Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes April 26, 2018 Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at Hartley Dodge at 7:30pm Announcement of Meeting Notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act read by Claire Whitcomb, 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. Present MEC Members Steven Stocker, Renee Shalhoub, Claire Whitcomb, Joan Maccari, Trina Mallik, Anne Huber, Guests: John Hoover, Kirsti Morin and David Steketee Report from Joan Maccari, Liaison to OSRHP The Open Space Committee has voted to approve funding of the METC renovation. MEC reminded that Open Space has grant funds that can be available MEC. Report from Anne Huber, Planning Board Representative, Master Plan Subcommitte Member The borough Master Plan is currently being updated, and is expected to be completed in 2020. The role of the Environmental Commission in making recommendations to the Master Plan sub-committee was discussed. It was suggested that a member of the MEC should be included on the Master Plan Subcommittee of the Planning Board. The Zoning Board variance process was discussed. It was explained that the Zoning Board is independent of the Borough Council and can make law. Milkweed Project Report from Claire Whitcomb and Joan Maccari MEC will receive a donation of 50 milkweed plugs from Pinelands Nursery. How should the MEC move forward in its effort to promote native plantings and pollinator gardens on public and private land? The roles of schools, cub scouts, girl scouts, and Borough Council were discussed. Powerpoint Presentation: Madison Electric Utility Solar Task force volunteer David Steketee has put together a detailed presentation of the issues and concerns. The full powerpoint presentation has been distributed to MEC members separately. Under Governor Murphy's leadership, NJ has proposed ambitious goals for renewable energy. Based on current and projected energy contracts, Madison will be compliant (by 2021) with the goals set for for 2030. Members suggested that the role of the MEC should be to assist the Borough Council by educational outreach to Madison residents. The natural gas lines under Main Street are rated to supply a gas powered generator. If a generator is used to cover spikes and emergencies, it will be tested regularly. Smart thermostats can be used to regulate heating and cooling loads during peak usage. Smart thermostats can also be used to turn off water heaters and other appliances. They can also be programmed to regulate each room separately, in response to occupancy. The energy model in Sussex County is ten years ahead of other counties in NJ. What can the MEC do to promote energy conservation in the Borough? Right now? In the near future? In the long term? • Energy audits – energy use depends on square footage of building, age of the structure, insulation, etc. • Smart thermostats? Central monitoring? Ability to turn off energy use remotely? • Education? If residents can compare "my" usage to my neighbor's usage in a similar home, that may heighten residents' awareness and understanding. Can we put this kind of statistic on the energy bill? There is a UCLA study that suggests this kind of awareness campaign can be effective. • The town goal is 4MWH. How do we get there? Solar panels on public buildings? • Give all the information and statistics to HS physics teachers, and ask them to have their students compete to plan a realistic financial/  energy budget for the town? • Stephen Stocker reported that we have one student intern confirmed for summer work, and one who is interested and will likely be confirmed in the near future. Proposed new business for May meeting • Return on Investment vs Cost • Educational outreach • Student involvement Meeting adjourned 9:25pm