HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_10_11 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
2022.1011
Collab Meeting Notes
Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
Meeting Notes October 11, 2022
Attendees: Karen Khor,June Wallach, Robin Nichinsky, Sue Odierna, Mark Kramer, Nick Zuba, Kevin Crowe,
Elizabeth Poyet, Karin Weisburgh, George Roniger, Arlene Novich,Judy Caputo,Andrea Hirsch, MHS student
Sebastian Gold and new volunteer Ann Granger
Co-chair June Wallach welcomed everyone and asked to approve the Notes of the September 2022 meeting and
notes were approved.
Tree Committee Update
Arlene updated the group that Jocelyn from the Sheldrake Environmental Center has agreed to conduct a guided
"Tree Walk"in winter(tentative date:Sunday,Jan. 8r"1 2023). Separately,Arlene reminded everyone that the
Town Tree Law remains on the Town website if anyone would like to review it. There was disappointment and
discussion about why the Town Board is not making use of proposed revisions to the law that the Collabs worked
on for quite some time. Town Board Liaison Robin Nichinsky explained that the decision was to revise the old law,
adding amendments and that the Collabs'comments and suggestions were reviewed. Some considerations are
that the Board is cognizant of the fact that there will be many more permits required for removal of trees as the
new law(if approved) would require permits for removal of trees of six inches or more. Therefore, the law is
proposed to be phased in, and the first phase will only require tree-removal permits for properties of 7,500—
19,599 square feet. In year two, all properties will need permits to remove trees of six inches or more. Suggestion
from Mark Kramer that the new law should include acreage of property, not simply square footage as many
residents do not know their property's square footage. Nick Zuba suggested that the tree permit fees go towards
the Tree Fund budget instead of a discretionary budget and that the permit fee should be based on the "carbon
cost"of cutting down the particular tree.
Note: Nick will investigate further into a calculation formula for determining the carbon cost of a particular tree
so that the Town Board could consider
Climate Emergency Declaration Draft Response
June reminded all that the Town Board adopted the Climate Emergency Declaration in November of 2021 and that
the Collaborative is tasked with advising the Town Board on the recommendations and actions to take. June gave
an in-depth presentation which included an overview of the declaration, the ten recommendations for climate
action, a synopsis of the green infrastructure program, community engagement and also a section on the NYS CSC
and CEC programs, including grant opportunities.June explained that this report would be given to the Town
Board at their next board meeting and that she would also give a brief presentation to them at that meeting as
well. There was much discussion about the report. Mark Kramer asked if the Town grant writer is looking into CSC
(enviro-related)grants. Robin was asked to look into this. Collabs asked what the final message to the Town
Board from this report is, what do we want them to do with the info? June said she would work on the report with
a group of interested Collab volunteers to give a more streamlined presentation to the Board.
UPDATE: Sue spoke to Meredith re: Town grant writer looking into enviro-related grants and Meredith
mentioned that, although the grant writer looks into all types of grants, if the Collabs know of a specific grant
they'd like the Town to look into, they should email the info to her(mrobson@townofmamaronecknv.org )
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Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative
2022.1011
Collab Meeting Notes
Repair Cafe
Kevin thanked George for bringing the Repair Cafe concept to the Town. Kevin mentioned that they have a good
number of fixers and other volunteers to help at event. There will be music, refreshments, supervised children's
area and many stations. They are looking forward to a successful event!
Additional Information
The group was reminded about the Environmental Bond Act which will be on the ballot this November and that we
should all vote "yes".
Karen told the group that in mid-November the consultants plan to hold Comp Plan public workshops again with
their draft policies. Similar to last time, the plan is to host a morning, lunch, and evening workshop all on some day
in which everyone is invited.
Next meeting,Jaine and Meredith will attend and answer questions from the Collabs.
UPDATE: This has been moved to December's Collab meeting due to a rescheduled Budget Meeting Jaine and
Meredith must attend.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
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