Mr. Domidion called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM, reading the following statement: "In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Law - Chapter 21, P.L. 1975, public notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with Annual Notice Procedures." (C10:4-28 of said Act.)

On a motion by Mr. Rodetsky and seconded by Mr. Fitzpatrick, the minutes of January 10, 2000 were accepted as submitted.

Michael Bruno, Esq., appeared on behalf of buyers of Block 29.12 Lot 7.02, who wish to construct a pool in an existing easement and want the easement vacated in favor of a larger easement they are offering to the Township. They were referred to the Environmental Commission by the Township Committee. Mr. Domidion, Mr. Hennesey and Mrs. Burry have made a site inspection. Mr. Bruno stated that the current easement is flat and that the piece of property his clients are offering the Township is lower than the piece currently in the easement. He stated further that to place the pool elsewhere on the property would cause a loss of trees. Mr. Domidion explained that easements can be relatively flat, as they move back away from slopes in order to protect the slopes. This easement is only 25 feet back, but current Township regulations are more stringent and require 50 feet. The trees which would be sacrificed to a pool in another location are not specimen trees, or of relatively large caliper. Mr. Bruno argued that since erosion is present, the easement is not clearly justified. Mr. Domidion stated that the soils in the easement are humaquept (often flooded), and eroded 50-10% sandy loam slopes. The logic of the easement is, therefore, to prevent further erosion. He suggested Mr. Bruno’s client might apply for a Letter of Interpretation. Mr. Bruno was asked to return with contours, and a survey showing existing large trees.

Carol Yockey and Mr. & Mrs. Salmon of Oak Glen Drive appeared in regard to subdivision for Doyle/Pagnotta, Block 29.01, Lot 7, which backs onto Yellow Brook. Mrs. Yockey reported that the flood plain is on their side of the brook, and that there is considerable flooding and debris, and also that mosquitos breed there. They request a barrier to keep new residents from removing vegetation from the conservation easement. Mr. Domidion noted a discrepancy in metes and bounds which might increase Township holdings by a third to half an acre. He will have Mr. Gerken verify this.

Mr. Hennessy reported that the old airport property is all laid out, including signs indicating which green each home will face. This project will cause the loss of a large pocket of darkness that exists in the Township. A variance application is before the Board of Adjustment for crossing an easement. Mr. Rodetsky suggested such applications should be required to include complete contours and a complete tree survey.

The Board is awaiting certification of underground tanks at Sunoco station. The site must be cleaned up by March 15. If it is not, court date is March 22, 2000.

Colts Neck Country Club, Block 46, Lot 1, has applied for adjustment of lot lines. The plan is drawn to protect a stand of large shagbark hickories, a large holly and a Kentucky coffee tree.

MVS Builders has applied for a major subdivision on Block 50, Lot 25 on Obre Road. They have met the previous requests of the Commission. A memo to that regard will be sent to the Planning Board.

A concept plan for 8 lots, PB #546, has been submitted for Block 11, Lot 3, at Dutch Lane Road and Boundary Road. It is on high, dry land and saves a 42 acre farm, but the layout cuts severely into a wooded area. Mr. Domidion, Ms. Goubeaud and Mr. Wagar will do a site inspection on March 11, and submit a memo to the Planning Board.

Mr. Hennessy reported that a shade tree ordinance was drafted, but that Mr. Fessler found it objectionable, and has taken it to draft changes.

The Commission agreed to continue ANJEC membership for year 2000.

Ms. Goubeaud reported that water test results have remained stable through the winter, except that Trout Brook downstream of the Lombardy construction has become turbid and more filled with debris. The problem of stagnant water on Lakeside Avenue at Normany Road was discussed.

Mr. Domidion proposed a meeting of all committee chairs, to propose and draft a comprehensive application which could serve all committees. He will initiate the process by requesting a meeting with chairs of Board of Health and Shade Tree Commission.

Mr. Domidion proposed that the Environmental Commission initiate a natural heritage mapping project, involving personnel from other committees and from the general population. This could eventually culminate in a natural resource tour.

Mr. Domidion proposed that the Commission look for the most sensible and feasible ways to manage greenways.

A.R.C. News

Letter of acknowledgement from Colts Neck Board of Education

Request for Letter of Interpretation for Sithe New Jersey Holdings, LLC, Block 56.01, Lots 3 & 4, on Asbury Avenue

ANJEC notice of free anti-sprawl workshop on April 8

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 3, 2000.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Terry

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