Open Space Advisory Committee reappoints Richard Conklin; discusses EverGreen Park funding

The Open Space Advisory Committee met on June 4, 2025. Committee Chair Louis Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. and the body completed routine business including the administration of the Oath of Office to committee member Richard Conklin and the unanimous approval of minutes from the Feb. 26, 2025 regular session.

The committee reviewed prior discussion about a property for sale at the corner of Decker Pond Road and Airport Road. Chair Louis Caruso said the committee previously reached a consensus not to pursue that parcel, but the Township Committee subsequently made an offer; there has been no reported follow-up and committee members expressed concern about the proper use of open-space funds and the future of the trust fund. Committee members also noted that there has been no communication with the owner of an office building referenced in the prior discussion.

Member Margaret “Peg” Phillips reported that the Township Committee is considering using open-space funds for improvements and upgrades to EverGreen Park. Phillips noted that “the code allows for up to 30% of the balance of the fund as of January 1 of each year” to be used for construction and maintenance of open-space properties. No public commenters attended the meeting.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn by Peg Phillips, seconded by Richard Conklin; the motion carried and the meeting ended at 7:53 p.m. The committee’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.