ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
MARCH 26, 2014
The meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by
Richard Wolf, Chairman. The Opening Statement was made. Roll call was taken.
Present:
Jonathan Marcus
Richard Reilly
Richard Seibert
Richard Wolf
Jane DeWan (secretary)
Absent:
Linda Meisel
Carol Phiefer
Daniel Weixeldorfer
MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on March 12, 2014 were accepted as submitted
following a motion to approve made by Richard Reilly; seconded by Richard Seibert.
OLD BUSINESS
BIKE PATH/WALK PATH
Adam Strobel was not available to attend tonight’s meeting. He did send some maps in
an email file.
Professors Ashwani Vasishth and Michael Edelstein are interested in having students
participate in a feasibility study. Dean Sam Rosenberg has been contacted by Jonathan
Marcus.
Richard Reilly suggested also reaching to staff and students at Mahwah High School.
Perhaps the science department would be interested a participating in a town
development project. All agreed with this proposal. Rich Wolf will ask for an
appointment with the Superintendent of Schools. Jonathan Marcus will try to attend a
meeting with Rich.
Rich Wolf has met with Brian Campion and Mayor Laforet to discuss several topics. He
alerted them to our desire to see a bike/walk path in the Township and our recent
discussions. Mike Kelly is also aware. We need to continue to pursue funding for a
feasibility study through grants. April 3rd there is a workshop being conducted by
Sustainable Jersey (Thursday 10 a.m. – noon) in Montclair entitled Benefits of a
Walkable and Bike Friendly New Jersey. Rich Wolf and Dick Seibert will attend.
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Also discussed any Highlands related concerns which might come up related to
approvals.
WORKSHOP
Rich Wolf and Karin LaGreca will be attending the Bergen County Environmental
Commission’s annual meeting in Hackensack on Monday, March 31. The meeting topic
is storm water management.
SITE PLAN REVIEW
None received.
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
SURDYKA, 127 LAKEVIEW DRIVE, BLOCK 9, LOT 18
E-BD-216-2672, DATED 2/28/14 – SENT TO EC 3/12/14
Memo to Administrative Officer:
“The Soil Movement Permit Application for house renovation and new septic system was
reviewed by the Environmental Commission. There was no completed tree preservation
application attached, however, the site plot plan states that no trees are proposed for
removal. The application is approved.”
TENANT APPLICATIONS
The following tenant applications were reviewed and approved.



Ystef, LLC, 1 Lethbridge Plaza, Suite 10 - additional space
Salomon Weiss, 200 Route 17, Suite 5 – online sales of electronics
Gallo’s Pharmacy, 310 Ridge Road – change of ownership
CONTINUATION OF OLD BUSINESS
GRANT ($2,000) for seminar
Rich Wolf reported that the date for the seminar is Saturday, June 7. It will be held at
Mahwah Library (room reserved) or Ramapo College. Dr. Clemens will speak on
environmental issues related to planning and what Environmental Commissions, towns
and individuals can do to protect land near rivers and riparian areas, such as clean ups,
rain gardens etc. to reduce impact of flooding.
We will need to meet with Mayor about the seminar. The town can help publicize on
town web site and by sending a press release to the newspapers. Expenses will include:
speaker, room rental fee, E-vite and refreshments. ANJEC will assist.
If we get a second educational grant, we could do more and perhaps host a River Day.
NEW BUSINESS
Litter
Dick Seibert reported he has noticed more litter along streets in his neighborhood and
other areas. All agreed this is a problem in town. Discussed possible enforcement
methods and starting an “anti-litter” campaign possibly with high school students using
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Township web site and Mahwah community news. After discussion, it was decided
things we could do are: ask police about enforcement possibilities, post “no litter”
information on social media sites available and get schools to take it on as a project. It
was decided not to follow up on these actions at this time.
Meeting about Sustainable Jersey
Rich Wolf spoke again about his meeting with Brian Campion and the Mayor.
Administration will help gather information needed for submittal but they are not going
to direct the effort. Karin LaGreca is currently working with North Haledon to get its
certification. She hopes to work more with us when that project is completed.
Rich stressed that we need to identify small projects and find individuals who will take
them on to completion. We should do more to recruit people to assist in this effort.
Rich reported that an energy audit is being done at the Mahwah Library.
Water Conservation
Dick Seibert wrote a draft of a letter which the Mayor offered to send to condo
associations about reducing water consumption with use of sensors in lawn sprinklers.
Jane compiled a list of condo association names and addresses. Richard Reilly
recommended sending the letter out soon because watering could start in April.
Follow Up
Rich Wolf will work on some statistics to add to the letter water conservation letter.
Jonathan Marcus will follow up with Ramapo College contacts about student
involvement in a feasibility study.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. The next meeting of the Environmental
Commission will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal
Building, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, N.J.
J. DeWan
Secretary