Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-061/2 Climate Smart/Clean Energy Community Task Force Minutes of the Meeting at 5 pm Tuesday July 6, 2021 Caldwell Conference Room & Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86153775762?pwd=M1Mvb 01McXpQL1pzVU5oR1JjWHBsZz09) Call to Order: 5:05 pm Introductions/Present: Alice, John, Joe, Rachel Zevin, Loren, Ray, Nancy Additions to the Agenda: Alice: According to the latest regulations, members of a Board or Task Force must be present at the specified site of the meeting to vote on a proposed action. Approval of Minutes for June: Postponed because a Quorum was not present at the site of the Meeting. Overview of Clean Energy and Climate Smart Actions in Process – Alice: • Rachel and Alice have prepared a Draft Table which summarizes the status of each of the Actions the Task Force has started. • They will update and attach to the Minutes a revised Table after the discussion at this meeting. Report on Potential Providers of 100% Renewable Energy for Municipal buildings – John: • John put his updated notes on his work on this Action on Screenshare for all to see. Discussion followed. • John agreed that a copy of these notes will be attached to these Minutes so everyone can see the details. Possibility of Solar Installation on Town-owned land – John, Ray: • A portion of 50 acres of Town-owned and donated land is being discussed with NYPA as a possible site for Town-owned solar. • NYPA might conduct a feasibility study for siting and connecting solar on all or part of this land. • The key feasibility issue is at what cost a connection to the grid could be made. • The Energy Cooperative of American “would love to sell electricity and RECS to the Town”. The costs “would not be expensive.” • About 5% of Town’s energy use is for electricity not generated by the solar panels or geothermal systems. • Question: What is the benefit/cost of doing this? Discussion: o Required number of RECs to meet CSC standard is 300/year @ $15/REC o Town will not be reimbursed for expense but buying required RECs would make it eligible for NYSERDA CSC/CEC incentives. o John said he will make a spread sheet that shows the benefits vs. costs. o Question: Is NYPA electricity available to Town? Answer: “No.” Energy Wi$e Dryden Campaign –Marie, Joe, Chuck: • Specific numbers to determine whether the Campaign had met CSC/CEC standards were not available. It was agreed to continue to seek sign-ups. 2/2 • [Since the meeting, Heat Smart Coordinator, Lisa Marshall, has advised that she believes the standards have been met.] Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) in Dryden 2045 – John, Joe, Ray: • After Steering Committee members send in their comments, consultants EdR, will share a second draft of the CAP with the Steering Committee in August. • The CAP will be an appendix to the Update. • It is anticipated that the Town’s Advisory Committees will be given the opportunity to comment on sections of the entire Update which are pertinent to their missions in the fall. • Public workshops will follow. Submission of the Steering Committee’s final draft to the Town and the adoption process have been pushed back until early next year. Report on Community Choice Aggregation grant – Loren: TCCOG was given a $50.000 grant to pursue this initiative. The new City of Ithaca Sustainability Coordinator, however, convinced TCCOG to redesign the initiative and to seek additional grant funds to pursue an expanded vision. Other Possible Climate Smart and CEC Action Steps – Alice & Rachel: Discussion postponed until a new draft of the Overview of Actions can be prepared. A column will be added identifying Actions which are the same for CSC and CEC. Status of 3 Dryden Action Steps in TC Hazard Mitigation/Resiliency Plan-Nancy: [Alice-Honestly, my notes seem confused] • Issues regarding roadside ditching have been taken up by the Conservation Board. • The Planning Board could make a recommendation for a Riparian Boundry Law. • Joe noted that the Planning Board has been approached to pursue a law to control building on slopes and diverting water follow. Nancy indicated that proper building practices should solve those issues. Other: • Rachel: and Alice will meet to further prioritize possible Climate Smart actios. • Alice reported that the Department of State may have competitive funds for municipalities to receive assistance converting Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives into Town ordinances, and zoning law • Adjourned at 7pm.