Greenwood Lake Commission 11/18/2015 1480 Union Valley Road West Milford NJ 07480
Salute to the American Flag
Paul Zarrillo led the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:36pm. Paul Zarrillo read aloud the Open Pubic Meetings Law and noted that we were in compliance, Paul Zarrillo also commented that the Drawdown notice was sent to WM77 TV and WGHT-1500, and all papers. Paul Zarrillo then asked for roll call. Paul Zarrillo, Geroge Vurno, Clint Smith, Eric Hastings, Floyd DeAngelo, Dan Bello, Martin Brand, Bill Link, and Dale VanNimwegen were present. Ed Krull and Paul Sullivan were absent.
Treasurer's Report
Dale VanNimwegen presented the Treasurer's Report. Dale reported that the staffer during the Autumn Lights Festival was paid $50 for his 5 hours of work, that our Director's and Officers Insurance will cost $1000, which is less than our previous policy, and is checking on whether the Commission bill for our general liability insurance needs to be paid. Dale reported that currently there are $13,857.78 in the NJ Lakeland Bank account, and $3,191.77 in the NY Sterling Bank account.
Paul Zarrillo then asked the Commission to approve the minutes for the last two meetings, as well as approve the payment of bills. Resolution: Approval of minutes from October and September 2015.
Motioned by: Dan Bello Seconded: Floyd DeAngelo Name Yes No Abstained Paul Zarrillo Co-Chair X
George Vurno Co-Chair X
Paul Sullivan
Clint Smith X
Bill Link X
Dale VanNimwegen X
Ed Krull
Floyd DeAngelo X
Eric Hastings X
DEP X
DEC X
Resolution: Payment of bills on Nov 18th 2015
Motioned by: George Vurno Seconded: Dale VanNimwegen Name Yes No Abstained Paul Zarrillo Co-Chair X
George Vurno Co-Chair X
Paul Sullivan
Clint Smith X
Bill Link X
Dale VanNimwegen X
Ed Krull
Floyd DeAngelo X
Eric Hastings X
DEP X
DEC X
Commissioner Reports
Dale VanNimwegen reported that she has had trouble getting in touch with people for the NYDEC regarding the Morohan Grant but is still pursuing. Dale also reported that we need a minimum of one person to serve on the board of directors for the 501c3 the Commission is attempting to create. Paul Zarrillo stated he had 2 to 3 individuals interested in becoming leading members.
Dan Bello reported that the Commission and/or the Township of West Milford can get a blanket permit similar to the one the Village of Greenwood Lake gets during every drawdown, which streamlines the process of getting a permit to perform repair work on their docks. This difference is believed to be the reason why there are far fewer repairs performed on the NJ side, compared to the NY side of the lake which had over 80 applications last year. More details need to be discussed but Dan is very optimistic. Dan also noted that businesses and marina owners would have to apply for a separate Highland's exemption, and that the fee for the permits would be a set fee of $5000, although homeowner's have an automatic exception that can be shared by all NJ applicants. The blanket permit for the homeowners in town would be a one time fee, and the cost is split evenly amongst those who apply. This, he noted could be a disadvantage if very few people apply, but can be a big savings to local residents if many apply for these permits.
Floyd DeAngelo reported that he and George Vurno were still trying to meet representatives from Orange County to discuss funds for the Greenwood Lake Commission.
Eric Hastins reported that the memo of record memorializing the loss of records was sent. This memo would allow the Commission to receive the remaining funds from the Morohan Grant, despite a majority of our files being lost due to damage from several burst pipes in our office.
Paul Zarrillo reported that he has set up a meeting in early December with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation to discuss how to develop a 501c3. Paul also reported that after making a presentation to the Highlands Coalition that they are looking into creating a committee specifically designated to assist with issues Greenwood Lake faces. Paul also reported that the MSU study is almost complete, and are on schedule to make a presentation to the Commission at its next meeting December 16th. Paul also reported that he had been emailing Dr Lubnow of Princeton Hydro, and that we will apply for a $30-40 thousand dollar grant to install floating islands in Greenwood Lake that would absord excess phosphorus which is harmful to the lake. Paul did note that this is a matching grant, and an equal amount of work would need to be paid for by the Commission. Paul also updated the Commission on the status of the lease, which is not signed as we are negotiating terms with Adelo, the owner of our office at 2019 Greenwood Lake Turnpike. The Commission also announced the dates for our 2016 meetings. The dates and locations can be found below, as well as on our website GWLC.org. Greenwood Lake Commission Meeting Dates for 2016
January 27th at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm February 24th at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm March 23rd at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm April 27th at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm May 25th at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm June 22nd at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm July 27th at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm August 24th at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm September 28th at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm October 26th at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm November 16th at West Milford Town Hall: 1480 Union Valley Rd. West Milford, NJ 7pm December 14th at Greenwood Lake Senior Center: 132 Windermere Ave. Greenwood Lake, NY 7pm
At this time the Commission wished to close the regular public meeting and call to order the Public Hearing on the drawdown. Dale VanNimegen made a motion to close the meeting, Second by Floyd DeAngelo. Close at 7:24
Public Drawdown Hearing
The Commission began the public hearing on the Drawdown at 7:30. Zarrillo announced the procedure for speaking and commented to the Commission that it will have to make a decision by its next meeting in December.
Barbara Evans – Expressed concern over the water level, but believes the drawdown is necessary for the lake - Yes Chris Lite – A new owner of Sportsman's Marina, has several concerns, but optimistic at the idea of the blanket permit. He is in favor, but only just and hopes that more planning can go into controlling the water level of the lake. Yes Ray Buckheight – In favor, Yes Eric Hastings – Making a special note that he was speaking as a resident and not a Commissioner, Eric expressed that good work was done during the last drawdown and believes more can be accomplished during this next drawdown – Yes. Antonio- In favor – Yes. Dan Mason – In favor – Yes.
Of all the attendees 6 were in favor of the drawdown and 0 were against. Motion to close public portion at 8:13pm– Dale VanNimegen motioned, Clint Smith seconded.