WOODSTOCK ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION
Minutes
– February 3, 2021 Zoom Meeting
Alex Bolotow, Chair, called the meeting of the WEC to order at
7:00 pm on February 3, 2021.
Members Present: Arlene
Weissman, David Gross (Vice Chair), Julia Blelock, Erin Moran (joined at 7:10),
Bob Wolff (Secretary), Alex Bolotow (Chair) and Nick Foad (left meeting at
8:00). Guests were Ken Panza, Laura
Ricci (Town Board Member) and Todd Spire.
Julia moved to adopt the
evening’s proposed agenda. David seconded the motion and the agenda was adopted
as follows:
|
Name
|
Gross, D
|
Foad, N
|
Weissman, A
|
Blelock, J
|
Wolff, B
|
Moran, E
|
Bolotow, A
|
|
Vote
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
A
|
Yes
|
Julia moved to approve the
minutes for the January 20, 2021 meeting. Arlene seconded the motion and the
minutes were approved as follows:
|
Name
|
Gross, D
|
Foad, N
|
Weissman, A
|
Blelock, J
|
Wolff, B
|
Moran, E
|
Bolotow, A
|
|
Vote
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
A
|
Yes
|
Correspondence
Alex has Ethics Waivers/Forms for all WEC
Members to sign.
Budget
Current balance is $340 following payment of a
$75 membership fee to NYSACC.
Announcements
Alex noted that, although WEC Members are volunteers,
we are considered town employees and we must conduct ourselves as such.
David, Arlene and Nick were sworn in for
their new term on the WEC.
Updates
Solar Energy. The Subcommittee will continue to conduct additional
research on solar and other alternative energy sources. David noted that the WEC can find a provider
whose business practices are aligned with the values of the town and its
residents. One of the business models we can examine is the "opt out"
model. In that model, the town would adopt resolutions and enact laws that
would end up with one supplier being designated by the town being able to
compel its residents and businesses to buy electric power only from a
designated supplier. as the sole supplier of electricity to all the towns
businesses and residents, unless a business or resident specifically opted to
get their electricity from another supplier.
The WEC is unsure about the Town Board's willingness to put its
residents and businesses into the position of having to opt out, instead of
opting in. If an “opt out” is selected, we recommend that the town's residents
and businesses be notified of their right to opt out extremely clearly and
directly. We are
of the belief that the commission should put that question directly to the Town
Board before we start digging into the finer points of who is providing the
best financial deal and the deal most aligned with the town's values.
10 Church Road. The
Town is pursuing the matter via legal channels.
Additionally, the Town passed a new Fill Law pending a public hearing.
15 Rock City Road. Jim Hanson
(former WEC member) reported that the plan for redevelopment of this property
did not included silt mitigation for the adjacent steam. WEC will make certain the PB addresses this.
Valley View Property. The Building
Department has a requested a halt to the cutting of timber while they
investigate. The WEC will follow up with
the Building Department.
Climate
Smart Committee (CSC) and Climate Action Plan. Alex reviewed other plans—Saugerties,
Kingston, Red Hook.
Natural Resources Inventory/Planning Board. The Planning Board is incorporating the NRI in their
regulations via mapping of Critical Environmental Areas.
Clean Energy Committee. Alex will attend a 2/9 presentation.
Other Business
Ashokan
Release SPDES Permit Modification. Todd Spire owner of Esopus Creel and
member of the Board of Directors Ashokan Pepacton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited
spoke to the WEC regarding the DEIS for the modification of the Ashokan
SPDES permit and upcoming public hearing.
Following his summary, the WEC
decided not to act but to post updates to the permit review process on social
media. (Note: Arlene, being a NYCDEP
employee, recused herself from this portion of the meeting.)
Earth Day 2021. Commemoration will coordinate with Climate
Action Plan
Educational brochure for WEC webpage (on Town
website). No update
Environment Management Council. Ken presented updates on: Affordable housing
vs Environmental Orgs, Community
Solar Promotion and Solar
on Prime Farmland
Adjournment
Alex adjourned the meeting at 8:48 pm.
