The Waterways Commission meets the second
Monday of every month at 7:00PM at the Bourough Hall FEB MEETING SUMMARY: Our guest speaker this evening was Dr. Alan Blumberg from the Stevens-Tech Center of Marine Systems. His presentation was on the topic of the possibility/probability of flooding and water damage to buildings, properties and the Eco system by monitoring and forecasting storms. The monitoring of the quality of our bay waters is also a major part of the system developed by the Stevens-Tech Center of maritime Systems. Their web site is: http://Hudson.dl.stevens-tech.edu/ssws/ In going forward by installing this system Tuckerton would be the first municipality in New Jersey to have this monitoring system on the inland side of any bay in NJ. Since Tuckerton is ¾ surrounded by water this system seems to be a perfect fit.
Councilman George (Buck) Evans will convert the Tide Gauge Proposal Power Point Presentation into PDF file as an attachment to the Tuckerton Borough web site.
Following the presentation, there was a question and answer forum. The topic of most concern was the cost of the monitoring system and the life expectancy. John Schwartz reiterated that funding will be from a grant, not from taxpayers. Councilman Jim Edwards inquired about the added expenses, such as power, internet/cable connection, and maintenance on the unit itself. Dr. Blumberg stated the yearly maintenance expenses average $2,000 and the life expectancy of this unit is approximately five years.
Buck Evans commented that Tuckerton Borough has OUTSTANDING Emergency management Care, and the coordinator, Harold Spedding would be available to manage this system. This is a volunteer position held by Mr. Spedding.
John Schwartz thanked Dr. Blumberg for attending tonight’s meeting and for his informative presentation.
John Schwartz addressed the large crowd that attended the presentation. He informed them of Waterways Goals and current projects. There are three major issues being concerns: 1. Spit of land at the end of Little Egg Harbor Boulevard now only 10 feet wide at high tide, 2. Legal Connection from Thompsons Creek and Paradise Cove to the Bay so that the DEP may begin dredging, 3. Seeking grants for the dredging the lagoons at the Bay end of Tuckerton Beach and a dredge material site to build up the beach area. John stated the DEP has been very cooperative working with our members, and most recently performed “Soundings” at Thompsons’ Creek at no cost to the Borough.
John stated that the Waterways Commission recently purchased signs for “No Wake Zone” along the Tuckerton Creek.
Vice Chairperson, Jennifer Sibiga announced the April 12th meeting of the Waterways Commission has invited Dr. Michael J. Kinnish, Research Professor at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. He will discuss characteristics and water quality of Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor. Jennifer will seek the possibility of conducting that session at the Tip Seaman Park as usual the public will be invited.
Vice Chairperson, Jennifer Sibiga announced the April 12th meeting of the Waterways Commission has invited Dr. Michael J. Kinnish, Research Professor at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. He will discuss characteristics and water quality of Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor. Jennifer will seek the possibility of conducting that session at the Tip Seaman Park as usual the public will be invited. | Waterways Commission
Waterways@TuckertonBorough.com
John Schwartz, Chairman
Jennifer Sibiga, Vice Chair
Anthony Scaglione
Gerard Schultz
Ryan Short
William Evans
Mike Savage
Susan Maguire, Secretary
Ed Kent, Alternate #1
Jim Gibb,Alternate #2 |