Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes July 28, 2022 1. Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at Hartley Dodge 2. 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. 3. Present: MEC members Stephan Stocker, Claire Whitcomb, Brian Monaghan, Joan Maccari, Ann Huber, Kristen Wallenstein, Rachel Ehrlich as Council liaison 4. Absent: Ellen Kranefuss, Bridget Daley, Trina Mallik 5. Guests: James D’Amore (associate at law firm representing Drew University), Kathleen Ruddy (town resident running for Board Of Ed. position), Gerry Leone (works for Lee George who is building a commercial building on Central Ave), Kathleen Caccavale, Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones 6. Committee Meeting Reports Council Report -Rachel reported the council passed 2 ordinances. The first provides funding for the work on the playground at Dodge Field park and the second provides funding for the building of the path going from Ridgedale to the MRC. Both projects received grant funds in addition to town funds. She also reported that the Community Energy Plan had received a grant of $10,000. Open Space Meeting – The only item on the last meeting’s agenda was the proposed building of a basketball/pickleball court by the Madison Basketball Association. The association was requesting $80,000 to supplement their $20,000. The location they suggested was behind the high school tennis courts. To date they have not engaged any of the town committees to ask for comments. 7. TCC- The committee discussed various suggestions for the construction of 9-13 Central Ave. Gerry Leone who is employed by the contractor for the project was attentive and welcomed the feedback from the committee. Some of the suggestions by the committee were the addition of solar panels, and the building be all electric. Shade Tree – The committee has increased the number of fall trees to be planted by 14 as a result of a settlement for removing non-approved trees at a construction site. FMST continue to offer funds for residents who plant native trees purchased at J and M. Fall tree survey will be conducted in September. This activity notes town trees that need pruning or removal. Joan and Bridget reported on their native perennial planting project at the Board of Ed. Headquarters. So far they have planted 650 plugs, and have enlisted 45 volunteers for watering. Multi Town Meeting There will be a meeting in October. Eco Garden Tour -This year’s tour will be held on September 17th between 12 and 3. Meeting adjourned: 8:44PM Brian Monaghan