There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Sebtich and the following members were present: Peter Eagler, James Rogers, Matthew Ward, Ray Egatz, Michael Sebtich, Thomas Sergi, Jim Nieuwenhuis, Patricia Rocca, Robert Bloodgood, Carl Richko. Also in attendance was John D. Pogorelec, Jr., Assistant County Counsel.

The following members were absent: Ponce DeLeon Tidwell, Sr.,. Bill Brennan, Sandra Lawson.

The minutes of the November 10, 1999 meeting were read, there being no corrections, deletions or additions, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the meeting of the November 10, 1999 meeting were approved.

The Chairman noted the presence of a guest speaker and New Business was opened so as not to delay the speaker for the entire meeting.

New Business — The Chairman introduced Terrence Nolan of the Trust for Public Land (TPL). Mr. Nolan introduced himself and noted that TPL is a national organization concerned with the conservation of land in both cities and rural areas and the protection of water quality. They have an urban playground program as well as a land acquisition program for preservation. Mr. Nolan is interested in working with the Committee to potentially help establish partnerships between the State, County and municipalities and not-for-profit groups to help bring in funding. His group is now beginning to consider potential projects in Passaic County. Mr. Nolan them concluded his presentation.

The Committee then went on to discuss the County tax assessment for open space preservation so as to be eligible for Green Acres funding. A motion was made and duly seconded to discuss asking the Freeholder Board to increase the County tax assessment so as to be eligible for State public funds.

A discussion then followed to ask for an increase to one half of one cent ($0 .05). It was noted that to be eligible for other state funding, the County Tax assessment must be at a base minimum of one half of one cent, otherwise the Committee would ineligible to apply for funds under the State Green Trust Planning Insentive Program.

A motion was made and duly seconded that the Committee advise the County Freeholder Board that an increase in the County Tax Assessment for Open Space and Recreation preservation be made to one half of one cent for County eligibility for state funding sources. There being no further discussion the motion was seconded and passed.

Rules Committee — the Rules Committee (the "Rules Committee") reported that the current draft of

proposed rules was sent to a number of non-profit groups with expertise in the area of open space preservation and recreation and comments were received from two groups The Rules Committee was still waiting for other comments and would begin to review them.

Planning Study Committee - the Planning Study Committee reported that they had interviewed Timothy Marshall of the Passaic River Coalition (the "Coalition"), who would be participating in any study done by the Coalition should the Committee accept their proposal. The Planning Study Committee report noted that Mr. Marshall has the experience to be able to help organize private partnerships so as to conserve public funds and has worked with the Central Park Conservancy. He would use his consulting company in conjunction with the Passaic River Coalition and their resources. The Planning Study Committee then recommended to accept the proposal by the Passaic River Coalition.

A motion was made and seconded to discuss the recommendation of the Planning Study Committee for awarding the RFP to the Passaic River Coalition. A discussion followed concerning the merits of the proposal and with Mr. Marshall’s qualifications. The question was raised whether such private donors would be interested in Passaic County. Mr. Eagler noted that there have been few corporate sponsors in the County and although Mr. Marshall may not have access to those donors, he could potentially help to organize donors.

A motion was made for the Committee to accept the proposal of the Passaic River Coalition and for Mr. Rogers to send a letter to the Finance Committee of the Freeholders advising them that the Committee has accepted the Passaic River Coalition proposal. There being no further discussion the motion was seconded and passed

Liaison Committee — the Liaison Committee made no report.

A discussion followed concerning the next meeting date and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was resolved that the next meeting of the Committee would be tentatively set for Thursday, January 13, 2000, at 6:30 p.m.

There being no further business, a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Bloodgood