Environmental Commission

Minutes Madison Environmental Commission, Thursday January 27, 2022 The meeting was called to order 7:33 pm. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act was read by Claire Whitcomb, Chairperson. Members: MEC chair Claire Whitcomb; MEC members Bridget Daley, Joan Maccari, Brian Monaghan, Ann Huber, Ellen Kranefuss, Trina Mallik; Rachel Ehrlich, BC liaison to the MEC Absent: Stephan Stocker Guests: Sustainable Madison member Lisa Jordan, resident Kirk Moehle (9 Albright), Board of Health member Cassaundra Sanders Minutes from previous meetings were accepted New and continuing business 1. Council update from Rachel: —Borough is reinstating recycling of styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) at the DPW during recycling center hours. The styrofoam will be driven by the DPW to Foam Pack Industries in Springfield —The Climate Resolution and Climate Action Process adopted by the Borough in January will incorporate greenhouse gas reduction and climate resiliency into the Borough’s planning and budgeting process by: 1. Setting municipal-level climate goals extrapolated from state targets 2. Identifying and measuring key climate metrics each year in Madison to assess whether the Borough is on track to meet those goals 3. Recommending climate actions or initiatives for the Borough to consider should there be gaps in meeting previously established goals Key: To fight climate change, have to measure it, which we'll do on an annual basis. The Climate Action Process is a flexible framework, a pilot intended to guide the Borough in 2022 and pave the way for further work. 2. Site Plans / Planning Board · 18 Madison Ave (dentist's office) — Ann reported that the 3rd version of application was approved. The applicant made the building more suitable to its historical surroundings and negotiated a parking agreement with church next door. Result: Less construction, less tree removal. The applicant adopted all recommendations for native plantings. They didn't need impervious coverage variance because removed much of additional pavement. Paving chosen: Old-fashioned pavement, walkway of pavers & sand. · Madison Mall, next to Staples plaza is a new development made possible by a new Affordable Housing overlay. 3. Stormwater ordinance review. Claire is setting up meeting with Bob Vogel, Rachel, Ann and Kathi C in early March to see whether our current stormwater ordinance can be strengthened. The ZBA has offered suggestions. 4. Leaf Blowers. Ellen reported on the multi-town working group; · Best practice emerging: Summer ban of gas leaf blowers, phasing in to year-round gas-powered leaf blower ban. · Westfield example: Training of DPW staff · Public health issue: American Health Association put out policy statement. Can we partner with Board of Health? 5. Native Plant Working Group and Shade Tree liaison report: Bridget shared a written STMB report and updated the MEC on the Native Plant Sale with Great Swamp Watershed Association, which will be online starting April 1, with pickup on April 30 in Madison 6. Drew Forest Report Claire is reaching out to neighboring Environmental Commissions to ask them to pass a resolution in support of a conservation sale of the Drew Forest. 7. Events: —Composter sale is being discussed with Morris Township and Grow it Green Morristown — Peter is organizing an EV Expo on April 22 at Sunday Motor Co —Kirsten is organizing the Green Vision Forum March 31, theme will be nature. —Joan is starting seeds for farmer's market seedling giveaway in June. Guests - Kirk Moehle raised a question of using amber LEDs to lessen the brightness of LED street light. Rachel will ask Jim Mattina what the criteria is. LED lights have been replaced as older lights give out.Yellow tone light is used in historic district downtown in Victorian style fixtures, but that is a one-off strategy. - Cassaundra Saunders, a new member of the Board of Health, expressed her interest in connecting the environment to health. She talked about environmental justice, food waste and building bridges with other towns. Meeting concluded at 9:16 pm