Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes Sept 22, 2022 Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb – Virtual Meeting via Zoom. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Claire Whitcomb, Chairperson. Present: Claire Whitcomb, Bridget Daley, Ann Huber, Brian Monaghan, Joan Maccari, Council Liaison Rachel Ehrlich Absent: Trina Mallik, Ellen Kranefuss, Stephan Stocker Guests: Drew student Cole Miltner (future entomologist after graduation), Lisa Jordan, Drew student Nazanin Keyhani New and continuing business Eco Garden Tour · Madison Pollinator Habitat: Joan gave away 70 packets of seeds, we estimate 70+ visitors · The Lost Spells book · Toadshade Wildflower Farm, · Judy Honohan counted 128 people in her yard · Visitors from outside Madison, too · Followup email planned with info on vendors, Jersey Friendly Yards info Energy Efficiency Day + Climate Tips for newsletter -- We are likely to miss a proclamation at the council meeting but could include tips in next newsletter.(see Peter Fried's column on how to take climate action from home) • Rachel clarified Madison residents’ ability to take advantage of PSE&G/state rebates. If a homeowner or business is converting from gas to electric, rebates cannot be accessed. Projects must be gas upgrades. • Rachel did some advocacy to the president of the BPU, a new incentive program in the new fiscal year (starting July 1) is planned for municipal customers like Madison. • TO DO: Add to Energy Efficiency day to each of our calendars • Plan library talks - after new year, when federal credits roll out Microgrids + Heat Pumps , NJSMA event is Oct 6 at Madison Arts Center, 7:30 PM. Siemens will discuss how towns can set up solar micrgrids for resiliency; Ciel Power will discuss heat pumps and the new federal credits, which Madison residents can access. Pickleball: · On the agenda for discussion on 9/26 but there will not be a vote that day. Probably a vote later this fall on the tennis court location. Meeting will discuss and act on findings. · Accessible trail: Was never vetted by any environmental group. Construction is a poster child for what not to do. Upcoming events: • Bottle Hill Day is 10/1 • Town-wide Yard Sale is Oct 15 Site plans · Angelica townhouse project (Park Ave. & Elm). Went before zoning board without anyone knowing, their agenda didn't go out until after meeting. Claire to provide comments on energy efficiency. 116 trees on the property. No sidewalk in plans says Rachel -- that also factors into walkability (complete streets). There are new plans. · Central Ave. buildings coming up next. Meeting may get postponed. Challenges on stormwater & parking. STMB · 1 Giralda: A number of properties are vacant and owners are looking to sell for redevelopment. Borough is doing a tree survey. · Golf course tree was discussed Cole Miltner,, Drew student noted that he did an impervious surface growth model project. Spreadsheet that helps you calculate whether an impervious project would be worthwhile. His project is on Madison Borough ERI site on Rosenet (Environmental Resources Inventory), under water. Meeting adjourned at 8:45