0:09A central topic of the meeting was the delay in stormwater management projects due to a lack of authorization from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The commission has faced ongoing difficulties in securing necessary approvals for additional conceptual design work on stormwater systems, which has been a point of frustration. The commission has sought assistance from Senator Vin Gopal to facilitate communication with the DEP, highlighting the urgency of finalizing the grant agreement. The delays are compounded by the DEP’s lengthy list of questions and the Finance and Accounting Group’s additional queries, which have slowed progress. The initial plans for the project are completed, but establishing site limits is essential for moving forward with bidding. Commissioners expressed concerns about the efficiency of the review process and the need for prompt authorization to prevent further delays.

33:42In addition to stormwater management, the commission is planning a cleanup event with the Key Club of New Jersey, scheduled for April 4th. This initiative, initially focused on ocean cleanup, has been redirected to assist the lakes instead. The cleanup will commence at 9:00 AM at the boat ramp in Asbury Park, involving various areas around the lakes. The event is expected to attract approximately 250 participants, and the commission is coordinating logistics with local organizations to ensure efficient trash collection for county pickup.

16:33The commission also discussed financial matters, specifically the approval of a resolution to clarify funding protocols for significant capital expenditures. The revised language in Article 10 of the financial regulations now stipulates that major capital expenditures not included in the budget and not part of state, federal, or private grants require written approval from the governing bodies of all member municipalities. This change aims to streamline project funding processes and prevent unnecessary delays in obtaining municipal consent for approved projects.

Geese management was another topic of concern, as the commission noted the pairing behavior of geese in Interlaken. The USDA is expected to require signatures from each town for management efforts, although the commission anticipates that this may not be necessary. Commissioners agreed to receive a list of residences frequently troubled by geese to conduct outreach before the geese season begins in mid-March.

The meeting also touched on the appointment of a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) from Ocean Township, intended to increase the bid threshold from $6,000 to $44,000. This change will allow the commission to obtain quotes for smaller contracts without undergoing the full bidding process. Clarification is needed on the specifics of the QPA’s role and payment structure, with discussions suggesting a potential hourly rate of $150, not exceeding $2,000 for the year.

49:11As the commission continues to navigate these issues, it also focused on enhancing meeting formats to improve participation and communication. The hybrid meeting format, combining in-person and virtual attendance, was praised for its inclusivity but faced technical challenges in audio and visual quality. Members discussed potential solutions, such as adjusting camera angles and microphone placements, to ensure clarity for all participants. The importance of recording meetings for public access was emphasized, and the commission agreed to continue with the hybrid format while addressing technical improvements.

The commission’s efforts to engage municipalities in flood preparedness were highlighted, with successful initiatives in monitoring rain levels and managing lake water heights effectively. The commission stressed the importance of evacuation plans and equipment readiness, particularly for homes prone to flooding, and the potential for LEAP program funding to support related projects.