Raritan Borough
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
22 First Street Raritan, NJ  08869
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 9, 2011

Present:  J. Foohey, Chair  
          B. Kaufman, Vice-Chair			
          D. Carra, Councilwoman Liaison		
          J. Holland, Secretary	 
            
          D. McDonald
          Steve McDonald
          Absent:  J. Gausz	
          Guest:  David Maski


The February 3, 2011 meeting of the Raritan Borough Environmental Commission (RBEC) was called to order by Brian Kaufman at 7:07pm.
Sustainability Plan - David Maski
The few minor changes were made to the RBEC Master Sustainability Plan.  The plan will be finalized and presented to the 
Raritan Borough Planning Board on their March 20th meeting.
Another recommendation for the RBEC - have a “Green Page” on the Borough’s website.  
RBEC Elections
Jim Foohey - Chair
Brian Kaufman - Vice Chair
Joni Holland - Secretary

Report from Borough Council Representative
Denise Carra provided a copy of the Ordinance 2010-08 “Street Openings” (Right of Way).  
Somerset County reviewing maps for possible new ownership of Orlando Drive.  Stop & Shop Shopping Center potential 
new owner (Larry Berger) not returning calls (regarding soil contamination). 
Public Comments - Questions
There were no members of the public in attendance.
Correspondence/Articles of Interest
Spring Newsletter to residents.  River Clean Up - April 2011.  

Budget
Requesting the same budget as 2010.  Still under council review.
T-Mobile Cell Towers
Bid was accepted by council for $25,000.00 yearly income for new tower to be installed on Orlando Drive. 
 T-Mobile to also install a cell tower on Old York Road in the Bradley Gardens neighborhood.
 Earth Day Awareness
River Clean Up to be held in April 2011.
Raritan River Dam Removals
RBEC very curious to why the sudden announcement and need to begin demolition/removal of three (3) river dams.
  Have the Greenbrook Flood Plain, Upper and Lower Raritan Watershed and other groups also including local 
environmental groups, fisherman, local and county governments have reviewed and investigated this new announcement?
   Historical records need to be found (and studied) to explain the reason for the installation of the Robert Street Dam,
 and historical preservation of the Nevius Street Dam.  Fish ladders are an easy install - a good compromise; seeing
 that the reason stated for the sudden urgency for their removal is certain species of fish.  The RBEC would love to
 have information/documentation for review and input.  All we know is what was written in the local newspaper.
Willow Walk Development
Many concerns regarding the environmental safety (soil, air, noise, water) contamination and reports for this land 
slated for a high density housing development beginning in March.  RBEC has no documentation/reports/information on this project. 
Other Issues/Concerns
Steven Reed to be a new, good contact for The Courier News.
  8. 	Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:12pm by J. Foohey, seconded by B. Kaufman.


Raritan Borough, New Jersey - J. Holland