TOWNSHIP OF MILLBURN OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date: March 6, 2026 Time: 3:30 pm Location: Virtual Meeting (Zoom) 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairman Ben Stoller at 3:30pm. 2. ROLL CALL Present: ● Mike Langley ● Deborah Nevas ● Priya Patel ● David Cosgrove ● Josh Reiter ● Steve Green ● Ben Stoller (Chair) ● Matt Laracy ● Alex McDonald ● Brad Jenkins 3. FORMAL ACTION 3:1: Funding for the High School Field Improvements Project ● Ben Stoller explained synthetic turf costs about $98 per playable hour vs. $371 for natural grass, making turf 3.8 times more cost-effective. ● The committee clarified it is not deciding the field surface, but reviewing project costs and whether the project benefits recreation. ● A statement from Nick Romano expressed strong support for the Millburn High School field project, citing the urgent need for more playable fields. ● David Cosgrove questioned whether Open Space Trust Fund money can legally be used for the project, noting the ordinance focuses on land acquisition. ● Priya Patel agreed there is a shortage of athletic fields but said she would not recommend using Open Space funds for this specific project. ● Some members, including Brad Jenkins and Deborah Nevas, were concerned about spending a large portion of the Open Space Fund on one athletic project, especially since many goals of the fund focus on parks and environmental resources.� ● Matt Laracy said financing is flexible (5–20 years) and annual debt payments could be 20% of yearly Open Space collections, making the impact manageable. ● Discussion clarified the project might require only 10–15% of the fund annually, lower than earlier estimates of 50–60%. ● The township is in strong financial condition with a AAA credit rating and large borrowing capacity, according to Stoller. ● Some members suggested splitting funding between the Open Space Fund, the general fund, and the Board of Education to balance priorities. ● Supporters including Steve Green, Mike Langley, and Josh Reiter emphasized increasing playable hours for kids, reducing cancellations, and encouraging outdoor activity. ● Reiter also noted that voters approved using the Open Space Fund for field lighting, and supporters stressed that safety and oversight would remain a priority if the project moves forward. Public Comment: Chairman Stoller opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Odarka Stockert: Ms. Stockert urged the Open Space Trust Fund to follow voter-approved purposes, recommending proportional allocation among conservation, recreation, and historic preservation, supporting flood mitigation projects, and expressing concerns about health risks from artificial turf. Rene Paparian: Ms. Paparian noted the field project will move forward without Open Space funds and emphasized that voters did not intend the fund to be primarily used for recreational fields or turf. Vanita Gangwal: Ms. Gangwal of the Milburn Climate Action Group opposed the artificial turf plan, citing high costs, limited lifespan, lack of comparison with natural or hybrid turf, and ecological concerns, while supporting improvements like lighting to enhance field access. Lee Kirschbaum: Mr. Kirschbaum, co-president of Millburn Soccer Club, argued that artificial turf is the only viable solution to address the town’s poor field conditions and growing deficit of playable space for nearly 1,000 children, and that using the Open Space Trust Fund aligns with voter intent and enables coordinated action between the Recreation Department and Board of Education. Judy Cristian: Ms. Cristian urged the committee to prioritize acquiring 128 acres from the 2023 Open Space Master Plan and cautioned against funding the artificial turf field project, citing environmental impacts and limited public benefit, while emphasizing careful evaluation and long-term sustainability. Sam Schmidt: Mr. Schmidt cautioned that funding both turf and lights from the Open Space Fund may be excessive due to turf’s shorter lifespan, noted lighting provides unaccounted playability benefits, and recommended splitting costs with general revenues.� Jean Pasternak: Ms. Pasternak highlighted that sports benefit many town families and build community, urged using available funds and donations to support the fields, emphasized timely action, and noted synthetic turf can aid flood mitigation while continuing open space initiatives. Jeff Feld: Mr. Feld stressed the undisputed need for fields while urging careful, equitable funding that considers the turf’s lifespan, leverages grants, accounts for Board of Education contributions, and recognizes taxpayer impacts, affirming the project will proceed. Jerry Kung: Mr. Kung noted that potential revenue from sports club use of the fields could help offset costs and improve the project’s financial sustainability. No one else from the public wished to be heard. Chairman Stoller closed the public portion. Mayor Frank Saccomandi highlighted that synthetic turf fields provide daily recreational use, aid in stormwater management, and are safer and cooler than older turf. He said using the Open Space Trust Fund is appropriate, and a 20-year bond would preserve funds for future projects. Priya Patel confirmed the fund can legally support recreation projects, while noting it also covers historic and environmental initiatives. David Cosgrove and Josh Reiter suggested setting a cap, such as 15% of the fund, to protect resources for other priorities. Chairman Stoller explained the committee’s role is advisory, and the Township Council will decide on implementation. Steve Green proposed funding only field lighting as a compromise, while Deborah Nevas emphasized giving clear guidance rather than unrestricted approval. Patel noted the committee should focus on evaluating projects using established criteria rather than debating exact percentages. Chairman Stoller made a motion to move the project forward with a 25% cap on the use of the Open Space fund per year. Brad Jenkins seconded the motion. A motion to move the Funding for the High School Field Improvements Project forward with a 25% cap on the use of the Open Space fund per year was made by Chairman Stoller and seconded by Brad Jenkins. Cosgrove Green Jenkins Langley Nevas Patel Reiter Stoller Motion x Second x Yes x x x x x No x x x Abstain Approved 5-3� 4. DISCUSSION No further discussion occurred beyond the formal action. 5. FINANCIAL REPORT No financial report was presented. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT No members of the public wished to be heard. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Chairman Stoller and seconded by Josh Reiter with all in favor at 5:39 pm. �