting which was the Park Street property (corner of Farnsworth Ave and Park Street). The building will be used for a Yoga studio and garage for an ambulance. The board approved the building usage with specific conditions and timelines.  D&R Greenway & Abbott Marshland Reports (Joel) Cathy and Joel are on the Abbott Marshland Council which consist of representatives from all of the municipalities and state organizations that are part of the Abbott Marshlands. They have quarterly meetings. There will be a presentation from a representative from the National Park Service at the next meeting. Joel wants to encourage all of us to become members of the Friends of the Abbott Marshlands. There are alot of exciting events going on in February and you can read about them on the Abbott website or our website.  Green Team Meet and Greet held January 15 –The Meet and Greet was successful. Anna Hart has been actively moving the Green Team forward. Next meeting will be February 28 th at 7:00pm at Carslake Community Center.  Backyard Beekeeping presentation held January 30 – The presentation was very well attended. People came from surrounding areas. There were many people passionate about backyard beekeeping.  First 2nd Sunday garden maintenance day, February 11 – invasive species @ Lime Kiln Alley Park – There were a dozen people (7 adults and 5 youths). They completed about 50% of the trees. The  group made good progress within the 2 hours that they were there. With another good day it can be completed. It was also a great learning day. There was ivy on the ground and ivy on the trees. We are saving the trees without herbicides. We plan to meet the 2nd Sunday each month. Discussion Items  Farmers market. Applications now available for returnees. BCEC needs to come up with another plan other than having a table passing out information. Maybe we can ask the Green Team members to come up with something more engaging like a game or an exciting activity. They could also sell native plants. Information and updates  Trails Work Group – resolution establishing the Trails Committee approved at February 13 City Commission meeting  Invasive Species Remediation – see attached updated draft plan  Green Team – still seeking a Co-chair Upcoming events: February 28 @ 7 pm Green Team meeting (Carslake) April 30, 2024 @ 7 pm Presentation about Native Plants (Brooke coordinating) May 11 from 9 am to noon paper shredding (Township Public Works yard) May 11 City-wide yard sale June 8 10 am to 3 pm Green Fair Thank you to Jen Simon, Brooke McMinn, and Anna Hart for drafting flyers, and everyone involved with promoting these and past events! PUBLIC COMMENT - None Adjournment at 8:00pm Next meeting: WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Via Zoom)