Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee

Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes July 18, 2023 Kathleen Caccavale called the meeting to order at 1:09 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 Pamela Hogan, Resident/Regular Member Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Resident/Regular Member Lisa Jordan, Resident/Regular Member Angelique Devost, Resident/Regular Member Peter Fried, Resident/Regular Member Rachel Ehrlich, Borough Council Liaison/Regular Member Deanna Schmidt, Resident/Regular Member Absent: Grace Kim, BOE liaison June minutes were approved. We discussed the possibility of attending a public meeting of the school board to raise awareness of the need to integrate energy efficiency/solar energy into facilities planning, and the urgency to do this, as opportunities for federal funding are being missed. It was suggested that carport solar panels are already supported by members of the school board. The next step will involve preparing slides and information, discussing the content with Sustainable Madison, then requesting time to present this at a school board meeting. Action Item: Check with Grace to follow up with information on progress related to climate change education/curriculum. Peter reported on the Buildings Up proposal that will be submitted this afternoon. The proposal is for more intensive outreach, including incentives, to make electric heat pump replacements cheaper than gas replacements. The goal would be to achieve 20 percent less gas consumption by 2030. MEC Report: The MEC gave away 100 pollinator plants at the Farmer’s Market and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts family fun day. We had the Friends of Drew Forest water poster at the latter event and people were interested in where their drinking water comes from. They were drinking a lot of it because it was hot. The Garden Club was also at METC, w/ a zinnia seed mix, soil and peat pots. Would be great if they had natives in the future. House tour with the Friends of the Madison Public Library is progressing. It will be Sept 10; tickets are $50 and there are 5 eco houses. The library needs sponsors (green businesses ideally). Peter noted that the community garden has donated over 300 lbs. of produce this season. We discussed Sustainable Jersey actions. Pam updated us on the Community Equity and Diversity Profile action, which is on the Borough Council agenda. We briefly discussed plans for Bottle Hill Day. Ideas included using a bicycle to blend your own smoothie, displaying EVs (possibly a town EV), PV cell demo, induction stove demo, and green infrastructure materials. Lisa mentioned that a Clean Energy Champion, Theo Banks, from NJ’s Clean Energy Program has volunteered to help staff our booth, at least part-time (Need to let him know Madison has its own utility). Deanna described the Ridgewood watering conservation system (even and odd addresses, 2 days/week). Peter shared information on the seasonal variability in well water use in Madison. Action Item: Peter Fried would like information on upcoming events in order to share information to the Madison Eagle. Jersey Green column volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis. The next and final submission date for Sustainable Jersey this year is July 27th. The next SMAC meeting will be on Tuesday, August 15 at 1:00 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 2:16 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Jordan.