Nancy L. Boylan
- Committeewoman Burry called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
- The minutes of January 6, 2000 were accepted as submitted.
- Committeewoman Burry introduced Peggy Neville, an historic preservationist who lives in Colts Neck. Mrs. Neville offered to help with the Township History Celebration.
- Ruth Leninger has been appointed as Planning Board Secretary. She will assume the position on February 24. She has requested our Chairperson’s assistance in arranging an activity for her Cub Scout troop, so that they can earn their historic preservation badges. Mr. Kilbride inquired about a tour of Laird’s, but they do not permit tours. Mr. Piotrowski asked permission to access the Conover cemetery he has cleaned up through the new Holly Bush Farm, but was denied. He suggested grave rubbings at the Reformed Church. Mrs. Burry suggested the Scouts could help him clean up another cemetery he is currently uncovering. Mrs. Burry and Mr. Piotrowski will arrange the program for the Cub Scouts.
- Mrs. Burry received a phone call from Chris Fisher of Toms River regarding photos which were labeled "Ideal Beach, Colts Neck." Mrs. Plumfield suggested that this is the beach at Leonardo near N.W.S. Earle, but that the official address of Earle is Colts Neck.
- Mrs. McGowan has submitted an elegant rendering of a proposed official Township flag. The design and colors are consistent with the welcome signs on the roads at the boundaries of the Township. On a scarlet field there is a circle with an inner border of deep green, and an outer border of gold leaves. The circle is trisected by a rope, in honor of the Navy presence in the Township. In the three sectors are a horse, apples, and a Revolutionary style tricorn hat & musket. The response of the Committee members was unanimously positive.
Mr. Kilbride reported that Mrs. McGowan is putting the sketches on the map. He is trying to establish dates of structures built between the maps of 1851 and 1873. There are about 20 which are still uncertain. Some have been demolished. Searching the County Deed Room is difficult, because of the changes in block and lot numbers when the Township was incorporated in 1847 from parts of Freehold, Middletown and Shrewsbury.
- Almost all the plaques for historic properties of the 1700s have been distributed. Mrs. Trost will deliver to Marie Abbatiello, and Mrs. Burry and Mr. Kilbride will deliver to the Combs family.
- Forty 1800s plaques have been completed and delivered to the Township. They will be awarded at the Township Committee meeting of May 10, 2000. Pam Carroll has volunteered to have the reception at a later date. Recipients will receive copies of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection "How to Research the History of a House" compliments of the Township. Committeewoman Burry intends to award 20 plaques in May and the remainder in September or October.
- Mr. Piotrowski is uncovering a second historic cemetery on Hillsdale. Mr. Kilbride remarked that this was always called the Negro cemetery. There are eight stones, four of them children. Some names are "Coming" or "Cummings," others are "Minkerson."
- Mrs. Burry and Mrs. Furey have met with a couple who produce antique carriage parades professionally. They have offered to assist in the arrangements for Colts Neck as volunteers. The rigs will be on display on Saturday, September 23, and the parade will be held on Sunday, September 24, from Dorbrook Park to the Township Hall. Mrs. Burry has spoken with Freeholder Narozanick, and with Jim Truncer, Monmouth County Park System Director, and received their approval for the event. Dorbrook Park has 18 horse stalls, a large macadam area for display of the "rigs," and an enormous grassy area. This should prove to be a very colorful and unique event for Colts Neck.
- Mrs. Piotrowski reported that the "Celebration" Sub-Committee is working on scheduling the participating organizations. She has made arrangements with Mr. Bowden for essential services. Laura Kolnoski, a free lance writer who writes for the Asbury Park Press, is doing publicity. There have been several articles in the papers.
The proposal allows for three jitneys for the house tour. The cost is $100 per hour per trolley. The house tour is timed out to 3.5 hours. It is scheduled for 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Mrs. Burry suggested adding one or two Phalanx houses, as they are a significant part of the Township history. Since they are close together, this might add only 45 minutes, or a possible increase in cost of $300 at most.
A colonial reenactment group will present activities for youngsters. Mrs. Burry suggested a story-teller. She will call Mrs. Piotrowski with a name of a person who does this.
- Budget hearings will be held this month. A meeting regarding grant money will be held on February 10 with Mrs. Burry, Harold Nolan, Shade Tree Committee, and Andy Strauss, planner. There are no limits to the time for using the grant money. The Township qualifies for $630,000 as matching grants. This money is to be used for three categories: Historic Preservation, Farmland Preservation, and Open Space-Recreation.
- On a motion by Mrs. Joline and seconded by Mrs. Trost, the meeting adjourned at 6:57 PM. The next meetings will be held on Tuesdays March 7, 2000 and April 4, 2000.