The Verona Environmental Commission (VEC) was established by Ordinance No. 9-92 in 1992, consistent with state laws creating environmental commissions. The Commission is comprised of seven members (one of whom is also a member of the Planning Board) plus two alternates. All VEC members are Verona residents and serve without compensation. The chairperson and regular members are appointed by the Town Manager, and Alternates are appointed by the governing body. In addition, a member of the Town Council attends commission meetings and acts as a liaison between the Commission and the Council.
Read more about the Environmental Commission here: https://ecode360.com/12271111
The role of the Commission is to study, evaluate and make recommendations to the Township Council and the Planning Board regarding local environmental issues, including (but not limited to) preservation and use of parks and other open spaces; clean water resources; stormwater management; air, noise, and light pollution; solid waste management and recycling; energy conservation and renewable energy resources; transportation and circulation planning; and protection of flora, fauna, soil and landscape throughout the Township.
The Commission reviews all applications sent to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment to evaluate their impact on the environment. The VEC also provides environmental information and programs for residents; coordinates activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes; and recruits and manages volunteerism and professional expertise. The VEC may, subject to the approval of the governing body, acquire and administer property in the name of the township. The Verona Environmental Commission is committed to sustainability. It is expected that implementing sustainability programs and projects in Verona will result in long-term cost savings, improved health for residents and municipal employees, preservation of property values, energy conservation to reduce our town’s contribution to climate change, plus additional quality of life benefits.
The VEC is a proud and long-standing member of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), who mission aligns with the VEC to achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health.
Commissioners
Jessica Pearson
Chairperson & Planning Board Liaison
Term Expires: 06/30/2027
Sean DiBartolo
Vice-Chair, Plans Review
Term Expires: 06/30/2025
Sarah Yauch O’Farrell
Commissioner, Social Media Influencer
Term Expires: 06/30/2026
Kelly Peña
Commissioner
Term Expires: 06/30/2025
Fuad Dahan
Commissioner
Term Expires: 06/30/2027
Walter Steinmann
Commissioner, Plans Review
Term Expires: 06/30/2026
Adam Bulger
Commissioner
Term Expires: 06/30/2026
Phil Beaulac
Alternate 1
Term Expires: 06/30/2026
Alternate 2
Alternate 2
Term Expires: 06/30/2025
Council Liaison
The Commission’s Council Liaison is Mayor Christopher Tamburro through 6/30/2025
Each year, the Verona Town Council appoints a Council liaison to the Verona Environmental Commission. The liaison attends meetings and confers the Commission’s recommendations to the Governing Body.
Past VEC Chairs
The first VEC Chairperson was Marc Kaplan followed by Teena Schwartz (former Verona Mayor), Chris Pierce, Lydia Bashwiner, David Freschi, Cinzia Cortese, Jerry Shimonaski, Gloria Machnowski, and currently Jessica Pearson.
Past through Current VEC Members from 1992 to 2024
Marc Kaplan, Beverly DeCheser, Ed Condon (Planning Board Rep.), Larry Gasparo (Planning Board Liaison), Teena Schwartz, Megan Ambroso, Thomas Cocchiola, Robert Masiello, Bill Oser (Planning Board Liaison), Chris Pierce, Lydia Bashwiner, Chris Daniels, Lori Tanner, Jack Grebe, Hans Erdenberger, Joe Carpinelli (Planning Board Liaison), Jerry Caprio, Andrew Robinson, Eric Kohlstaat, Rich Williamson, Jason Apter, David Freschi, Gerard Shimonaski, Cinzia Cortese, Mark Newell, Karen Pensiero (Planning Board Liaison), Genaro Salierno, Marjorie Williams, Kerry Bass, Deborah Jacobsen, Anne Stires, Gloria Machnowski, James Loudon, Tom Freeman (Planning Board Liaison), Tara Bratek, Larry Lonergan (Planning Board Liaison), Virginia Citrano, Anthony Saltalamacchia, Jessica Pearson, Julia Capuano (first VHS student member), Chris Stark, Martin Golan, Michael Foley (Planning Board Liaison), Sarah O’Farrell, Sean DiBartolo, Walter Steinmann, Frank Ceccacci, Michael Auteri, Timothy Kiernan, Fuad Dahan, Christen Dietz, Brooke Berardo, Anthony Castillo, Erdal Ternacioglu and Adam Bulger.