Franklin signs up for Climate Mayors; Environmental Commission advances Sustainable Jersey recertification steps

Commission members reported that Mayor Kramer has enrolled Franklin Township in the Climate Mayors network and that the township will be able to log climate-related initiatives. The speaker handling this item explained the Climate Mayors participation requires logging greenhouse-gas inventory work, setting near- and long-term reduction targets, and developing a climate action plan aligned with those targets.

Separately, the commission reviewed progress on Sustainable Jersey recertification. The commission said it has compiled an inventory of completed actions and documents that presently amount to more than 600 initial points in the Sustainable Jersey scoring system. The commission scheduled a first Green Team meeting for March 12 to review draft narratives, assign responsibilities and prepare an initial submission (draft submittal due May 16). The commission indicated it has historically submitted more points than required to allow for items that may be kicked back and to ensure a successful certification.

Commissioners noted they expect to qualify for a Sustainable Jersey "gold star" in health for the upcoming submission. Members discussed logistics for assigning narrative write-ups and leveraging staff and volunteer contributors. The commission emphasized that staff has packaged prior narratives and evidence into document sets to simplify volunteer work.

No formal vote was recorded on either topic; commissioners said they would continue to integrate Climate Mayors commitments into the township's work and proceed with the Sustainable Jersey submission timeline.