Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee

Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 20, 2022 Chairperson Kathi Caccavale called the meeting to order at 1:02 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) 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 Angelique Devost, Resident/Regular Member Joan Maccari, Resident/Regular Member Rachel Ehrlich, Borough Council Liaison/Regular Member Sarah Fischer, Board of Education liaison Lisa Jordan, Resident/Regular Member Marilyn Musielski, Resident/Regular Member Absent: Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Resident/Regular Member Guests: Elisabeth Sauerman, Drew University student Deanna Schmidt, Madison Resident August minutes were approved. Kathi was invited to sit in on a meeting of the Shade Tree Board where the status of a tree was discussed with the golf club. A decision was made to hold off on removal until more time has passed to assess the effects of the pruning that had taken place Rachel reported on council business, such as the water main breaks. It was found that irrigation was contributing to high water pressure and usage. Ideas for promoting water conservation were discussed. Concerns were raised about the MRC accessible trail work. Resident Jocelyn Calhoun volunteered to move native plants from the old civic center to Niles Park to preserve them. DPW roofs are being assessed to make them solar ready. Also, the DPW is scheduled to plant 22 street trees this fall. Rachel met with the Madison School District to share progress on the Climate Advisory work. School infrastructure and financial needs were discussed. Kathi reported that Ductile Iron Pipes were recommended by our Borough Engineer for water main repair in town. They are made from recycled materials and are recyclable. The Eco-Garden Tour this past weekend included seven stops, approximately 190 registrants. Participant booths included the GSWA, the North American Butterfly Association, Friends of Drew Forest, Toadstool plants, and The Nature of Reading. Angelique was successfully enrolled on the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry, demonstrating that increased participation in Madison is possible. Madison received a bronze certification from SolSmart, for helping residents adopt solar power. Lisa provided an update on the Madison ERI. It looks like it will not be ready for the November submission. Students working on the ERI this semester will present their work this Thursday, 9am, at Drew University, Brothers College, Room 1. We discussed anti-idling actions and ideas to reduce idling around town. Overall, we looked at actions that are set to expire and what we might prioritize moving forward. Elisabeth shared that a green fair was being planned for Drew this spring. 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 October 18 at 1:00 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Jordan.