Meeting – April 16, 2020 – Minutes
DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Due to COVID-19 the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission was held via teleconference using the Zoom Meeting platform. The Commission Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. After the salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of Open Public Meetings Act (C.231, P.L. 1975), were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on January 30, 2020 and revised on April 16, 2020, 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 |
OTHERS PRESENT:
Hunt Parry, Esq., Commission Attorney
Peter Avakian, Commission Engineer
Stephen Souza, Environmental Consultant
Jack Szczepanski, Environmental Consultant
Jessie M. Joseph, Commission Clerk
Resolution #20-029 – Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting,
February 20, 2020
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on February 20, 2020 be and the same are hereby approved (Deal does not vote).
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Resolution #20-030 – Resolution to Approve Treasurer’s Report and Authorize Payment of
Bills – March 19, 2020
UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for March 19, 2020 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment.
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH:
Manasquan Bank……………………………………………………………..$ 88,702.08
NJ Cash Management Fund……………………………………………………42,086.72
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT………………………………………………….….$130,788.80
RECEIPTS
Interest – Manasquan Bank (February)………………….…………………………42.25
Interest – Cash Management Fund (January-February)…………………………..116.02
Other – In transit: State of NJ 319H, Qtr.1……………………………………….891.30
TOTAL RECEIPTS……………………………………………………………..1,049.57
DISBURSEMENTS
2020 Appropriations:
Lorraine Carafa, CFO (March)………………………………………………………………….416.67
Jessie Joseph, Admin (March; reimbursement stamps – $11.00)………………………636.00
Don Brockel, reimburse, storage fee (March)…………………………………….118.69
The New Coaster, Invoice #555036; 55001;55141………………………….…….73.59
Mastermix Audio Media, LLC…………………………………………….……..200.00
Hunt Parry, Esq……………………………………………………………………750.00
Syracuse Signs……………………………………………………………………170.00
Leon S. Avakian, Inc. (Invoice #10306)………………………………………..3,201.25
Princeton Hydro, LLC (Invoice #38662)………………………………………….517.20
Sub-total Disbursements…………………………………………………….….6,083.40
Grant Disbursements:
Leon S. Avakian, Inc.
Flume Electrification, Invoice #10306…………………………………………6,793.75
319H Implementation, Invoice #10304………………………………………18,748.75
Princeton Hydro, LLC, 319 Implementation:
Invoice #38663, February 2020………………………………………………..3,241.66
Sub-total Grant Disbursements…………………………………………………28,784.16
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS…………………………………………………..34,867.56
BALANCES AFTER MARCH DISBURSEMENTS
Manasquan Bank……………………………………………………….……….54,768.07
NJ Cash Management Fund……………………………………………………42,202.74
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT……………………………………………………….$ 96,970.81
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
Resolution #20-031 – Resolution to Approve Treasurer’s Report and Authorize Payment of
Bills – April 16, 2020
UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the following Treasurer’s Report for April 16, 2020 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment.
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH
Manasquan Bank……………………………………………………………..$ 54,768.07
NJ Cash Management Fund……………………………………………………42,202.74
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT………………………………………………………$ 96,970.81
RECEIPTS:
Interest – Manasquan Bank (March)………………………………………………55.79
Interest – Cash Management Fund (March)……………………………………….50.14
Other -………………………………………………………………………………0.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS………………………………………………………………105.93
DISBURSEMENTS
2020 Appropriations:
Lorraine Carafa, CFO (April)……………………………………………………416.67
Jessie Joseph, Admin. (April)……………………………………………….……625.00
Clean Waters Consulting, LLC………………………………………………….650.00
Don Brockel, reimburse, storage fee (April: Office365)………………………..193.32
JCP&L (Acct. #100xxxxxx368)………………………………………………….12.00
Leon S. Avakian, Inc. (Invoice #10587)………………………………………..640.00
Mastermix Audio Media, LLC………………………………………………….315.98
The New Coaster, Invoice #55265……………………………………………… 19.96
Sub-total Disbursements……………………………………………………….2,872.93
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Grant Disbursements:
Leon S. Avakian, Inc.
Flume Electrification, Invoice #10586………………………………………3,240.00
319H Implementation, Invoice #10588………………………………………..320.00
Sub-total Grant Disbursements……………………………………………..…3,560.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS…………………………………………………6,432.93
BALANCES AFTER APRIL DISBURSEMENTS
Manasquan Bank…………………………………………………………….48,390.93
NJ Cash Management Fund…………………………………………………42,242.88
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT……………………………………………………$ 90,643.81
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
OLD BUSINESS:
- Flume Electrification – Peter Avakian, Commission Engineer, gave an update on the project. The new surge chamber has been installed. The surge chamber will help to eliminate the ocean surge from entering the lake during hurricanes and major storms.
Don Brockel, Commission Chairman, said that the gatehouse now has a completely upgraded electrical system inside and out. The remote control system is not yet installed. We are looking to have the project done by the end of October. He went on to say that once the project is completed we will be entering into a memorandum of agreement with the DEP on how and when we can open and close the gate. He explained that the DEP has tight restrictions on when it can be used.
- 319(H) Grant –Jack Szczepanski, Commission Environmental Consultant for the 319 (H) Grant, said the 3rd, 4th and 5th Quarterly reports have been submitted for payment. The vendors for the Floating Wetland Islands will not do any work without getting payment ahead of time. He has reached out to the State to explain the situation and is waiting for their response. He brought up the fact that with COVID-19 and social distancing there will be a need to re-think the planting and installation of the FWI’s.
Stephen Souza, Commission Environmental Consultant, said the manufacturers of the MTD’s also will not do any work unless they receive payment. The DEP has made accommodation’s in the past. It is critical to get the money from DEP to the manufacturers.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Mr. Szczepanski said with COVID-19 the DEP is more aware of many of these problems and will most likely be granting time extensions.
Mr. Avakian said the bid documents for the MTD’s are completed. When the money becomes available we will be ready to go. He explained where the locations for each MTD are and how they will work.
Dr. Souza said to wait to advertise for the MTD’s until the funding is sorted out.
Mr. Avakian agreed, saying the work can be done at any time.
- Organic Material Removal from Fireman’s Pond – No Update.
- Water Testing – Monmouth University: Clonet – Mr. Brockel said that next Wednesday, Dr. Jason Adolf from Monmouth University will be setting up a facebook group regarding the lake testing. He will also be holding a virtual Earth Day.
Dr. Souza said he is still waiting for the results of the testing that Dr. Adolf’s group has done so far on Deal Lake.
- Ship & Sniff Program with Clean Ocean Action – Mr. Brockel said he is trying to work with TOSA to do a dye test where some of the hot spots were found.
- Loch Arbour Tree Plating Project – Mr. Brockel said maintenance of the project will be statring soon.
- Seaview Mall Update – Mr. Brockel said this has been put on hold due to COVID-19.
- 2020 Weed Treatment –
Resolution #20-032 – Awarding the 2020 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake
UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Resolution, be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission wishes to address the problem of excessive weed growth in the Terrace Pond and Western Arm of Deal Lake; and
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission authorized Requests for Proposals for the 2020 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake on February 16, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Commission Clerk did duly advertise to receive Proposals for the 2020 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake in The Coaster on February 27, 2020; and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
WHEREAS, in connection herewith, four (4) Proposals were sent out: Princeton Hydro, LLC; Aquatic Technologies; Solitude Lake Management and Black Lagoon; and
WHEREAS, two (2) Proposals were received on April 1, 2020:
Princeton Hydro, LLC Terrace Pond $11,480.00
Western Sunset Arm $ 3,630.00
Solitude Lake Management Terrace Pond – Option One $ 8,992.00
Terrace Pond – Option Two $ 3,468.00
Western Sunset Arm – Option One $ 2,248.00
Western Sunset Arm – Option Two $ 867.00
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission Chief Financial Officer has certified to the Deal Lake Commission that there are adequate funds available for the purpose of award of this contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it does hereby award a contract to Solitude Lake Management, Washington, NJ for the 2020 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake – Terrace Pond Option Two in the amount of $3,468.00 and the Western Sunset Arm Option Two in the amount of $867.00 for a total bid not to exceed $4,335.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the herbicide treatment shall begin mid-May or sooner depending on the weed growth in the areas to be treated and will be completed by October 31, 2020; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Solitude Lake Management shall obtain any necessary DEP permits prior to the application of any herbicides; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the following:
- Solitude Lake Management
- NJDEP
- Deal Lake Environmental Consultant
- Deal Lake Commission Chief Financial Officer
RECORED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Mr. Brockel asked if the public had questions regarding the 2020 Herbicide Treatment at Terrace Pond and the Western Sunset Arm of Deal Lake.
The Commission Clerk announced that she received an e-mail from Bill Hodges an Asbury Park resident and the Alternate Deal Lake Commissioner for Asbury Park, encouraging the Commissioners to approve the weed treatment at the lake. A full copy of his e-mail will be attached at the end of the Minutes (Attachment A).
Brian Watkins, via telephone conference, had questions, comments and concerns regarding the use of herbicides on Deal Lake.
Dr. Souza said the plants that he mentioned are not in Deal Lake. He went on to say that the two sections of the lake that will be treated have been heavily impacted by the weed growth and is a relatively small section of the lake. As far as the impact on the spawning fish, there may be an overlap but Clipper is a fast acting contact herbicide and it should not affect the fish spawn. The
DLC will instruct the applicator to refrain from spraying any plants growing within 10 feet of the shoreline.
- 2020 Spring Lake Clean- Up – Mr. Brockel said the clean-up was cancelled and will not be held this year. We hope to still hold our fall clean-up.
- 2020 Carp Contest – Mr. Brockel said this was also cancelled and there are no plans to hold the contest this year.
- 2020 Assessment Update – The Commission Clerk reported that the Borough of Interlaken and the Village of Loch Arbour have still not paid their 2020 Assessments. Second request letters have gone out. The Township of Neptune recently sent a Purchase Order which was signed and returned. We should have their payment shortly.
NEW BUSINESS
- Teleconferencing of Future Meetings – Ken McGee, Deal Lake Commission Webmaster, briefed the Commissioners on the different levels of the Zoom Platform for meetings. After a brief discussion, the Commissioners decided due COVID-19 and not knowing how closures and social distancing will affect the Commission meetings over the next few months they decided to sign up for the Pro Plan on Zoom Meetings for the remainder of the year. They will decide on a month-by-month basis whether to have the meeting via Zoom or in-person at the Borough of Interlaken Town Hall.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
Resolution #20—033 – Authorizing the Deal Lake Commission to Subscribe to Zoom Meeting
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Neptune, carried that the following Resolution, be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, due to COVID-19 and the closures of public buildings, there exists the need to hold meetings via a virtual platform; and
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission held their Regular Meeting of April 16, 2020 using the Zoom Meeting Platform; and
WHEREAS, due to the uncertain time frame of public buildings re-opening and social distancing, the Deal Lake Commission would like to subscribe to the Zoom Meeting Pro Plan at a cost of $15.00 per month; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes the Commission Chairman and Commission Webmaster to subscribe to the Zoom Meeting Pro Plan for the remainder of 2020 at a cost not to exceed $150.00.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
Resolution #20-034 – Authorizing Temporary Increase for Webmaster Services
UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, Kenneth McGee was appointed webmaster for the Deal Lake Commission at the January 16, 2020 Re-Organization Meeting by way of Resolution #20-015 at a rate of $800.00 annually, paid quarterly; and
WHEREAS, due to COVID-19 and the need to hold the Deal Lake Commission Meetings via teleconference, it has necessitated in extra work and hours for Mr. McGee; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes Mr. McGee to be paid an extra $100.00 per month, as needed, for the remainder of 2020.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2020
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
- Phase 1 319: New 319 effort with NJIT – Mr. Brockel announced that New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) received a $500,000.00 Grant to implement a 3-year project to install and study a mobile floating platform to mechanically remove HAB’s by air flotation using air micro-nano bubble generators. NJIT chose Branch Brook Lake and Deal Lake, because the two lakes were affected by HAB’s in the summer of 2019. The project should be starting sometime within the next year, but right now there is no time frame for the project to begin.
- Phase 2 319: Mr. Brockel said we have applied for a new 319 Grant that would be for a Wastewater Management Plan Update and Expansion of the Deal Lake Protection Plan to prevent, mitigate and control harmful algae blooms.
PUBLIC HEARING
UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Neptune, carried that the meeting be opened to the public for comments:
No one wished to be heard.
There being no further comments and UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business and
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Asbury Park, carried that the meeting be finally adjourned at 8:33 PM.
_____________________________
Jessie M. Joseph, RMC
Commission Clerk
ATTACHMENT A
TO: The Deal Lake Commissioners
FROM: Bill Hodges
I understand the commission will be voting on whether to approve a bid for weed treatment to be applied to the area of the lake from approximately Drummond Court and through to Colonial Terrace. I encourage the DLC to approve the best bid and to move toward getting the weeds treated in an expeditious manner.
My property faces the lake just before Wickapecko Bridge. The weeds both just east before the Wickapecko Bridge and west of the bridge have grown increasingly denser. I have spoken with Don Brockel about my concern about the overgrowth of weeds. I have attended meetings and have spoken in favor of getting these invasive weeds treated before they get any denser.
I know that since early fall the commission has been considering options for treating this overgrowth of invasive weeds and has had repeated discussions around it.
The Deal Lake Commission has treated weeds successfully in the past using professionals to apply the chemicals. Chemical treatment is not an exceptionally large sum of money compared to other methods.
There has never been a problem using this treatment. It has been used around the lake at least seven times in the past. It just requires the right professionals to apply the treatment.
I remember in the past, when the weeds got so thick in this same area, that chemical treatment was no longer possible. Finally, after public outcry- the DLC had to employ a very expensive mechanical treatment to remove the weeds. Still, they were only able to treat the section before the Wickapecko Bridge, since west of Wickapecko could not be treated mechanically. Commissioners, please, I do not want to wait for that situation to happen again. We all know the weeds will only spread and continue to get denser.
I think the DLC has spent adequate time and done their due diligence in exploring the options available to treat these weeds. Dr. Souza has written to the Commission and Alternates fully explaining all mechanical and chemical options. I think he has made a prudent and financially feasible recommendation to treat the weeds chemically. Dr. Souza provided a public presentation on weed control. He explained the kinds of chemicals that can be used to treat weeds effectively and safely. I attended that presentation and feel assured that Dr. Souza knows what is best for the lake and given the limitations we have to deal with – I feel perfectly comfortable that the chemical treatment Dr. Souza recommends is very safe and sound. I live on this lake. I go in the water to remove branches and debris. I wouldn’t encourage you to use the treatment if I felt it was not safe.
The commission moved to have Dr. Souza create a Request for Proposal to move ahead with this process months ago. He did that, and the bids, from what I understand are in.
As I cannot speak during the official part of the Thursday meeting, I am writing to strongly encourage you to approve one of the bids for the weed treatment so that the treatment can be done soon, in the time frame that Dr. Souza has said is the most effective period to treat. Please do not postpone or table the decision making it a moot point. I also ask that you PLEASE READ this statement DURING the meeting and before you vote on the weed control bids.
Thank you for your attention,
Bill Hodges, Alternate Asbury Park Deal Lake Commissioner