ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH MARCH 14, 2012 The meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Richard Wolf, Chairman. The Opening Statement was made. Roll call was taken. Present: George Esty Karin LaGreca Carol Phiefer Richard Seibert Richard Wolf Jane DeWan (secretary) Absent: Gregg Sgambati Daniel Weixeldorfer Also present William Laforet, Mayor MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on February 22, 2012 were discussed. Richard Wolf wants to review further and suggest a change. Approval of the minutes was deferred until the next meeting. DISCUSSION ON TREE MATTERS In regard to the tree removal on the Cantow property, we have not yet received any direction from the Court. Andy Fede, Township attorney, has contacted the Court for direction. We have a copy of his letter dated March 9, 2012 We will hold off writing any letter about tree cutting/erosion concerns until we find out what the Judge wants. We have not yet received any comments from Professor Horowitz. George Esty made comments on the existing tree ordinance. He feels several changes should be made, specifically on tree size. George and Mayor Laforet spoke about the need for a shade tree commission. George feels Mahwah would benefit from continuing membership in the Shade Tree Federation. Carol Phiefer reported on research she conducted which includes tree ordinances from other towns and more up-to-date tree guidelines. The main points which need to be updated in the existing tree ordinance are: definition of a tree, replacement cost per tree, size of replacement trees and recommended street trees and replacement trees. 2 Rich Wolf asked George Esty and Carol Phiefer to review the tree ordinance and documents which Carol researched and make recommendations to the Environmental Commission. The Mayor is in favor of this ongoing project. Mayor Laforet also stated that he is very pleased with the work the Ramapo College students are doing with their research and assessment of the Crossroads property. The project is a benefit to them and to the town. Mayor Laforet also congratulated Carol Phiefer in advance for a well-deserved award and recognition from the Township Council for her many contributions to the Environmental Commission over the years. Carol will receive a Mayor’s Proclamation at the Council meeting on March 15th. All Commission members were pleased about Carol’s award. Mayor Laforet left the meeting at 8 p.m. OTHER ITEMS COMPLIANCE WITH HIGHTLANDS ACT Rich Wolf reported that an environmental resource report is being done by Maser Consulting. There will be a joint meting with the Planning Board, possibly on March 26, but that date is not confirmed. Discussion of the master plan is already on the agenda for the Planning Board Meeting of March 26. AMENDED TREE PRESERVATION APPLICATION We received a letter from the Township Engineer and an amended tree preservation application for 6 Duncan Court. Due to addition of a dead tree to the removal list, we note that there will be thirty-six trees removed and nine replacement trees. Approved. NEW JERSEY SHADE TREE FEDERATION After discussion, the expenditure of annual dues of $95.00 was approved. Five people can be members. The five selected are: George Esty, Carol Phiefer, Richard Seibert, Dan Weixeldorfer and Richard Wolf. TENANT APPLICATIONS The following Tenant Applications were reviewed and approved by the Environmental Commission. RG Group, 305 Island Road – retail change of ownership Product Source International Datacomm, LLC, 330 Franklin Turnpike – telecommunications distribution Micro Logic Corp., 31 Industrial Avenue – machine shop This application was approved with an additional comment “request statement that materials disposed of are not flammable or toxic”. Blueberry, 115 Franklin Turnpike – frozen yogurt, juice, bubble tea W.B. Cury Discount Stores, Inc., 30 Industrial Avenue – sporting goods/on line rentals 3 OLD BUSINESS Site Plan Review Update Crossroads Developers, Dkt. 535P Rich Wolf reported that Dan Weixeldorfer has continued to ask questions at the Planning Board hearings concerning items listed in our letter. We do not know if they have discussed a rain water recapture system. Rich Wolf asked if anyone has any further questions or comments to add to our October letter. Karin LaGreca expects that a meeting will be set up in the near future for the Environmental Commission to meet with the environmental assessment class to hear how the project is going. Mater Plan Will be discussed at the Planning Board meeting on March 26, 2012. Tree removal issue – status Reviewed correspondence on this matter. Letters from Arthur Chagaris, Esq. representing the Cantows. Letter dated 2/16/12 stated that he is their attorney. Letter dated 2/28/12 concerning the pending decision of the Grand Jury SEMINARS AND MEETINGS Invitation from Bergen County Environmental Council concerning the annual meeting which will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 7 p.m. RSVP by 4/16/12. Rich Wolf and Karin LaGreca will attend the ANJEC workshop/training class on March 24, 2012 called fundamentals for effective environmental commissions. J. DeWan will arrange for the payment of the registrations fees. ($35.00 each) CORRESPONDENCE Copies of miscellaneous correspondences were forwarded to us from the Township Clerk Including: Reliance Environmental, Inc. dated 3/8/12 concerning underground storage tank removed at Pilot site. CH2MHill, dated 3/8/12 concerning permit application submitted by Tennessee Gas Pipeline. Karin LaGreca told about a conference being held tomorrow at Ramapo College dealing with remediation needed along the pipeline. We received a letter dated 3/8/12 from resident Sid Goodman concerning clean indoor air for the Crossroads development. He has also submitted his written testimony to Todd Sherer, Planning Board Chairman. The clean indoor air issue would only be discussed if the retail space is approved. It is too early to question at this time. 4 We received an email dated 3/14/12 through George Esty. It was from Susan Stedtler and it listed information from notes taken on 3/12/12 during a conversation with Susan Lockwood of DEP. Concerns centered on paving of the property sealing off possible contaminated soil; storm water run off and identification of wetlands. Our question is “is there any DEP sign off on soil tests” when properties are listed as active remediation sites? J. DeWan will copy Carol’s tree information for George. Dick Seibert also requested a copy. Karin wants a copy of the Stedtler email. A copy will also be sent to Dan. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting of the Environmental Commission will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 475 Corporate Drive. Mahwah, N.J. J. DeWan Secretary