FLOOD MITIGATION

Mayor Utter called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and stated that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act PL. 1975,C.231 and has been duly advertised.

Those present were Mr. Lashendock, Mr. Brace, Mayor Utter, Clerk Francisco.  Committee members P. Brislin and J. Barbagallo were absent.

Members of the Flood Mitigation Committee present were Jesse Brace, Deputy Coordinator OEM; Louanne Cular, Resident, Don Stambaugh, Construction Official and Alicia Batko, Township Historian.

Those present were asked to join in the flag salute.

Mayor Utter stated the purpose of the meeting was to gather information regarding those residents and properties affected by previous flooding.  Mayor Utter also stated the goal of the committee is to reduce future flood loss and make Montague Township eligible for cost shared federal funds made available through FEMA’s flood mitigation assistance program.

Mr. Lashendock motioned to open to public for comment.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Several residents of River Rd. were present as well as other residents of the community; they were Bill Guthier, Henry Faber, Jesse Haynes, Reginald Cole, Marie Casaletto, Jean Adamy, Doris Sieperman, Gene Crawford, Barbara Gongarski, James Vealy, Lynn Frost, Scott Frost, Toni Como, Juanita and Norbert Blaskowski.  Each member of the audience had the opportunity to speak.

Suggestions and comments from the audience included concerns regarding the massive pile of debris still present along the Benekill left from the June 28, 2006 storm.  The filling and elevating banks of the River were suggested and the closing off of the Benekill.  One of the residents recommended reaching out to other groups such as “Friends of the Upper Delaware River”, Port Jervis, Milford, Matamoras, and West Fall Townships.

• Correct Ice flow channel to permit debris and ice to flow freely and removal of existing debris.
• Research for possible moratorium on future development and building within flood prone areas.
• Clean up existing debris for firewood by public.
• Reservoirs Controls
• Elevate areas to prevent flooding by using beams
• Condition of dams and potential flooding in event of future failure
• Sandbags
• Evacuations

Mr. Lashendock motioned to close public participation.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mr. Brace motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Submitted by,
Diana Francisco
Clerk
5/22/07