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Sustainable CT Community Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable CT Certification Report of Madison, a Sustainable CT bronze certified applicant.

Madison was certified on October 04, 2024 with 515 points. Listed below is information regarding Madison’s Sustainable CT efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable CT contact for Madison is:

Name:Peggy Lyons
Title/Position:First Selectwoman / Selectman's Office
Phone:203-245-5601

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Madison was approved for in 2024 appears below. Please enjoy this opportunity to view and learn from the information and materials provided.

Notes: Submission content was created by Madison, and Sustainable CT makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the submission, beyond that an individual reviewer approved at least some elements of the action for certification. Further, standards for actions below may have changed, and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action. Finally, approved actions here may include some documents and descriptions in support of action elements that were not approved, in addition to elements that were approved. In preparing your own application, please rely only on the action write-ups for the current certification year to guide your submission. Please contact [email protected] with specific questions.

  • 1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts

    1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 1.1.1 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: Each of the three documents attached narrate the process of implementing the equity toolkit to the associated action items.

    Partners: 1.1.1 (housing toolkit): None 1.1.1 (bike safety toolkit): Boy Scouts, St Margaret Church, Madison Hose Co 1, Madison EMS 1.1.1 (strategic plan toolkit): SBrand Solutions

  • 2. Thriving Local Economies

    2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites

    45 Points

    Approved Information: 2.1.1 (10 points) 2.1.3 (10 points) 2.1.4 (20 points) 2.1.5 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.1.1 Municipal Brownfields inventory was updated in August 2024 as shown in excel spreadsheet attached. Also attached is Inventory Map with two locations identified. 2.1.3: Municipal Brownfield Assessment Grant application was submitted in 2022 in the amount of $200K for the assessment of 4 School Street and awarded through attached FAP signed by First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. 2.1.4 Additional analysis on one priority site-4 Academy St. Initial Phase I ESA completed in 2015 along with Hazardous Building Material Assessment (Attached). Building off these reports, funded by the Brownfield Assessment Grant, the Town initiated and completed three additional assessments in 2023 & 2024 (attached) included a Phase II ESA which further recommended a Ground Water Monitoring Analysis, and a Well Receptor Survey. 2.1.5 Public engagement explanation attached with links to Town website.

    Partners: None

    2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services

    20 Points

    Approved Information: 2.3.1a (10 points) 2.3.2 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.3.1: Inventory includes links to local businesses, map, and official town links to the Chamber of Commerce and VisitMadisonCT.org website 2.3.2: Narrative includes business outreach campaign, chamber of commerce mission statement, separate attached worksheet

    Partners: 2.3.1 (Business inventory): Madison Chamber of Commerce 2.3.2 (local business campaign): Madison Chamber of Commerce

    2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses

    35 Points

    Approved Information: 2.4.1 (5 points) 2.4.3 (10 points) 2.4.4 (10 points) 2.4.6 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.4.1 Host a business roundtable submission includes the attached narrative sharing event invitation and follow-up worksheet attached. 2.4.3 Attached narrative detailing links and articles to annual business sponsored community events. 2.4.4 Attached are the disaster recovery toolkit and the post disaster checklist which are further detailed in the attached narrative. 2.4.6 Attached is a narrative that details the Economic Development Commission's business retention plan.

    Partners: 2.4.1 (business roundtable): Madison Chamber of Commerce 2.4.3 (business sponsored community events): Madison Chamber of Commerce

  • 3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources

    3.1 Provide Watershed Education

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 3.1.1a (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.1.1a Narrative attached detailing Conservation Commission interns educational video and pamphlet for residents. 3.1.1b Narrative attached detailing Conservation Commission interns watershed signage program.

    Partners: 3.1.1a none 3.1.1b none

    3.3 Engage in Watershed Protection and Restoration

    35 Points

    CT Success Story

    Approved Information: 3.3.1 (15 points) 3.3.2 (20 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.3.1 Narrative detailing the Madison Senior Center project to disconnect impervious parking lot from storm water system. 3.3.2, Narrative detailing existing regulations to protect water quality, including septic pump-out ordinance which exceeds minimum State standards.

    Partners: 3.3.1 NEMO, UCONN Clear, UCONN Students 3.3.2: None

    3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan

    25 Points

    Approved Information: 3.4.1 (10 points) 3.4.2 (5 points) 3.4.4b (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.4.1 2024 Updated Open Space Inventory in excel spreadsheet 3.4.2 Worksheet- prioritization of open space 3.4.4a- Narrative detailing two pieces of land acquired in last three years by MLCT. Also see two related deeds. 3.4.4b- Narrative detailing Madison's open space acquisition fund.

    Partners: 3.4.1 (Open Space Inventory): South Central Regional Council of Governments for original data in 2018. 3.4.2 None 3.4.4a- Madison Land Conservation Trust & DEEP 3.4.4b-none

    Additional Information: None

    3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 3.5.1 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: 3.5.1 None 3.5.2 None

    3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 3.10.1a (10 points) 3.10.3 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.10.1a See attached narrative analysis of regulations. 3.10.3a and b: See attached narrative

    Partners: 3.10.1 None 3.10.3 None

    3.12 Enhance Pollinator Pathways

    20 Points

    Approved Information: 3.12.1 (5 points) 3.12.2 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.12.1: Pollinator Education and Madison Pollinator Pathway Presentation- Scranton Library presentation, 06/23/21, No Mow May initiative, 3/14/23 3.12.2: Garden Photos and Pollinator Garden at Rockland Preserve- Scranton Memorial Library, Daniel Hand High School, North Madison Church, Meigs Point Nature Center, Rockland Preserve Native Pollinator Habitat, Bauer Park Pollinator Pathways Photos

    Partners: 3.12.1 (Pollinator education): None 3.12.2 (Pollinator photos): None

  • 4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems

    4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 4.1.1a (10 points) 4.1.2 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 4.1.1a Identify potential tourism and cultural assets-see attached worksheet and supplemental inventory 4.1.1b Promote public resource-see attached brochure with map and dedicated town tourism webpage link 4.1.2 See attached link to CT Visit webpage.

    Partners: 4.1.1 Rex 4.1.2 none

    4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 4.2.2 (5 points) 4.2.3 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 4.2.2 See attached link for marketing of arts 4.2.8, Rolling Credit, Arts District, Sculpture Mile was established in 2002, sculptures added in 2021 4.2.12: Madison Art Society and Shoreline Arts Alliance details. 4.2.3 Arts Barn: link to Arts Barn/summer art programs for children, as well as link to Madison's Approved Budget 2023-2024.

    Partners: 4.2.2 none 4.2.8 (arts district): The Hollycroft Foundation has expanded their sculpture exhibits in Clinton, New London, and Stonington. 4.2.12 (mentorship): Madison Art Society, Shoreline Arts Alliance. Role of Madison CT is to fund cultural programs and art exhibits. 4.2.3 (arts barn): None

  • 5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning

    5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices

    20 Points

    Approved Information: 5.3.1 (20 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: 5.3.1 (5.3.1 Adopt land use policies and regulations): None. 5.3.2 (Promote community access to land for farming and agricultural uses): None 5.3.5 (Establish funding to acquire or preserve farmland) None

    5.4 Assess Climate Vulnerability

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 5.4.2 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 5.4.1a See attached vulnerability assessment from 2018 and associated statement of relevance. Worksheet 1 is completed. 5.4.1b See attached worksheet 2 5.4.2 See attached evidence of workshop.

    Partners: 5.4.1 (climate vulnerability assessment): The Nature Conservancy completed the climate vulnerability assessment for Madison, Connecticut. Madison convened a community resilience building workshop. 5.4.2 none

  • 6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices

    6.1 Implement Complete Streets

    35 Points

    Approved Information: 6.1.3 (20 points) 6.1.6 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 6.1.1 See BPAC as Complete Streets Team-this document shows the committee serving as the designated Complete Streets committee who initiated the policy adoption. 6.1.3 See attached resolution; copy of minutes from BOS meeting adopting said policy, and copy of email distributing policy to Town departments; Worksheet 6.1.6 Worksheet

    Partners: 6.1.1None 6.1.3 none 6.1.6 State funding

    Additional Information: The first part of this submission is to satisfy the requirements of 5.1.3, the adoption of a Complete Streets policy and includes the following three documents: CS policy, minutes of the Board of Selectmen meeting where the policy was adopted, and the email sent to all department heads. The second part of this submission relates to our Complete Streets team and all the outreach accomplished to date. Included are the committee information and action document, minutes of the May meeting, agenda for the June meeting (minutes unavailable yet, the brochure distributed all over town, the on-line survey, survey results through 7/27/18, and pictures of outreach at our framers market. In order to reach the most diverse group of stakeholders, a survey, distributed in print and on-line, was developed and then outreach to the town was held at the Madison Farmers Market, Sunday Concerts on the Green, Bicycle Rodeo, Stop & Shop, and Town wide email messaging. Survey results show clearly that residents of all age groups and user modes (walk, bike, drive, etc.) have responded. We now have nearly 450 survey responses - a number far larger than any single workshop or meeting could attain.

    6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 6.4.5 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 6.4.5: EV Charger installations powerpoint-three sites: Samson Rock Dr (Scranton Park); Meeting House Ln(Memorial Town Hall); and School St (Municipal parking lot). Also see attached photos for each site and proof of purchase.

    Partners: 6.4.5 (EV charging station): The charging station was privately funded by Applegreen Electric.

    Additional Information: Installed one level three electric vehicle fast charging station in Interstate 95 Southbound service plaza in Madison open to the public, free of charge. Submission consists of DEEP Public Station map and listing, plus picture of station

    6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies

    20 Points

    Approved Information: 6.5.1 (5 points) 6.5.2 (5 points) 6.5.3 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 6.5.1 Educate residents on alternate routes and transportation methods- See attached narrative. 6.5.2 Narrative for bicycle education program 6.5.3 Conduct an bicycle and or pedestrian audit- See attached RSA and worksheet.

    Partners: 6.5.1 Town of Guilford and River Valley Transit 6.5.2 (Bike Safety Rodeo): Madison Beach and Rec, Madison Senior Center, Madison Police Dept., Madison EMS< Boy Scouts of America Troop 494 and Troop 490, St. Margaret's Church, Bikes for Kids, Shoreline Greenway Trail, and Vintage & Exotic Bike Exhibit were all sponsors of this event. 6.5.3 (needs assessment): none

  • 7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations

    7.4 Increase Use of Renewable Energy in Municipal Buildings

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 7.4.2 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 7.4.2 See attached consent agreements for two locations- Polson Middle School and Daniel Hand High School. Also uploaded are Executed interconnection agreements for both locations and Eversource approval to energize solar panels.

    Partners: 7.4.2 (Solar energy project- Polson Middle School): Madison worked alongside CF Lessee FT LLC to implement a solar installation at Polson Middle School, dated Nov 17, 2021. Madison also created agreements alongside Eversource to authorize project. Madison's role in the project was to establish an area in which solar panels would reach a high efficiency to increase the sustainable energy production of municipal buildings in Madison. The Town of Madison's role was also to fund and authorize such a project, as it is in the purview of the Planning and Zoning Department.

    Additional Information: Purchased 30% of total Municipal and Board of Education power consumption, purchase certification attached. Achieved over 7% renewable energy with attached PV systems. Using half of the 30% renewable plus the PV gives us over 20% renewable, or 20 points. Madison requests 30 points (15 for each solar project) out of the maximum of 45 possible points for these solar projects.

  • 8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education

    8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 8.1.1 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 8.1.1, New Action Credit, Sustainability Events, 06/12/21, 05/21/22, 08/10/22, 04/29/23, 05/06/23.

    Partners: 8.1.1 (sustainability event): Mad for Trees, Women's Club of Madison, Friends of Hammonasset, The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts.

    8.3 Train Municipal Representatives

    5 Points

    CT Success Story

    Approved Information: 8.3.1 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 8.3.1 Worksheet 1 detailing training; copy of meeting minutes documenting length of meeting and attendees.

    Partners: 8.3.1 Berchem & Moses PC

    8.6 Collaborate with Other Municipalities on Sustainability Actions — REQUIRED for Gold Certification

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 8.6.1 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 8.6 Worksheet- This worksheet outlines the collaboration between Guilford and Madison which resulted in the creation of a food scraps drop-off at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station. Created in May 2023, this new initiative aligns with Action 9.4.2.

    Partners: 8.6.1 (Collaborate with other municipality): Guilford collaborated with Madison on the food scraps drop-off at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station.

  • 9. Strategic Materials Management

    9.4 Compost Organic Waste

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 9.4.2 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 9.4.2- Transfer Station Program: Guilford and Madison residents can drop off food scraps at their transfer station for free, and the food scraps are sent to Quantum Biopower. Information can be found on the Town of Madison website at https://www.madisonct.org/1258/Food-Scraps 9.4.2- Curbside Pickup Program: From March 2023 to March 2024, Guilford and Madison ran a pilot curbside food scraps pickup program for about 350 residents. Food scraps were sent to Quantum Biopower. Information can be found on the Town of Madison Facebook page and the ReduceTheTrashCT website dedicated to the program: https://www.facebook.com/madisonct.org/ and https://reducethetrashct.com/gmprogramdetails/

    Partners: 9.4.2 (Implement a program): Guilford jointly pays for the composting drop-off site because it is located at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station (more information on this collaboration in 8.6.1). Blue Earth partners by collecting food scraps from the transfer station. CT DEEP partnered by funding the curbside program through the Sustainable Materials Management grant.

  • 10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities

    10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces

    30 Points

    CT Success Story

    Approved Information: 10.3.3 (20 points) 103.4 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 10.3.3: Tobacco Free Ordinance. Rolling action credit, ordinance reviewed 08/03/23, original ordinance implemented 03/23/15 10.3.4, New Action Credit, Signs were posted, 06/21, 02/23, 06/23

    Partners: 10.3.3 (Tobacco free ordinance): None 10.3.4 (Idling prevention signage): None

    10.4 Develop and Promote Community Growing Spaces

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 10.4.1 (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 10.4.1, Rolling action credit, established 04/2011, currently active

    Partners: 10.4.1 (community garden space): None

  • 11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing

    11.1 Implement an Affordable Housing Plan

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 11.1.1 (5 points) 11.1.3 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 11.1 Housing committee members 11.1.2a Housing Profile and Worksheet 2 in document. 11.1.2b Evidence of presentation of data-May 5, 2022 PowerPoint 11.1.3 Worksheet 3 identifies date Plan was adopted and three strategies from the Plan that have been completed.

    Partners: 11.1 (Housing Committee): None 11.1.2 None 11.1.3 (Housing Plan): None

    11.3 Implement Policy for Sustainable, Diverse Housing Options

    40 Points

    Approved Information: 11.3.2 (20 points) 11.3.3 (20 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: Section 11.3.2 Zoning Regulations Section 19 Definitions: Family definition found on Page 7. FAMILY: any number of individuals related by blood, marriage, or civil union living together as a single housekeeping unit; a group of not more than six persons, whether or not related by blood, adoption, marriage, or civil union may be considered a family for purposes of establishing a permitted use of a Dwelling Unit.

    Partners: 11.3.2 (Zoning Regulations): None 11.3.3 none

  • 12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention

    12.2 Increase Public Awareness and Support for Efforts to End Homelessness

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 12.2.2 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: 12.2.2 (homelessness online resources): None

  • 13. Innovative Strategies and Practices

    13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 13.1.1 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 13.1.1, New Action Credit, MAD For Trees created, 04/03/21 13.1.1, New Action Credit, Strategic Plan

    Partners: 13.1.1 (innovative action - MAD For Trees): MAD For Trees, SustainableCT 13.1.1 (innovative action - strategic plan: SBrands Consulting