Pelham trustees back one‑page Sustainability Advisory Board scope to pursue climate goals

Trustee Anderson presented a revised one‑page scope of work for a Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) and asked the board to informally approve the document and help recruit volunteers to staff it.

Anderson said the scope frames the SAB’s work around three pillars—environmental stewardship, community well‑being and economic vitality—and recommended using the village’s recently completed Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) as the evidence base for SAB recommendations. “The NRI provides a science‑based baseline of Pelham’s natural systems and climate risks,” Anderson said, adding that aligning work with the New York State Climate Smart Communities framework could strengthen the village’s access to state grants and technical assistance.

The scope lays out three strategic priorities: advancing NRI recommendations in ways that support a move from Climate Smart Communities bronze to silver certification; researching flexible and accessible public and community spaces (including connections to a recent RFQ); and preparing documentation to align village projects with grant opportunities.

Board members broadly endorsed the approach. The mayor said the SAB’s research could inform work already under way — including a blight study of the Wolfsang Corridor — and help the village weigh how public spaces could serve specific groups such as teens and seniors. “I really like that you’re building these strategic priorities around the three pillars,” the mayor said.

Trustee (S5) asked for “low‑hanging fruit” that could move Pelham toward silver certification; Anderson recommended a gap analysis to quantify how many silver‑certification points the village already holds and what actions remain. Anderson also said Sustainable Westchester could provide technical and administrative support with limited or no direct cost to the municipal budget and noted that a number of community applicants have expressed interest in serving on the SAB.

Board members raised operational considerations. Trustees discussed municipal electrification steps already taken with AGSA, potential DPW training, and the need for a feasibility study on electrical capacity before installing chargers at municipal properties. The mayor cautioned that green‑infrastructure measures such as rain gardens and permeable pavement can complement but will not replace large flood‑mitigation projects.

Several trustees urged an incremental approach to controversial local measures — for example, phased limits on gas‑powered leaf blowers and public education on any proposed tree ordinance — and asked that the SAB avoid advocacy and remain strictly advisory. Trustee Anderson agreed, saying the SAB’s role should be to amplify successful community efforts rather than “recreate the wheel.”

Anderson closed by committing to recruit members using the approved scope and to return revised materials; the mayor supported Anderson serving as the SAB liaison and as a member of the board of trustees on the SAB. The board did not record a formal vote on the scope at the work session.

The next step the board discussed was a gap analysis to identify priority actions and to differentiate which items should be pursued this year versus deferred.