Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes December 14, 2017 1. Call to order by Chairperson Stephan Stocker at 7:30 PM 2. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Stephan Stocker, Chair- person. 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 bulle- tin board at the main entrance of Hartley Dodge Memorial and were made available to the general public. 3. Present: MEC Stephan Stocker, Trina Mallick, Ellen Kranefuss, Renee Shalhoub, Joan Maccari, Ann Huber, Brian Monaghan, Claire Whitcomb, Carmela Vitale 4. Present: Sustainable Madison: Gene Cracovia, Kathleen Caccavale 5. Absent: SM: Marilyn Musielski, Amy Terracciano 6. Guests: Matthew Smith, Food & Water Watch Solar Task Force members: Frank Curran, Mike, David Steketee, Dr. Lisa Jordan, Mike Bianchi. Other guests: Tom and Tori Williams, 7. Continuing Business: Energy strategy discussion continued. Are there renewable energy solu- tions to the town’s need to reduce peak energy costs and provide back up energy during natural dis- asters? * Carmela opened with an update on 4MW generation unit with the potential to be gas powered. The DPW is undergoing renovation. Timeline for the town building a generation unit is at least a year out. * Matthew Smith explained Food & Water Watch’s campaign—100% Fossil Fuel Free by 2035, a date set by the Paris Climate Accord. By 2035 global temps are expected to top the 1.5 degree cel- sius mark. To avoid that outcome, action must be taken now. From Madison’s point of view, Matt pointed out: * Renewable energy reduces town exposure to outdated infrastructure. * Long term economics do not favor natural gas, which is a finite resource. * Experts expect that, in 2027, the US to be on the other side of the shale boom. * Prices will start rising much earlier if the industry gets its way. Actions discussed: Resolutions to commit to renewable energy have been passed by Franklin Lakes, Franklin Township, Hoboken and Atlantic City. Matt handed out sample documents. Resolutions must be renewed on an annual basis.  Public event at Drew for education and outreach. * Volunteers to work on this: Renee, Lisa, Joan, Kathy, Matt 100KW ordinance that makes large solar projects difficult to install in Madison was discussed. MHS can hold 200KW easily (parking lots plus roof), Drew also could accommodate larger projects. * Action: Carmela will pull the ordinance and discuss with town officials. Solar w/ battery back up system: Is this a possibility to propose instead of a gas powered or bloom cell generator? * Volunteers to work on this: Frank Curran, Stephan Stocker New profit system for contracting w/ energy providers: Matt and David will meet w/ Jim Burnett to discuss in advance of Jan MEC meeting. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/incentives.pdf 8. New Business: * Need to make an MEC presentation to the council was discussed. March seemed like a likely date. * Need for transparency between town and Drew 9 Meeting adjourned at 9:22 PM