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JACKSON TOWNSHIP Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 18, 2026

The August 18, 2026 Environmental Commission meeting was called to order at 7:16 p.m. by Chair, Ray Tremer III, with a salute to the flag by all present. The Recording Secretary read the statement that notice of this special meeting was provided at least 48 hours in advance in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by filing the notice with the Municipal Clerk, posting the notice in the municipal building, and transmitting the notice to the officially designated newspapers.

Roll Call

Dana Jacob, Recording Secretary

Executive Session

No Executive Session.

Payment of Voucher for Recording Secretary

Motion made for approval of payment to the Recording Secretary. Motion: Elsie Helle Second: Phil DeSantis Vote: Motion carried.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion made for approval of June 29, 2026 minutes. Motion: Phil DeSantis Second: Elsie Helle Vote: Motion carried.

Environmental Planning Matters

No Environmental Planning Matters

Legal Matters

The Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) review began last week. A second draft is being prepared. Ray Tremer, Holly Reynolds, Council President Burnstein, and members of the Board reviewing the ERI were present. Initial draft is solid. Suggestions from Holly Reynolds are being reviewed which will strengthen the ERI in several areas. Full review expected at September meeting.

Resolutions

No Resolutions

Board Matters for Discussion

• Continuous review process for ERI.
• Workflow improvements underway to streamline routing of applications directly to the Commission. Written procedures will be established for continuity with Laura Morrison.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Applications

• Two main applications for September:
• 1231 Aldrich Road
• Block 19703, Lots 6,7 and 24 / New subdivision

RAM Development/Warehouse/Whitesville Road

Significant wetlands concerns previously discussed. Pinelands Commission ultimately approved the application. Environmental Commission will issue Letter of No Concern.

ERI Update

• Holly Reynolds reported that the ERI meeting was very productive. During the meeting Holly voiced several concerns which included:
• Integration of build-out analysis in the Master Plan along with climate information and environmental restrictions centrally located within one document.
• Grouped sections to be created, for example, Water, Threatened Endangered Species, Hydrology.

• Maps are filtered to clearly illustrate remaining land available for development.

ERI restructuring will assist in evaluating the environmental impact.

Land Clearing & Proposed Ordinance

Holly Reynolds is preparing a presentation on mass tree clearing to be presented at the Council meeting. Fourteen (14) sites have been identified with mass tree clearing that have been undeveloped for many years. The clearing has now changed the environment, i.e., hydrology, affected neighboring parcels, and endangered species. Proposed ordinance would require all permits obtained before clearing trees and limit clearing timeframe.

Data Center Ordinance

The Environmental Commission issued an email of support for a Data Center Ordinance. It was noted by Phil DeSantis that at the Council meeting two Council members spoke against the Ordinance on the grounds that it may introduce a law suit. Ray Tremer stated that the Planning Board recently voted against the Ordinance because it begins as a Resolution which goes against the Master Plan. The Ordinance now returns to the Council for review and requires a supermajority vote to be passed.

Public Comment

No public present.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn

Motion: Holly Reynolds

Second: Elsie Helle

Vote: Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.