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Volunteers collect dozens of bags in Franklin cleanup; commission plans outreach and distributes dark‑sky bulbs
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Summary
The commission reported 54 garbage bags and 25 clear recyclable bags from a recent street/stream cleanup, discussed barriers and retailer engagement to reduce illegal dumping, and approved ordering flyers and distributing amber dark‑sky bulbs from a $2,500 Sustainable Jersey grant.
Stan (S2) gave the commission a summary of a recent street and stream cleanup the commission helped organize, reporting the volunteer effort collected "54 garbage bags, 25 clear bags with recyclables, [a] kids bike, something described as a yard ornament from cement" and two shopping carts recovered from riverbank sites. He said partners included Franklin High School, scouts, the planning board and local volunteers, and that the township Department of Public Works provided pickers and hauling help.
Stan described likely sources and follow‑up proposals: volunteers found heavy debris near a commercial property fence and suggested asking nearby retailers to improve barriers to prevent carts and trash from being tossed over. "He suggested that if nothing else, we can ask Stop and Shop to raise the funds, to make it more difficult to throw," Stan told the commission, noting the store’s manager removed materials quickly when staff engaged during the cleanup.
The commission also discussed outreach tied to a small Sustainable Jersey technical assistance grant. Members confirmed the commission closed out a $2,500 residential energy‑efficiency grant that funded an energy‑efficiency website, a tablecloth and promotional materials and that the grant procurement included 47 packages of amber, dark‑sky‑approved light bulbs (six per package) and at least 500 stickers with QR codes to link residents to the commission’s online resources. "We spent the $2,500. So that grant is now closed," a committee member summarized.
On event logistics, the commission approved an order for outreach flyers from the county print shop (150 copies quoted at $238). Chair (S1) moved to approve the order and a committee member seconded; members agreed to proceed. Commission members said the materials and handouts will be used at an upcoming Franklin High School green fair and at the township's Franklin Day presence to promote residential energy efficiency and dark‑sky lighting choices.
Members also discussed longer‑term measures to reduce dumping in problem locations, including improved physical barriers, vegetation management to recover entangled carts and outreach to property managers. No enforcement actions were taken at the meeting; members noted enforcement and surveillance options raise legal and privacy considerations and that municipal authorities would need to be involved for installation of cameras or physical modifications.
The meeting concluded after brief additional public comment and a motion to adjourn.
