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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_05_02 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative Meeting Notes— May 2, 2023 Attendees: June Wallach, Karen Khor, Sue Odierna, Mark Kramer, Kevin Crowe, Arlene Novich, Robin Nichinsky, Matt Thomas, Mike Smeets, Mitch Green,Judy Caputo, Robin Nichinsky, Anne Granger,John Zox Volunteers were welcomed to the meeting by Mark Kramer and the notes of the April meeting were approved. Speaking Time Protocols Kevin Crowe explained the importance of keeping to the schedule. Bike Lanes&Complete Streets Mike Smeets updated the group that the Town cannot apply for the SS4A grant since the Town has already applied for a grant in this category. Questions were asked if the Village of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont can still apply. Mike to investigate this but they should be grants that each municipality could apply for. Mike also said he'd like to talk to all three municipalities to find other ways to get safer routes to school. Robin N. mentioned it is still a good idea to put Mike's ideas in front of the Town Board and added that things like this take time and perhaps signage and other lower-cost items could be implemented sooner. Earth Day Events The LEC/Village of Larchmont event at Constitution Park on Earth Day, April 22nd was a very successful event. Many elected officials attended including Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Senator Shelley Mayer and County Executive George Latimer. Many participants signed up for the Healthy Yard program. MHS Collab Sebastian G. and band provided music at this event. Sebastian Gold and Mark Kramer represented the Collabs at the Central School's Earth Day on April 21st Sebastian suggested,for next year, that we have an interactive exhibit to attract more parents/kids. Compost Giveaway Day was postponed to Saturday, May 6th due to predicted inclement weather. Comprehensive Plan Update Karen updated the Collabs that the Town Board and the Steering Committee have both reviewed the Comp Plan and have given their feedback to the consultants who will compile this feedback, make changes and then the public will get a look in June. Final feedback follows and then SEQR review, after which the TB can adopt the plan. The policy framework consists of:Sound Economy, Safe Connections & Mobility, Healthy Community, Resilient Environment, Quality Neighborhoods. Each of these categories has goals and strategies. The appendix will cover specific actions. Discussion ensued regarding how the word will get out re: the Comprehensive Plan, how can it be viewed. Karen reported it will be e-blasted and will be on the website and Facebook. Robin N. added that the Collabs are represented well in the sense that there are many sustainability themes within the Comp Plan. Update: The Comp Plan draft is linked at https://www.townofmamaroneckny.org/625/Comprehensive-Plan and Public Comments are due by July 1st. Updates on Climate Smart Community Actions Karen updated the group that Denise, Mark Kramer, and she are working on the GOCAP, being coached by the Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC). Mark, Denise and Karen will have their second GOCAP meeting with Town staff on Friday. Trying to determine what actions Town can take in the short, medium, and long term. They will mention the Energy Smart Homes campaign to Jaine and Meredith to see if they'll go for it(the Village of Mamaroneck has committed to this campaign.) Mitch proposed that he is willing to look into EV programs for multifamily residential buildings; also private clubs could benefit such as Winged Foot, etc. Mitch added that there are a variety of EV charging station programs available. Need to check with Jaine if Mitch can go forward with his proposal. Update: Spoke with Jaine and we included EV charging station program information in the May E-newsletter. Click here if you missed it. Jaine is also receptive to Mitch gathering relevant EV programs for multifamily buildings and private clubs.Jaine requested that Mitch provide the relevant EV program information to the Town to decide how best to share with the targeted audience. Update on Trees Arlene updated the group that the Tree Walk was rescheduled to Sunday, May 7tn Also, she wanted us to know that Collab Kevin Crowe was to be honored by the Bronx River- Soundshore Audubon Society at their annual meeting on June 1st at Five Islands Park in New Rochelle for building and installing a birdhouse for Purple Martins in Willow Park in Larchmont. Arlene also reported on the Tree Planting project by the MHS students, led by student, Zach Hughes. Zach spoke with MHS Principal who is receptive to planting on MHS grounds. Zach will meet with her and the Facilities Director to confirm planting locations. He will also follow up with Hommocks to see if he can plant there as well as Murray Ave. School. Trees are being delivered to MHS and Zach will pick up. MHS Green Tigers to assist Zach with planting the 25 tree seedlings. Upcoming May events Larchmont-Mamaroneck Pollinator Pathway Garden Tour to take place on May 6th Rescheduled Compost Giveaway, May 6th Spring Tree Walk, May 7tn Mark announced that Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney and Town Administrator Meredith Robson will attend the July Collabs meeting and we will provide them with a list of questions/topics in advance so they can come prepared to answer. And as a reminder, Jaine asked Co-Chairs to remind everyone that any information regarding grant opportunities should go to Jaine and Meredith, rather than to individual Town staff members. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.