TOWNSHIP OF MILLBURN OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date: February 25, 2026 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Millburn Free Public Library. 2nd Floor Auditorium, 200 Glen Ave. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Open Space Advisory Committee was called to order at approximately 7:00 pm by Secretary Alex McDonald. 2. ROLL CALL Present: ● Alex McDonald ● Ben Stoller ● Steve Green ● Priya Patel ● Michael Langley ● Debra Nevas ● Brad Jenkins (via Zoom) ● Josh Reiter ● Caitlin Fisher (in-person serving as ex-officio for Matt Laracy) Absent: ● David Cosgrove ● Matt Laracy The Chair, Ben Stoller welcomed members and noted that prior meeting delays were due to severe winter weather conditions. 3. FORMAL ACTION No formal action was taken. 4. DISCUSSION 4:1 Submission Form ● The Committee developed a standardized submission form with a Likert-scale rubric to evaluate projects on community benefit, environmental impact, financials, and alignment with the Open Space and Recreation Plan.� ● Form and rubric are ready to finalize, post online, and ensure consistent, objective review. ● Functions as a guide for consistent evaluations across projects. 4:2 High School Field Improvements and Surface Options ● Project involves a 50/50 Township and Board of Education partnership to modernize high school fields in a floodplain. ● The goals fo the project are to increase playable time, improve scheduling/access, expand active recreation, and address field shortages. ● The committee discussed surface options for the proposed fields including synthetic turf (no-infill, organic infill), hybrid, and natural grass; It was determined turf offers lower long-term maintenance costs and greater durability. ● The total project cost $7.6M with the Township’s share being $3.8M; Potential 10–20 year bond financing to manage annual debt. ● Upgraded fields could generate revenue from rentals to offset costs. ● The Committee raised concerns about using a large portion of Open Space funds, environmental impacts, and ensuring a fair funding structure. ● Engineering confirms floodplain location manageable; natural grass would require more maintenance staff and may be impractical. ● Consensus: project improves community playability and addresses recreation needs, but financing, fund allocation, and surface choice require careful consideration. 4:3 Engineering and Project Timing ● Project currently in engineering/design phase; timely decisions needed to coordinate with Board of Education and avoid delays. ● The Committee’s recommendation will inform the Township Committee bond ordinance decision. 4:4 Financing and Open Space Trust Fund ● Open Space Trust Fund balance $2.013 M (includes 2026 levy $1.006M). ● Bond options: 10, 15, 20, 25 years; longer terms reduce annual debt service and preserve funds for other projects. ● Financing flexibility allows continued support for other initiatives (e.g., future pocket parks) without jeopardizing the field project. Township has AAA credit rating, low taxes, and strong financial stability. 4:5 Field Usage and Community Demand ● Current demand exceeds field capacity; existing grass fields often unusable after rain. ● Synthetic or hybrid fields provide reliable, year-round play.� ● Project addresses youth athletics, school programs, and community recreation shortages. 4:6 2026 Meeting Schedule ● Meetings held fourth Monday of each month, 8:00 PM via Zoom. ● Adjustments for in-person meetings will be announced as needed. 5. FINANCIAL REPORT The financial report was presented by Caitlin Fischer. ● Beginning balance 1/1/2026: $1,007,311.48 ● 2026 levy revenue: $1,006,043.81 ● Expenses to date: None ● Ending balance: $2,013,355.29 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairman Stoller opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Key topics raised included: ● Use of Open Space Trust Fund: Several residents expressed concern about allocating funds for synthetic turf fields instead of land preservation, park improvements, or other environmental projects. ● Environmental Impacts: Commenters highlighted potential negative effects of synthetic turf, including microplastics, heat retention, and broader ecological concerns. ● Funding and Alternatives: Suggestions were made to explore community fundraising to supplement funding and to evaluate alternatives that would benefit a wider segment of the community. Support for Playability: Youth athletes and parents emphasized the importance of improved playability and increased field availability. ● Lessons from Other Municipalities: Experience from other towns indicated that natural grass restoration in wet conditions requires significant investment in soil preparation, drainage systems, and ongoing maintenance. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 pm.�