Roger and Barbara Halper, attendees of the meeting, raised concerns about the EPA’s request for soil testing near the Tus Grove, particularly around the firehouse and local park. The Kilton site, although situated far from the proposed testing area, had historically undergone contamination cleanup, making the new request from the EPA unexpected. Roger speculated about the nature of the contamination. This brought forth questions on how the contamination could have spread to Tus Grove, as movements typically occur downstream.

Roger highlighted a lack of communication between the EPA and local residents, many of whom were unaware of the upcoming tests. He had engaged in conversations with a resident named Cindy and reached out to the fire chief to ensure families in the area were informed of potential risks. The commission members expressed the need for better dissemination of information and considered reaching out to the environmental officer, Matt, for further clarification on the EPA’s request. The timeline and specifics of the testing were unclear, prompting the commission to emphasize their role in tracking such developments.

In addition to environmental concerns, the commission faced challenges in reviewing land use applications, notably PB 2408 concerning a subdivision on Main Road in Franklinville. The application involved subdividing 5.88 acres to increase the size of a neighboring lot. However, it was flagged for missing critical documentation, specifically a certificate of filing from the Pinelands Commission. This raised concerns about the application’s compliance with land use regulations, as soil type information and an assessment of neighboring farmland had not been adequately provided.

The commission was unable to make comments on the application due to its incomplete status. The discussion also highlighted how changes in lot sizes could alter land use patterns, with members noting the proposed adjustment involved significant alterations. Confusion regarding existing structures and original lot lines further complicated the review process, prompting a call for more detailed evaluations before any recommendations could be made.

Moving from environmental and land use issues to internal matters, the commission addressed difficulties in recruiting new members. Outreach efforts had not yielded positive results, with many approached individuals either too busy or uninterested in joining. There was a sense of urgency around these vacancies, as the commission could face operational challenges without enough members present to conduct business.

A specific concern was raised regarding Suzanne McCarthy’s eligibility to serve on the commission due to her relocation, leading to a debate about her status. Additionally, there was confusion over the reappointment process for an alternate member, with a requirement for a letter of resignation complicating the situation. The importance of representation was emphasized, particularly concerning the planning board liaison, with Jason mentioned as a new member stepping into this role.

The commission expressed the need for better communication and timely updates on incoming plans, as there was dissatisfaction over the advance availability of plans necessary for proper review. Members reported not receiving the necessary engineering reports ahead of meetings, which impacted their ability to prepare for discussions. This issue, coupled with discussions on scheduling future meetings, highlighted logistical challenges the commission faces in fulfilling its responsibilities.