Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (Committee) February 10, 2021 Members Present: Astri Baillie, Christine Boyle, Lisa Ellis, Melissa Honohan, Chris Kellogg, George Limbach, Deb Mantone, Jill Rhodes, Ross Snyder, Kirsten Wallenstein Members Absent: Claire Whitcomb Guests: Kelly McDonald, Brian Pinke, Tom Salaki and Stephan Stocker Opening Remarks Ms. Honohan called the meeting to order at approximately 7:40 pm. Reorganization of Committee Leadership Ms. Honohan turned to the reorganization of the Committee for 2021 and inquired as to whether anyone was willing to Chair the Committee or serve as Secretary. Ms. Honohan volunteered to Chair the Committee and Ms. Boyle volunteered to serve as Secretary. Upon motions duly made and approved Ms. Honohan and Ms. Boyle were elected as Chair and Secretary of the Committee, respectively. Minutes Ms. Honohan then presented the November minutes for approval to the Committee. There being no comments, the minutes were duly moved and approved. MRC Application for Evergreen Plantings Ms. Honohan then turned to the MRC application for evergreen plantings. Mr. Stocker of the MRC along with Ms. McDonald from the Girl Scouts Council of North Jersey and Mr. Pinke, a watershed ambassador, affiliated with the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center presented on the proposed reforestation project at the MRC to plant approximately 1,000 trees along the Route 24 property line. The project is expected to provide a sight, sound and wind barrier along the property line and add biodiversity to the forest area. Discussion ensued among the Committee members and the presenters about the specifics of the project, including, among other things, planting type, logistics and maintenance of the planted trees. The project is planned as a multi-phased project with plantings commencing in Spring 2021 (with a targeted date of April 11, 2021), Fall 2021 and the Spring and Fall of 2022. A motion was duly made and approved to approve the initial request of $3,000 to plant approximately 500 trees in 2021, with half being planted in the Spring of 2021 and the remaining half being planted in the Fall of 2021. Master Parks Plan Ms. Honohan then introduced Mr. Salaki, Madison Parks Advisory Committee Chair, who provided a presentation on the Madison Parks Master Plan. Masonic Temple Update Ms. Honohan then turned to an update on the Masonic Temple Update by Council-member Baillie. Council-member Baillie informed the Committee that the Morris County grant for the construction documents previously approved fell short by $26,000. Due to this shortfall, the Borough Council approved payment of the outstanding amount due from the Committee’s funds. Adjournment of Meeting A motion was duly made and approved to adjourn the meeting. Respectively submitted, Christine S. Boyle Secretary 1