By DON STINE
The Wesley Lake Commission is adding two new member to its board, for a total of 11, in order to be facilitate operations of the board and include more focus on the lake’s watershed.
Neptune Township Committeeman Michael Brantley, who is also chairman of the Wesley Lake Commission, said attendance at board meetings was inconsistent when he first came onboard about 10 years ago but that things have steadily improved over the years.
“We have a more committed board now than we have had in years. With more people we will have a lot more fresh ideas and concerned people. The board will also function efficiently and be more consistent,” he said.
The Wesley Lake Commission’s charter is signed by both Neptune and Asbury Park officials and there will be five board members from each community with one ad hoc member from no particular town.
Brantley said he believes the board dates prior to 1988. He has been on the board for 10 years.
Also of concern to the commission will be focusing more on the watershed area around the lake. The watershed is mostly in Neptune and Asbury Park.
“We want to focus on every area that runs into the lake and not just on the lake itself.. We want to have input from each town as far as the watershed collection systems, drainage systems and their effects on the lake,” he said.
Brantley said the commission wants to be made aware if there are any construction projects within the watershed area. He also wants to have environmentally-friendly drainage plates placed along streets and highways to keep litter and floatables out of the lake.
“That’s the kind of influence we want to have,” he said.
The commission is also formally appointing a vice-chair under the charter revisions and increasing terms from one year to three years.
