7/23/2024 Environmental Commission

ZACK MULLOCK Mayor LORRAINE M. BALDWIN PAUL E. DIETRICH Deputy Mayor City Manager MAUREEN K. MCDADE ERIN C. BURKE Councilmember City Clerk SHAINE P. MEIER Councilmember MICHAEL G. YEAGER Councilmember City of Cape May Environmental Commission Minutes July 23, 2024 ROLL CALL Charlotte Todd Present Randy Nuschke Present Councilmember Mike Yeager Present Michael Jones Present Barbara Meimbresse Present Kim Gronendahl Present Sarah Stevenson Present Angela Judge Absent Chris Hajduk Absent Justine Gaver-Margiel Absent Hope Gaines Absent Gretchen Whitman Absent Also Present: David Scheffler, Cape May City Director of Recreation PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES: The minutes from June 25th, 2024- Councilmember Mike Yeager made the motion, Randy Nuschke seconded, all approved with minor changes. OLD BUSINESS: Mike Jones-Planning Board nothing to report Councilmember Mike Yeager-City Council proposals pertaining to our commission • City Council appointed the following non-voting members - Angela Judge, Charlotte Todd, David Scheffler, City of Cape May Recreation Director to the committee. • Resolution No. 210-07-2024 Resolution authorizing grant application and execution of a grant agreement with the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture, division of plant industry spotted lanternfly program for the 2024-2026 spotted lanternfly population reduction/chemical control treatment grant.  • Resolution No. 212-07-2024 Resolution urging the State of New Jersey to take an incremental and targeted approach to adopting the proposed “Protecting Against Climate Threat (PACT)/Resilient Environments and Landscaping (REAL)” rules. DEP stating that these rules should be implemented by 2025. City of Cape May is looking into a measured approach rather than accelerated approach by looking into the engineering and cost assessment of the PACT/REAL. • Layfette Street Park will have Bocce Courts, Basketball courts and a 2.5-mile boardwalk/walkway behind school on Layfette Street, this has been approved. Harborfest June 29th, 2024- • Harborfest overall was well attended. • The solar shingle displayed at the solar table was a big hit. • A children’s table was set up with displays of solar power activities for childern. • Electronic Recycling table was very informational and worthwhile. Dune Day October 6, 2024-David Scheffler • Beach Utility budget will pay for dune plants and supplies. NEW BUSINESS OPEN TO PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Randy Nuschke- Climate change and health update. • The year 2023 hottest ever recorded and took a toll on mental health Harborview Park • Charlotte Todd commented on the history of Harborview Park. Charlotte Todd would like Gretchen Whitman to be appointed to the committee that is handling the plans for Harborview Park. Charlotte Todd- Environment briefings around Cape May. • City of Cape May is noted for Ecotourism, Harbor Safari is a great way to educate adults and kids on what is in our water. Natural Habitats Trolley Tour, Beaches, The Beauty of Beachcombing are all available to visitors and residents. Dark Skies Educational Program • The committee agreed on event date for Friday, November 8th, 2024 • The committee agreed that David Scheffler, City of Cape May Recreation Director will be the lead on this program. • The Dark Skies event will take place at both Convention Hall and the Cove Pavilion. Monarch Festival • Scheduled date September 29th, 2024 Thank you to Meryl Nelson for her years of being the Environmental Committee assistant in taking minutes. We hope she enjoys her retirement. David Scheffler, City of Cape May Director of Recreation, has agreed to take over for Ms. Nelson for Environmental Commission Secretary. ADUOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:40 a.m. Next meeting is Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Cape May City Hall auditorium. Kim Gronendahl Environmental Commission July 30th , 2024 City of Cape May National Historic Landmark City Hall • 643 Washington Street • Cape May, New Jersey 08204-2397 • (609) 884-9525 • Fax: (609) 884-8589 www.capemaycity.com