HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_01_12 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes
Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Notes, January 12, 2021
(Meeting via Zoom, 6pm – 8pm)
Attendees: Mitch Green, Jeff King, Steve Altieri, Sue Odierna, George Roniger, Karen Khor, Marc Karell,
Mark Kramer, Kevin Crowe, Beth Radow, Jason Rudolph and Eliza Pertz, Frank Owens, Arlene
Novich, Michelle Lewis, Mark Manley, Elizabeth Poyet, Lisa McDonald and Sasha Nahr
(Chairs, Larch Enviro Comm.), Ellen Silver (Chair, VoM Enviro Comm.), Nick Zuba, MHS OCRA
teacher Joe Liberti & OCRA Students
Notes of December 2020 meeting were accepted.
Mitch G welcomed everyone and mentioned a discussion with Nancy S regarding 2021 Collab goals and
priorities in which Nancy emphasized having just a few priorities to work on. Jeff K suggested quarterly
updates from Mitch and other Collabs at TB work sessions. Jeff seconded the thought that the Collabs should
not take on too much. Regarding what Town residents might consider their priorities, a community survey
was discussed, and the possibility that OCRA students could help with that.
Action Items: The Town Board should advise the Collab on the survey, particularly as the Town will be
embarking on Comprehensive Plan discussions in the spring.
Presentation to the Town Board at its Work Session in January
Mitch outlined the contents of the Collab presentation to the Board, emphasizing three focus areas and the
programs that are organized within each.
Update: The final presentation document to the Town Board Work Session is enclosed at the end of these
notes. The Board took no exception to the focus areas and programs, noting that the “Trees for our Town”
program needed a new name, as the Town already uses that name for its tree-planting program.
Cleaner, More Resilient Energy
NY Stretch Code: Mitch introduced the NY Stretch Code, a voluntary energy code developed by NYSERDA that
municipalities can adopt. It is more stringent than the NYS base energy code and aims for higher efficiency
standards in both new and renovated buildings. The idea is to save 10 -12% in energy costs and help in
reducing greenhouse gases and climate change.
Update: Nancy is setting up a presentation date with the NY Stretch team by zoom at an upcoming TB
meeting in March
NYS PACE Financing: Nick Z, who runs the commercial portion of Connecticut’s PACE program, gave details on
what PACE Financing is all about. This initiative provides advantageous financing to enable property owners
to make energy improvements. If the Town opts in, property owners will be able to access the financing
opportunities. Steve A explained that the Town is very familiar with this program and the Board will likely
want to move ahead on this since the new legislation removes the Town’s municipal liability and it is a good
program.
Action Item: Nick and Frank will report to the Collab at our February meeting on the NYS version of PACE.
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Strengthen Community Health:
Air & Noise Pollution: George R started a discussion about the Leaf blower law needing stronger
regulations. Although TB is sensitive to noise complaints, they are also sensitive to landscaper concerns and
police enforcement difficulties. Sasha, co-chair of Larch Enviro Committee clarified that their law goes into
effect January 2022, but that they are already working on educational pieces, including creating a “green
zone” in VoL’s Constitution Park to change the perception that a beautiful yard look like a golf course.
Action Item: Mitch suggested that VoL emphasize their leadership on air and noise pollution at the next TVS
(Town/Village/School) meeting on April 13 to help to persuade the Town (and school districts and VoM).
Sasha to follow up with VoL Mayor, Lorraine Walsh prior to the TVS Meeting.
Trees: Arlene N updated Collabs regarding her meeting with Town Conservation Planner, Liz Aitchison. Some
of the issues w/planting trees are that residents don’t always want trees in front of their homes and that they
need to be watered for the first year In 2019, 24 trees were planted and 75 were removed but most of the
latter were from conservation areas, not public streets. Steve Altieri added that the Town manages over 70
acres of the conservation areas and sometimes, trees do need to be removed from there. Discussion about
updating the tree code.
Update/Action Item: Nancy had an in-depth discussion with Arlene last week and suggested that the best
way for Collabs to improve the “tree situation” in the Town is to get involved in the Comprehensive Plan.
Collabs should have an active role once these public meetings begin. Nancy has requested that the Trees
Team prepare a one-page “White Paper” which makes the case for increasing tree cover. The White Paper
should include information on trees lost, trees planted, and the benefits of trees as “problem solvers.”
Nancy urged that the White Paper be prepared by the end of Q1 2021.
Minimize Waste:
Curbside Pick-up: LMJGDC Public Hearing/Change to the Law -- Karen K spoke about the change to the
sanitation laws in the Town of Mam’k/Village of Larchmont. Due to Executive Orders related to COVID-19,
residents are already bringing their trash to curbside, but this new law will make it a permanent change.
There will be exemptions available (as an administrative policy) for those over 70 who do not have younger
household members, as well as for the disabled. In addition, trash will be required to be at the curb by
6:30AM.
Food Scrap Recycling: Mark K reported that in 2020, the Maxwell facility collected 73 tons or 146,000 lbs. of
food scraps. Throughout the pandemic, the number has remained steady. Karen also promoted the VoM
Enviro Committee presence at the Farmers Market at Harbor Island where volunteers sell food scrap kits and
promote the program. Karen and Ellen (VoM Chair) discussed editing the “talking points” sheet that
volunteers (mostly students) have at the market with changes that would help both municipalities’ programs.
Mark suggested adding ASAP Scraps info as well (the private pickup service that residents in the VoM can pay
for).
Action Item 1: Karen suggested the Collaborative recognize retiring Sanitation Foreman Clarence Gaddis for
his support and help with the food scrap recycling program. (Clarence was presented with a certificate and
also, gifts from the Town at a small ceremony in honor of his retirement.)
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Action Item 2: Ellen and Karen to add appropriate language relevant to both ToM and VoM food scrap
recycling practices so that volunteers have a talking points sheet with all of the details
Love Your Food
Beth discussed the “Date Labelling” LYF insert which will go out in Nancy’s mailed-out newsletter in February.
Update: Nancy’s newsletter is finalized and now at the printer (2/8/21). Should be in mailboxes within
about two weeks with LYF insert enclosed. Those in Rye Neck will receive the LYF insert via email blast.
Please see the insert, attached to these Notes.
Community Outreach & Education:
OCRA (Original Science Research Action) MHS Students “Green” App: Joe L updated the Collabs that the
students continue to work on the app -- with Michele L. The goal is to get all relevant information in to the
OCRA Team by the end of 2021 Q1 (March 31). Joe and Michele need to discuss which priorities will go on the
app for this year.
OCRA participation on Sustainable Projects: Multiple OCRA students are being mentored by multiple Collabs
in three different sub-committees. Of the 100 MHS students currently working on OCRA projects, Joe
identified the list of Sustainable Projects and the students working on each:
Initiative: Green Mamaroneck App
OCRA Students: Alex, Ryan, Charlie, Dylan
Mentor(s): Michele Lewis, Mitch Green
Initiative: Carbon-free Food Scrap Pickup for Village of Larchmont
OCRA Students: Arielle, Cameron, Simon, Ben
Mentor(s): Lisa MacDonald, Mark Kramer, Karen Khor
Initiative: TBD (connected to Love Your Food)
OCRA Students: Sofia, Viviene, Lyla
Mentor(s): Beth Radow
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm.
The next meeting will be held on:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 via Zoom @ 6pm
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TOWN OF MAMARONECK BOARD WORK SESSION, TUESDAY JANUARY 19, 2021
DISCUSSION: 2021 SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATIVE PRIORITIES & PROGRAMS
Objective: To better support the Board, please give us your feedback on our plans & priorities for action
For 2021, within the Collaborative’s objectives to improve the Resilience, Sustainability and Quality of Life for
the Town and its residents, the Collaborative is focused on three “Big Picture” Priorities:
Minimize Waste
Strengthen Community Health: Residents, Air, Land & Water
Reduce Emissions by providing Cleaner, More Reliable Energy
Within each of these Priorities, the Collaborative is planning these activities:
Minimize Waste
Food Scrap Recycling – focusing on Expansion of Community Participation & supporting Curb-side Collection
Repair Café - we hope for a Q4 date for the Café
Love Your Food – now a grant-supported ToM program, Collab will continue Community Outreach & Ed
Strengthen Community Health: Residents, Air, Land & Water
Healthy Yards – continuing an existing program to expand Community Participation
Healthy Clubs – continuing a program where each Club shares “Best Practices” & moves at its own pace
Tree Committee – a new initiative, with specific goals and objectives to be defined
Reduce Air & Noise Pollution in Our Neighborhoods – a new initiative, to address pandemic-related concerns
OCRA – “Green ToM” Phone App – a new collaboration with MHS OCRA to motivate sustainable behavior
Reduce Emissions by providing Cleaner, More Reliable Energy
Next Steps for Community Solar – expanding the benefits of “virtual solar” Community-wide
EV Chargers for Commercial, Clubs, Houses of Worship & Multi-Family – building EV Infrastructure
PACE Financing – recommending early ToM Board adoption, liaison for Commercial & Multi-Family applicants
NY Stretch Code – NYSERDA upgrade to current Energy Code – building support for ToM Board adoption
Community-wide Emissions Targets for 2030, 2040 & 2050 – translating NYS goals into local actions
In summary, three takeaways:
o Outreach & Education to translate Resident interests into Sustainable Action
o Build Community support for Clean Energy & Emissions Reductions
o Help the Board make tangible improvements to Neighborhood Quality of Life
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