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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020_03_03 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative Meeting Notes, March 3, 2020 Attendees: Mitch Green,Jeff King, Sue Odierna,June Wallach, George Roniger,Arlene Novich, Elizabeth Poyet, Matt Thomas, Karen Khor, Frank Owens, Kevin Crowe, Nick Zuba, Girl Scout Leader Lisa Pascetta with girl scouts Molly and Sam, Mark Kramer, David Styler(VoM Committee for the Environment),Wendy Gittings, Marc Karell, Charles Joseph Notes of February 4th meeting were accepted. Reusable Bag Initiative(RBI) Sue reported that the NYS law went into effect on March 1st. We have not heard from Westchester County regarding their opting in to the 5-cent fee. Citizens Campaign for the Environment conference call that was to take place on Feb. 26th was cancelled. As of now, businesses will continue to follow the Town law that allows businesses to keep the 5 cents charged for each paper bag. Sue was asked the status of Westchester County's ban on Styrofoam and the status of the vendor at Hommocks Ice Rink using Styrofoam products. The vendor was told to use up his current stock of Styrofoam, but then not to place any further orders. As to the County's ban, we have not been able to get confirmation or details of this. Will continue to follow up. Repair Café George updated the group on the progress he, Todd and Wendy had made. The first-ever Town of Mamaroneck Repair Café to be held on Saturday, March 14th from 12noon to 5pm at the Mamaroneck Senior Center is in good shape with many volunteer signed up to help repair all kinds of items. Update: Due to the Coronavirus,the Repair Café was cancelled. We hope to reschedule for sometime later this year. Food Waste Recycling—Curbside? Karen reminded us that Westchester County will begin hauling food waste at their cost in the coming months so the plan in the Town is to wait. Karen participated in a call with NYS Pollution Prevention Institute(NYSP2I) with Steve A. and Nancy exploring ways they can help us to better understand our community--potentially through surveys. They have a budget from NYS and seem to be looking for projects;this could result in technical support, community outreach and education assistance for the Town. Mark K. asked about curbside pickup and if we could ask residents if they'd consider this. Also, could the VoL and ToM be combined with the VoM as the trial municipality to start curbside food waste pickup. VoM was contacted for metric information on food waste weight. Marc K. was to email Ellen Silver, Chair of VoM Enviro Committee to see if Mark K. could work with someone in VoM to get metrics. Jeff added that sustainability is a part of the comprehensive plan but trash is very sacred in Town and you want to be careful how you put questions like this out to our residents. Earth Day 50th Anniversary ideas were discussed. Mark K asked for volunteers for"Compost Giveback Day" Update: Since mid-March,we have instituted curbside trash pickup due to Covid-19's effect on staffing. Staggering the sanitation crews facilitates the Governor's orders regarding less staffing and social distancing. Most residents seem to understand and are complying though we have had complaints from older and less 1 mobile residents. Regarding spring events(Annual Spring Cleanup, Earth Day activities, Healthy Yard/Larchmont Library),they have been canceled due to Covid-19. Comprehensive Plan Jeff reported that the Town Board is meeting with consultants. The hope is to get a more definitive schedule come April as the consultants will be meeting with clubs, houses of worship and other focus groups to learn residents'interests. Karen asked if the Villages are included and Jeff responded that they are not though there are certain shared services such as Sanitation. Healthy Yards The Larchmont Library Healthy Yards event is scheduled for April 25th. Prior to the library program, there will be a walk led by Sheldrake Environmental Center. Arlene and June are working with the schools to get banners up on the Healthy Yard programs. Kevin Crowe reported for the Larchmont Gardens Civic Association that Luke Brussels will plant native species along the brook with volunteers on April 18tn (Update: Due to COVID-19,the above events were cancelled.) Capstone Project for Girl Scouts GS Leader Lisa Pascetta reported that the girl scouts have been helping to raise awareness of food waste throughout schools. They'd now like to work on a Capstone Project--passing a ban on plastic straws. Lisa believes such a law was passed in the Village of Mamaroneck and would like to see the same in the Town. Mitch recommended that they start with petitions. Sue reminded all that there are very few restaurants, or even delis in the Town. USGA Mitch reported that USGA is open to having a sustainability area at Winged Foot and this could be staffed by some Collab volunteers. Mitch pitched it as "positive messaging for those funding the event." Update: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic,the USGA event at Winged Foot has been postponed until September 14—20tn WJWW Presentation David Styler attended a presentation by Westchester Joint Waterworks regarding a new filtration plant on Rye Lake. This will satisfy state regulations to put in a new plant featuring Ultraviolet treatment. The next two Collaborative meetings(scheduled for Tuesday,April 14th and May 5th)were cancelled. The June meeting on Tuesday,June 9th will be held via Zoom for the Collabs and on LMCTV and Youtube for the general public. Details to come. 2