Mr. Hennessy called the meeting to order at 8:10 PM, reading the following statement: ÒIn accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Law Ð Chapter 21, P.L. 1975, public notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with Annual Notice Procedures.Ó (C10: 4-28 of said Act.)

On a motion by Mr. Vig and seconded by Mr. Wagar, the minutes of January 8,2001 were accepted as submitted.

LIASON REPORT

Mr. Hennessey reported that Bill McBride had turned over to Ben Forrester a file on the deer problem in the township. There were six motor vehicle accidents with deer in one night last summer. A discussion was held on how to control the deer population. It was noted that birth control darts, in general, are not effective.

On the issue of greenways along the Swimming River Reservoir, Mr. Hennessey reported that a homeowner on Orchard Lane was brought to court where he was fined and ordered to replace the foliage on the greenway adjoining his property. Mr. Hennessey stated that the New Jersey American Water Company had not decided on a policy to address the issue of illegal docks on Swimming River Reservoir.

PLANNING BOARD

PB#563, Block 40, Lot 1, subdivision for Galloping Hill Estates proposes a subdivision of four building lots with an access road. An existing barn on the property would be demolished. Mr. Heyer recommended keeping the existing farm driveway, creating two flag lots and keeping the barn. Ms. Goubeaud noted that water pools on the property and drains along Lakeside Avenue. Ms. Goubeaud also noted that there is a hill on Lakeside Avenue obscuring the view from the proposed new driveway. Traffic congestion and the proximity of the proposed new driveway and road, Homestead Court, to Monmouth County Route 537 were discussed. Mr. Vig inquired if Lakeside Avenue would be widened. Mr. Heyer responded that a fifty ft. easement exists so the developer is not required to expand Lakeside Avenue. Mr. Heyer also noted that the new road, Homestead Court, at 28 feet wide, is much wider than Lakeside Avenue. Mr. Heyer stated creating two flag lots and eliminating Homestead Court would ease drainage concerns. He also noted that the loss of the lot might be compensated for by not having to build a road. Mrs. Andrel stated that Route 537 is prone to flooding in this area. Ms. Goubeaud noted that drainage ditches exist along Route 537 in this area to control flooding. Mr. Heyer suggested planting a species other than white pine in this area, as white pine trees do not grow well in wet soil. It was recommended in a letter to the Planning Board that the number of lots be reduced from four to three, that drainage on this property be fully investigated, that a substitute be given for white pine trees, and that the large willow tree by the barn be preserved.

Conover Road School, Block 8, Lots 2 & 2.01, no impact was noted.

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Hennessey stated that Mr. Domidion will forward to the Shade Tree Commission an Ordinance entitled ÒAN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE AND CONTROL THE REMOVAL OF TREES AND SHRUBS AND PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONSÓ.

Mr. Hennessey stated that the Township would inform residents about greenway regulation via the town newsletter. He also stated that greenway regulations would be strongly enforced by code officer Brian Dempsey this fall after citizens have had time to act on the notice.

Ms. Goubeaud reported the water testing results. No significant changes were noted.

NEW BUSINESS

Members were asked to update the information on the Colts Neck Environmental Commission roster.

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter from Donald A. DiMarzio, P.P., Land Use Planning, Environmental Consulting Services regarding applications for stream encroachment statewide general wetlands permit, Block 8, Lots 6,6.01 and 6.02 was received.

A fax from the Monmouth County Planning Board concerning an update to the environmental commission membership was received.

On a motion by Mr. Vig, seconded by Mr. Wagar, the meeting adjourned at 9:07 PM. The next scheduled meeting is for Monday, April 30, 2001.

Respectfully submitted,

Diana Goubeaud

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