Environmental commission backs contract for town environmental inventory; $20,000 grant awarded

Members of the Tinton Falls Environmental Commission told the Borough Council on May 6 they recommend hiring Kratzer Environmental Services to prepare an Environmental Resource Inventory, a factual reference the commission said will support implementation of the borough’s 2024 master plan.

"Kratzer Environmental Services consistently provided excellent quality consulting services and we are thrilled to recommend them for hire," Ellen Goldberg, chair of the Tinton Falls Environmental Commission, said during public comment. Goldberg said the ERI will serve as "an encyclopedia" of the borough’s natural resources and will be used by the commission in an advisory capacity.

Goldberg identified the resolution by number in public comment as "Resolution R-25-72 to award Kratzer a contract to create an environmental resource inventory for Tinton Falls" and said the commission will provide in-kind assistance and learn from the contractor as the work proceeds. She also said Sustainable Jersey and PSE&G awarded Tinton Falls a $20,000 grant toward the ERI and that the borough administration provided matching funds.

The transcript records no separate roll call or recorded, standalone vote on the ERI contract during the public comment exchange. Later in the meeting the council approved a consent agenda by roll call with all members voting yes; the transcript does not list the individual consent-agenda items. The Environmental Commission said it looks forward to community talks and broader public engagement as the ERI work progresses.

The ERI, Commissioners said, will be available to the public for reference and used by municipal staff and volunteer boards when reviewing development plans and advisory work.