Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee

Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes April 19, 2022 Chairperson Kathi Caccavale called the meeting to order at 1:04 P.M. STATEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT: “In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting of the Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee (SMAC) Meeting was provided by transmitting a copy of the meeting notice to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, and filing a copy in the office of the Clerk. This notice was made available to members of the general public.” The following members acknowledged their presence: Kathleen Caccavale, Chairperson/Regular Member Peter Fried, Resident/Regular Member Lisa Jordan, Resident/Regular Member Angelique Devost, Resident/Regular Member Rachel Ehrlich, Borough Council Liaison/Regular Member Sarah Fischer, Board of Education liaison Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Resident/Regular Member Marilyn Musielski, Resident/Regular Member Absent: Joan Maccari, Resident/Regular Member Members of the Public: Christine Boyle, resident Jin Liu, Drew University student The special guests introduced themselves. March minutes were approved. Sarah Fischer reported on the Green Vision Forum, and the contributions of school staff to assist with the program. The school gardens are being celebrated in the curriculum, district- wide, at the end of this week. The administration is recommending a native plant internship program (in partnership with the Rutgers Environmental Stewardship Program), promoting native plantings on school properties. Kathi shared updates from the Shade Tree Management Board. In-person comments on the new ordinance are encouraged April 27th. On April 23 & 30, 10am-2pm, red oak and red maple seedlings will be given away at J & M nursery. Madison Environmental Commission updates: Upcoming events: EV Expo - April 22 at Sunday Motorway Cafe; Town-wide Yard Sale, Madison & Chatham - April 30; Read & Seed table at the library now; on April 9th, there was a planting at the MRC with the girl scouts; Forest Briefing tonight - Friends of Drew Forest; Sara Webb will be recognized with an outstanding community volunteer award. Action item: Lisa Jordan will share the updated Threatened and Endangered Species report with the MEC. Rachel provided an update on borough council activities. Jim Burnet and Peter Fried presented on the solar power carports, which was well received by the borough council. The mayor recognized town-wide work and collaboration, which facilitated the state-wide plastic-bag ban. Chatham residents can drop off styrofoam and compost, and Madison residents can pick up mulch from Chatham. Shared service opportunities will be further explored moving forward. The climate action ad hoc committee is reporting to the borough council on April 27th. We reviewed the Sustainable Jersey tracking sheet and our progress. Our first submission deadline is May 22, and August and November are future submission dates. Rolling action items are as follows: Action Item: Peter Fried would like information on upcoming events in order to share information to the Madison Eagle. Jersey Green column volunteers needed for the coming year. The next SMAC meeting will be on May 17 at 1:00 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 2:27 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Jordan