Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes March 23, 2023 A meeting of the Madison Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at approximately 7:30pm. 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, Corinne Bowen, Ann Huber, Kate Dunnigan Absent : Brian Monaghan, Deanna Schmidt, Kirsten Wallenstein, Trina Mallik, Rachel Ehrich as council liaison Guests: Andrew Dillon, Madison resident; Daniel Magda, Drew U student; Joseph Caravano, Boy Scout Troop #25, Stephanie Haedrich New and continuing business · April 20, Energy Forum at Madison Community Arts Center, 7pm: Kate Dunnigan reported that experts, so far, will include Tyler Merson (indoor air quality), Scott Fischer of Ciel Power (IRA rebates)and Christon Kellogg of Steele-Kellogg Architecture (energy efficient building practices). · Monday, March 27 Borough Council Meeting: The Mayor’s Monarch Pledge will be presented to the Council. Bridget Daley and Deborah McDonough will attend to accept the proclamation. · Madison Green and Clean, Saturday, April 29, 9am – 3pm: Bridget Daley reported that ideas are in the works to make it more ecologically friendly. MEC possibilities: have the County Watershed Ambassador at a table to educate about capturing/managing rainfall on private property, a native plant or seed giveaway was suggested, but would not appropriate for April, an educational weeding event at the BOE native pollinator habitat is waiting for BoEd approval, o ACE Hardware will be contacted to display electric lawn and garden equipment if they are available. o Toadshade Wildflower Farm will attend to sell native plants. o Since Lisa Ellis of Downtown Development would like to see as many tables as possible at the event, Bridget is reaching out to see if any Drew students have projects to share, or perhaps the High School Green Team. o Also, the video by DR. Tallamy and the GSWA webinar could be considered for display in the METC building. · Madison Public Library: Corinne Bowen reported. She suggested that 3 sunny planters in the Library courtyard might be switched from planting annuals every year to planting perennials, for less work and maintenance. o On Tuesday, March 28, ANJEC is presenting a food waste Webinar. She suggested looking at how the library could enlist Java’s Compost company to help show the public what can be done. o The Library might also be able to rent small energy efficient and energy monitoring appliances. · Planning Board: Ann Huber reported that the Central Ave project has been postponed again. · AAUW Used Book Sale, April 29 at the Kirby YMCA annex: The sale will be listed on the Town Yard Sale Map. · Claire Whitcomb: will be presenting a slideshow, about aquifer recharge, to the ZBA and the Rotary Club sometime in the near future. At a recent meeting about the 13-15 Prospect Street project, sustainable building practices, especially solar ready roofs, were discussed. There will be a Repair Café event in Summit, Saturday March 25. · Bridget Daley: Has been discussing the increasingly bright lights outside the YMCA building, with VP Joe Gonsalves. There are plans to cover the existing lights with yellow screens, so that moths will not be injured by the lights. · Joan Maccari: Has sown seed to produce seedlings of 5 different native plant species, at least 60 seedlings of each species. If the seeds germinate well, the seedlings should be ready for giveaway at the Farmer’s Market this summer. · Bridget Daley: Met with the Madison Police Chief, other police officers, Kathleen Caccavale of Sustainable Madison and Councilman Haralampoudis. They had a good conversation about educating the public on the anti-idling rules in NJ, and the police department has since put up an anti-idling billboard. · Stephanie Haedrich of the HLW Architecture firm: The firm is working to remove environmentally unfriendly materials, such as vinyl, formaldehyde, antimicrobials agents, and flame retardants, from its library. · February Minutes approved: One abstention because she was not present last month, but otherwise unanimously approved. · Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35 pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Joan Maccari.