Ocean Township EC details student 'Skip the Stuff' contest, discusses textile‑recycling bins and community energy plan scheduling

Julia (commission member) led discussion of the Environmental Commission’s EC Contest 2026, called "Skip the Stuff." She proposed carrying forward contest rules from the prior year but strengthening parental‑consent language and adding a clear page on the intake form for parent contact information. Commissioners discussed distribution channels; staff said the town would post the contest and commissioners planned to circulate the flyer to schools, the Coaster and social media.

Contest requirements discussed on the record: one YouTube video per student, 30–60 seconds in length, three categories (K–4, 5–8, 9–12), adults may not be principal actors, bilingual submissions encouraged, no profanity or copyright infringement. Commissioners said the timeline should allow students time during spring break and that submissions were targeted to be due by Earth Day.

On textile recycling, Julia described Helpsy’s offer to place donation bins around town at no cost; Helpsy would collect textiles, recycle and resell usable items, and reimburse the township for collections. Commissioners raised procurement and legal questions because Helpsy is not a nonprofit and a revenue‑sharing arrangement may require a formal bidding process or vendor review. Nancy and others urged exploring nonprofit alternatives; resident Steve pointed to a Family Resource Association program that can provide donation pickup and paperwork as a nonprofit option.

Under new business commissioners discussed scheduling a community engagement meeting tied to the Blue Sky community energy master plan. A presenter explained Blue Sky is the consultant on a state grant to develop a community energy plan and that delays had occurred when a state department’s payment processing stalled consultant work. Commissioners flagged tight grant deadlines and the need to confirm with Tracy and grant administrators before moving the April meeting from the 9th (which overlaps with Passover) to April 16. Norm proposed April 16 as an alternate date pending confirmation that quorum and grant deadlines would be satisfied.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff will finalize contest intake language and distribution, commission members will identify school contacts for program materials, and staff will confirm procurement requirements and grant deadlines before formalizing any meeting reschedule. No formal votes on Helpsy or Blue Sky scheduling were taken at this meeting.