Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes March 24, 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, Ann Huber. 4. Absent: Rachael Ehrlich, Trina Mallik 5. Guests: Meredith Jones, Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Cassaundra Sledge, Kim Sellon, Joey Meyers, Liam Bill, Lisa Jordan 6. Continuing Business: Site Plan Reviews: No new applications. Ann Huber shared that the Planning Board approved a site plan for 44 low and moderate income units. The project is being built by a developer who has agreed to make it a passive development with electric utilities, greater insulation and roof solar panels. Community Garden: Stephan Stocker said that on April 12th, Girl Scouts will plant 300 trees at MRC Forest. The Garden Club is donating money to build a raised bed for handicapped gardeners to reach. They are also donating funds for 2 hop houses. Green Vision Forum: Kirsten is working on launching the next Madison schools’ (including Drew Green Vision Forum) on March 31. Climate Action Plan (CAP) – No discussion Climate Action Update: Lisa Jordan and Kristen Wallenstein shared that the ad hoc committee has adopted an energy action template. Regional Pollinator Working Group: Bridget Daily shared that the group is working with other towns to organize another Great Swamp Watershed native plant sale and webinar for April 1.There will also be a library Read and Seed Initiative with books that will emphasize pollinators and birds in April. In May, the topic will be trees and forests. The book suggestions will be accompanied by a seed give-a-way. Seeds were donated by Susan and John Landau. Shade Tree News: Brian Monahan noted a webinar entitled “Ask Your Arborist” is being offered on April 13th. There’s been a good response to Library events. Other spring talks are planned as well. The Shade Tree Ordinance is in its final draft and is scheduled to be introduced by the Council on April 11. It is noted to be more robust and takes into account more issues for future scenarios. The Shade Tree Commission will be giving away trees. Drew Forest: Claire announced that 5 towns have passed a resolution to save the Drew Forest.  Native Plant Giveaway: Joan Maccari has started 300 seed plugs to be given away at the farmers market on June 23, which will include 5 varieties of milkweed. 7. New Business: • Storm Water Management: ANJEC has requested a resolution of the MEC and Council that more stringent regulations may be adopted than are provided for in the State legislation, by any municipality in order to protect people and property from flooding. A vote was taken at the MEC which was unanimously in favor of its adoption. There are revisions being discussed to Madison’s SWM ordinance on how the threshold for a stormwater management plan is reached on development applications, such as, including impervious coverage in the calculation of added square footage, that is, not just the building addition. • Reducing Food Waste: Claire announced that 5 towns are co-sponsoring a composter sale. Due to supply the cost keeps going up but it should still be within reason. Cassaundra met with Re-Fed. Even after spoilage, 20% is still edible and she would like to see restaurants partnering with the town in composting. She shared that restaurants and schools are protected by NJ liability law “Too Good to Go”. Claire will be giving a talk at the Chamber of Commerce to educate them about Java Composting and DISH which prepares meals with sustainably grown, locally sourced foods. Even the packaging is composted. Angelique DeVost from Sustainable Madison is working on a “Green Certificate” which restaurants can post. Right now, Daddy Maddy is the only business in Madison which is composting with Java. • Ecosystem Restoration: Bridget also announced that JoJo Starbuck from Pomeroy Rd is hosting Sara Webb – forest expert – about restoring the Pomeroy Woods. • Tours of Native Plants: Brian Monaghan and Joan M. would like to conduct tours of the vegetable/flower garden and native plants at the Community Gardens but they need to wait until there’s something to see. • Rutgers Environmental Stewards training: Bridget and Joan are required to each do a 60-hour internship as part of the training. They proposed to the Madison Public Schools administration to do a native plants garden out front of their office building on Woodland Rd. & are waiting to hear if the Board of Education approves it. Motion to approve the February Minutes was made by Claire, seconded by Stephen and the motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:51 pm. Submitted by Ann Huber