Holmdel Environmental Commission

HOLMDEL ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Loretta opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. reading the following OPENING STATEMENT: “I hereby announce, pursuant to Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided on January 10, 2025, to the Asbury Park Press and the Two River Times. Notice has also been posted in the entrance of Town Hall, filed in the Clerk’s Office, and posted on the Township’s website, www.holmdeltownship.com, all pursuant to Section 13 of the Open Public Meetings Act.” Roll Call Members Present: Karen Strickland, Chairperson David Wolff, Vice Chairperson Ralph Blumenthal Wes Fagan Jill Perez Randy Rauscher Anthony Salerno Gary Vanderham Loretta Coscia, HEC Secretary Absent: Janet Jackel Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence to Honor Military and Police Who Have Been Wounded or Killed in Action Environment al Commission Busines s  Open Space Plan – Kate Keller (via telephone) Kate presented her current ideas and draft lists of, Map 1: Township Owned Open Space Map 2 and Table 2 – Overview of Existing ROSI Properties Table 4 – Potential Open Space Recommendations – Privately Owned Sites Kate reiterated that these documents are drafts and much could change. The process is that she would do a presentation to the Planning Board. The documents would then go to Green Acres for approval, then back to the Planning Board and the Township Committee for inclusion in the Holmdel Master Plan. The HEC discussed the open space property selection criteria that should be utilized regarding how the land would be used. The HEC added to the original Green Acres, Open Space, Farmland, Park, and Recreation, the need to preserve/conserve land for stormwater management to allow it to continue to function properly, to preserve the land as drainage or to construct a stormwater feature. Also, consideration should be given to larger pieces of property to control development, properties with a historical building or significant environmental features such as steep slopes or wetlands, and properties in the Swimming River watershed to protect water quality and quantity. The HEC also wondered what the obligation is to notify homeowners that their properties are being listed in the Open Space Plan. Some people do not like their names on any government lists while other people might have an interest in selling the property to the town to protect their legacy. A suggestion was made that a process should be created such as appointing a task force to monitor properties which come on the market so the Township can participate in the bidding process. Environmental Commission Minutes – November 12, 2025  Kate Keller discussed the results of the survey completed as part of the Open Space identification process. The survey results mimicked the Recreation survey conducted a few years ago. Holmdel residents prefer that open space tax money should be used to, 1. Acquire open space 2. Create walking and hiking trails in parks 3. Preserve farmland 4. Improving existing recreation with amenities such as paved trails for biking, restrooms, shade HEC members planned to consider draft properties locations and see how they connect and how they affect the watershed. Holmdel resident, Elizabeth Urbanski was present. Ms. Urbanski had questions about the ROSI and how properties get onto it, and access to it. She was directed to the Township website to view. Holmdel resident, Delia Fagan asked whether a nearby home had permits for tree removal. Loretta followed up, and permits had been issued.  Draft Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2025 – Motion by Ralph seconded by Tony to approve the minutes. Motion carried on voice vote by eligible members.  Northern Monmouth Watershed Alliance – Held the first Know Your Stream event. Getting a nucleus of towns together was a success. Six towns monitored eight different locations. There were 57 registrants, and 50 stated they wanted to continue to be involved. The next meeting will be held on January 29, 2026, with a guest speaker from Hudson River.org.  The New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP) or State Plan – No update  Community Energy Planning Grant Meeting – No update.  December 10th HEC Meeting – Motion by David seconded by Randy to cancel the December 10th meeting. Motion carried on voice vote. Adjournment There being no further business at 8:48 p.m., motion to adjourn made by Ralph seconded by David. Motion carried on voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Loretta Coscia Loretta Coscia HEC Secretary Proceedings recorded Environmental Commission Minutes – November 12, 2025