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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. 1 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.) 2 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 3 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 4