Environmental Commission

Madison Environmental Commission Virtual Meeting via Zoom January 25, 2024 Meeting Minutes submitted by Joan Maccari 1. Call to order by Chairperson Claire Whitcomb at 7:32 2. Announcement of meeting notice Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: Read by Claire Whitcomb, Chairperson. Present: Claire Whitcomb, Joan Maccari, Brian Monaghan, Collette Crescas, Kirsten Wallenstein, Bridget Daley, Ann Huber, Corinne Bowen, Deanna Schmidt Stephan Stocker, Kate Duignan Absent: Trina Mallik, Robert Landrigan Guests: Lisa Jordan, Ashley Rogers, Francesca Okleasky, Rhiannon Seely, Nancy Phillippi 3. New and continuing business: RX 2024: resolution endorsing the adoption of green building practices, written and proposed by Sustainable Madison Committee, was unanimously approved, with modifications, by the MEC. Mikie Sherrill event—held at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center today, to discuss her bill requiring the planting of only native species on Federal property. Landscape Expo: Bridget Daley reported that she plans to help staff a Native Plant Society of New Jersey booth at the Total Pro Landscapers’ Expo on January 30 - 31, 2024 at the New Jersey Convention Center, Edison NJ. Madison DPW has been invited to attend to learn about maintenance with an environmental focus. Garden Club of Madison: President Gretchen Sinha met with Claire Whitcomb and Bridget Daley to discuss possible shared initiatives including the GC’s “Native Plant Month” in April. Native Plant Ordinance: Bridget Daley reported that a draft is in progress, based on similar ordinances including one in effect in Montclair. The ordinance would require Madison to use native plants for new and replacement projects. Ken O’Brien, the head of Madison DPW, has expressed support for this effort. Climate Resilience: Kirsten Wallenstein reported that BPU grants have been requested for sustainability projects in Madison. Heat Pumps have been proposed for Hartley Dodge Memorial building, and a solar roof for the DPW building and affordable housing projects, based on Madison’s proposed Community Energy Plan. The solar carport is going out for bid. The YMCA plans to install solar panels on the FM Kirby center while renovating. Shade Tree Management Board: Bridget Daley reported that a free tree identification walk, led by Ginger van Ryzin, is planned for October, to be paid for by Friends of Madison Shade Trees. There may be a follow-up tree ID walk in late winter. New trees have been approved to replace the ones removed for a pickle ball court. Steve Stocker: reported that MRCC deer fence repair and replacement work is on hold due to insurance issues. Claire Whitcomb will follow up with Ken O’Brien, councilman Landrigan, and Jim Burnet. Madison Parks: Claire Whitcomb reported on the four playing fields (in Del Barton, Central Green, Summerhill, and Livesey Parks). A Request for Proposals has been sent out to engineering firms for bid. Claire proposed that the appropriate Madison commissions plan to visit the parks and make recommendations. Planning Board: Ann Huber reported that plans for the Staples Mall went through. Native plants will be installed and a commitment to maintain the gardens was obtained. Native Seed Swap: Joan Maccari reported that the seed exchange on January 13 at the United Methodist Church of Madison was a success. About 50 participants went home with more than 250 envelopes of seeds. Maple Avenue Event: Joan reported that approximately a dozen people attended the open house at Jim and Janet Foster’s home on January 21. Landscape designer Tom Salaki was on hand to talk about the native plant garden that he installed in the foster’s front yard. His main advice is to start small and plant a small number of species to see how the garden develops. More space and more species can be added later as desired. Tom encouraged everyone on the block to plant as many they comfortably can, assuring the attendees that if everyone on the block installs at least a small patch, then the street as whole becomes a genuine habitat. Collette Crescas and her neighbor Linda are interested in hosting a similar event on Albright circle. Kaitlyn of Dirt Diva Gardens has offered to be at the event to answer garden questions. Additional open house and garden events are being discussed for the homes of Deanna Schmidt, Bridget Daley, and other Madison residents. Motivating Madison residents: Kate Duignan has shared the principles of advocacy educator Katie Patrick to encourage residents to be greener in their outdoor plantings. She hopes that seeing the beauty of native plant gardens on other properties will motivate people to plant such gardens on their own property. Kate has offered a sustainable practices checklist to her own landscaper, and hopes to get some positive feedback from him. The MEC Garden Tour:scheduled for Saturday, September 21 this year. Grants for Native Plantings in Madison: Claire Whitcomb reported that we are working with Kathi Caccavale on a Sustainable Jersey $2000 grant for to native plant garden plans for four homeowners, who would be neighborhood ambassadors. Discussion are ongoing with Carrolle Huber of AsterPlans.com, which offers online designs. Toadshade Wildflower Farm: will again be again be selling native plants at Madison Green and Clean in April and also at the garden tour in September. Deanna Schmidt: asked if the digital site plan reviews could be made more accessible. She asked if the large format paper plans, or online digital plans, would be better. Guest Nancy Phillippi: reported that since she has planted more natives on her property, she is seeing more butterflies and more birds. December Minutes: were unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm. Minutes submitted by Joan Maccari