A point of discussion was the 2017 Grant, with the construction completed, including the filter box in Allenhurst, as reported by Dave from Peter Vins Group. The commission emphasized the need for a final report to secure the funding vital for the project’s success. They also debated the planting of a tree in the filter box and agreed that commissioners would follow up with their respective towns to ensure proper execution and payment for the goose and corp remediation, which treated 34 eggs. The restoration of local lakes, including fireman’s pond and parts of Terrace Pond, was also on the agenda, with Ocean Township moving forward with addressing these areas.

The commission discussed the new stormwater management grant, focusing on bringing the basins at the mall into compliance with current design standards and expanding the flood plain. The plan also includes addressing total suspended solids with Maintenance, Tracking, and Detection (MTD) devices.

Another significant issue was the installation of new equipment and the process of obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, which proved to be a complex task. The proof of legislative agreement required for the UEI number was summarized by a commissioner, who mentioned the need for a one-page affidavit and the facilitation by a legislative representative. The commission agreed to ensure that the appropriate contact information is available to expedite the process.

The commission also discussed the renewal of the DLC agreement, which is set for 2024. The current agreement is available on the commission’s website, and members were encouraged to submit changes for consideration. The goal is to have the revised agreement sent to each town by March for signatures. The commission anticipates the need to possibly attend town meetings to address any concerns that arise during the renewal process.

The proposal for a recycling bottle deposit was introduced via an email from Jeff Gold. The commission decided to postpone the decision until more details could be provided at the next meeting. Additionally, the commission supported the idea of hybrid meetings, combining in-person and virtual participation, with plans to test the system in January. The logistics of managing and posting recorded meetings were also reviewed, with a commitment to continue sharing content on APV 68.

Looking ahead to 2024, the commission aims to complete the Comprehensive Vegetative Management (CVM) plan and close the 2017 project. They plan to consolidate individual comments on the master plan document and finalize the list of goals for 2024 in the February meeting.

Tom Pivinski shared an informative video on Facebook about the operation of The Flume. The video explained the Flume’s function in storm preparation and lake water level management. The commission also discussed regional protection plans for coastal lake flooding and the possibility of securing funding from the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to address these issues.

A recent violation issued to the commission for not notifying authorities about the lake lowering for cleanup was acknowledged, with a commitment to adhere to new requirements. The commission received criticism for not calling in when they started refilling the lake, despite past assurances that such notifications were unnecessary. The members expressed a desire for authorities to be equally diligent in addressing shoreline issues.

The commission reviewed the budget for 2024, reassuring that assessments would not be raised, and approved the budget. They recognized the departure of a long-standing member, Eric, who served for eight years, and discussed plans to honor his contributions and find a replacement for the Neptune representative.

Frustrations were voiced over the need for better communication with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDE) regarding permits for lakefront work. The commission called for a designated NJDE official knowledgeable about Deal Lake and its regulations to streamline the permit process.

During a public hearing, questions about the commission’s qualifications for continued state designation and the commitment to monthly programs for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were raised. The commission clarified that CEUs are not a requirement for them, as their mission is focused on the lake’s well-being.