Duties
On January 19, 2009 the Hartwick Town Board created the Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee (HCAC).
Background
Given the current state of the economy, the ever increasing fuel prices used for heating and transportation, the Town’s current involvement in auditing and conserving energy consumption, and the recognition that the management of our environment is essential to the health, safety and wellbeing of town residents, the local elected officials and residents within the Town of Hartwick have expressed a desire to create a committee to coordinate, discuss and advise residents and state, county, and local officials on such matters.
The purpose of the HCAC is:
- To provide a focus for environmental, energy, and natural resource activity in the Town;
- To provide a forum for the coordination of various programs;
- To ensure that environmental, energy and natural resource concerns areconsidered as part of related future projects, programs and policy development;
- To inform residents of conservation measures that can be implemented;
- To encourage residents to become more conscientious about the impact of human activity on the environment in our homes, in our communities and on our planet;
- To assist in the general environmental education of the diverse audiences found within the community; and
- To advise the Town Board on matters related to environmental, energy, and natural resource activity in the Town.
Membership
The Committee shall consist of the following officers, appointed by the Hartwick Town Board for a one-year term commencing on January 1: Chairperson, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
Committee meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm at Town Hall. Check calendar for changes.
All other membership on the Committee is open to any resident of the Town of Hartwick, any business owner based within and conducting business in the Town of Hartwick, and any “ex-officio” representative of a local, county or state agency or organization involved in environmental, energy, and natural resource activities in the Town.
The officers of the Committee shall be responsible for the organization and administration of the Committee and shall advise the Town Board on matters and opinions reflective of the consensus of the full membership of the Committee.
Any action by the Committee should be reflective of the consensus of those present at an official meeting.
Any activity proposed to be undertaken by the Committee that may be characterized as controversial or that may involve any expenditure of Town funds shall be first brought to the attention of, and receive formal approval from, the Town Board.
Energy Audits for Town Buildings
The Hartwick Conservation Advisory Committee has initiated a review of energy audits performed by town and has developed a building management guidance document to provide ideas on activities that should be considered when evaluating solid waste and energy issues related to municipal building management. A copy of the building management guidance document is provided below under “Documents” or by clicking this link: Building Operations Management Guidance
Remember: Trash Burning is Banned in Hartwick
Reduce your garbage, reduce, reuse, recycle and compost your food and yard waste. What’s left should be examined and figure out ways to reduce the purchasing of these items. If you have trouble affording garbage pick-up share the expense with your neighbor. Don’t pollute the air, water, land or food supply to save a few dollars. You will pay for it later.
NYS DEC Doc – Questions and Answers Regarding Open Burning (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58519.html)
NYS DEC Doc – Don’t Trash Our Air (www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html)
Ways to Reduce Stormwater Runoff in the Future
Something to consider for the future. With heavier rains and possible development, perhaps our building codes should be considering the use of pervious surfaces. These surfaces allow water to drain in instead of running off, this reduces erosion and extra work for sewer systems. Interesting and informative websites are below.
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=25101/level=3
https://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/10426
Members
Martha Clarvoe (martha.clarvoe@gmail.com)
Climate Smart Community Task Force Chair
Phone: 607-293-6654
Bruce Markusen (bmarkusen@hartwickny.gov)
Town Board Liaison
Links
NYS DEC Questions/Answers Regarding Open Burning
NYS DEC Don’t Trash Our Air – Burning Trash Causes Pollution and Health Risks
