Present: Lillian Burry, Vincent W. Domidion, Frank Fitzpatrick, Carol Goubeaud & David Rodetsky

Associates: Marie Goubeaud, Mary Massey & Robert Pechkis

Absent: Thomas Hennessy (excused), Donald Crane, & John Vig

Associates: Gisela Anderl, Patricia Anderson, Joseph DePierro, Diana Goubeaud, Fred Heyer, David Paddock, & Alex Such

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.)

LIAISON REPORT ~

Mrs. Burry reported that the helipad proposed for Swimming River Road was disapproved for sound reasons at the last Township Planning Board meeting. The Township has become too densely populated to sustain such a usage. Mrs. Burry will introduce legislation preventing any more helipads in the Township.

The Ordinance Committee is working on a steep slopes ordinance. An ordinance regulating activity at Big Brook was introduced on first reading. This is a compromise, not a total elimination of fossil hunting, so as not to take away opportunity for hands-on nature study from Township youngsters, yet to restrict professionals who remove artifacts in large quantities. The ordinance requires a fee and permit for groups of 15 or larger; restricts bus parking to Hillsdale only; restricts usage to one day only, from 6:00 AM to dusk; restricts equipment to trowel with a maximum blade of 6 inches, and screens maximum 18 inches; and restricts taking of fossils to five per day per person. There will be a public hearing on August 18.

Subdivision of Block 50.01, Lot 4 would extend Ramapo Court and create two lots. Mrs. Anderl, Mr. Domidion, Mrs. Massey and Mlles. Carol and Diana and Mrs. Marie Goubeaud visited the site and found it gently sloping into wetland vegetation, with many different habitats. A 150 foot buffer will be required, as it is barred owl habitat.

Application #537 for A.J. Garito proposes a 6,000 square foot office building on Route 34 next to the Gulf station. Environmental assessment can be made only after Letter of Interpretation is received from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the wetlands on the rear of the property.

Application #522A, Block 31, Lot 25, proposes a lot line down the middle of the access road from Merchants Way. The environmental impact assessment form is incomplete and has discrepancies.

Light pollution, both stray light from residential properties illuminating neighboring properties and sky glare emanating from business properties, is escalating and changing the character of the Township. A memorandum will be sent to the Township Committee and the Township Planning Board suggesting that site specific reviews relative to conformance with ordinances that are in place be undertaken for business properties, and that a review of the standards in ordinances relative to the evolution of lighting technology be undertaken to make sure that our standards are keeping pace with the evolving lighting. Also the letter will recommend that the general public be reminded of the ordinances regarding stray light in a future issue of the Colts Neck Journal.

NEW BUSINESS

Rumors have been circulating that the aquifer supplying Township wells is drying up. Mr. McBride has stated that there is no water crisis, but that wells which are shallow may no longer be adequate. He has warned that residents should not be frightened into drilling new wells without reliable investigation of their situation. Mrs. Burry will inquire whether a special mailing can be sent to residents.

None.

Meeting adjourned at 9:57 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Terry

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