Green Team Advisory Committee

February 23, 2023 POINT PLEASANT BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION February 23, 2023 Meeting Minutes Green Team members present: Peter Ritchings, Louise Stillufsen, MJ Gradel, Anne Lightburn Guest–Linda Simmons Environmental Commision members present: Peter Ritchings, Cary Mulkeen, MJ Gradel, Coutney Bixby, Cindy Kells, Anne Lightburn-alternate Guest–June Cuzzo Meeting Called to order at 7:00pm Members from the Point Pleasant Beach High School Environmental Club attended the meeting (Annie Foo-president, Julianne Tager-Geffner, Micaela Presutti). The club currently consists of approximately 30 members and they meet twice a month a. They reported that a composting area and a community garden, located on Cooks Lane, are both currently being maintained by the members b. The members set up a booth at the farmer’s market to raise funds. These funds have been donated to the food shelter in Asbury Park. c. The members are hoping to raise awareness and publicize their efforts in town. They strive to establish ties within the community hoping that jointly we can all utilize the community garden and composting area d. The HS greenhouse, although small, is up and running e. There was discussion about constructing a new greenhouse, with the help of the HS woodshop classes f. Pete asked if there is any interest in having the members, through the Watershed Institute, take water samples and chloride readings from lakes in town, specifically Lake of the Lilies. In addition, he asked if they would be interested in applying for the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant. The students seemed interested and took the information. g. The topic of beach and lake cleanups was discussed. The committee will look into possible future dates h. There is a concern about the overuse of plastics used when serving school lunches. There should be a shift in focus to reduce waste. The students will speak to their peers, and possibly attend a Board of Education meeting to voice their concerns. i. The committee would like to raise funds for their future endeavors, possibly through the Fisher Fund. j. It was suggested that the committee compile a list of items that will be needed, and make a flyer or brochure to advertise their accomplishments and future ventures k. Cindy will contact Dr. Smith and Dr. Grosshandler to see if Fisher Funds are available through the school district for possible funding for the HS Environmental Club 1. Green Team Meeting Sustainable Jersey a. Louise reported about the Sustainable Jersey Program, and opportunities for funding and grants b. Kristen O’Rourke has applied for the “PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies student assistant to provide help with priority actions in Green Business Recognition Program, Energy Assistance Outreach, and Municipal Communications Strategy.” We are currently awaiting approval for grants from this and Sustainable Jersey c. It was reported that through the Arts & Cultural Committee, there are a number of actions that can be completed toward earning points. For example, home composting and companion animals, to name a few. In addition, there is an ordinance in place for anti-idling; this information should be submitted to earn points. d. Currently, to retain Bronze Status, 150 points are needed. 65 new points are needed now. Submission deadlines are as follows: i. February 26th, first submission (reviewed and responded by May) May 12th, second submission (reviewed and responded by mid-June) July 27th, final submission (reviewed and rescinded by mid-September) e. 350 points are needed to achieve Silver Status 2. Environmental Commission Meeting ***Pete welcomed new member Courtney Bixby. a. Anne made a motion to approve the Minutes from Nov. 22, 2022. Cary seconded the motion and the minutes were approved. Report of Officers b. Chairperson: Mail received: Mail has been inadvertently received for dock modification that is located on River Road in Point Pleasant, not Beach. Next, Pete received an invitation to participate in Earth Day activities that will be held onSaturday, April 22, 12-4pm, located at Riverfront Park. Pete will submit the application to attend. c. Treasurer Report: there is no new update on the 2023 Budget request Committee Task Force and Project Status Minutes a. Council Status Report–no report at this time b. Shade Tree Commission–Anne will send any new information to the committee via email c. Open Space Advisory Committee–same as above d. Planning Board Actions–applications and ordinance reviews are pending. An example is building rooftop decks on homes Ongoing Business–Status Reports a. Barnegat Bay Partnership Jersey Friendly Yards Program–Karen Walzer was contacted through email and phone by Cindy, but she has not yet responded. The committee agrees that it will be beneficial to enroll in the program. Anne suggested that the Commission sponsor a presenter to speak i. about native plants  It was suggested that information regarding Jersey Friendly Yards be added to the Environmental and Shade Tree Commission ii. websites b. Pollinator garden–Pete contacted Caryn Byrnes to discuss the following areas for pollinators: Rickover Park (DOT area) and East End of Little Silver Lake i. Bill Young would like to participate and help when designing the gardens. c. MJ contacted Eileen Farrell about updating links on the Environmental Commission websites d. Boardwalk Water Bottle Filling Stations–the Commission has yet to receive information from the Fisher Family Fund Anne contacted Mike Ramos to see if there are updates about the i. status of the request as information was given last November Anne will follow up with Mike and Chris Riehl to check on the status ii. e. Anti-Idling signage/educational material–this was discussed while the HS students were present. A request was made to have the HS Computer Graphics and/or art students come up with a logo/signage for the Anti-Idling campaign and for the Environmental Commission. i. Cindy will follow up with Annie Foo to check on progress f. Gas Blower ordinance–discussion was held regarding research from surrounding towns to see if there are ordinances in place that restrict use during certain months and/or certain hours during the day. The Commission will continue to research this topic. A motion to adjourn was made by Cary and seconded by Courtney. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16pm Next meeting: March 23, 2023 7:00pm in the Borough Hall