Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes July 28, 2016 1. Call to order by Chairperson Stephan Stocker at 7:42 PM 2. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Stephan Stocker, Chairperson. Let the minutes reflect that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in the following manner: At the meeting of the Commission held on January 28, 2016, the posted annual calendar of meetings of the Madison Environmental Commission was approved with minor modifications which were submitted to the Borough and posted at the bulletin board at the main entrance of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building; were sent to the Madison Eagle and the Daily Record and filed with the Borough Clerk; all in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. 3. Present: Stephan Stocker, Claire Whitcomb, Trina Milik, Mary Ellen Kapalos, Judy Honohan, Jeff Gertler Absent: Mary Lewis, Amy Terracciano, Patrick Rowe, Council Liaison Guest: Pammy Lewis 4. Minutes of June 23 meeting not discussed 5. Mail received: none 6. Applications for review: none 7. Guest presentation: Pam Lewis, Madison resident who previously served on Watching Environmental Commission, provided the commission with a proposal for Council consideration, to restrict or ban all pesticides known to harm bees. New Jersey has in place (Chapter 9, Section 3) regulations to protect honey bee hives. Owners of hives must register with NJ Pesticide Program in order that they receive 24 hour notice of any pesticide spraying of 3 or more acres within a 3 mile distance. After extensive discussion the following were suggested: Request Madison Borough Attorney, or other appropriate individual from the Borough, contact NJ State officials regarding imposition of guidelines stricter than those for the State in general.  From Jeff the suggestion that local garden shops be encouraged to replace some bee-toxic pesticides with others known to be safe. MEC will include bee and pollinator information/display at the Bottle Hill Day booth. Submit to the Council a letter explaining the requirements in PCPNJ Chapter 9, Section 3 to be mailed to all hive owners. In addition, the letter would be mailed to any business or individual using pesticide sprays on three or more acres of land. Claire and Judy, with Pam’s help, will explore a Fairwood’s neighborhood Green approach to pesticide use through a neighborhood based landscaper. An educational colloquium for the public at the Chase Room. 8. Continuing Business Social Media: Mary Ellen- working on a unique identifier name for an MEC Twitter account. Efficiency of Effort!: Trina is developing contacts with other “Green” motivated groups in the Borough to prevent duplication of effort and streamline communication. Shade Tree Commission: Trina will research which tree species the Borough currently plants and what their future plans are (if any) to maintain diversity. Reuse/Recycle Shoes: Claire has received a check for $39 which represents the proceeds of the first two boxes of shoes recycled this year. Probably the shoes collected at the YMCA. Someone (who?) from MEC will check with Frank Russo of the Borough regarding any ordinances or guidelines in effect when trees are planted on land cleared for development. Question is are they native, long lasting, good for maintenance of diverse wildlife? Bottle Hill Day: Judy is developing an old fashioned light bulb, buzzer, battery powered question and answer quiz board around the importance of native plants for maintaining diversity. It is hoped it will draw children’s interest in our booth. Suggested a collection of small garden tools and a small native tree could be prizes for participants. Names could be entered based on number of correct answers to the quiz game. Also at Bottle Hill a display (or other) re bees and the importance of pollinators and their health; renewable energy. 9. Adjournment: Motion by Claire, second Judy. Approved 9:05 10. Next meeting: Thursday, August 25 at 7:30 PM Judy Honohan