HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017_02_07 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes TOM Sustainability Collaborative
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Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Notes, February 7, 2017
Attendees: Mitch Green, Steve Altieri, George Roniger, Frank Owens, Marc Karell, Mark Manley, Sue
Odierna, Michele Lewis,Tony Gelber, Steve Moser, Mike Flynn (Bike Routes Consultant), Kristin
Andersen and Elizabeth Poyet(from Larchmont Environment Committee)
Minutes of January 10, 2017 meeting were approved.
Resilient Infrastructure—Microgrid
Mark M. introduced us to Andy Cooper and Jack Sins who are with a Mamaroneck based company,
Unison Energy(http://unisonenergy.com ). They met with Steve A., Mark M. and Mitch G. prior to our meeting.
Unison builds Combined Heat and Power(CHP) systems for hospitals,grocery stores and other critical
infrastructure in the size range the TOM is looking at regarding the microgrid. Engines are built in Europe and
they run and operate their systems with on-call service staff here. Unison systems are most valuable in places
with stable energy usage. They first evaluate the facility(or in our case, the Town) reviewing the prior 12
months of energy data to see if they are a good match for the client. Financing is comparable to a mortgage (a
10, 15 or 20 year agreement)with no capital cost.
Benefits are:
• Savings:typical reduction of energy costs are 5—20%
• Reliability: can operate independently from the grid during outages and additional engine can
be installed
• Sustainability: reduced water consumption and carbon emissions compared to grid generation
Potential downsides:
• Utility companies don't always like it
• System can go down
• Long-term commitment
• Their engines run most efficiently when run all the time as a primary source of energy whereas
TOM is looking at a microgrid for back-up energy
Action Item 1: Mark M. will contact schools to get energy data
Action Item 2: Mark M. will send Unison the Booz Allen report(Mitch—I wasn't sure if this happened already?)
Quality of Life and Sustainability--Biking Safety
Mike Flynn, Bike Consultant delivered his Draft Preliminary Recommendations presentation. The goal is to
connect major destinations (schools, train stations, government buildings, parks). Several routes were included
in the presentation including:
• Hommocks via Locust Ave.
• Central School connectors
• Palmer Avenue
• Weaver Street over the thruway
• Murray Ave. School via Chatsworth Ave.
• "Orienta" express (through Orienta)
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There was discussion about various route possibilities within each of Mike's routes. Mike to take input and
return with another presentation (Mitch? Is this to be in March?)
Action Item Collab to determine what public education piece is and who to handle.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 7,2017 at 6pm at the VFW.
Update on Other Agenda items:
Reusable Bag Initiative(RBI)
Lesley is willing to lead this initiative and will get started on it mid-February. Jennifer reported that New Castle's
Sustainability group has two high school students on their Board.The Town Sustainability Collaborative seemed
interested in this idea. Sue and Nancy contacted MHS AP Enviro teacher, Sophia Andrews. Sophia asked her
students if a couple would be interested in participating. We received emails from two such students. Henry
Harwood and Matt Loebel will be joining us at the March Collabs meeting to see how they can get involved with
the group.
Action Items: Leslie to begin working on a draft of a survey to go out to Town residents to get their input.
In New Castle,they started their initiative with a contest. Leslie suggested that perhaps the high school students
can help with idea --this making a video,for example to show plastic bag pollution all over the Town.
Near-Zero Solid Waste TOM--Increase Recycling Efforts/Edit Sanitation Guide
Neha is working on the Recyclopedia guide that she is editing for TOM. The goal for completion is
March 2017. Neha updated me prior to the February Collabs meeting that she should have this completed by
the end of March and be prepared to present it first to the Collaborative at our April meeting, and then to the
Town Board later in the month. Henry Case, our winter intern was a big help to Neha with this effort.
Action Item 1: The Collabs will support Neha's presentation to the Board,tentatively for end of April
Action Item 2: Sue 0 and Neha will consider how to further publicize the TOM "Recyclopedia,"
including in educational programs at the schools, and how it might be featured at spring 2017 Environmental
Events.
CARRY-OVER ACTION ITEMS:
Quality of Life and Sustainability—Leaf Blowers(from November/December meetings)
Action Item 1: Collabs to draft and send a letter to the Town Board suggesting the current leaf blower
law be changed to: a) make the minimum fine$150 for the first offense; b) remove a judge's ability to reduce
the fines; c) consider progressively higher mandatory fines for further violations; d) consider placing the names
of"repeat offender"gardeners on the TOM website; and e) consider a "three strikes you are out" provision so
that repeat offenders face a fundamental consequence to continued flouting of the law.
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Action Item 2: TOM to purchase,with 2016 Collab budget already ear-marked for this purpose, a
quieter gas-powered "Stihl" leaf blower to use in specific conditions.
Action Item 3: Beth and Michele suggested developing a "raking" educational program for spring 2017,
which can be demonstrated at a variety of venues and events. A preliminary proposal is needed in time for the
February meeting. George R. identified several parents who felt their teens could be part of a raking program. ;
Action Item 4: Mitch will draft a letter to residents in January to promote quiet leaf blowing and leaf
mulching. He'd like letter to be mailed out to Town residents this spring.
Water Quality/Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study—SSES(from October meeting)
Action Item 5: Is the Collaborative still considering having an outreach event in conjunction with the
smoke-testing of sewers. (i.e.: "Smoke-out," potential field trip w/AP students)
2017 Priority Initiatives—Task Force Leaders
• Air&Noise Pollution George R Renewable Energy&Local Energy Frank 0,Marc K,Mitch G
• Walk-able,Bike-able TOM Stephen M Near-Zero Waste Community Steve A,Neha D
• Improve Water Quality Nancy S,Michele L,Beth R Education&Awareness Michele L,Beth R
• Maintain&Improve Infra Steve A,Frank 0 Climate-Smart,Zoning&Codes Nancy S
• Community Preparedness Tony G
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