August 3, 2016

DISCUSSION Mark L. Fleder, Esq., Connell Foley LLP, legal counsel to Essex County , introduced the Application for a new Lion and Hyena exhibit to be located to the east of the Giraffe exhibit; he said the lions and hyenas would occupy a new building structure with a separation wall and a new outdoor area. Michael J. Piga, LLA, French & Parrello Associates PA, was sworn in, stated his credentials, and was accepted by the Board to be an expert in landscape architecture. Referring to the aerial view submitted as part of the application, Mr. Piga identified the location of existing exhibits and the area of the proposed new exhibit. The exhibit would be located to the far south area of the zoo, just east of the Giraffe exhibit. Referring to Exhibit A-1, he said the animal holding facility would be approximately 2,500 sq. ft. The height of the front of the building would be approximately 18 feet (12 ft. with 6 ft. parapet); the average height of the entire building was approximately 12 ft. The building would look like the Dutch Colonial architecture seen in Africa’s urban landscape. Referring to Exhibit A-3, Mr. Piga said the building material would be CMU (concrete masonry unit) and cultured stone. Referring to Exhibit A-4, Mr. Piga described the building access points and functions. He said there would be a new maintenance road located to the north side of exhibit to access the rear of the facility. Within the exhibit, there would be a gunite pool, two rustic viewing stations, stamped concrete walkways, exhibit lighting and landscaping. The two separate exhibit yards would be enclosed by an 18’ high hot-wired fencing and black oxidized chain-link fence system each yard would be approximately 10,000 sq. ft. In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Piga said the total area of exhibit would be approximating two acres; the fenced-in area would be approximately one-half acre. The mechanical equipment would be located to the rear of the facility; none would be located on the roof. Mr. Piga identified himself as the landscape architect/engineer who had partially designed the plans; the building architect from Comito Associates PC was not present due to a medical emergency. Mr. Piga confirmed the project was an entirely new exhibit; there was not an existing exhibit for African lions. In response to inquiry from Mr. Grygiel regarding drainage for slopes; Mr.

emergency. Mr. Piga confirmed the project was an entirely new exhibit; there was not an existing exhibit for African lions. In response to inquiry from Mr. Grygiel regarding drainage for slopes; Mr. Piga confirmed the project engineers had provided a drainage report to HEPSCD; he said the water going down the hill would be collected in a swale behind the building and redirected to piping leading to retention basin. There were no questions from the Public Advocate. Robert Rashkes, 35 Oakcrest Road, asked if trees would be removed for the exhibit and how many, and if the project would be submitted to the HEPSCD. Mr. Piga said approximately one-hundred trees would be removed; he confirmed the project would be submitted to HEPSCD. There were no further questions for Mr. Piga. Mr. Fleder introduced Brint Spencer, Director, Turtle Back Zoo. Mr. Spencer advised the Board of his credentials and was accepted by the Board to be an expert witness, Director of Turtle Back Zoo. He confirmed he was familiar with the proposed exhibit. In response to questions from the Mr. Gurland, Mr. Spencer said he had not visited Africa.