Minutes of the Board of Suprervisors

MINUTES OF THE HEP-SCD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING

January 9, 2014

The meeting of the Hudson Essex Passaic Soil Conservation District was held in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act; although the meeting had to be rescheduled from January 2nd due to inclement weather, advance notice was given to the press (Star Ledger Newspaper and The Progress Newspaper) and posted. The meeting was also advertised on HEP’s website.

Members and guests present were as follows: Supervisors Carl Quazza, Bob Prout, and Matt Ward; Glen Van Olden, Director; staff members Fran Aguirre and Janet Rekesius; Dr. Amy Rowe, Environmental and Resource Management Agent for Essex and Passaic Counties; and Ferdows Ali, SSCC/NJDA.

The public meeting was called to order by Carl Quazza at 7:02 p.m.

The minutes from the December 5th, 2013 meeting were reviewed. M/M Matt Ward, M/S Bob Prout and passed unanimously to accept the minutes.

Glen reviewed HEP’s Treasurer’s Report and banking accounts for the month of December 2013. M/M Bob Prout, M/S Carl Quazza and passed unanimously to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2013.

As agreed upon at the December 5th meeting, Fran Aguirre investigated on-line banks. Although their rates are good, there is no procedure for business/government entities to open accounts, only individuals. M/M Bob Prout, M/S Matt Ward and passed unanimously to open a $100,000 CD with two of the supervisors and Glen Van Olden as signers. Fran will prepare a resolution for passage at the February 6th meeting.

Glen Van Olden reviewed the Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Plans certified in December 2013. M/M Matt Ward, M/S Bob Prout and passed unanimously to accept all actions taken on Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plans certified in the month of December 2013.

1 CORRESPONDENCE

Memo dated 12/17/13 from Frank Minch, SSCC, enclosing the 2014 Schedule of SSCC Meetings.

Glen Van Olden sent a letter dated 12/11/13 to Joseph Pisauro, Bloomfield’s Tax Assessor, requesting a written determination regarding the tax exempt status of the property at 80 Orchard Street. No response has been received.

The district received the minutes of the final Urban Conservation Action Partnership (UCAP) meeting held 12/19/13. Matt Ward and Glen Van olden attended the meeting. It was decided that the monies that had previously been donated to the NACD be dedicated to the Envirothon. The remaining assets, a trailer and tools, were donated to the Morris County Soil Conservation District. UCAP was officially dissolved by a unanimous vote.

Pursuant to Fran’s inquiry on 12/11/13, the district received a letter from the IRS dated 12/20/13 confirming HEP’s Employer Identification Number. This letter will be required to open any type of account at any new bank.

CHAPTER 251

New West Developers, Blue Ribbon Square, Irvington/Newark - HEP File #207-E-3000 A Stop Work Order was issued on 12/3/13 for continued unlawful importation of construction debris, demolition debris and soil; deviation from the approved plan; and for failure to maintain compliance with the soil erosion and sediment control certification. Additionally, proper erosion control installations were not installed and maintained. The NJ DEP is aware of the site and has issued several Cease and Desist Orders. After a lengthy discussion M/M Matt Ward, M/S Bob Prout and passed unanimously for Charles Cohen, the district’s attorney, to file a lawsuit.

GENERAL BUSINESS

HEP’s New Administrative Facility – 80 Orchard St., Bloomfield, NJ Glen reviewed the status of repairs, all actions taken, and plans for renovation. He presented a spreadsheet for total costs associated with 80 Orchard Street as of 12/31/13.

Sionas is still working on updated plans incorporating all of the NJDCA’s requirements including the fire system.

Bob Prout commented that perhaps the district could have its next meeting at 80 Orchard Street. Glen responded that currently the district could not comfortably conduct a meeting at the new building, especially given the condition of the bathroom and the fact that there almost no furniture there.

2 2014 Joint Annual Conservation Conference Former Camden SCD Manager, Bob Dobbs, has been recently hired by the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts (NJACD) as its Executive Director. Matt Ward informed that he spoke to Bob Dobbs today and Bob asked Matt to serve as co-chair for the Conference. Matt will attend the SSCC and NJACD meetings on 1/13/14. Matt would like to have the conference in the Jersey City/Gold Coast area. He presented many ideas to rebrand the event including involving politicians, other support groups, press coverage, and bringing back the Supervisors Breakfast. Discussion followed. Since the Gold Coast area is expensive, cost should be a factor when deciding on a location. The cost should not be prohibitive so that more people attend. Bob Prout suggested a seminar for construction officials. Glen Van Olden commented that in the past HEP’s labor law attorney had offered to give a free seminar and might possibly still be available.

EXTENSION –Dr. Amy Rowe, Environmental & Resource Management Agent

The Organic Land Care Certificate Course is being held 1/27, 1/28, 1/29, 2/3, & 2/4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown.

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards program started in Wayne. Currently there are seven students.

The veterans program is in the planning stages for a March 3rd start. This year’s class will be held in Newark rather than at the East Orange VA.

There has been no update on the Passaic County Parks Plan.

USDA/NRCS – Dan Mull, District Conservationist – Absent

There was one Conservation Agreement for the Pappas Farm which, after discussion, was tabled until the 2/6/13.

SSCC/NJDA – Ferdows Ali

Ferdows reiterated that the cost of the Annual Conservation Conference should be a concern.

The next meeting of the SSCC is on 1/13/14 in Trenton.

The working groups need to progress to finalize their reports.

3 A new venue is being sought for the Regional Supervisor meeting.

Dr. Ali questioned Glen Van Olden regarding Newark’s Exempt Municipality status. Glen informed that there is a slow but steady attempt to raise the city’s compliance level.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, M/M Bob Prout, M/S Carl Quazza and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert J. Prout Secretary/Treasurer

MEETING NOTICE The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at The HEP-SCD District Office 15 Bloomfield Ave. North Caldwell, NJ 07006