GREEN RIDGEWOOD MEETING MINUTES

September 14, 2023 7:30-9:30 PM

RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, SENIOR LOUNGE

Administration

1. Attendee Introductions

Green Ridgewood: Justin Jonsson, Nurhan Ezik, David Refkin, Sophia Florida, Caitlin O’Leary, Pamela Perron (Village Council Liaison), Vivian Ewell (Student Liaison)

Green Team: Derek White, Adam Peterseil, Sofia Morino (Student Liaison)

Others: Alina Mordkovich,  Walter Rothaug, Manpreet Tyagi, Miles Luo, 

2. July 13 minutes could not be approved - no quorum

Updates/Discussion

3. Chair Report - David

            Welcome Vivian Ewell, our new student liaison a junior at Ridgewood High School.

Keith Kazmark, the new Ridgewood Village Manager, was unable to join us today but he will in the future. Look out for possible rescheduling to accommodate his visit.

4. Village Council Liaison Report - Pam

The Ridgewood Library is hosting a Leaf blower Panel on September 20th. Frank Mortimer (Parks & Rec. liaison) will be one of the panelists; Green Ridgewood is encouraged to attend. Some additional notes:

●      Green Ridgewood has been encouraged by other towns to advise Village Council to double the fines related to a potential leaf blower ordinance.

●      Batteries cost $95 to recycle; this is a potential sticking point if landscapers go through batteries quickly. Are there ways we might defray these costs?

Action: Adam Peterseil to provide Pam Perron with a guide to differentiating 2- and 4-stroke equipment

Idea: Could we entice landscaping companies by offering them extended service hours if using electric equipment?

Ridgewood Water (RW) has an Open House at Ridgewood Library on October 16. RW is building two more PFAS treatment centers, bonding for $11M to help finance them.

Hudson Street Garage has four electric vehicle charging stations that have been available gratis since their installation. The Village intends to charge for them going forward, at an hourly rate.

Action: Pam to explore charging for energy (kilowatt-hours or kWh) rather than time (hours).

The Schedler property’s park plans have been approved to go forward for historical approval at the state level. Village Council members Siobhan Winograd and Pam Perron have talked to turf companies to understand if there are greener alternatives to typical crumb rubber turf fields and to ensure the alternative products are legitimately healthier. GR had a discussion about the recent Village Council Meeting where the Schedler issues were discussed and public comments made by GR Chair Refkin about our health and safety concerns related to artificial turf.

5. Report on Bergen Hub Meeting - David

Ridgefield Park can now recycle styrofoam.

We are now sharing styrofoam recycling services with three more towns: Paramus, Oradell and Garfield. Can Ridgewood purse other joint service agreements with other communities?

A Bergen County Commissioner will be invited to attend the next Bergen Hub meeting, October in Allendale. This is an opportunity to bring focus to county-wide problems with the appropriate audience rather than each town discussing local matters.

6. Leaf blower Forum - Pam

See section 4 above; this was discussed earlier in the meeting.

7. Pollinator Pathway Proposal - Green Team

This item was not discussed as we had insufficient attendance. It will be discussed at our next meeting.

8. 2024 Budget Meetings - David / Pam

David and Justin Manger met with Rich Calbi, CEO of RW, to discuss what he might need in order to start outfitting Ridgewood Water with electric vehicles. Discussion focused on budgeting for chargers at RW offices as a first step before EVs could be purchased in 2025.

David intends to ensure sustainability and the master plan is considered in budget discussions rather than budgeting for short-term solutions.

David, Pam and Beth Creller met with Chris Rutishauser to discuss stormwater issues and related budgetary concerns. The issue of impervious pavement, the limited capacity and age of the stormwater system and the related impact on flooding were discussed

Idea: Flooding and stormwater are key topics to discuss at the next Bergen Hub meeting because the Bergen County Commissioner will be in attendance.

9. EAGER / Community Solar - Pam

EAGER is on hold due to costs, the need to opt-out and the minimal increase in renewable energy. Community Solar is worth exploring.

How else might we reduce energy consumption without the EAGER program?

Actions: Beth will work with schools, but we should identify other areas.

10. Planning Board Activities - David

David has been working with the Planning board to identify six key areas of the Master Plan that they can focus on for the biggest impact.

The Local Emergency Management Council was recently formed. It includes members from various local organizations, from the hospital to Ridgewood Water. The goal is for a key group to be able to handle communications effectively in the event of an emergency.

What role the group plays in planning for future extreme weather is unclear.

11. Master Plan & Green Ridgewood Subcommittee Priorities

            Actions: Subcommittees to resume meeting regularly

a.     Communications - Caitlin

Newsletter still in progress. We will probably need funding to do this as well as it deserves.

b.     Sustainable New Jersey, Grants & Applications - Mike

Unavailable. Update at Oct. 5 meeting.

c.     Green Building & Sustainability - Beth

Unavailable – Subcommittee to meet in September

d.     Resource Management - Justin M

Unavailable

e.     Resilience, Flooding & Stormwater - David

Discussed earlier in sections 5 and 8.

12. Artificial Turf & Schedler - Pam / David

This was discussed earlier in section 4.

Discussion/Strategy

13. Priorities for 2023-2024 and GR role for Budget formulation

            No discussion of note.

14. Students/Board of Ed role for 2023-2024

            No discussion of note. David to reach out to Saurabh Dani (BOE liaison).

15. Finances - Where to invest our funds?

What about purchasing an electric leaf blower for Ridgewood Library’s Library of Things?

Action: Justin Jonsson to see if Glen Rock’s gets used.

16. Moving forward on a newsletter

            This will probably need funding, as discussed in 11a.

17. Potential Field Trip: Leaf Composting

            This was identified as something members still want to do.

18. Future Meeting Dates

            These are October 5, November 2 and December 7

19. Any other Business

            No discussion of note.

GREEN RIDGEWOOD

July 13, 2023 7:30-9:30 PM

RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, SENIOR LOUNGE

Administration

1.      Attendee Introductions

Green Ridgewood: Yvone Nava, Justin Jonsson, Nurhan Ezik, David Refkin, Sophia Florida

Green Team: Mike Faherty

Others: Pamela Perrson (VC Liaison), Alina Mozdkovich (resident), Brigid O’Brien (resident), Sofia Morino (student liaison), Walter Rothany (resident), Tessa Florida (student liaison), Carolyn Jacoby (STC liaison), Nancy Brenhan (STC)

2.      Approve June 1 Minutes

Approved

Updates/Discussion

3.      Chair Report – David

Made significant progress with Planning Board. More details below on Point 13.

4.      Village Council Liaison Report – Pam

There is a new village manager (Keith Kazmark) kkazmark@ridgewood.nj

There was a storm water inspection. Hope and Evergreen pl, a county robot went north up Hope street. Chris R. was there to address questions. There is some obstruction between Adison pl and Ho Ho Kus Brook. There will be additional steps taken inclusive of a second inspection.

Received a statement from the EAGER consultant that explains the market situation has shifted and not to go chase renewable energy opportunities.

Led paid inspections of rental houses in Ridgewood leveraging a $20K grant.

Ridgewood water is looking to evaluate alternatives corrosion control measures.

The aeration system went to 25% capacity which triggered an emergency expense to fix the system.

The state is requiring regulating storage of salt in private properties.

5.      Green Ridgewood Committee Membership – David

Tessa’s last meeting since she’s going away to college. We thank her for her contributions.

Beth and David interviewed someone to be the High School liaison. Waiting on a village resolution to make formal announcement.

6.      Lantern Flies – Presentation – Nurhan & Caroline

Department of Agriculture and USDA have websites with information about potential remedies to mitigate their invasions. Lantern flies came from Asia in 2014, the like to create their nests in “tree of heaven”. Since they have caused crop issues and damaging gardens. Attracts other bugs and promotes fungal growth.  Ridgewood tried taping but it didn’t work, and birds were getting caught. Main recommendation is to use natural insecticide spray or other natural remedies suggested on the above referenced websites. Make a campaign with social media to provide some tips to eradicate them in the area (replicate HS Green Club post).

Residents are asked to report sightings by calling the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly hotline, 833-223-2840 (BAD-BUGO), and leaving a message with their contact information and details of the sightings, or by emailing SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov

7.      Earth Day Fair & Daffodil Festival

a.      Prizes: Lawn Mower and Leaf Blowers – Beth/Mike

No update

8.      No Mow May Follow Up – Fall Activity/Next year? – Mike

Thinking of evolution of No Mow May. One topic being socialized is pollinator pathways that can be set up across town. Take part of parks and plant them as meadows.

Other ideas: Leave the leaves for the fall. One tree per household? considering fall is a good season to plant.

“Adopt a sapling” (orchard school district). Approved by Village to plant on the municipal strip. Volunteers will continue to water for two years.  Sign up deadline September 15^th, October 14^th is planting day. Caroline Jacoby from STC will distribute flyer with GR.

9.      Upcoming Bergen Hub Meeting – Beth/David

Monday July 31^st in Oradell. David and Beth will attend, others are welcomed to join.

10.  Flooding on Hope Street – Stormwater Pipe Inspection – Pam/David

There was a storm water inspection. Hope and Evergreen pl, a county robot went north up Hope street. Chris R. was there to address questions. There is some obstruction between Adison pl and Ho Ho Kus Brook. There will be additional steps taken inclusive of a second inspection.

11.  EAGER – Discussions with Gabel Associates/Other Options – Pam/David

The pricing to get more renewable energy is currently not financially viable.

GR should continue to prioritize this topic and look at initiatives to have a mix of energy sources.

12.  Artificial Turf – Dr. Genoa Warner Presentation – All

Discussion with Dr. Genoa Warner Re: Artificial Turf – June 12, 2023

Attendees: Pam Perron, Beth Creller, Caitlin O’Leary, David Refkin, Carolyn Jacoby

+ others

Dr. Warner is an Asst. Professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and has

published peer review research on the environmental impacts of artificial turf.

She is also a resident of Maplewood and was part of a successful effort to pass a

referendum to stop the installation of an artificial turf field near her home.

Key findings based on her research:

·       Crumb rubber (recycled tires) is manufactured with materials, including heavy metals, that are carcinogens and use phthalates that impact reproduction systems in animals. In addition, PFAS chemicals are used in the production of artificial turf. More research needs to done related to PFAS, artificial turf and the impacts on human health but the proposed reduction by EPA in PFAS (by 94%) in drinking water is quite concerning.

·       These chemicals leech out of the turf and are spread through run-off from the turf (concern about well water).

·       These chemicals can be inhaled by walking on the turf.

·       Skin rubbing on the turf is also hazardous and another way for people to be

negatively impacted by the chemicals in artificial turf.

·       Other communities, in Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, Springfield and the state of Massachusetts have banned, or are considering banning artificial turf.

·       There are concerns related to tipping points and hormone disruptors, so that a little bit more exposure could be devastating. This is not linear. “Messing up a pathway and the whole system collapses.”

·       Firefighting foam is a serious public health concern.

·       Fluorine content is a good proxy for total PFAS content. Reasons to be concerned. (European studies use fluorine content).

·       NJDEP is working on the issue of artificial turf safety.

·       Turf during extremely warm days is even more damaging.

13.  Planning Board – Master Plan Implementation – David

Dave met with Evan and Siobhan to push for Planning Board meetings to get back on the calendars, which then took place on June 20^th.

45 minutes were dedicated to Master Plan implementation with a presentation led by David. Green Ridgewood has a voice, and we have the potential to have a big impact.

Budget process starts in August, and we should aim to be ready to start the conversation about the critical things that need to happen.

Pam to invite the village manager to our September 14^th meeting

14.  Master Plan & GR Priorities – Subcommittee Reports

a.      Communications -Caitlin

·       Information about Ridgewood water restrictions was posted on social media, including twice on stories, once as a Facebook post 

·       We shared information about “Air Dry July” on social media from a local family, the Moys, to promote air drying clothing over using machine dryers in month of July.

·       We’ve seen an increase in resident engagement by reaching out through email and our contact form on the website. Inquiries this past month have included questions about spotted lantern flies, Japanese Knotwood (an invasive species in Ridgewood) and the acquisition of new property adjacent to Schedler. We’ve been able to answer their questions but wanted to flag these as topics residents have shown interest and concern about. 

·       Please continue to send the communication subcommittee any topics you want us to promote on social media 

·       Looking into a bi-monthly newsletter

b.      Sustainable New Jersey, Grants & Applications – Mike

Progress towards submission on July 27^th.

c.       Green Building & Sustainability – no update

d.      Resource Management – no update

e.      Resilience, Flooding and Stormwater – follow up and connect in the coming weeks to ensure we can affect the Budget with pertinent initiatives.

Discussion/Strategy

15.  Priorities for 2023-2024 and GR role for Budget formulation - AllG

16.  Finances – Where to invest our funds?

17.  RHS Green Club – Request for Funding – David/All

Dave proposed a resolution to approve up to $300 to the Green Club to have their second water barrel by the greenhouse and connect it to their drip irrigation system.

Approved

18.  Content for Newsletter communications – All

19.  Measuring our Effectiveness: ANJEC Survey  

20.  Potential Field Trip: Leaf Composting – Fall event

Other

21.  Future Meeting Dates – September 14, October 5

22.  Social Gathering at David Refkin’s home (401 Wastena Terrace) – August 3.

23.  Other Business

Caroline informed us about NJEC had a lunch and learn for funding of brown fields in NJ. She will distribute the recording once available

Minutes submitted by Yvone Nava

Discussion/Strategy

15. Measuring our Effectiveness: David attended ANJEC meeting a few weeks ago where an evaluation form was handed out to rate the performance of each town’s environmental committees/commissions. Will share the form with the group and requested input.

Other

16.    Future Meeting Dates – June 1, July 6

17.    Other Business: none proposed Submitted by Nurhan Ezik

Encourage conversations via visuals and QR codes. Reach out to people at the event and encourage them to visit the booth.

15.    What actions should we take to speed up the Master Plan implementation? NEXT MTG.

16.    Schedler field discussion

a.           Formal communication sent to the members of the Village Council with relevant information about PFAS in preparation of the vote at the Council Meeting of April 12th, 2023.

b.           Green Ridgewood (David) spoke at the 4/12 Village Council Meeting (only allowed to speak at the end of the meeting due to large number of speakers) in opposition to an artificial turf field and in support of a natural turf field.

c.            Green Ridgewood is an advisory committee, and we will continue to advocate for items that affect the environment and on issues that are addressed in the master plan related to sustainability.

d.           Suggestion to have an assistant professor at NJIT, Genoa Warner, who authored an article about the health impacts of artificial turf come to talk to us.

e.           Discussion around contradiction of the signature of the Green Amendment and the approval of the village for Schedler.

f.             Some resident attendees expressed concern about Village Council vote in favor or artificial turf field.

Old Business

17.    Future Meeting Dates – May 4, June 1

18.    Deer Forum – May 31 and other ideas – Pam

19.    Other Business

SEE EVERYONE AT EARTH DAY ON APRIL 23 (Rain or Shine).

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: THURSDAY, MAY 4, RIDGEWOOD STABLE – 7:30 PM