Environmental Commission

MINUTES MADISON ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AUGUST 27, 2020 A regularly scheduled meeting of the Madison Environmental Commission was held on August 27th of August 2020 via Zoom. The meeting was called to order by the MEC Chair, Ms. Claire Whitcomb, at 7:31 p.m., followed by a reading of the Public Meeting Notice. The following members were present: Bridget Daley, Trina Malik, Brian Monahan, Ellen Kranefuss, Joan Maccari, Claire Whitcomb, Ann Huber Absent: Stephan Stocker, Maureen Byrne Council Liaison Guests: Kirsten Wallenstein, Lisa Jordan, Brett Cheadle and Morgan Zielinski. In response to Chair’s question on Master Plan debriefing, Trina believed that most of the public comment suggested a strong public interest in a Climate Action Plan. Bridget agrees. Chair suggested that although public comment has led to greater sustainability coverage in the draft of the Master Plan revisions, a Climate Action Plan would be useful. She made a motion to lobby the Council and Mayor to appropriate sufficient funds in this year’s budget for a Climate Action Plan. Seconded by Trina. Vote in favor of the Motion was unanimous. Meeting scheduled with the Chathams on 9/15 on the following topics: - Seasonal zoom forums - Sustainable landscaper education including use of blowers - Lawn care in spring zoom - Community energy audits - Sustainable Madison shared with Madison businesses about grants for energy audits – 10 signed up - 3 towns sharing recycling costs so that commercial recycling can be improved, including possibly setting a goal that’s a year away before starting education, teaching the public about cleaning recyclables, transitioning to compostable containers instead of recyclables - Solar forum with Frank Curran which took place onJuly 29 was reported as very hands-on experience with personal scenarios. It was recorded and can be replayed. He explained the benefits of a solar battery back-up as compared to the cost of a whole house generator. Plastic bag enforcement seems to be working. At Bridget’s last visit to Stop & Shop there were no plastic bags in use. However, the produce bags are still a problem. Discussion ensued about possible substitutes. Kirsten reported on her survey of Madison water fountains in order to support the use of re- fillable water bottles. She found there are 2 types being used: newer water filling stations versus older stone fountains. Most were found to e be working although a couple still need further investigation. The ones at Luc D, Delbaton and Sonny Vitale did not seem to function. It was suggested that the list be provided to the Parks Committee. There will be a report in the newsletter. It is unclear whether we need more water fountains since most kids bring a filled bottle to sports activities but don’t seem to need to refill. There was discussion of a grant application to substitute filling stations for 2 older stone water fountains. A meeting will be scheduled with Councilmember Maureen Byrne & Lisa Ellis to discuss. The meeting was “Zoom bombed” at 8:27 p. m . After a short interruption, the meeting continued with a new Zoom link. MEC Intern, Brett, reported that he delivered his report to Madison and is awaiting feedback. He has worked with Boro Engineer on Impervious Action Plan to submit on behalf Sustainable Madison; however, the template was more appropriate for coastal areas. New intern, Morgan, has nothing to report yet. Lisa reported on the issue of environmental justice presented by the Boro Planner at the Council meeting and as part of the Sustainable Madison. We have embarked on diversity training in regard to the next application. “Madison Swap Share” on Facebook is reportedly very popular and successful. Kristen has presented the program to Florham Park for them to replicate, however, we do not want to out=of-towners to participate, just yet in order to preserve the existing sense of community .A Spanish language version of the flyer is being prepared. Motion to approve last 2 sets of minutes – unanimous Claire is working on the budget and some money remains from this past year. Any projects should be brought to her attention The newsletter being prepared by Bridget is also very well-received. Bridget mentioned that the next edition will include a discussion on trees. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Next meeting is September 24, 2020 at 7:30 PM