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Mendham EC presses for tree-ordinance input, outlines spring outreach and cleanup events
Summary
The commission reviewed the tree ordinance and stormwater compliance, noting current practices exceed state requirements but that some Township Committee members are hesitant to vote on changes; commissioners also organized an April 18 stream cleanup, native-plant sale (Apr 1–21), and a library seminar series.
The Mendham Township Environmental Commission reviewed the township’s tree ordinance and recent stormwater-compliance measures and mapped out several spring outreach events, including a stream cleanup and a native-plant sale.
Commission members said the current tree ordinance contains a replacement mechanism and that township practices already exceed state stormwater requirements. However, commissioners also noted that three members of the Township Committee are uncomfortable voting on the proposed ordinance changes, meaning the EC’s recommendations may not be adopted at this stage. The commission emphasized its advisory role and discussed strategies to provide scientifically grounded replacement approaches and public education about existing rules.
Members discussed township updates reported by liaison Sarah Neibart: the former police station is opening as a reservable community space; Mendham East and Mendham West sewer systems are being sold to stabilize rates and eliminate debt; and the 3 Tingley property is under contract pending an environmental assessment tied to a former oil change operation on the site.
On community events, Mary Calabro outlined the Raritan Headwaters-sponsored stream cleanup planned for April 18 on Tempe Wick; participation is restricted to people 16 and older because of busy-road safety concerns, and nine volunteer slots remained at the time of the meeting. Bernadette Koenig is registered for the Mendham Township cleanup at Ralston’s Wysong Park. Mary also summarized private well-testing options through Raritan Headwaters and noted that results from 32 local tests were recently published in the township newsletter.
Kylie announced a native plant sale running online from April 1–21 with plant pickup scheduled for May 2 from 2–4 p.m.; she asked for volunteers to help retrieve plants that morning. Phil Pepe described plans for an environmental seminar series at the Mendham Township Library that would cover sustainable landscaping, invasive species control, wetland identification and related topics, and discussed publicity channels including Wendy and local media and the possibility of televising sessions via Mendham TV.
Next steps include Mary finalizing cleanup supplies and outreach to schools and student environmental clubs, Kylie coordinating plant-sale volunteer outreach and newsletter items, and Phil continuing seminar scheduling and publicity coordination with Wendy and local media.
