20230713 - Green Ridgewood Meeting Minutes
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 15th, October 14th is planting day. Caroline Jacoby from STC will distribute flyer with GR.
9. Upcoming Bergen Hub Meeting – Beth/David
Monday July 31st 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 20th.
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 14th 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 27th.
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
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