Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes February 22, 2018 1. Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at Hartley Dodge 2. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Claire Whit- comb, Chairperson. 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. 3. Present: MEC members Stephan Stocker, Claire Whitcomb, Ellen Kranefuss; Brian Monaghan, Joan Maccari. 4. Absent: Ann Huber, Trina Mallik, and Renee Shalhoub, 5. Guests: Alexandra Keck, Arlene Tarazan, David Steketee, and Mike Bianchi 6. Liaison Report Joan reported on meetings of the Shade Tree and Open Space committees. Shade Tree discussed “Green Goats” , possible dog park locations, and acquisition of 500 tree seedlings for borough residents. Also, the committee dis- cussed possibly starting a green drinks social hour to bring members of all of Madi- son various committees together for conversation. Open Space reported that they have available funds for green projects in the borough. 7. Continuing Business: MEC discussed concerns regarding the use of the open meadow at MRC for place- ment of solar array We voted on the following: Are solar panels on the hill at the MRC envi- ronmentally compatible with the CMP, aquifer recharge and open space goals? The conclusion was a unanimous vote against said use. Other topics discussed were educating town residents regarding peak demand and ways to reduce it. A pamphlet is currently being produced by a Drew student which will be distributed via the electric bill. Also, electronic devices could eventually help in reduc- ing household consumption. 8. Site Plans:  Steve Stoker reviewed two site plans currently under review. He believed that the request by the owner was reasonable and no cause for concern. The second was in compliance and therefore did not need any further consideration. Steve also sug- gested that the committee consider changing the current ordinance regarding per- vious area requirements. It will be taken up at a later date. Current Projects: 1)March 10th screening of “Saving the Great Swamp”. 2)April 19th Green Vision Forum at Drew University. 3)April 21st Green Fair 4)April 28th Town Swap at the DPW building on John Street. 5)Shoe Drive It was not to reach out to the schools about shoe recycling now that Suburban Shoes is recycling them permanently. 6)May Day in Madison: Composter and rain barrel drive. 7)March 12th Town Council presentation Meeting adjourned at 9:31