The council meeting began with a deep dive into the use of a green team grant, which has funded visitation gifts, social media consultations, and community event materials. The council explored ways to further engage residents. A creative proposal involved a contest for identifying recyclable items, building on past successes where children received rewards for collecting recyclables on the beach. A recurring point of discussion was the confusion surrounding single-stream recycling, with one participant expressing frustration over separating recyclables only for them to be mixed together later. The meeting clarified that single-use plastic bags are not accepted in recycling bins due to their potential to disrupt machinery.

The council also addressed plans to coordinate efforts between the Shade Tree Commission and the environmental commission. This includes sharing agendas and minutes to streamline initiatives like tree planting and maintenance, which are crucial as many London plane trees near the end of their life cycle. The importance of maintaining Belmar’s Sustainable Jersey certification was highlighted, requiring ongoing documentation of community programs, such as tree inventories and clean-up initiatives.

Energy conservation was another key focus, with discussions on a multi-year community energy plan assessing energy use across municipal buildings. Ideas to improve energy efficiency included light sensors, solar energy installations, and potentially integrating electric vehicle charging stations and expanding the police bicycle fleet. The council recognized the challenges of summer traffic and the need for innovative transportation solutions to improve town mobility.

Further discussions were held on the “Patchwork for Wildlife” initiative, encouraging sustainable gardening practices and recognizing residents who excel in this area. Six homes were honored last year, with plans to award more this fall. The program aims to promote community spirit and environmental mindfulness.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed lake management and the involvement of the Army Corps of Engineers, with the borough investing $230,000 to match federal funds. The Army Corps had identified issues like flooding, poor water quality, and degraded habitats. Concerns were raised over water contaminants such as stormwater runoff and goose feces, contributing to harmful algae blooms and fish kills. The council emphasized the need for feedback on the Army Corps’ findings and managing contractors to ensure quality outcomes.

Management of the goose population around Silver Lake has been a persistent challenge for the borough, with historical efforts involving the use of dogs to deter geese. Currently, a vendor named Birds Beware is contracted year-round to manage the geese, utilizing drones and dogs. This year has seen a decrease in nesting geese, but some still remain due to lost flight feathers. Discussions also covered the lack of swans in Silver Lake, attributed to water quality issues, including the absence of eelgrass. Ongoing water testing, supported by an Army Corps grant, aims to establish a baseline for lake health.

An unexpected herbicide treatment in Silver Lake by Lake Management Services (LMS) led to discussions about communication and management strategies for invasive plant species. Concerns were raised about the implications for water quality and the need for professional oversight.

The Shark River Cleanup Coalition announced plans to conduct a survey to gather data from local recreational users of Shark River. The initiative aims to assess community engagement and concerns, informing future planning and funding opportunities.

The meeting concluded with discussions on expanding environmental education through community programs and events. A proposed river sampling event aims to engage families and children, potentially in collaboration with the American Littoral Society. Participants emphasized integrating environmental education with existing programs, fostering a collaborative approach to local ecological stewardship.