Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Virtual Meeting via Zoom Meeting Minutes submitted by Deanna Schmidt March 28, 2024 Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at approximately 7:31pm. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act was read by Claire Whitcomb: This meeting of the Madison Environmental Commission complies with the Open Public Meetings Act (P.L. 1975 c.231). Notice of this meeting was provided to the Madison Eagle, Daily Record, Star Ledger, and to tapintomadison.com. Copies of this notice are posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of Hartley Dodge Memorial and were made available to the general public. Present: Claire Whitcomb, Bridget Daley, Collette Crescas, Corinne Bowen, Deanna Schmidt, Kirsten Wallenstein, Kate Duignan, Brian Monaghan, Joan Maccari, Ann Huber Absent: Stephan Stocker, Trina Mallik (Associate Member), Bob Landrigan, Council Laision Guests: Tynasyah Keith, Senem Kalyoncu, Mary Campbell, MJC, Kathi Caccavale, Lisa Jordan, Peter Fried New and continuing business Neighbor to neighbor native plant event Most recent event held at Senem’s home, on Surrey Lane. Next up: Kate is looking for inspiration. Idea is to have experts over to have a session about how one should go about designing the yard and maintaining the yard. Will put out a google form to gauge attendance / interest. * Earth Day native plant event: The Support Network Hub (located inside the Madison Community House, April 21st. EV Expo & Green Fair * Peter reported that the EV Expo will be in the train station parking lot on a Saturday morning, April 27th from 11am-4pm. Coincident with Green Fair 9am-2pm, happening across Kings Road. * Toadshade Wildflower Farm will be at Town Hall, as anchor to the Green Fair. * Wildstead is a new garden center in East Hanover. Making debut at Green & Clean event. North Jersey Green Peter reported that article has been provided by Westfield resident regarding native landscaping. Gas leaf blowers Discussion about laying Want to lay groundwork for a seasonal gas leaf blower ban, for implementation next year. Native Plant Ordinance Will be on council agenda April 8th. Electric bus grant Peter reported that Madison was awarded a grant for the senior bus BPU Grant application Peter and the Climate Action Committee is er working on grant application for portfolio of 5-6 projects. If Madison gets the grant, one project will be funded by the BPU  · Solar carport behind police station · Solar on roof Wexford, Madison Housing Authority · Continue grid modernization studies · Supplement Harley Dodge East wing renovation, for heat pumps on ground floor · Supplement town program to provide incentives for people to do electrification, heat pumps and energy efficiency, similar to what JCP&L provides to their customers · Window replacement on BPU garage Electric bill insert Kate Duignan provided an update on strategies to motivate climate action. Electric bill insert will be included in the upcoming month’s bill. Depending on responses, will evaluate what direction to take the project. Park Design Project Tom Salaki’s firm was selected to lead the community input and design strategy of 4 Madison parks Open space committee Brian Monaghan provided an update on turf field replacements. Available spots for residents on the open space committee. Send interest to Brian. * Westfield and Scotch Plains banned new plastic fields; MEC to gather information on towns that have made progress on this issue. Montclair, Maplewood and South Orange have active discussions happening. Potential actions: Interest in setting up a meeting with multiple towns to understand what they are doing. Or, contact members of the above towns to write an article. Shade Tree Report STMB approved the native plant ordinance. Trees were cut down at Community Place Condos, 158 trees were removed. • Madison Commons Condos cut down trees with no permit by a landscape company that isn’t licensed to remove trees. The town is pursuing next steps. • 87 street trees will be planted on town land next week. • NJ Tree Recovery Campaign: Shade Tree ordered 100 seedlings. April 12th is distribution day at Town Hall. Other business: Newsletter around April 8th to provide reminders for plant sales. 5 Central Avenue project is due for a vote at the Planning Board. Friends of the Drew Forest: Trial date is May 20th Minutes unanimously approved from January. Meeting adjourned at 8:58.