Environmental Advisory Council

EAC January 21, 2025 Minutes Members in Attendance: Steven Nelson, David Reidel, Grant Alger (via Zoom), Karen Graziano (via Zoom), Jason Wood, Patrick DeBiasse, and Planning and Zoning Director Karyn Hyland. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:37 pm. Reorganization: Karen Graziano and Steven Nelson were both nominated to be chair. Steve respectfully declined due to time commitments, and Karen is away too often to be chair. The Council unanimously nominated and voted for Grant to be the Chair and for Karen to remain Vice Chair. Approval of Minutes November 19, 2024: Minutes were approved. Reports: Farmer’s Market/Outreach & Communication: The EAC’s website received some updates. Dave suggested initiating communication for upcoming initiatives, and Steve agreed, especially with the DCAP. Karen would like an EAC member to attend one Farmer’s Market per month. She thinks the last market of each month would be the best option since it is after the EAC’s regular meeting. Having a regular presence at the Farmer’s Market will allow for information to be shared with the community and to receive feedback from the community. Earth Day: The event is scheduled for April 26, 2025. According to the notes from the previous meeting, there is a request to look for additional musical groups; Grant will try to arrange a Bird Walk, and Karen will try to get a master gardener. Previously, several outside groups attended to provide information on an eco-friendly lifestyle, and Dan has been updating that list as people RSVP to participate in the event. DCAP: Steve asked if Grant could join the DCAP subcommittee because other members are leaving the Council. There is one more meeting as a subcommittee to finalize the plan, and then the public meeting and presentation to the Council need to be determined. There may be two or three more meetings in total. The subscription for the modeling software is about to expire. Karyn will reach out to iclei to add David as a user. David will evaluate the modeling and attempt to complete prior to the software expiraiton. Bird Town: Grant shared an update on Bird Town. Bird Town wants to emphasize volunteering and track volunteers and volunteer hours. He also gave background information on Bird Town with the new EAC members. Bird Town would like the Borough to have a separate Bird Town Committee, which Grant agrees with since there is potential for more time commitments. Comprehensive Plan Update: Karyn shared the current update for the Comp Plan. Some edits need to be reviewed, and then the plan will be distributed as a draft, beginning the 45-day public comment period. The Planning Commission will meet again on February 11th for a public meeting and the plan will be scheduled for adoption at the Borough Council meeting on March 17, 2025. Index of Open Areas: Nothing new to report. Old/New Business: Under New Business, Grant wanted to highlight the Borough Budget, which includes solar panels for the roof of Borough Hall. Also, the budget has a new position for a Sustainability Coordinator, a recommendation mentioned in the preliminary DCAP. It is a new position, and we have an idea of the role, but it will be fluid in the beginning. Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. Respectfully Submitted by: Erika Fellman Minutes Secretary