REAC-Green Team Joint Meeting Minutes 20171205

REAC-Green Team Joint Meeting Minutes 20171205

Attendance:

REAC: Bob Upton, Lisa Summers, Ellie Gruber, Yingying Du, Michael Sedon (Village Council Liaison), Jennie Smith Wilson (School Board Representative), David Sayles (Parks & Recreation Representative)

Green Team: Jiffy Vermylen, Bob Upton, Ellie Gruber, Michael Sedon.

Other: Christine Amundsen, Justin Manger

1. Minutes from the November meeting were approved. Bob indicated that minutes from prior REAC meetings are now posted on the Village website.
2. Roles and Responsibilities of REAC and the Green Team. The purpose of the joint meeting is to discuss greater coordination between the two committees. It was agreed that two distinct committees are needed to address Sustainable Jersey grant opportunities and to meet the distinct mission of each committee as established by the Village Council. It was agreed that the joint meeting would take place on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7.45 PM. The next meeting will be held on January 16, 2018 at 7.45PM.
3. Membership: The discussion of how to increase interest and membership in REAC and the Green Team continued. An ad has been posted in the Village website. New volunteers need to submit applications to Donna Jackson in the Village Clerks office. Mike Sedon indicated that several times during the year the council meets with each applicant. New committee members are appointed by council resolution. The idea of a Volunteer Fair at Village Hall with all Village Committees present continues to be discussed. Facebook would be a good place to promote volunteer opportunities, especially on some of the Ridgewood specific Facebook pages. Earth Day also provides an opportunity to promote volunteer opportunities.
4. By-Laws: REAC and Green Team by-laws still need to be finalized; Mike will address both.
5. Tree for Andy Antista. REAC has planted a tree in memory of Andy Antista, former president of Ridgewood Wildscape. The tree is a native dogwood and is planted behind The Stable. The invoice has been submitted for payment. Ellie will work on a plaque.
6. Earth Day: Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22^nd, which is also Arbor Day. Different themes were discussed, including, “Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Rot”. Bob and George will meet with Nancy Bigos at PRC on 12/8 to review planning for Earth Day. Related to this, Bob has invited Dan Kiely and Johanna Luttrell to a future meeting to learn more about Village recycling efforts.
7. Lisa & Ellie have previewed the movie “Wasted” dealing with food waste. The content is good but includes foul language. Options and dates are being considered.
8. Sustainable Jersey: Bob & Jiffy suggested that the members check the Sustainable Jersey website to learn more about opportunities for the village to earn Sustainable New Jersey points. http://www.sustainablejersey.com It was suggested that one way to get the schools to take advantage of Sustainable Jersey grants for the schools would be to engage the Home & School Associations. Christine will look into this.
9. Plastic Bag Restrictions – will be discussed after the holidays.
10. Ellie announced that Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions dues are due. These are paid by the Village. Bob will contact ANJEC to update their Ridgewood contacts.

Next Joint Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 16^th at 7.45PM at Village Hall Garden Room.