Borough of Hightstown Environmental Commission, …sj-site-persistent-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/.../3/24/1395673384314.pdfTerry Parliaros Donna LePrevost Keith LePrevost High School Liaison

Borough of Hightstown Environmental Commission, Summary of 2013 Meetings

Environmental Commission Meeting

Meeting Date/Time: January 22, 2013 / 7:30 PM

Meeting Location: Community Room

Hightstown Housing Authority

Attendees: Barbara Jones

Yan Troizier (Vice-Chair)

Keith LePrevost

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

High School Liaison absent

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by the Chair, Barbara Jones

The Chair announced that the meeting conformed to the Open Meetings Act having its date, time and

location advertised in the Borough newspapers of record.

Discussion Summary:

1.0 Agenda Approval

1.1 Donna motioned to approve the agenda which was seconded by

Yan. The motion was approved.

2.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the January 8th organizational meeting.

2.1 Donna motioned to approve the minutes which were seconded by

Keith. The motion was approved.

3.0 Sustainable Jersey

3.1 All of our documents were submitted, we should hear

something by January 29th.

4.0 Timber Run Trash boom.

4.1 Nothing has been done. Public works has promised to

complete this for the last 6 months.

5.0 Spring Cleanup

5.1 The annual spring clean up is scheduled for April 20th from

9AM to 11AM, the annual Arbor Day tree planting will follow

at 11AM to noon. In the afternoon we will have our annual

“Shredder Event” from 1-4PM. The parking lot across from

Minutes of Meetings, 2013

Environmental Commission

Page 2

Building 6 of the Housing Authority will be used for the

event. Keith will secure access to the parking lot.

6.0 Sustainable Jersey Grant

6.1 Keith gave an update on the work being done. It was

suggested that mailboxes be installed at each location with

brochures for easy access.

7.0 Florescent bulb recycling

7.1 Barbara found a place where we can dispose of the bulbs 2

times per year. You need to be a municipality, so we will

need to work with Kenny to drop off the bulbs. Barbara

will do this.

8.0 Shade Tree

8.1 David discussed our CEU’s for 2012. He feels we may be a

bit short of credits, so everyone look into whatever they

have done over the year and get the info to him.

8.2 We have planted several trees this past year including 2

trees donated by the Girl Scouts, 2 Arbor Day trees and the

large Christmas tree donated by Dan Buriak.

9.0 Planning Board Items

9.1 Borough Hall

Recommend structured drainage channels under where the grass

strip is being removed and a rain garden along the back of

the Ely House. Add 5 trees at the lower portion of the

parking area.

9.2 High School

Combination of small rain garden and drywells- good student

project

Football field- refer to Carmella. The commissioners

discussed the changes to the football field and the were not

able to determine the drainage needed and what existed.

This needs further review.

10.0 New Business

10.1 None discussed.



Page 3

Meeting was adjourned at 8:58PM.

The next meeting will be February 19, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.

Respectfully Submitted,

Allen Keith LePrevost

January 28, 2013

Distribution: Environmental Commission, Borough Clerk



Page 4


Meeting Date/Time: February 19, 2013 / 7:30 PM





Gary Grubb

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost

High School Liaison

Public Pat Duncan, Parks and Recreation




Discussion Summary:

11.0 Agenda Approval

11.1 The agenda was moved by David and seconded by Donna.

12.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the January 22, 2013 meeting.

12.1 The minutes were moved by Donna and seconded by Barbara.

13.0 Discussion- Parks and Recreation

13.1 Barbara began with a discussion of her impression of how the

E.C. with the Mayor moved the responsibility of the Greenway

from the E.C. to Parks and Rec. Barbara also discussed how

for the E.C., trees and tree maintenance is one of the most

important issues, and with the recent refurbishing of the

Association Park, one of the major trees was impacted by

poor planning and a lack of communication. Pat feels the

jurisdiction of the Greenway should remain under the E.C

until the final connections are made with East Windsor.

Barbara explained the Greenway links with East Windsor will

probably never get completed, so we need to address it as

its own entity tying the 4 parks in town together. Pat

agreed with need to develop a symbiotic relationship to

share ideas, plans manpower and funds where possible. Pat

suggested the E.C. take over the paddle boats in the summer.

This way the E.C. can keep the funds for their use. Pat



Page 5

also stressed that Rocky Brook Park is in particularly bad

shape and needs work. Everyone agreed that public works has

neglected that area and a meeting needs to be made with

Kenny to address.

14.0 Shade Tree

14.1 All quiet, we managed to get all of our CEU’s for 2012 and

have a great start on 2013. Our annual Tree City Report has

been accepted, but we have not received the designation for

this past year yet.

15.0 Parks and Rec

15.1 Gary reported we need have a sit down meeting with Kenny to

discuss issues.

16.0 High School Liaison.

16.1 David read Aakanksha’s E-mail:

Hello everyone

Sorry that I cannot make it to the meeting tonight because we are expecting

guests from out of town tonight,

Here are some updates on what I've been working on:

Mr. Trozier:

I got in contact with Mrs. Kara Neibo and we had a meeting regarding her plans

to start a school garden at the Rogers school. My advisor, Mrs. Contreras and

I met with her and the principal to present the idea and I was there to

suggest starting a chapter of Project Green at the elementary level (there is

a jr. Project green at the Kreps Middle school)

The principal at the Rogers school liked the idea but she said that

teacher support is necessary. Do you know any teachers at the Rogers school

that may be interested?

I told her that if anyone was interested in supervising an environmental

recess club, they could email me and I would get that started. In addition, I

would send the supervising teacher an example of the grant we wrote so they

can apply themselves.

I believe that teachers at the Mc Knight School have expressed an

interest and I am planning to schedule a similar meeting there as well. It

will be good to see that all the schools in the East Windsor school district

supporting environmental clubs and planting gardens in their respective

schools.

Thanks,

Aakanksha Malesha



Page 6


17.1 Barbara stated she does not ever want to deal with

Sustainable Jersey again. She stressed that if any other

member want to pursue, she will provide all the documents

sent so far. David is going to reach out to Senator

Greenstein regarding the issue.

18.0 Timber Run

18.1 The trash boom we had at Public Works is mysteriously

missing and they will order another. Perhaps by spring we

will have the trash boom in place.

19.0 Light Bulbs

19.1 We have been assured by Mike that Kenny or his staff will

take care of the light bulbs and the delivering them to the

recycling center.

20.0 Arbor Day-Shredder Event

20.1 Keith will make up Flyers to be printed and distributed in

town for the event. Should publicize the clean-up and Arbor

Day. Barbara will ask the Borough for $300 to help defray

the costs.


The next meeting will be March 26th, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



February 21, 2013




Page 7


Meeting

Date/Time:

March 26, 2013 / 7:30 PM





Gary Grubb

Jeremy Everett

Keith LePrevost

Donna LePrevost

Gail Doran, Council Liaison

Steve Misiura, Planning Board Liaison

High School

Liaison

Aakanksha Malesha(absent)

Public None present


The Chair announced that the meeting conformed to the Open Meetings Act having its date, time

and location advertised in the Borough newspapers of record.

Discussion Summary:


21.1 Steve motioned to approve the agenda which was seconded by Donna.

22.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the February, 2013 meeting.

22.1 Donna motioned to approve the minutes which were seconded by Keith.

23.0 Timber Run Trash Boom

23.1 Barbara stated there has been no response from the Borough on this issue.

Also there is a problem with the light bulb recycling program. Public

works refuses to take them to the facility 2 times per year. Only

Municipalities can go to the facility, so Kenny will have to do it. Gail

will address at the council meeting.

24.0 Shredder Event

24.1 Keith will talk to the Police Director about borrowing East Windsor’s light

us sign to advertise. Joan and the Watershed will be there, we need clean

up funds for gloves and bags. Donna will check with Shop-Rite, Wal Mart

and Home Depot for donations.



Page 8

25.0 Sustainable Jersey Grant

25.1 Keith discussed the work that has been done and what needs to be

completed for the grant. ANJEC has asked to do a Storm water

conference at the Housing Authority, using our project as the focal point.

Keith discussed the need to have public events to showcase our project.

26.0 Spring Cleanup

26.1 The spring cleanup will be on April 20th at 9:00AM followed by the Arbor

Day tree planting, followed by our Shredding Event.

27.0 Parks and Recreation

27.1 Gary discussed the stage and asked the commission for input. Keith

expressed displeasure with the workmanship and questioned the structural

integrity. Keith feels public park projects need to be professionally done,

be safe and the public needs to be assured of the structures safety and

integrity. Council needs to define Eagle Scout projects so that we as

taxpayers are not stuck with the bill for half-finished or poorly done

projects.

28.0 New Business

28.1 New possible ANJEC grant. The commission discussed the upcoming

ANJEC grant opportunity. It was decided to define the 4 ecosystems

along the greenway. Urban tree canopy, wetlands-creek, wetlands-wooded

and cultural heritage (RR Avenue) We can use the ERI for the text and

information.


The next meeting will be April 23, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



March 26, 2013




Page 9


Meeting Date/Time: April 23rd, 2013 / 7:30 PM





Gary Grubb

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost

Jeremy Everett


High School Liason Aakanksha Malesha

Public Rob Thibult, Council




Rob spoke of volunteerism and the impact it has on our community. He presented a certificate

and pin to each member of the commission. A volunteer booth will be set up at the harvest fair this year to

help promote volunteerism and help to expand our commissions.

Discussion Summary:


29.1 The agenda was approved by consent.

30.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the March 26thth meeting.

30.1 The minutes were moved by Yan and seconded by Donna. The

minutes were approved.

31.0 Shade Tree

31.1 David went to 2 homes this past month with tree issues. The

owners are concerned and David will keep an eye on the

situation. Keith asked Rob and Gail if there is any money

in the budget for tree trimming. They explained that is in

public works. Gail feels public works needs to re

prioritize there work and focus on what is important. Gary

discussed the 9 trees Jeff Bond donated. Gary is working

with E.W parks and Rec to find homes and plant the trees.

David discussed the Community Stewardship Incentive Program

which is a grant to replace trees that have been damaged or

lost in storms.



Page 10

32.0 Parks and Rec

32.1 Gary has been working in Rocky Brook park planting

ornamental grasses on the well head slope to finish that

project. Fertilizing is to be done in Memorial park, The

ice rink in Rocky Brook park may be utilized in the summer

as a volleyball court. He will keep us up to date.

32.2 Paddle Boats- Barbara passed around a signup sheet for the

paddle boats. We need 2 people for each night we man the

boats.

33.0 High School Liaison

33.1 Needs help focusing her project. Not sure how to proceed or

what is most important. Barbara suggested contacting the

food bank and asking if something could be arranged to pick

up left over food from the restaurants when they close.

33.2 Keith asked Aakanksha if she could arrange a group from the

High School to come to the HA and view our storm water

demonstration site. She will work on that and arrange with

Keith.

34.0 Timber Run Trash Boom

34.1 Has been installed.

35.0 Sustainable Jersey (SJ)

35.1 David had a discussion with Linda Greenstein and will follow

up with her. Rob thinks we should approach their board

members and those that provide grant funding to them.

36.0 Spring Cleanup and Shredding

36.1 We shredded over a ton of paper in the 2 hours the truck was

on site. (Follow up) Keith spoke to the Shred-it

representative and they were very impressed by the volume

out of a small town. We also picked up 548 pound of trash

that morning and planted a tree that was donated by the girl

scouts.

37.0 Sustainable Jersey/PSEG Grant

37.1 The project has been completed except for the public

presentations. A date has been selected, June 22 from 10-

11AM. It is important for members to send Keith contact

information for people that should be invited.



Page 11

1

38.0 New Business

38.1 Fundraising. Terry would like to have a Wine and cheesecake

fundraiser at the Diner next February to benefit the EC.

Everyone thinks it is a good idea.

38.2 The Harvest Fair is on October 12th.


The next meeting will be May 28th, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



April 24, 2013


1



Page 12


Meeting Date/Time: May 28th, 2013 / 7:30 PM





Gary Grubb

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost

Jeremy Everett


Steve Misiura, Planning Board

High School Liaison Aakanksha Malesha

Public




Discussion Summary:


39.1 Keith motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by David.

Approved.

40.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the April 23rdh meeting.

40.1 David motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.

Approved.

41.0 Shade Tree

41.1 David discussed 110 Broad Street. Homeowner want to

severely prune the tree, Yan will look at it and advise.

41.2 Gary discussed the Saw Tooth oaks on Summit. They have been

severely damaged by the utility crews, David will review for

possible severe pruning.

42.0 Parks and Recreation.

42.1 Gary reported the community gardens are up and running, all

the pots and planters are planted. Barbara talked to Bob

Duncan regarding the paddle boats this summer. We need to

have at least 2 people present at any given time while we

are in charge of the boats.



Page 13


43.1 Aakanksha proposed we do a Rain Barrel workshop, Keith

suggested that if she were to consider that, to get Rutgers

involved. They have all the tools and materials and provide

instruction.

43.2 Another consideration was wasted food recycling. The

difficulty is in the transport and storage of the food

products, given the varied times the local business’s close.

She will talk to pastor Heidi, the VFW and Reverend Woods to

get some ideas on how this will work.


44.1 No progress to report.

45.0 ANJEC Workshops

45.1 Keith and Donna plan on attending the June 18th workshop.

46.0 Sustainable Jersey Grant Status.

46.1 Keith reported that he has completed and sent off the final

report for the Storm Water Grant. Keith spoke to the

reviewer to confirm they have received the submission.

47.0 Other grants.

47.1 Barbara want us to consider grants and other sources of

funds for the EC. Keith mentioned that we will need a large

project this year if we want to participate in the

Sustainable Jersey/PSEG small grants program again. Keith

wants to pursue a grant to do a pilot project for Hightstown

to reduce the overall water consumption in town. He noted

that with the minor changes the HA has made, they have

reduced their water consumption by 20%. He would like to

try a town wide project to reduce consumption.

48.0 Other business

48.1 Gail mentioned there are trash and oil boom still in the

rocky Brook from the small oil spill. Barbara will talk to

Kenny to get them removed.



Page 14


The next meeting will be June 25, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



May 29, 2013




Page 15


Meeting Date/Time: June 25, 2013 / 7:30 PM



Attendees:


Gary Grubb

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost

Jeremy Everett

High School Liaison Absent

Public

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by the Vice Chair, Yan Troizier

The Vice Chair announced that the meeting conformed to the Open Meetings Act having its date, time and


Discussion Summary:


49.1 Donna motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Gary.

Approved.


50.1 Yan motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Terry.

Approved.

51.0 Shade Tree

51.1 No report.


52.1 Gary commented the planting at the stage are complete,

neighbors have been helping out with the watering.


53.1 Aakanksha was not at the meeting. Terry brought up the work

has begun on the High School football field. The E.C. had

concerns regarding the storm water impact of the new astro-

turf field, Keith will speak to Carmela to find out how they

resolved those issues.




Page 16

54.1 Keith discussed the current grant opportunities and asked

for ideas for the grant. Keith also discussed his idea for

a water saving project. We will come up with a project to

submit in the fall grant cycle.

55.0 Peddle Boats

55.1 Jeremy “manned” the peddle boats this past Friday. He had a

good experience and actually raised $18 dollars for his

efforts.


56.1 The final check is being issued from Sustainable Jersey.

Keith has sent them copies of our June 22nd presentation.

57.0 Raritan Initiative Workshop.

57.1 Terry attended the conference at Rutgers and brought back a

lot of valuable information.

58.0 Other business


The next meeting will be July 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



July 2, 2013




Page 17


Meeting Date/Time: July 23, 2013 / 7:30 PM



Attendees:


Gary Grubb

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost


Public No one from the public.




Discussion Summary:


59.1 Gary motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Keith.

Approved.

60.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the June 25th meeting.

60.1 Yan motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.

Approved.

61.0 Shade Tree

61.1 Keith gave David’s report. He is recommending the trimming

of the large London plain on summit and Morrison. Also

David has reviewed the plans for Pershing and Grape Run.

There are seven trees to be removed and will be replaced by

9 trees (2 of which are left over from Summit) David also

recommended the removal of a 9” Bradford Pear from East Ward

street.

61.2 Gary discussed his conversations with the NJ Shade Tree (?)

in relation to ASPLUNDH and how they have been trimming the

trees in town, especially this past year on Summit.




Page 18

62.1 Yan manned the pedal boats this past week and made $34

dollars to add to our kitty.


63.1 Not present


64.1 Keith discussed his ideas for a water saving project. Yan

think we need to invite Joan to our next meeting to get her

thoughts and ideas. Yan asked Keith and Terry to work

together to see if we can put together a video presentation


65.1 Keith reported the grant is complete and we are waiting on

the borough to make the final payment to the Housing

Authority.

66.0 Other business

66.1 The commissioner reviewed a planning board application from

Peddie. They are purchasing 2 homes next to Meadow Lakes,

tearing them down and replacing with one large home. There

were no storm water measures except what is required by the

DEP during construction. Keith will write up

recommendations


The next meeting will be August 27th at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



July 26, 2013




Page 19


Meeting Date/Time: July 23, 2013 / 7:30 PM



Attendees:


Gary Grubb

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost


Public No one from the public.




Discussion Summary:


67.1 Gary motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Keith.

Approved.

68.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the June 25th meeting.

68.1 Yan motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.

Approved.

69.0 Shade Tree

69.1 Keith gave David’s report. He is recommending the trimming

of the large London plain on summit and Morrison. Also

David has reviewed the plans for Pershing and Grape Run.

There are seven trees to be removed and will be replaced by

9 trees (2 of which are left over from Summit) David also

recommended the removal of a 9” Bradford Pear from East Ward

street.

69.2 Gary discussed his conversations with the NJ Shade Tree (?)

in relation to ASPLUNDH and how they have been trimming the

trees in town, especially this past year on Summit.




Page 20

70.1 Yan manned the pedal boats this past week and made $34

dollars to add to our kitty.


71.1 Not present


72.1 Keith discussed his ideas for a water saving project. Yan

think we need to invite Joan to our next meeting to get her

thoughts and ideas. Yan asked Keith and Terry to work

together to see if we can put together a video presentation


73.1 Keith reported the grant is complete and we are waiting on

the borough to make the final payment to the Housing

Authority.

74.0 Other business

74.1 The commissioner reviewed a planning board application from

Peddie. They are purchasing 2 homes next to Meadow Lakes,

tearing them down and replacing with one large home. There

were no storm water measures except what is required by the

DEP during construction. Keith will write up

recommendations


The next meeting will be August 27th at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



July 26, 2013




Page 21


Meeting Date/Time: October 22, 2013 / 7:30 PM




Gary Grubb

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost

Jeremy Everett

Gail Doran

High School Liaison Not present

Public




Discussion Summary:


75.1 David motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Gary.

Approved.


76.1 David motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.

Approved.

77.0 Shade Tree

77.1 David discussed 303 Summit. The large maple needs to be

removed.


78.1 There is currently a proposal to put a splash park in Rocky

Brook Park. There was a lot of discussion regarding the

viability of this type of active recreation for kids, the

placement in an environmentally sensitive park, maintenance

of such a structure. The commission recommends a joint

project in Rocky Brook to refurbish the park including

removing the run down trailers, rebuilding the walkways, BBQ

areas and passive recreation.



Page 22

79.0 Harvest Fair

79.1 We had a very good response from our booth. People were

truly interested in what we are doing and the materials we

are providing. The commission discussed cooperation with

the Harvest Fair and how the E.C. can help them. It was

suggested we have reps from each commission attend the

Harvest Fair meetings to provide ideas and coordinate

between groups.


80.1 Keith and Barbara will present the Storm water presentation

at the Sustainable Jersey event in AC in November.

81.0 ANJEC Workshops

81.1 Keith and Donna attended the annual ANJEC Environmental

Congress in Edison and accepted our award for the storm

water project.

82.0 Sustainable Jersey Grant.

82.1 This years round of funding is coming up in October. Keith

suggested we consider replacing the paths in Association

park with pervious paving- 3/8” compacted gravel was

suggested.

83.0 Cheesecake Fundraiser

83.1 Terry reviewed the details on how the event works. We have

several options for fundraisers during the event including a

50/50, silent auction or raffle.

84.0 Other business

84.1 November 16th at 9:00AM we will meet to have a working

morning in Rocky Brook Park. Trimming cleaning and working

on the paths.


The next meeting will be December 17th, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



October 29, 2013




Page 23


Meeting Date/Time: December 17 / 7:30 PM





Gary Grubb

David Zaiser (STO)

Terry Parliaros

Donna LePrevost

Keith LePrevost


High School Liaison

Public




Discussion Summary:


85.1 David motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Gary.

Approved.

86.0 Approval of Minutes for meeting of the October 22nd meeting.

86.1 Donna motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by David.

Approved.

87.0 Shade Tree

87.1 David discussed the trees that were replaced on Summit.


88.1 Gary reported the skating rink is up and running, nature has

cooperated and we actually have ice. The bridge has been

permitted and will be put out for final bid.


5.1 We currently do not have a HS liaison


90.1 Barbara discussed the session at the League of

Municipalities where we presented our Storm water project.

Well attended, but we were not treated well.



Page 24

90.2 Grant. Keith is working on the next storm water grant for

sustainable Jersey.

91.0 Spring Clean up

91.1 April 26th we will do the cleanup, Bank Street park repair

and tree planting.

92.0 Fundraiser.

92.1 Terry discussed the event and the preparations he will make.

Basically we need people to serve and set up, clean up

afterwards. Terry will take care of everything else.

93.0 Other business

93.1 We have an eagle scout that would like to do a project that

involves signage on the greenway.

93.2 The triathlon will be held on Sunday, August 17th this year

so that it does not conflict with an event in Princeton.

93.3 Construction will begin this year on Park, Greeley and

Glenbrook streets.


The next meeting will be January 7th, at 7:30 PM at the Housing Authority Meeting Room.



December 23, 2013


Documents

Borough of Hightstown Environmental Commission, …sj-site-persistent-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/.../3/24/1395673384314.pdfTerry Parliaros Donna LePrevost Keith LePrevost High School Liaison