0:00The most compelling topic of the meeting was the board’s approval of the updated ERI. The planner from bfj planning presented this comprehensive document as a technical inventory of environmental resources, emphasizing its role in informing public policy and land-use decisions. This revised inventory, which spans nearly 100 pages, was crafted with input from the EC and accounts for changes in environmental data and practices over the past two decades. It includes ten chapters covering a range of topics such as topography, geology, climate, vegetation, wildlife, and infrastructure.

The planner detailed that each chapter is supplemented with maps and graphics to aid comprehension without overwhelming readers. The data sources were primarily state and federal agencies, with footnotes providing hyperlinks for easy access and verification. The process involved drafts being reviewed by the EC, which led to the inclusion of topics like noise and light pollution. Board members were invited to provide feedback.

17:10The meeting addressed several proposed minor edits identified late in the year. These included updating the acknowledgments page to reflect current members of the EC and the Green Team, correcting the establishment date of the shade tree committee, and revising a contaminated sites table to remove properties mistakenly listed in Middletown. A resident raised concerns about the township’s GIS capabilities. They highlighted the prevalence of homes built before 1960 and the need for lead paint mitigation, as well as the importance of tracking “scope two emissions” related to energy use.

In response, a board member discussed the EC’s interest in better data on electrical usage and how Red Bank compares in this area. While current data is not cohesive, improvements are anticipated as states enhance information availability, particularly with the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The board acknowledged past attempts to establish a mapping system, which were discontinued, and ongoing tracking of lead regulations due to legal requirements.

Further edits to the ERI included the removal of a paragraph about a potential new historic district on Irving Place and correcting a typographical error regarding the “Swimming River.” The cover photo, initially depicting Middletown, was also addressed, with a commitment to replace it with an accurate representation of Red Bank.

The board proceeded with a motion to attach the updated ERI to the master plan, which was seconded and passed unanimously. An announcement highlighted a new system for accessing agenda items, with instructions sent via email. Some members experienced issues with the activation link, prompting suggestions for password resets.