HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_12_03 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Notes, December 3, 2019
Attendees: Mitch Green,Jeff King, Sue Odierna, Karin Weisburgh,June Wallach, George Roniger,
Arlene Novich, Elana Mass,Wendy Gittings, Lisa McDonald and Kristin Andersen (from
Larchmont Environmental Committee), Denise Dunn, Christina Lefler, Matt Thomas,
Diane Neff, Beth Radow, Karen Khor, Lisa Pascetta (Girl Scout Leader)with three girl
scouts from HMX and St.John and Paul schools, Marc Karell, Mark Manley,
New volunteers and guests were introduced:Joe Liberti (MHS teacher)with OCRA
(Original Civic Research &Action) student Alex Boswell; David Styler of the Committee
for the Environment(VoM), resident Kevin Crowe
Minutes of November 4th meeting were accepted.
A shout out was given to Collab volunteer Wendy Gittings who Karen Khor announced was responsible
for getting the Food Waste recycling started in this community over two years ago through pioneering
Zero Waste events in the Town and VoL. Kudos Wendy!
Reusable Bag Initiative(RBI)
Sue gave a brief history of the research leading to the RBI law that bans single-use, carry-out plastic bags
from Town businesses, and charges 5 cents for paper bags for the benefit of several new volunteers and
informed all that the law had been in effect for two days--since December 1st and that,so far, the Town
had received few complaints. Several residents have visited Town Center to pick up their free reusable
bag. Upon receiving Nancy's letter regarding the law, many businesses elected to receive posters, cards
and free Town-designed reusable bags.Also in-ground signs were placed outside of Town Center,
Maxwell Avenue Recycling Center and the Trader Joe's and Stop and
Shop parking lots. We have been informed that three CVS stores in the Village of Mamaroneck and
Village of Larchmont have been mistakenly charging the fee for paper bags thinking the laws of the
Town pertain to their stores.
Update: On December 4th, Nancy sent letters (hand-delivered)to the three CVS Managers alerting them
that they are not subject to this law. On December 5th, a CVS Compliance Manager from the corporate
location called us and we clarified that only the CVS in the Stop and Shop shopping center is subject to
this law(once it re-opens).
Wasted Food Reduction DEC Grant/Food Waste Recycling
Girl Scout Leader Lisa Pascetta and three of her girl scouts discussed the survey they conducted to get
residents'opinions on food waste recycling. With 45 responses so far, conclusions are that the two
biggest reasons residents don't recycle food waste is 1) the inconvenience of having to drive food waste
to the site, rather than having curbside pickup and 2) they found there is a knowledge gap in that many
don't know of the program's existence. When those who do recycle were asked if they would pay for
pickup, most said they would not or would only pay if a minimal amount. They were willing to give up a
garbage collection day in place of food waste collection. In order to get the survey out more widely, they
will send link to Sue so that she can post to Town's Nextdoor and Facebook pages. Since surveys have
also been completed at local events, a suggestion was made for GS to offer survey when selling GS
cookies or when doing food drives. They also felt food waste kits should be more readily available;sold
at area supermarkets for example so residents can find out about the program more easily.
Girl Scouts also reported how food waste/food recovery is doing at their schools. St.John and Paul
School reports separating of food is a challenge, kids not knowledgeable enough about program.
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Suggestion was to perhaps have environmental events such as a showing of
"Just Eat It"movie. Student reported that there is not curriculum backup or teacher/school aide
assistance in expanding this program. At Hommocks,share tables not being used as much as they could;
items sometimes go to the garbage or food waste bins instead of share table. Karen K. applauded the
work of the girl scouts, explaining to them that this is still a good start and with more student and faculty
volunteers assisting, the programs can improve! She also reported that the food recovery efforts of
getting leftover food(mostly unpeeled fruit and unopened packaged foods like milk boxes and wrapped
cheeses) to locations in need are going well.
GS Leader, Lisa P. asked why concessionaire is still using Styrofoam cups at the ice rink. Sue to follow up
with Nancy and Steve A.
Larchmont Environmental Committee(LEC) Update
Lisa McDonald updated that the LEC continues to make inroads with Sound Shore clubs—Larchmont
Yacht Club, Beach Point, Wykagyl, Larchmont Shore Club. (They are looking for contact at Shore Acres;If
anyone is a member there or has contacts there,please contact Lisa at lc.b cdonald pmail.com) Lisa
and other volunteers have met with various members of local clubs to set up sustainability groups there
and have asked for meetings with management at clubs to see if composting can be introduced to their
kitchens. Other suggestions they have for the clubs:using reusable cups instead of single-use plastic
cups, offering straws only on demand and would also like to discuss the "Healthy Yard"program. Beth R.
suggested they discuss "rescuing"food leftovers after catered events. In talking with Wykagyl about
"greening their grounds,"by using more electric maintenance vehicles, they pointed to Winged Foot
mentioning that they've been using electric vehicles(though we determined this is actually unconfirmed,
so tbd). Also mentioned was that Horseshoe Harbor Club has begun composting.
Mitch has drafted an "intro"letter for the clubs;more details on this in January. Members'meeting in
January(does this refer to Horseshoe Harbor??)
Original Civic Research &Action (OCRA)—Mamaroneck High School teacher Joe Liberti
Original Civic Research &Action (OCRA)—Mamaroneck High School teacher Joe Liberti
MHS teacher Joe Liberti explained the OCRA program at MHS which is a research-based study of the local
community that students elect to do over 4 years.Joe said that he created this program after seeing the
success of the Original Science Research model and hoped to "put the 'public'back in public education"
by incorporating the community in applied solutions-based learning. The goal of OCRA is to help create
civic entrepreneurs. In year one, the students learn about local history, the 3 municipalities and their
respective elected officials, budget process, and how the town has changed over time. Following a
summer assignment that includes community stakeholder interviews,students begin their sophomore
year considering all the various issues and concerns unearthed to date. Students working in groups select
one local issue or concern and conduct further research with an eye towards possible solutions. When a
possible solution is discovered and understood,students develop an action plan with the guidance of
community experts/mentors. Students implement and evaluate their action plans during their junior and
senior years.
There are currently six action plans/projects in progress for the OCRA juniors. These projects touch on
issues from how to stimulate spending within a local business district to how to improve the flow of
information between local government through an app. OCRA student,Alex Boswell reported to the
Collabs that his group's focus is flooding/run-off pollution and green infrastructure. His group is
developing an action plan to reduce run-off and water usage. Alex's group looks forward to presenting
to the Collabs in January.
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Joe stated that the success of OCRA depends on a supportive and engaged community. To that end, he
asked that all residents consider filling out his Google Form to help build a database of local
experts/mentors to assist in future projects. Here's the link https://farms. leitcd_I Ttv. Et .c 2v6
Healthy Yards
June updated that we now have 138 HY pledgers. The HYsub-committee had a meeting and are
planning a spring event at the Larchmont Library for March 2020,possibly a joint"Love your Food"and
Healthy Yard event. The library is on board to co-host. They'd like to showcase local talent with MHS
Beekeepers and Luke Brussel(who presented his native plant program along the Larchmont Gardens
Brook at our last meeting) with topics to include encouraging pollinators, beekeeping and growing native
plants. The HY group is also working on strategy for schools to publicize the healthy yard program with
signage,plaques, events, PTA help, etc. Also would like to introduce pollinators like milkweed to the
plant area at the Maxwell Avenue facility;to discuss with Steve A. Diane reported that Larchmont
Village's parks are healthy yards and that Constitution Park is being renovated. Diane contacted one of
the VoL board members, asking that they consider using native plantings in Constitution Park. The Board
member said they would pass my note onto the rest of the board.
Mitch asked David Styler from the Village of Mamaroneck's Committee for the Environment if the
Villages'parks are also "healthy." David said he wasn't sure but that the new Village Manager seems to
be making positive changes such as additional native planting. David also reported that the leaves that
are collected are composted.
Update: Sue spoke with VoM DPW Foreman,Tony lacovelli who reported that only organic
pesticides/herbicides are used in Village parks and that this is primarily in Harbor Island. He also said
tha the leaves go to Westchester County who trucks them upstate for composting. He says there is
way too much to do this locally.
Mobility/Complete Streets/Electric Vehicle (EV)Charging Stations
Denise created a presentation that included information on current NYS EV& Charging Station grants,
ChargePoint data on how others are pricing their EV charging, a summary of EV-ready Building Codes
from across the country and a "white paper"that provides guidance on how to price EV charging. Denise
has been gathering info from/with Sustainable Westchester's Ron Kamen as well as getting input from
Nancy on how the Town might move forward with EV charge pricing, building code info, etc. One item of
particular interest is that NYS DEC grants are now available for private properties(stores,social clubs,
multi family housing). Denise asked how she could help the Town Board with next steps. Jeff suggested
it might be helpful for her to attend a TB meeting to present ideas to them. Jeff to follow up with TB.
Love your Food
Elana and Beth updated the group... The initiative launched in November at the Larchmont Farmers
Market. Website is up (www.loveyourfoodny.org)as well,plan is to update it quarterly. This three year
campaign's goal is to transform how a community treats food. Beth would like to have a B.Y.O event
early next year where attendees would bring a "potluck"dish to share. She is looking into having this at
Mamaroneck Senior Center. Beth also mentioned that there will be a Love your Food festival in Fall
2020, possibly in conjunction with the Food Truck Festival in Memorial Park. Karen reported that the
school district is finalizing a statement of sustainability which School Board would need to approve.
There is a financial issue with regard to staff monitoring food in the lunchrooms(since volunteers cannot
always be there). School administration says cost would be$130,000 for staff to provide food waste
supervision in lunchrooms throughout district.
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USGA's 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot
Mitch reminded the group that the USGA Golf Open will be held at Winged Foot, here in the Town, on
June 15-21, 2020. Mitch reported that on November 13th, the Planning Board approved the Site Plan
Permit. The next meeting will be to discuss what can be measured,what are the metrics? Mitch asked
how can we hold the USGA accountable? What will the baseline be so other tournaments can look at
the metrics moving forward more sustainably? What are the Collabs'targets?Goals? What should/can
the Town do to help?
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM.
The next Collaborative meeting is Tuesday,January 7,2020.
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