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Home My WebLink AboutCS CEC 2023-12-12Climate Smart/Clean Energy Community Task Force Minutes for the Meeting Tuesday Dec. 12, 2023 Via Zoom Attendance: Task Force members: Marie McRae, Christina Dravis, Ray Burger, Joe Wilson, Mckenna Crocker, and Alice Green, Chair; Absent and excused: Jack Wright, Hunter Barlow Guests: Jennifer Michelle of GreenTown Consulting, Anne Clark, Dillon Shults; Gian Dodici and Bob Beck from the Conservation Board. ; CCE Energy Coordinator Consultant Jerry Sheng (Climate Smart Communities) Call to Order 5:03 pm Presentation: Low Cost/High Impact Pollinator Friendly Municipal Landscaping – Jennifer Michelle of GreenTown Consulting Members of the Town Planning and Conservation Boards were invited to attend this presentation about a potential Climate Smart Community action. Jennifer emphasized the importance of native plants for pollinators such as insects and birds, noting that native plants are crucial for animal survival, as they provide the necessary food and habitat for them, particularly during the early stages of their lives. Jennifer explained that replacing native plants with non-native species and large areas of turf grass has resulted in a significant loss of insects and birds, which subsequently impacts other wildlife and even our food crops. The presentation stressed the need to reintroduce native plants to help restore the balance and ensure the survival of these crucial species. Some potential action steps: 1. Review town policies and codes for any conflicts with pollinator protection. Consider especially definitions like “weed.” Consider pesticide restrictions or buffer zones; consider pollinator habitat at SEQR. 2. Consider revising nuisance laws to accommodate pollinator gardens. 3. Explore opportunities to incorporate native plants in public areas such as sidewalk strips and parking lots. 4. Consider asking developers to use native species in their landscaping for new developments. 5. Consider the impact of solar farms and wind farms on pollinator habitat and require developers to establish pollinator-friendly habitats and provide for ongoing maintenance. 6. Consider promoting rooftop solar installations, especially over parking lots. 7. Organize community education events to raise awareness about pollinators and the importance of native plants. This could include speakers about pollinators and native bees vs. honey bees; signage about native pollinators; encouraging placing native plants under large trees 8. Jennifer will reach out to Alice and the town for potential collaboration on reviewing their zoning laws. She said there are currently no state funding incentives to take these action steps, but there are potential points for pollinator friendly landscaping in the Climate Smart Community program. Clean Energy Community Actions Review Clean Heat and Cooling Campaign Take Two- Next Steps – Alice Chris Skawski, CCE’s Clean Energy Coordinator, has informed the Task Force that it can embark on a second Clean Heat/Cooling Campaign based on the scoping document that NYSERDA approved for the first successful campaign. If the Town documents 10 residents who have installed air source or geothermal heat pumps, or air source hot water pumps from June 2023 forward, it can be eligible for a $10K grant. Another 15 installations would yield $15K. So there is up to $25K available. Holly Hutchinson from Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFL) told Alice they have records for 4 installations for Town of Dryden residents since last June through the SFL Climate Fund. The Town’s first campaign included press releases, fliers and two primary events: a visit of the CCE tiny power house at the Dryden Village Farmers Market, and a Zoom meeting about electrification incentives by Lisa Marshall of Heat Smart Tompkins. It was suggested that perhaps Holly Hutchinson could host such a meeting in the second campaign. Marie agreed to work with Alice on the campaign. Jack Wright volunteered to help at the previous meeting. County Proposal for EV Charging Station Collaboration- Alice, Joe, Marie At the recent meeting of the TCOG energy subcommittee, Hailey Delisle from the County Planning Department reported that the county is interested in seeing if municipalities would join them in offering some sites that could be developed for EV charging stations. The county would serve as an umbrella to create an RFP for a turnkey project that could be issued to potential installers. Several Dryden sites have been suggested including: the fires stations, community centers, Dryden Village municipal lot, TC3 and Southworth library. Some businesses, like hotels, restaurants and grocery stores might be interested as well. At first the county stipulated that the potential sites would need to be municipally controlled, but when Alice met with Hailey, she was willing to take the suggestions to her supervisors. There were questions about whether the plan is to RFP for level 2 or faster charging level 3 stations, and whether the sites would already have to be tied into the grid. Alice will bring these questions back to the county organizers. DPW Office Building Upgrade Project Update- Alice Efforts to obtain stamped drawings for sealing the building. The architect who John and Craig recruited to make stamped drawings has not produced them. John next contacted Noah Demerest of the Stream Collaborative, who is considering the project. Marie will contact her friend Christian to see if he might do it. Dillon also works with an engineer who might be willing to take on this project. Alice noted that there are good sketches with the much of the required info already in place, created by John and Craig Anderson. Approval of November Minutes Ray made a correction, moved and Christina seconded the approval of the minutes. Approved by all 6 present TF members Climate Smart Community Actions Review Dryden Climate Change and Resilience Plan (CCARP) - Jerry Update on the Draft Plan and public engagement timetable Jerry has incorporated the survey responses into his draft, which should be available for review by the end of the month. It includes a table of critical assets. He’s also created a flood plane map with the assets super-imposed. He also noted that the survey revealed a strong interest in upgrading emergency services planning. Christina has provided a copy the last plan, and also worked to clarify who can post emergency announcements on the county SIREN system. Jerry said that when the task force has reviewed the draft CCARP and the outline for the required scenario planning workshop, the town can schedule the workshop in late January or early February. Alice suggested a hybrid meeting, with both in person and online participation, and invitations to town advisory boards, fire company leaders, village and school district officials and community centers. Updates on other Town and Inter-municipal Efforts DHS Student Report- Mckenna, Hunter Mckenna reported on an Article in Tompkins County Weekly about the $750 grant from SFLX to buy reusable utensils for the district. She also explained that the Dryden Schools superintendent is moving the NYPA options for buying more renewable energy forward for school board review. Affordable Housing Task Force – Ray No meeting since the last CS/CEC TF meeting Report on TCCOG Energy Committee Meeting- Joe, Marie, Alice Christ and Jerry’s explanation of the Climate Smart and Clean Energy Programs was well received. Participants learned about the proposed county consortium to seek EV charging station installation sites for an RFP to potential installing companies. Participants offered to share info about challenges and learnings from doing CEC and CSC actions. Alice wants to follow up with T. of Ulysses, which offered to consult on what they learned from a municipal building energy upgrade. Adjournment at 6:39 p.m Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84683569959?pwd=YldTOUFDRWF3b29jNDhsU0Q4VW5pUT09 Meeting ID: 846 8356 9959 Passcode: 259422