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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_12_03 Sustainability Collaborative Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative �r o{Mama,.o�P 2024.12.03 Meeting Notes 'co �� TOWN OF MAMARONECK SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATIVE ..r# DECEMBER 3, 2024 MEETING NOTES Sus tainabi\`k Attendees:SupervisorJaine Elkind Eney, Mark Kramer, Robin Nichinsky, Sue Odierna,Arlene Novich, Andrea Hirsch, June Wallach, Mitch Green, Mark Manley, Kevin Crowe, Frank Owens, Karin Weisburgh, Karen Khor, Katherine Pannel (LEC), Joe Liberti (MHS OCRA advisor/teacher), Hugh Collins, Roger Weiss, Sophie Cowles, Marianne Hardart, Nazanine Scheuer Guests from Harrison's Sustainability Committee: Katherine Husseini,Janice Kaplan Climate Smart Community Activities/Formation of Town of Mamaroneck Climate Task Force - Supervisor,Jaine Elkind Eney Jaine explained that the Town Board (TB) has hired a consultant, to help us reach "Silver" status in the NYS Climate Smart Community program. The TB passed a resolution last night (2024.1202) officially creating the Climate Smart Community Taskforce which consists of the Collab members, the Town Supervisor, the Supervisor's Confidential secretary, and the Town Board liaison. A second resolution was passed, giving the title of "Climate Task Force Coordinator" to the Confidential Secretary to the Town Supervisor. Frank asked about PACE financing and if that could help us reach CSC points.The CSC Action PE 8, Green Financing,formerly named PACE Financing, can be utilized for points.There are several levels of points available related to PACE financing under PE 8.The first increment of points once the Town adopts PACE financing seems an uncomplicated way to help the Town reach its Silver goal during 2025. Hastings-on-Hudson has adopted PACE financing. Mark asked if Jaine could talk about the leaf blower ban (gas-powered) that goes into effect on 1/1/2025.Jaine spoke to Allen Reiter about the first steps. One was that we need a very recognizable graphic and it should go everywhere (FB, Palmer/Weaver triangle)to help get the word out. Also, we could send a notification to the gardeners. Also, put the requirements of the law on our website. Katherine said we are welcome to use LEC's graphic. Also, the Town is paying a PR firm so we can make use of them as a resource to promote the new law as well. Discussion also brought up the TMPD enforcing it. Jaine was asked whether the police must see a leaf blower in use or is a video permitted for the police to ticket after the fact. Sue to follow up with Town Atty/TMPD. Approval of the Meeting Notes The Notes of the November Collaborative Meeting were approved. OCRA Initiatives with Environmental Connections—MHS Teacher Joe Liberti Joe gave a brief history of the OCRA program which was launched in 2017. Students research and form groups to resolve various issues in the community. There is no other program like it in NYS (a four-year program). One group is focused on maintaining non-sports green spaces.The group would like to plant native grasses in these spaces, so that leaf blowers and other gas-powered machines are not necessary, thereby fulfilling the school's sustainability goals. The Mamaroneck School District has a policy statement on sustainability, so students want to ensure sustainability goals are being achieved. Students are talking with the University of Connecticut and Cornell as well as the Bedford 2030 group who have accomplished this before. Other OCRA teams are Victory Farm, Food rescue/share table at schools, Salt Marsh ecology study, and the Food scrap recycling pilot w/local Larchmont restaurants.Although none of the original restaurants are continuing the pilot,the OCRA Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative 2024.12.03 Meeting Notes team will drop off flyers letting residents know about the Curbside Compost program in which they pay $31/month to have food scraps picked up. We asked Joe to forward the flyer when ready to promote on Facebook. EV Chargers/WSNA)-- Mark K and Mitch(M &M) M & M spoke to Washington Square Neighborhood Association (WSNA) about adding EV Chargers and incentives to their neighborhood. This area (Washington Square) makes up 10% of the population of the Town. They have always had parking problems because most of the buildings do not have parking garages/lots sized to accommodate current levels of car ownership. M &M felt that talking with this group would be beneficial. Chargers are not expensive, but installing and finding a place for them is difficult. For their residents, the WSNA was not interested in on-street chargers in the interior streets due to lack of parking spots. Going forward,the Collab is looking into talking with Multi-Family Buildings of 10 units or more and has compiled a list of those. Regarding utilization of existing on-street EV Chargers, Robin reminded everyone that she mentioned to Jaine/TB that we need the police to be able to ticket non EV's for parking in EV spots. Tree Walk/Trees and Town Work—Arlene Novich Jocelyn of Sheldrake, once again, did a lovely job hosting the tree walk; saw Cottonwood, Hickory, Oak, and Maple trees. About 15 people attended. More signed up, but did not show. Arlene sent photos. Sue will post on Facebook. Also, regarding trees, Mark and Arlene mentioned that residents were upset that during town work, sidewalk repair, trees were in danger of being damaged. Arborists should be onsite so that trees are not damaged. Robin mentioned that it should be part of the project work that trees should be protected. Solar Options—Frank Owens Frank had spoken with Steve A. about the roof above Highway Department garages.One roof is metal, the other is shingle. A shingle roof lasts about 30 years, and this one was replaced about 25 years ago, so it will be time soon to replace it. Frank spoke with Meredith who said she would be meeting with Calgi and could ask them about the cost. EV Chargers—Frank Owens Frank was approached by NYPA. They are looking for sites for fast EV chargers. They have about 20x the power of slower chargers. They can charge a car in 30 minutes vs overnight. They are also much pricier. NYPA wants to put a minimum of 4 fast chargers within a mile of 1-95. NYPA likes the Myrtle Blvd parking lot, but does the Town prefer not to lose 4 parking spaces? Next suggestion was Parking Lot A(across from Memorial Park)which could work as spots should be available. NYPA pays for the installation and the Town would get paid about$6k a year.Also, consideration should be given to the Ferndale Shopping Center lot. Robin mentioned that the Town is still waiting to hear from the county about an EV Charger grant. The meeting closed with a very thankful but bittersweet goodbye to Karen Khor, who has made enormous contributions to the Collab. She is indeed a Volunteer Extraordinaire! The meeting ended at 8:05 p.m.