Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes February 2022 1. Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb – Virtual Meeting via Zoom. 2. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Claire Whitcomb, Chairperson. 3. Present: Bridget Daley, Joan Maccari, Brian Monahan, Kirsten Wallenstein, Stephan Stocker, Ellen Kranefuss, Claire Whitcomb, Rachael Ehrlich as BC Liaison 4. Absent: Ann Huber, Trina Mallik 5. Guests: Meredith Jones, Elizabeth Saueman, Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Lisa Jordan, Cassaundra Sledge 6. Continuing Business: Site Plan Reviews: Reviews continue and provide important environmental templates for future projects. Community Garden: Stephan Stocker shared that 1,000 pounds of food grown at the community garden was donated to Interfaith Pantry in Morristown. The hoop house is now being cared for by the Rotary. On April 9th, 100 girl scouts will plant 280 trees as part of the promise to plant 50 million trees in the next 3 years. An intern from Hanover high school will lend assistance this spring. Climate Action Plan (CAP) – Rachael provided a summary of the project for all in attendance. The group is working off the NJ Community Energy Plan, which stated goals of reducing carbon 80% by 2050. The overall goal is to take the state’s targets and extrapolate for Madison metrics. Measurements will be taken every year to compare against goals. Several strategy areas have been identified including transportation, energy efficiency, resilience in communities and storm water management. Rachael made note of the importance of planning ahead and cited the example of solar ready roofs in terms of insurance and such. Volunteers needed to help with the strategy areas. Mary Ellen Hennessey Jones indicated she might be able to help. Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee Updates: Kathleen Caccavale provided an overview of SMAC for guests and relayed the following: 1) SMAC has been given the green light by Jim Burnett and Eric Range to do a Technical Health Assessment of Madison for Sustainable Jersey; 2) A Montclair State student is working on municipal water in Madison; 3) Lisa Jordan is proceeding with ERI update with her students. Regional Pollinator Working Group: Bridget Daily shared that the group is working with other towns to organize another Great Swamp Watershed native plant sale for April. There will also be a library Read and Seed Initiative. Corrine Bowen, the library circulation manager has approved a table to showcase native plant books and trees and free packets of seeds will be available. There is also work being done on developing a museum pass for the Wildflower Preserve. And, a table at May Day will include some giveaways such as free seeds. Shade Tree News: Brian Monahan noted a webinar entitled “Ask Your Arborist” is being developed for April 13th. Other spring talks are planned as well. The Shade Tree Ordinance is in its final draft form and is noted to be more robust and takes into account more issues for future scenarios. Drew Forest: Elizabeth Saueman, a member of the Drew Student Government, indicated a resolution was passed which states that a map must be provided  within two weeks of potential sale of spaces at Drew including Drew Forest updates and carbon off-sets of actions. The resolution was written by student senators and was passed on February 23rd. Advocates for Transforming Landscaping: Ellen indicated a guide is being developed for helping municipalities enact changes and adopt ordinances to limit use of gas powered leaf blowers – either for a seasonal ban or year round limitations. 7. New Business: • Green Vision Forum: Kirsten is working on launching the next Madison schools Green Vision Forum on March 31.. St. Vincent may participate this year. The theme will be “Natural World; Protect and Connect – Vision of Sustainability”. Kirsten could use some technical help with videos if there are any able volunteers. • Hartley Dodge Repairs - Bridget raised the idea of native tree plantings as part of the work being done on the property. Rachael shared the perspective of needing to address the historical building parameters and consult with the trustees and will look into it. Stephan Stocker noted that there were already plantings there, so swapping out for natives should be possible. • Native Plant Giveaways –Joan has started 300 seed plugs to be given away at the farmers market, which will include 5 varieties of milkweed. Also a search is going on for a potential native planting spot as Joan and Bridget are taking a course that involves a planting project. Minutes from January were approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm. Submitted by Ellen Kranefuss