Climate Smart Task Force

Climate Smart Task Force of Saratoga Springs Date: February 16, 2022 Time: 9 AM Minutes Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82166862773 1. IN ATTENDANCE WERE RAYNA CALDWELL, TINA CARTON, DAN BARUSCH, BEN FOSTER , JIM GALLAGHER, DEIRDRE LADD, AND ANITA MORZILLO. 2. NO PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE OFFERED. 3. THERE WERE NO CORRECTIONS TO THEJANUARY 19, 2022 MEETING MINUTES. THEY WERE UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED. 4. REVIEW OF GENERAL CLIMATE ACTION PLANS: To complete a climate action plan, the first step is completing a Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Conducting an audit could provide a detailed framework for measuring current situation and for planning future GHG reduction strategies and actions. The City could set reduction goals/targets, analyze and prioritize reductions actions, and develop an implementation strategy identifying resources and funding. The committee discussed strategies that would assist the group make informed decisions as to where and how to reduce emissions cost effectively and to make reductions that are in alignment with other municipal goals. For instance, there is opportunity to synchronize building upgrades with energy efficiency and renewable power installation at the City Arts Center, the Visitor’s Center, and the to-be-built Fire station #3. The committee discussed the cost-carbon benefit analysis of 17 proposed mitigation actions and getting citizen participation. There are tracking tools that can help. There are many potential areas to focus on such as: flooding from storm water, air quality, mosquito-borne illnesses, climate change inequities, city government operations, airport, community, infrastructure (bike lanes), and community outreach (weather proofing homes, solar, etc.). Key committee members met with Mayor in early February and were optimistic about his support. He does not want to invest in a plan that sits on a shelf, but asked for an outline of actionable steps to be taken. One such action is getting employees to use the two electric cars the city purchased in 2019. Mayor Kim understands the seriousness of climate change and is happy to do what he can to be supportive. The committee talked about how to align with other groups and committees with the  Climate Smart Task Force of Saratoga Springs Date: February 16, 2022 Time: 9 AM same concerns and goals — Sustainable Saratoga, Open Space, Complete Streets, Go Green Committee, Land Conservation Brain Trust, etc. The committee wants to review current plans such as the UDO and the Comprehensive Plan to determine what steps can be realistically accomplish. Water vulnerability is an agreed upon top priority. There are issues with too much water (flooding), too little (drought), contamination (spills) and no back up (scarcity, reliance, etc.) This committee can promote connection to Saratoga County’s water supply as a backup source of water. It would be relatively easy to do now but hard to do in a crisis. In additions, what actions are considered “low hanging fruit?” The committee determined it was important to understand these and align with member’s expertise. Community Projects: The committee discussed communicating the benefits of solar and insulation in homes. Massachusetts has a great incentive program for home insulation. NYSERDA has programs but it is difficult to get information on the their website. Note: Saratoga’s Presbyterian Church (PNECC) installed solar panels on its roof a few years ago. Sharing their savings could spur others to do the same. Community Solar is another area in which we can use Ben Foster’s expertise. There is an Outreach Model from Pace Law School which can be emulated. City Projects: The paperwork for the city’s streetlight purchase from National Grid is currently in review. NYPA’s LED-street light conversion design report is 90% complete. Tina still working with NYPA. In addition, the City is working with NYSTEC on an ESD grant project at the public library and the Jefferson Terrace low-income neighborhood which involved “smart” streetlights is also underway and is set to be launched in the spring. The one outstanding issue is the Sternberg lights. The most efficient LED lights for these special, old-style lamps are extremely expensive compared to the basic screw in ones (i.e. $35 vs $1500). Laura Faulk discussed promoting the NYS stretch code. Rayna will give a presentation to City Council on Climate Change. Deirdre suggested we look at Burlington’s Climate Action Plan and model ours after it. Tina also mentioned Ithaca’s plan was excellent. The committee all agreed not to reinvent the wheel. The committee agreed meeting monthly in the mornings works for most people. Therefore, our next one will be on March 16th at 9am. Tina will send out the link. 5. ADJOURN—MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2022 WAS TENTATIVELY SET FOR 9 AM ON EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY.  Climate Smart Task Force of Saratoga Springs Date: February 16, 2022 Time: 9 AM `