MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

The Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission was held in the Borough of Interlaken Municipal Building, 100 Grassmere Avenue and called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Don Brockel. After the Salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of C.231, P.L. 1975, were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on January 29, 2015, posting where required and filing a copy of the notice with the Commission Clerk.

ROLL CALL

	PRESENT	ABSENT
Allenhurst	X
Asbury Park	X
Deal		X
Interlaken	X
Loch Arbour	X
Neptune	X
Ocean	X

 

Presentation by Township of Ocean Mayor Christopher Siciliano

Mayor Siciliano explained that Ocean Township would like to install 6 to 9 Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTD’s) to be included as part of the Township’s 2015-2016 Road Program.

He went on to say there is an NJEIT Grant that is available through the Infra-structure Trust Fund that could be used for sediment cleanup of Deal Lake. It would be a partial grant with a very low interest rate on the amount borrowed. Ocean Township would be the lead agency but they would like to have the other Deal Lake Commission municipalities involved.

Mr. Nissim, the Interlaken representative, suggested a meeting be set-up with the other Mayors’ to further discuss this project.

Dr. Souza, who was conference called in on the matter, said this could help in securing the 319(h) Grant in that it shows we are identifying and prioritizing where the problems are coming from.

Bruce Fromer, the Allenhurst representative, asked how much silt and sediment is eliminated with the MTD’s. Dr. Souza said between 60% – 85%.

There was more discussion on the subject and it was decided Ocean Township would be sending out letters to the other Mayor’s to arrange for a meeting to discuss the matter in depth.

Resolution #1 – Resolution to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting, August 20, 2015 (Interlaken and Neptune do not vote)

UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on August 20, 2015 be and the same are hereby approved.

RECORDED VOTE:

Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean

Nays: None

Absent: Deal

Resolution #2 – Approve the Treasurer’s Report and Authorize Payment of Bills:

UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for September 17, 2015 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment.

BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH:

TD Bank, NA………………………………………………………$138,573.32

NJ Cash Management Fund…………………………………………..39,884.93

TOTAL ON DEPOSIT……………………………………………………$178,458.25

RECEIPTS

            Interest – TD Bank (August)………………………………………………..9.59

Interest – Cash Management Fund………………………………………….0.00

Other…………………………………………………………………………0.00

TOTAL RECEIPTS……………………………………………………………….9.59

DISBURSEMENTS

            Lorraine Carafa (September)……………………………………………..216.67

Jessie Joseph (September); supplies reimbursement $13.78……………..422.11

Princeton Hydro, LLC (Inv. #27510 – weed treatment – $1,170.00;

Inv. #27509 – general – $362.00)……………………………………1,532.00

Leon S. Avkian, Inc. (Inv. #34452 – general engineering)…………….1,200.00

Hunt Parry, Esq. – 3^rd Qtr. Legal Services………………………………675.00

Don Brockel – reimbursement…………………………………………….64.19

Sam Hartung – 3^rd Qtr. Web Services……………………………………200.00

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS…………………………………………………4,309.97

BALANCES AFTER SEPTEMBER DISBURSEMENTS

TD Bank, NA………………………………………………………..134,272.94

NJ Cash Management Fund……………………..……………………39,884.93

TOTAL ON DEPOSIT……………………………………………………$174,157.87

RECORDED VOTE:

Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean

Nays: None

Absent: Deal

OLD BUSINESS

1. NRCS/DEP – Don Brockel reported that we have been awarded $1.7 million for dredging on the east end of the lake. The dredging should begin somewhere around October 1^st. At this time the cost of the disposal is unknown. He went on to say the DEP press office has been in touch with him to do a press release on the project.

2. Flood Hazard Risk Reduction Resiliency Grant Program – Mr. Avakian reported that the second round of funding has not been announced, but it appears it should be sometime in October with a due back by date of November. He reminded the Commission this grant is not for dredging and they are looking for a storm resiliency project. He feels the plan for a tide gate should meet the requirements.

3. Beach Replenishment – Mr. Avakian said that the sand replacement and Contract #1 is complete. Contract #2 should begin soon. The flume appears to be okay at this point, but we really need to keep an eye on it.

4. Sunset Avenue Bridge Replacement – Mr. Brockel passed around a photo that shows the progress of the bridge. The major concern is the sandbags that are located within the coffer dam area. He is going to reach out to the County and get them to ensure the Commission that all material from the bridge project is removed from the lake prior to the new decking being put in. Sue Henderson, Asbury Park Commissioner, wants assurances that whatever went into the lake comes out of the lake.

5. 2015 Weed Treatment Program – Dr. Souza submitted a report included at the end of these Minutes as he was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.

6. NOAA Grant – Tawna Mertz of TKM Marketing, Inc, was the grant writer for the previous NOAA Grant that the Commission applied for. She has been in touch with the DLC and has advised them that there is a NOAA Grant for debris removal that appears suitable for the Commission to apply for; the application is due by November 1, 2015 and Ms. Mertz will need a month to prepare the required documents. The estimated costs to revise and compile the application is $1,400.00.   In Dr. Souza’s comments on the attached report, he recommends that the DLC should once again apply for this grant. After a brief discussion, the Commissioners agreed to authorize Ms. Mertz to submit an application on behalf of the Deal Lake Commission, with the assistance of Dr. Souza and Mr. Avakian as necessary.

Resolution #3 – Authorize the preparation of NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service FY2016 Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grant application by Tawna Mertz of TKM Marketing, Inc.

UPON MOTION Asbury Park, seconded by Neptune, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:

WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission has previously contracted with Tawna Mertz of TKM Marketing, Inc. to identify suitable grant opportunities for the Commission; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Mertz has identified the NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Services FY2016 Community-based Marine Debris Removal opportunity that could be utilized in conjunction with the already awarded NRCS/DEP dredging project for Deal Lake.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Deal Lake Commission hereby authorizes the preparation of the NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service FY2016 Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grant by Tawna Mertz of TKM Marketing, Inc. at a cost not to exceed $1,400.00 for the period from September 17, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

RECORDED VOTE:

Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean

Nays: None

Absent: Deal

7. Deal Lake Master Plan – After reviewing the comments Dr. Souza made in the attached report, it was moved by Ocean, seconded by Interlaken to hold this until the meeting of October 15^th.

8. Fall Clean-Up – Mr. Brockel reported that Monmouth University is not holding their Big Event until November 7^th. He suggested we still do our fall clean-up on October 24^th and use Monmouth University students on November 7^th to finish what we couldn’t get to on the 24^th. Erin Dolan, the Loch Arbour representative, will be in charge of the event on November 7^th.

9. Fall Ads – Mr. Brockel requested that the Commission authorize ½ page ads to be placed in The Coaster, Tri-City News and the Asbury Park Sun and run for three weeks to announce the Fall Clean-Up and remind residents about not blowing leaves into the Lake during leaf season.

Resolution #4 – UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the Commission Clerk be and she is hereby authorized to place ½ page ads in The Coaster, Tri-City News and the Asbury Park Sun for a three week period with information regarding the October 24, 2015 Clean-Up and to stop blowing leaves into the Lake for a cost not to exceed $500.00.

RECORDED VOTE:

Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean

Nays: None

Absent: Deal

NEW BUSINESS

1. Fireman’s Pond – Mr. Brockel reported on the e-mail he received from a resident that lives on Lake Drive and her concerns with the level of the pond being so low and murky. He feels the lack of rain may be one of the problems, but what the pond needs is a good dredging. He will reach out to Ocean Township to try and get that cleaned up. With Ocean Township’s help we can hopefully remove the organic material and leaves. Mr. Nissim asked when the last time Fireman’s Pond was dredged. Mr. Avakian said sometime in the 1960’s.

2. NJ Confluence – A Volunteer Water Monitoring Summit – Mr. Avakian explained that this event will be a forum to bring together organizations in New Jersey that have a water quality monitoring program and provide them with information, tools and connections. It is specifically geared specifically towards non-profits.

3. Mr. Brockel reported that the State will be coming in sometime next week to shock the lake and do a fish study.

PUBLIC HEARING

UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Neptune, carried that the meeting be opened to the public for comments.

Kam Chan, 1302 S. Wanamassa Drive, asked if the Lake would be closed during the fish study.

Mr. Brockel said it will be on the web site when the study will take place.

Michael Leopold, 1302 S. Wanamassa Drive, had questions regarding the grant and proposal process and he questioned the need for a grant writer.

Mr. Nissim explained that there is an art to the process of applying for a grant and the grant writer knows the in’s and out’s of the process.

Ms. Henderson said one of the big differences now when we apply for grants is we have a Mayor on board. We didn’t always have the support of the Mayors.

Mr. Brockel went on to explain that we are one of a handful of watersheds allowed to apply for funds.

There was a brief discussion on dredging.

Mr. Brockel suggested if there is a concern about the clean up at the bridge replacement project, they should take videos and pictures with a time stamp. They should not hesitate in contacting the DLC and we will make sure their concerns are forwarded to the proper parties.

There being no further comments, and UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Neptune, carried, that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business, and UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Neptune, carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 PM.

                                                                                    ____________________________________

                                                                                                                 Jessie M. Joseph, RMC

                                                                                                                       Commission Clerk