Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2022 A meeting of the Madison Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at approximately 7:35pm. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act was read by Claire Whitcomb: 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. Present: Claire Whitcomb, Bridget Daley, Joan Maccari, Brian Monahan, Kirsten Wallenstein, Ellen Kranefuss, Ann Huber Absent: Trina Malik, Stephan Stocker, Rachel Ehrlich as council liaison Guest: Deanna Schmidt, Kate Dunnigan Events: Noon Zoom webinar presented by Dr. Douglas Tallamy for Borough staff and council is on Rosenet YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anjQNC2jppg. · 25 Madison attendees from various departments. The video has been shared with various groups and municipal employees from 14 towns. · Further information at https://homegrownnationalpark.org · Follow ups from the talk: connect with Ken O’Brien to see how can get DPW employees the opportunity to watch some of the video in January. What other Madison groups. employees and committee members would be interested in viewing the video? New and continuing business 1. Madison launched a page on the Pollinator Pathway. The Pollinator Pathway project is town conservation organizations working together to establish pollinator-friendly habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating insects and wildlife along a series of continuous corridors. Pathways have been established in over 200 towns in CT, NY, MA, NJ, and PA. 2. Site plans: * Discussion of the Angelica development on Park Avenue will include 16 units including 3 affordable housing units. Planned cutting down 116 trees. Meeting with Shade Tree. MEC and Zoning Board to discuss climate action and resiliency. * 3-5 Central Avenue (two owners). Planning Board has requested joint parking plan and storm water management improvements. Deanne Schmidt suggested a green roof or blue roof help with water runoff. * In-depth site reviews. How can communicate that green building is not costly and, in some cases, is more cost effective. * Explore homeowner seminars on asking for green buildings. Prices are coming down on things like insulation. Passive houses are cost effective. Affordable housing on Walnut street will provide a good example of how green building has financial benefits. In Kingston NY, outdoor signage educates property owners about green buildings. * Need to adapt the environmental checklist for residential properties.