01/28/2025 SWG Minutes

JANUARY 28, 2025 MINUTES OF THE

SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

The meeting commenced at the Library at 6pm. Present were Rachelle Lyons, Barry Zitser, and Bruce Caplain. Barry volunteered to take the minutes.

There was no public input. Barry gave an update on resubmitting a resolution before the Conservation Commission on recommending that the Town commit to voluntarily pursuing ways to reduce the use of unnecessary and single use plastics. He believes the best time to resubmit the resolution would be after the March elections. The Transfer Station Committee met yesterday and agreed with the timing. The Transfer Station Committee also unanimously agreed that it will be supportive of such a resolution, if adopted by the Conservation Commission. Barry will prepare a revised and much shorter resolution for submission at the first Conservation Commission scheduled after the March elections.

There was a discussion about the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust’s (ACT) proposed purchase of almost 750 acres of land in Bethlehem, along a portion of the Ammonoosuc River. There was a unanimous vote that the Sustainability Working Group (Group) support the purchase. Bruce volunteered to write a letter to ACT to show our support. Bruce also suggested that if Group members make individual contributions to enable the purchase that such contributions be made on behalf of the Group.

There was a discussion on the proposed amendments to the Town’s lighting and sign ordinances that will be voted on in March as Warrant Articles 2 and 3. The amendments are aimed at reducing light pollution. The Group unanimously agreed to support the proposed amendments and to write a letter to the editor to one or more of the local newspapers to urge adoption of the March Warrants.

There was a discussion on focus items for 2025. The Group still has slightly more than $1,500 from its sustainability grant that could be devoted to some worthwhile projects. Barry suggested that we pursue a community orchard near the solar array behind the Bethlehem Elementary School, which also has a community garden. He volunteered to get in touch with the new nursery in the Village Center, Yonder Mountain Nursery and Gardens, to explore the possibility of some cost-efficient purchases.

Barry also noted that the Transfer Station Committee had suggested that the Group might take on the task of trying to get information to renters at Lahout’s and Lloyds Hill apartment complexes about their right to use the NCES transfer station for recyclables and other items. These complexes, unlike the Town’s condominium complexes, only have solid waste disposal, and no bins for recyclables. Bruce volunteered to contact the manager of Lloyds Hill, and Barry volunteered to contact the manager of Lahout’s. Barry also volunteered to start working on what information should be put onto a sign or flyer. Bruce indicated that Jess Donnelly is very creative, and perhaps she could put together a good graphic once the information is developed.

There was a discussion on how to encourage the purchase of more sustainable products at the Littleton Co-op. This was an idea proposed by Bruce Etter. Bruce Champlain indicated that he could get in touch with Bruce Etter about this possibility.

Rachelle, who is an Assistant Professor at Plymouth State University, noted that she is into policies that help to develop field-based opportunities for students to connect with the community. She suggested that perhaps the Group could model some projects that might involve students, who could then collaborate with Town businesses and organizations.

The next meeting was scheduled for February 25, 2025 at 5:30 at the Library.

The meeting adjourned at 6:59pm.