Green Team Advisory Committee

POINT PLEASANT BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION October 26, 2023 Meeting Minutes Members Present: Chair Peter Ritchings, Cindy Kells, Cary Mulkeen, MJ Gradel, Louise Stillufsen, Council Liaison Mike Ramos ***7:00 pm Sunshine Law/Roll Call–Meeting called to order at 7:01pm Green Team Meeting–reported by Louise POINT PLEASANT BEACH GREEN TEAM OCTOBER 26, 2023 I am happy to report that our Sustainable Jersey efforts received a final 2023 Certification of Bronze. I wish to thank Judy Van Brunt, from the Arts Committee and Kristen O’Rourke, PPB Quality of Life Director for their efforts, and June Cuzzo for creating and sharing a spreadsheet for our actions. It remains possible that PPB can be a certified Silver Recipient in 2024, and reach the goal of 350 required points. In order to reach that goal, and to maintain our present status, we need some more volunteers. There are actions that have not been explored, in several categories, some requiring only documentation. Please take a look at SUSTAINABLE JERSEY web site, sustainablejersey.com, for ACTIONS. Respectfully submitted, Louse Stillufsen Sustainable Jersey -Action Status and Update- Louise Stillufsen–see above for the report. Volunteers Agenda • Animals in the Community - June Cuzzo–no report at this time • Anti-Idling Initiative - MJ Gradel—when signs are made, Peter will hang them on the utility poles • Report on Planned Actions–no report at this time Back Burner Items Old/Unfinished Business - Status Reports Sustainable Sustainable Jersey Recognition and Awards Luncheon • November 14, 2023NJ League of Municipalities Conference/Sustainable Jersey Luncheon Environmental Commission Meeting  *A motion was made by MJ to approve the minutes from the September 28, 2023 meeting. Cindy seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. *A motion was made by Cary to nominate Louise Stillufsen to become a commissioner on the Environmental Commission. Cindy seconded the motion. Peter will send the nomination to Mayor Kanitra. Report of Officers • Chairperson: Mail, application review/comment, announcements–Peter reported that all Commission members must sign forms sent by Eileen Farrell. These must be signed and submitted before November 1, 2023. Committee Task Force and Proiect Status Reports • Council Status Report - Council Liaison –the Council has approved the Rehabilitation and Development Program. • Shade Tree Commission-Louise reported that the Big Beautiful Tree Program has ended. Three residents responded to the Free Street Tree PPB program and only 1 tree was able to be planted. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 6. John Gibbons, Patchwork Wildlife Program, will be speaking. • Open Space Advisory Committee–no report at this time • Planning Board Actions-Peter Ritchings–the Board has received a variety of applications, nothing is relevant to the EC at this time New Item: American Littoral Society-Shuck it don’t chuck it. (location Ideas)--not discussed Ongoing Business - Status Report • Env. Comm Pollinator Friendly/ Native Landscape Recognition–a question arose as to whether the EC can establish a program to recognize residents (signage posted in yards) that have gardens/pollinators. This will be discussed with John Gibbons at the Shade Tree Commission meeting. • Student Garden - Cooks Lane, Fall design, Winter/Spring installation–Cindy spoke with Kim Hoffman, advisor for the Antrim Garden/Environmental Club. Kim is interested in involving her club members. Cindy also reached out to a student representative from the HS Club, but no response was made. Pete will prepare a base map/survey of the community garden property. This way, students can begin to work on a potential new garden design. Once the map is ready, Cindy will touch base with Kim and members from the HS club. • ANJEC Open Space Grant Application (Pending) • Barnegat Bay Partnership Jersey Friendly Yards Program (enroll) • Landscape requirement ordinance (work in progress) • Gas blower ordinance (Yes/No?/Examples)--not discussed • Use of pesticides on public properties–not discussed New Business– ● Little Library–Arnold Avenue sight was vandalized. This will be painted over. Peter started working on another library that can possibly be located in the garden on Niblick Street ● There was a discussion held about Ocean County Recycling Day. Can the PPB EC look into hosting a shredding day in PPB? A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Cary and seconded by MJ. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm Next meeting (TBD) November 2023, 7:00 PM–Peter will look into possibly having the next meeting sometime in early December. *Denotes active agenda items for discussion.