“Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy speaks recently at a ceremony at Martin Luther … households equipped with green technology like solar panels, “ read the entire article Arnold, Chad. Schenectady Daily Gazette 26 December 2022.
Duanesburg schools adopt new transportation policy, eye zero-emission buses
“Teachers and coaches will now be able to transport students on limited occasions under a new policy adopted by the Duanesburg school ..” read the entire article Arnold, Chad. Schenectady Gazette 25 December 2022.
How to: Questions for the Town and the Energy Facility
Questions to ask the energy developer, town, planning and zoning board when reviewing an energy application. UPDATED JULY 17, 2022. Solar, wind and battery energy projects are complex. Ask questions! Download and print the list of questions as a PDF. Then use the spread sheet to track the answers. PROJECT What is the project’s legal … [Read more…]
How To: Spreadsheet to Track an Energy Facility
Energy facilities may require town, county and state review. No matter the project size there is a lot of paperwork to track! If the facility includes battery energy storage then the paperwork increases. Lots of paperwork creates opportunity for mistakes, errors and omissions. Hold the developer and town accountable with a spreadsheet! Below is … [Read more…]
How to: Submit Freedom of Information requests
Find the Freedom of Information law for your state. Check your town website for a Freedom of Information form. New York State Committee on Open Government provides sample letters https://opengovernment.ny.gov/sample-letters I prefer to submit my own letter via email to the town clerk, records access officer or state agency. Save your requests – … [Read more…]
How To: Request a Moratorium on Solar, Wind and Battery Energy Facilities.
As soon as possible request that your town adopt a moratorium on solar, wind and battery energy facilities. DRAFT REQUEST A moratorium on solar arrays and a moratorium on battery storage are requested based upon New York States energy policy as well as the energy industry actions to site acres upon acres of solar, wind … [Read more…]
How To: Uphold the Open Meeting Law
Attend all of your town meetings and record them. Use an old smart phone. Erase all the data. Take it to every meeting and either voice record or video record the meeting from as soon as you walk in the room till you leave. Meetings may not follow the Agenda. Guest may speak out of … [Read more…]
How To: Document Public Meetings
It is in your best interest to film every public meeting with your town. New York State Open Meeting Law allows you to film meetings as long as you are not disruptive. https://opengovernment.ny.gov/open-meetings-law 1. Buy a tripod. I like UBeesize Selfie Stick Tripod for about $20 on Amazon because it includes a phone holder and … [Read more…]
How To: Submit 103(e) Requests for Documents to be discussed at Meetings
New York State Law requires the town to provide all documents to be discussed at a town meeting within 24 hours before or at the meeting. Section 103 of NYS Open Meeting Law may be found here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBO/103 Know what your town has drafted before its discussed at the board meeting. At least three days … [Read more…]
How To: Design and Make Yard Signs
Yard Signs may be handmade, from a local sign shop or purchased online. Do whatever it takes to get the word out. Your town zoning ordinance may have regulations about signs and political advertising. When in doubt…. Ask your town clerk for a copy of the zoning ordinance. Ask the code enforcement officer about regulations … [Read more…]