Meeting – February 18, 2021 – Minutes
DEAL LAKE COMMISSION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
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 7:00 PM. After the Salute to the Flag, the Commission Clerk announced that the notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act C.231, P.L. 1975, were met by transmitting the notice to the Commission’s official newspaper on February 4, 2021, posting where required and filing a copy of the notice with the Commission Clerk. The Deal Lake Commission meeting will be audio and video taped and will be shown on APTV, Optimum 77 and throughout Monmouth County on FIOS 30.
ROLL CALL
| PRESENT | ABSENT | |
| Allenhurst (B. Fromer) | x | |
| Asbury Park (J. Toher) | x | |
| Deal | x | |
| Interlaken (C. Roarty) | x | |
| Loch Arbour (M. Fernicola) | x | |
| Neptune (E. Houghtaling)* arrived at 7:15pm | x | |
| Ocean (D. Brockel) | x |
OTHERS PRESENT:
Hunt Parry, Esq., Commission Attorney
Peter R. Avakian, Commission Engineer
Dr. Stephen Souza, Environmental Consultant
Dr. Jack Szczepanski, Environmental Consultant (319H Grant)
Jessie M. Joseph, Commission Clerk
Resolution #21-025 – Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting
January 21, 2021
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried a motion to amend the Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of January 21, 2021; and
WHEREAS, under New Business, Ms. Toher, would like to amend the Minutes to read “Ms. Toher read from a prepared statement explaining her reason for abstaining on her vote for the Chair”; and
WHEREAS, the Commission Clerk will amend the Minutes and attach the full text of Ms. Toher’s statement to the Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting as “Attachment A” and it will become a permanent part of the Minutes; and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Resolution be and same is hereby adopted:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Amended Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission held on January 21, 2021 be and the same are hereby amended and approved.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
Resolution #21-026 – Resolution to Approve Treasurers Report and Pay Bills
UPON MOTION of Asbury Park, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the Treasurer’s Report for February 2021 be approved and the bills listed authorized for payment:
BALANCE ON HAND – PREVIOUS MONTH:
Manasquan Bank $ 82,380.49
NJ Cash Management Fund 42,311.33
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $124,691.82
RECEIPTS
Interest – Manasquan Bank (January) 79.02
Interest – Cash Management Fund (January) 1.85
Other – 2021 Annual Assessment (Allenhurst, Deal) 4,500.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS 4,580.87
DISBURSEMENTS
2020 Appropriations Reserves:
Mastermix Audio Media, 4th Qtr. Teleconference Management 347.94
2021 Appropriations:
Lorraine Carafa, CFO, February, 1099 Supplies, $55.42; Postage, $22.00 494.09
Jessie Joseph, Admin, February 625.00
Don Brockel, February reimbursement storage fee 129.35
Leon S. Avakian, Inc., Invoice #13219 495.00
Princeton Hydro, LLC, Invoice #41052 450.00
The New Coaster, Invoice #56729, $124.86; #56703, $34.53; #56655, $33.39 192.68
Verizon (a/c#24xxxx875-2-0001; Invoice #9871874350 40.12
Sub-total Disbursements 2,774.18
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
Grant Disbursements
319H, WM18-016:
Leon S. Avakian, Inc., Invoice #13217 2,880.00
Princeton Hydro, LLC, Invoice #41051 1,052.84
Sub-total 319H 3,932.84
Flume Electrification:
Leon S. Avakian, Inc., Invoice #13218 630.00
Total Grant Disbursements 4,562.84
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 7,337.02
BALANCES AFTER FEBRUARY DISBURSEMENTS
Manasquan Bank 79,622.49
NJ Cash Management Fund 42,313.18
TOTAL ON DEPOSIT $121,935.67
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal, Neptune
** 7:15 PM – Eric Houghtaling, Township of Neptune Commissioner, arrived at the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
- Flume Electrification – Don Brockel, Commission Chairman, said we can now remotely open and close the flume. He showed a video link to the gatehouse and explained the remote operation of the opening and closing of the sluice gates.
Peter Avakian, Commission Engineer, reported that the telemetry and operation of the automated gates has been completed. There are a few punch list items that still remain, including the installation of the tide gauges and weather station.
Mr. Brockel would like to do tours of the gatehouse with the Mayor’s and Council’s from each member municipality once the project is completed.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
- 319(H) Grant – Mr. Avakian reported that the MTD (manufactured treatment devices) portion of the project has been bid and awarded to Precise Construction, Inc. A pre-construction meeting was held with the Contractor. The shop drawings were reviewed and approved. The materials have been ordered from the manufacturer by the Contractor. Once we have a better idea of when the materials will be delivered, we will prepare a construction schedule. He gave a brief explanation of the timeline. Also, looking forward to having the group of students from the Asbury Park High School engineering class come out and be present during the construction phase.
Dr. Jack Szczepaksi, Environmental Consultant for the 319(H) Grant, said he also reached out to Mr. Gould from Asbury Park High School about having the students involved with FWI’s (floating wetland islands). He gave a brief update on the project.
Mr. Avakian explained that additional work is being coordinated with Princeton Hydro relating to upgrades of the Asbury Park City Hall rain garden, installation of the floating wetland islands at Sunset and Wesley Lakes and the tree boxes at various locations to be determined. His office has developed conceptual plans for two rain gardens in Ocean Grove that will discharge into Wesley Lake. The plans will be distributed after approval by Ocean Grove.
Mr. Brockel asked if the RFP specifications for the green infrastructure could be ready for the next meeting.
- New 319 Grant Phase I with NJIT – Mr. Brockel reported NJIT was awarded the full grant from the State. No other details at this time.
- Nobility Crest – Mr. Brockel said a certified letter was sent to the developers of Nobility Crest. As of this date no response.
- Shoreline Protection/Education – Mr. Brockel said there is no update at this time.
- 2021 Weed Treatment RFP –
Resolution #21-027 – Awarding the 2021 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake
Dr. Stephen Souza, DLC Environmental Consultant, explained that two bids were received. They were both complete and consistent with the RFP, however there is a big difference in the price and herbicides proposed. Due to his concerns, he would like to get some clarification before making his recommendation on awarding the contract.
After a brief discussion, it was decided to hold off awarding the contract until the next meeting, when Dr. Souza should have the answers to his concerns.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Allenhurst, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that the awarding of the 2021 Herbicide Treatment at Select Areas of Deal Lake be held until the meeting of March 18, 2021.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
- Coca Cola Plant – Mr. Brockel said the Township of Neptune Planning Board is reviewing the plans. He does have a copy of the proposed plan and has some concerns, especially as it relates to stormwater management and the look of the project. The DLC will be on top of the project as it progresses.
Eric Houghtaling, Township of Neptune Commissioner, asked if there has always been an issue in the past with stormwater management at that location.
- Goose/Carp Remediation – To be discussed next meeting.
- Ship & Sniff Program with Clean Ocean Action – Mr. Brockel said the ice on the lake brought up some issues at locations on the lake that normally don’t have problems. He had a zoom meeting with Clean Ocean Action and shared the pictures and his concerns. They sent a proposal to conduct tests at three different locations on the lake at a cost of $75.00 per test. They will be testing the water samples for sewerage leaks.
Resolution #21-028 – Authorizing Clean Ocean Action to Conduct Tests of Water Samples
taken at Various Locations in Deal Lake
UPON MOTION of Neptune, seconded by Ocean, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission hereby authorizes Clean Ocean Action to conduct tests of the water samples taken at various locations in Deal Lake in an amount not the exceed $300.00.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
- Seaview Mall – Held for the next meeting.
- Restoration of 4 lakes/ponds west of Wickapecko – Held for the next meeting.
- Water Testing: Monmouth University and Monmouth County – Ms. Toher reported that two new people have expressed an interest in becoming citizen scientists.
- Balloon Bill – Mr. Brockel said the DLC is 100 percent behind Assemblyman Houghtaling’s bill prohibiting the outdoor release of balloons. It’s been posted to our website, twitter, facebook page and sent to the other lakes in New Jersey. Although we did a Resolution at the last meeting in support of the bill, he will draw up a letter of support on behalf of the DLC and send it out.
There was a discussion on this bill and why there is a need to prohibit the release of balloons outdoors.
NEW BUSINESS
- Dr. Dorfman / Pat Hartman – Mr. Brockel explained that Dr. Dorfman whose property is in Colonial Terrace is having drainage issues with Hollow Brook washing directly into his backyard. The County and the Engineer for Ocean Township have been contacted and they will be working with him to try and resolve his problems. He is also in receipt of a second letter from Pat Hartman, Interlaken, requesting the help of the DLC with the issues on her property as well.
- Corlies Ave. Bridge Study (O-10) – Mr. Brockel said he attended the meeting on behalf of the DLC. It’s going to be a six-year project and they are basically re-doing the bridge.
There was more discussion on the proejct and as more information becomes available it will be discussed at future meetings.
- Winter / Spring Clean-Up – After a brief discussion it was decided to hold the 2021 Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, April 3rd from 9-Noon.
Resolution #21-029 – Authorizing the Advertisement and Purchase of Supplies for the 2021
Spring Clean-Up of Deal Lake
UPON MOTION Interlaken, seconded by Neptune, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission sponsors an annual Spring Clean-Up to remove accumulated debris and trash from the watershed; and
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
WHEREAS, the 2021 Deal Lake Spring Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to purchase supplies and advertise the 2021 Deal Lake Spring Clean-Up.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that the Spring 2021 Clean-Up be scheduled for April 3, 2021 from 9:00 AM to Noon and the Commission Clerk is hereby directed to advertise same in an amount not to exceed $500.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes the Commission Chairman to purchase supplies for the 2021 Deal Lake Spring Clean-Up in an amount not to exceed $200.00.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
- DLC Website Response to Public Questions – Held for the next meeting.
- Discussion of Establishing Rules of Conduct for Meetings – Mr. Brockel had the Commission Clerk explain a Draft Resolution which would limit the public comments to three minutes per person.
There was a discussion on the pros and cons of limiting the amount of time a member of the public would be allowed to speak at the meeting and it was decided to hold this item for a discussion at a Workshop Meeting.
Resolution #21-030 – Establishing Rules for the Conduct of Meetings of the Deal Lake
Commission Concerning Time for Public Comment
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Neptune, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that the Establishment of Rules for the Conduct of Meetings of the Deal Lake Commission concerning time for public comment be held as a discussion item at a Workshop Meeting.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
- Protection of Commissioners Personal Information – Mr. Brockel does not want Commissioner’s personal phone numbers, home address and e-mails made available to the public.
Ms. Toher explained her reasoning for the list of e-mails, addresses and phone numbers. She would like to have a centralized location of these numbers and it will not be circulated with the public.
- Workshop Plan –
Resolution #21-031 – Authorizing a Workshop Meeting for March 18, 2021
UPON MOTION of Ocean, seconded by Neptune, carried that the following Resolution be and the same is hereby adopted:
WHEREAS, the Deal Lake Commission is desirous of holding a Zoom Workshop Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM to discuss 2021 projects of the Deal Lake Commission and working with the Deal Lake Watershed Alliance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes a Zoom Workshop Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Deal Lake Commission that it hereby authorizes the Commission Clerk to advertise the Zoom Workshop Meeting of the Deal Lake Commission to be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM.
RECORDED VOTE:
Ayes: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune, Ocean
Nays: None
Absent: Deal
- Dredging – Mr. Brockel said he received an e-mail from Andrea Kakiashvili, Interlaken, asking if she is responsible for dredging behind her home or does the DLC do it. He explained to her that it is not the DLC’s responsibility, but the DLC could certainly point her in the right direction and help her along the way. Not only is it time consuming and a lot of work, it’s also a lot of money.
Dr. Souza said it’s highly regulated by the State and there is a lot that needs to be assessed first before any sediment removal can be initiated. We do not have any regulatory authority.
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
- Commissioner’s Last Word – Mr. Brockel is implementing a new segment at the end of each meeting. It will be called “Commissioner’s Last Word”. He hopes to have each Commissioner speak for about one minute on any topic of interest or concern.
Don Brockel, Township of Ocean – Tough month for him, wants to move on. And we’re moving on.
Margot Fernicola, Village of Loch Arbour – Totally supports the balloon ban, beach sweep, April 17th, working on litter blowing from recyclable containers and residents putting out their recyclables too early.
Bruce Fromer, Borough of Allenhurst – sent a letter to Allenhurst requesting they put geese control measures on their Agenda for discussion.
Eric Houghtaling, Township of Neptune – Very interested in the former Coca Cola Plant project.
Jeannie Toher, City of Asbury Park – It was not her intention to disparage anyone or anybody in particular at the last meeting. Since than she and Don have spoken and are looking forward to moving on.
Carolyn Roarty, Borough of Interlaken – Thanked Jeannie for her comments – new year, new direction. Her goals for this year are to work on recycling issues with her municipality, working with the municipality in providing homeowners building/renovation along the lake with the proper information and working with the municipality on closing the open storm drains.
PUBLIC HEARING
UPON MOTION of Interlaken, seconded by Neptune, carried that the meeting be opened to the public for comments:
Marty Martino, Township of Ocean, had comments and concerns regarding the following:
- Weed Control – why his section of the lake is not being treated this year
Mr. Brockel said we are not doing it this year based on the advice of the professionals.
Dr. Souza said we did confer with Solitude Lake Management and they said that section did not need to be treated. If weeds pop up contact him.
- Commissioners E-Mails
- Nobility Crest – when will the letter be made public.
Mr. Brockel said once Nobility Crest acknowledges receipt of the letter it will be made public.
- November Workshop Meeting – 2021 goals
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
February 18, 2021
Melanie Howarth, Village of Loch Arbour, discussed the following:
- Forming a Geese Control Committee
Brian Mullins, Township of Ocean, had comments and concerns regarding the following:
- Weed Treatment Program
- Former Coca Cola Plant project
Ernest Magnoli, Asbury Park, wanted to voice his concerns about the lake.
There being no further comments and UPON MOTION of Allenhurst, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the public hearing be closed. There being no further business and UPON MOTION Allenhurst, seconded by Interlaken, carried that the meeting be finally adjourned at 8:45 PM.
_____________________________
Jessie M. Joseph, RMC
Commission Clerk