06/24/2025 SWG Minutes

Minutes of the June 24, 2025 Meeting

Of the Sustainability Working Group

 

The meeting commenced at 5:30 at the Library. Bruce Caplain and Barry Zitser were present with Paul Karpawich and Rachelle Lyons attending via zoom.

 

Bruce read the Mission Statement:

 

“The purpose of the Sustainability Working Group (“Group”) is to facilitate, educate and enable residents, businesses and municipal entities on economic, environmental, and socially sustainable practices so humans and nature can exist in productive harmony for present and future generations, while collaborating with others when appropriate.”

 

There was no public input.

Much of the meeting was devoted to preparing for the June 27^th event at The Colonial, sponsored by the Group. It was determined that some of the less expensive items, such as straw cutlery sets and dryer ball sets, be available for free pick-up at the patio prior to the recycling presentation. Larger items, such as dishwasher bar soaps, shampoos, and reuseable cleaning towels, will be raffled off and awarded prior to the movie presentation. The Littleton Courier has already published a Letter to the Editor and a sustainability article addressing this event. Bruce also sent a copy of Barry’s Letter to the Editor to Robert Blechl of the Caledonian Record. Rachelle indicated that while she could not be at the actual event, she could drop off some cookies. While The Colonial will not allow the Group to provide any alcohol at the reception, Barry will check on what beverages will be permitted.

On the issue of the community orchard, the Group received a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from Mary Moritz, which contained substantial responsibilities and guarantees by the Group as a condition of allowing the orchard to go forward, to be executed by the Group. Barry indicated that he had reservations about the MOU because he considered the Group to be a part of the Town, and that the MOU was, in essence, the Town entering into an agreement with itself. He also noted that the Group was a loose consortium of volunteers who could not obtain insurance to protect against injuries from wildlife, etc. Who would the Town hold accountable if the Group did not fully adhere to the MOU? The Group determined to defer this item to a future meeting.

Barry noted that the Select Board determined to limit the Plastics Resolution to Town operations, even though the Resolution sought only voluntary, and cost-efficient efforts that could benefit businesses and residents. Barry had previously sent a lengthy written statement in support of the Plastics Resolution to Nicole and Mary Moritz for distribution to the Select Board, which addressed why it was so important to engage residents and businesses. Unfortunately, the statement did not get distributed, and Barry stated that he did not believe it would have made a difference in the vote based on what he heard from some of the Select Board members. The members who supported deleting the references to businesses and residents did not believe that the Town had the authority even to promote voluntary efforts in the responsible use and disposal of plastics.  Barry stated that he found this to be bizarre, since the Town was going to have to deal with plastics when it builds its new transfer station, and the Town has also adopted a littering ordinance with fines. Most litter contains plastic elements. Nevertheless, Barry believes that the Group can still pursue worthwhile projects in reducing plastic waste.

During the discussion on developing a conversational group meeting, Bruce suggested that perhaps the Group could host a sustainability conversation at Above the Notch, where we could buy coffee for people and perhaps have a specific topic, such as plastic or food waste, where we could answer questions. Rachelle mentioned that another possible location might be Super Secret Ice Cream.

Barry mentioned that he has been in contact with Mr. Koehler of Eversource about the possibility of Eversource sponsoring a table at the Bethlehem Vintage Mountain in the Mountains that will present energy conservation and efficiency options. Mr. Koehler stated that he has recommended to his superior that such a table be pursued, but that his superior alone has the authority to approve such a table.

 

Bruce will consult with Jess about setting up a social media presence. He suggested that perhaps there could be a monthly content on an important sustainability subject.

The April minutes were approved.

The next meeting date was set for July 29^th at 5:30 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.