The anticipated Green Fest, originally scheduled for this year, was postponed to next year due to a lack of vendor participation. The event’s organizer had reached out to approximately 50 vendors, but only a small number responded, and just four or five confirmed their participation. Two of these vendors withdrew in the weeks leading up to the event, prompting the decision to delay. The commission members contemplated the implications of this postponement for their Sustainable Jersey certification renewal, which remains a few years away. Discussions included strategies for involving local schools, particularly vocational schools, to enhance participation in future events. The commission plans to commence early planning for next year, potentially starting in October, to ensure better engagement and success. A suggestion was made to include interactive booths, such as a garden club initiative where students could distribute seeds, to attract more interest.

Concurrently, the commission reviewed the status of a recycling contest aimed at engaging local students. With 21 submissions received, there was a notable absence of entries from high school students. Most submissions were from middle schoolers and younger students, prompting the commission to consider alternative outreach methods. A review committee, including a council member, will evaluate the submissions. The commission plans to award participation certificates to all entrants and proclamations to the winners. The process includes compiling YouTube links of each submission for easier review.

A pressing environmental issue discussed was a drainage problem on Carbury that has persisted despite previous interventions. A drainage pipe installed years ago to manage erosion now exacerbates sedimentation and erosion issues downstream. The commission underscored the urgency of addressing these concerns. This issue is part of broader flooding challenges facing the area, necessitating swift action to prevent further environmental damage.

The commission also tackled a discrepancy in tree removal fees between homeowners and developers. Current ordinances impose a $350 fine for developers and a $750 fine for homeowners, a disparity that members agreed should be rectified. Plans are underway to draft a revised ordinance aligning the penalties, following a consensus that the existing structure contravenes state mandates. The conversation also touched on the residential tree ordinance, with members advocating for revisions to account for tree density rather than a fixed number of trees, promoting improved tree coverage.

Further environmental concerns included the management of invasive species, specifically the problematic Callery pear trees. Initially introduced for their aesthetic appeal, these trees have become invasive, complicating removal efforts. The commission emphasized the need to balance environmental health with the financial burden on property owners, advocating for thinning strategies to maintain a healthy canopy.

Additionally, the commission addressed a complaint regarding noise from leaf blowers, referencing a presentation on Spring Lake’s electric-only ordinance. The chairman encouraged members to consider this approach for Ocean Township.

In the chairman’s report, a grant submission for a community forestry management plan was noted, alongside efforts to locate a missing Sustainable Jersey certificate necessary for submission. The absence of this document has created urgency among commission members to resolve the issue promptly.

Lastly, the planning and zoning boards were discussed, highlighting communication issues between the two. The zoning board’s lack of required reports on application outcomes was noted as a barrier to informed discussions about ordinance necessity, particularly when variances are frequently granted. The commission suggested involving the council to facilitate better inter-board communication and collaboration.