Matthew P. Geist

Key discussions included the Solar Simplified agreement focusing on outreach efforts and a slow police pollution report concerning a sewer odor. The committee is attempting to secure necessary reporting to prevent the Recycling Compliance action from expiring. Reports covered consolidating borough events onto one calendar. Unfinished business included follow-up on GIS mapping for the Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI), working on a Newsletter using an outreach grant, and scheduling mechanical assessments for the municipal facilities audit under the Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Partnership Program grant, as the initial energy audit was limited to lighting. Progress on the Raritan Ave restoration involved planting over 200 trees and shrubs. Updates on the 'Got Sneakers' program were reviewed, showing significant displacement of materials from landfills. The commission is planning for the 2026 budget, potentially including water quality testing, and setting goals such as cleanups, Earth Day events, and promoting Community Solar. New business introduced discussions regarding a $20K SJ/PSEG grant, measuring air pollution, and planning a Light Pollution Display at the library in January.

Key discussions focused on park improvements across different locations. For Victor Crowell Park (VCP), the RFP committee interviewed engineering/planning firms, with plans to select the top two for input before presenting to the Council. A book exchange 'house' was approved for installation by the DPW. Old business included feasibility discussions regarding Christmas lights at VCP and a plan to remove bamboo growth in the lower fields, west of the falls, during the Fall. For Mountain View Park (MVP), Phase I of baseball fencing is complete, pending installation of 20-foot foul poles. Issues with exploding sprinkler heads and gopher holes on the soccer field are being addressed with the DPW. The committee noted that while current softball/baseball lights are adequate for practice, they are insufficient for games due to faulty ballasts requiring a $16K replacement, for which the District is negotiating cost-sharing with the Borough. The MVP Bathrooms have been purchased for installation in early 2025.

The meeting agenda includes standard procedural items such as the Call to Order, Open Public Meeting Act Statement, Pledge of Allegiance, and Roll Call. The new business section features a Minor Site Plan application (JLUB 2025-008) for a sign related to Scotch Plains Specialty Pharmacy at 242 Lincoln Blvd. Correspondence includes a notice from PSEG regarding various permit applications. The agenda also reserves time for Board Comments and Public Comments.

The meeting included a commitment to continue collaboration with the Environmental Commission on new projects. Updates were provided on the Space Fest, including discussions on vendor pricing, expected attendance, and suggestions for themed food items. The Chairman discussed developing relationships with other municipalities for larger events, noting a prior consultation with a representative from Sayreville regarding their festival of lights. An update was also given on the holiday decorating contest. Logistics for the next craft swap were finalized, including setting the date, time, and reservation of the community room. The current financial balance was confirmed.

Key discussion topics for the meeting included continuing collaboration with the Environmental Commission on new projects and further discussion regarding vendors for Space Fest. Unfinished business involved continuing work on a multicultural day event and creating a planning calendar for Culture & Arts events and activities. New business items focused on fundraising strategies for the committee, planning new events for 2026, and planning for a Color and Flower Festival in 2026. The current finance balance was reported as $892.00.