Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee

Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 16, 2024 Chairperson Kathi Caccavale called the meeting to order at 1:35 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 Lisa Jordan, Resident/Regular Member David Duran, School Board Liaison Absent: Mary Ellen Hennessy-Jones, Resident/Regular Member Pam Hogan, Resident/Regular Member Deanna Schmidt, MEC Liaison, Resident/Regular Member Bob Landrigan, Borough Council Liaison/Regular Member Guests: Loretta Davidson Kirsten Wallenstein, member of the Madison Environmental Commission We failed to meet a quorum. November minutes will be reviewed and approved at our next meeting. Kathi shared that member Angelique Devost is resigning from the committee. Report from School Board Liaison - David Duran ● David is a new member of the school board. He shared his personal sustainability work that he’s completed on his home. ● The Shared Service Committee between the Board and the Borough may be another place where sustainability work can be advanced moving forward. Report from the Climate Action Meeting - Peter Fried ● The Community Energy Plan will be introduced to the Borough Council this month, and put forward for a resolution vote in February. ● Applications for project grants are due at the end of February. Report from the Madison Environmental Commission - Submitted by Claire Whitcomb ● The EC had a successful giveaway of native plant seeds on Jan. 15. ● On Jan. 21, the MEC is holding the first of a series of neighborhood discussions on native plants. ● The MEC is starting to work with the faith community on adding native plant habitats. Ideas for contacts and suggestions are welcome. Report from Shade Tree Commission - Submitted by Gene Cracovia ● Two actions related to Sustainable Jersey will be submitted this year. They will be submitted before May 10. ● 99 sites have been identified for spring tree planting. ● Phase 2 for the Rotary 100 tree planting project has begun. ● Pickleball tree replacement (29 trees) will be included in the fall planting. Kirsten recommended a native tree planting for graduating classes at Madison High School. Kathi suggested that memorial or honorific trees are another possibility. Report from SMAC Chair - Kathleen Caccavale ● CEPI and CEPG grants discussed. ● There is a technical assistance grant for complete streets: Kathi would like our Complete Street Policy to be updated (including the green infrastructure focus in the current state policy), but small projects, rather than policy technical assistance, are the focus for current grants/funding. ○ Lisa recommended a street mural by Central Avenue School. ● Our first deadline for Sustainable Jersey submissions for actions is Feb. 25th. The deadline after that is May 10th. Update on Grants - Submitted by Pam ● On Feb. 17, 9am-12pm, Green Infrastructure hands-on training session planned. ● Chris Obropta, Rutgers Water Resources Program lead on the PSE&G Grant, wlll present results of the Green Infrastructure assessment to Borough Council on Feb. 12 (8-9pm). ● Project leaders, volunteers and students are encouraged to sign up for courses in the Green Infrastructure Champions Rutgers Program to facilitate Green Infrastructure decision-making. Other Business ● New Sustainable Jersey actions of interest include a road salt plan. ● The new stormwater ordinance is being presented at the Planning Board meeting tonight.  ● On Jan. 18 there is a meeting regarding the Park’s masterplan, if anyone would like to comment on the bidding process. ● We will explore the new master tracking sheet next month. Updates on North Jersey Green - Peter Articles for the North Jersey Green column are requested on an ongoing basis. The next SMAC meeting will be on February 20 at 1:30 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 2:42 P.M. Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Jordan.