REAC-Green Team Joint Meeting Minutes 20180320

REAC-Green Team Joint Meeting Minutes 20180320

Attendance:
REAC: Bob Upton, George Wolfson, Lisa Summers, Yingying Du, Michael Sedon (Village Council Liaison), David Sayles (Parks & Recreation Rep),
Green Team: Jiffy Vermylen, George Wolfson, Bob Upton, Michael Sedon.
Other: Justin Manger.

1. Minutes from the February meeting were approved. Bob announced some up-coming events of interest: April 4th – Styrofoam and Composting presentations by Women for Progress; April 13th – “An Inconvenient Sequel” presented by the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood; April 15th – Native Plant Sale by Ridgewood Wildscape Association.

2. Membership update. Mike reported that Village Council interviews have been completed and new members of both committees should be appointed March 28th. Dan Kiely has resigned from his Village position so we will await the appointment of a new Village management representative to REAC.

3. ANJEC
a. Training - Bob & Justin attended the Fundamentals for Effective Environmental Commissions training provided by ANJEC which they found informative and shared some learnings.
b. Grants – 2018 Open Space Stewardship Project grants of $1,500 are being offered, application deadline April 13th. We do not have any current projects suitable for submission but Bob will forward details to the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands and the Open Space Committee for input. ANJEC also offers scholarships to college juniors and seniors, application deadline May 4th.

4. Earth Day & Daffodil Festival, April 22: George, Jiffy & Bob are representing REAC/GT in planning meetings with Parks & Recreation, Recycling Department and Ridgewood Conservancy. Again everyone is asked to spread the word and invite businesses and organizations to participate. The REAC/Green Team table will be included within the Recycling Department exhibit and will assist them with their staffing. Bob will e-mail committee members to get a count of volunteers for the day. Details of the Recycling Dept’s exhibit topics will be shared for volunteers shortly.

5. Sustainable Jersey

a. An acknowledgement of our SJ Silver Certification and presentation of the plaque was included in the Village Council meeting on Feb 28th. Jiffy, George & Bob represented the Green Team.
b. Our focus is now on the Gold Star Standard in Waste. Jiffy is working on an action plan which we will engage after Earth Day. We already meet many of the requirements. Commercial & Industrial Recycling needs effort. George is talking with the Police Dept about drug collection and also gun amnesty.
c. The Signal Dept has been asked to assist with signage to promote our Silver Certification. George will follow up.
d. The Green Business Program: To be promoted at and after Earth Day
e. Grants: The Village grant writer completed the $20K grant submission (tree survey). SJ also publicized the NJ Urban & Community Forestry Program Stewardship Grant and Bob has forwarded details to the Shade Tree Commission.
f. SJ Bergen Hub – Justin & Bob attended the meeting on March 1st in Ridgefield Park. The next meeting is April 11th in Oradell and will focus on expanded polystyrene foam. Meeting locations and chairmanship will continue to rotate.

6. Schools update: We continue to reach out to the schools to encourage their participation in the Earth Day Fair. It was noted that Ridgewood Schools just adopted a new District Sustainability Policy (available on their web site). It was noted there are Sustainable Jersey actions covering similar policies for municipalities.

7. Movie in April: The NJ Highlands Coalition will present “Highlands Rediscovered” in a presentation/discussion at the library April 19th at 6.30 PM co-sponsored by REAC. Thanks to Lisa & Ellie for coordinating.

8. By-Laws: Mike has submitted drafts for REAC and Green Team by-laws. Bob & Justin suggested a couple of additions based on the ANJEC training.

9. Plastic Bag Restrictions: Ellie & Lisa are refining the proposed survey for submission to Chamber of Commerce and Guild members.

10. T-shirts: The design for T-shirts with REAC logo (modified wording under logo “REAC & GREEN TEAM”) and “SJ Ridgewood Silver Certified” logo has been finalized. Cost for 25 shirts will be about $275. Bob will be getting sizes required and will submit order to be available for Earth Day.

11. Plaque for Andy Antista Tree: Ellie is working on wording and cost.
Next Joint Meeting Date:  Tuesday, April 17th at 7.45PM at Village Hall Garden Room.