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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG-12/17/2024 WS December 17, 2024 Town Board Work Session IV-1 9:00 Deputy Supervisor John Stype,with Vincent Orlando and Caroline Yates of the Town of Southold Water Advisory Committee re: Draft Legislation for Residential/Commercial Irrigation Systems IV-2 9:30 Michelle Nickonovitz,Town Comptroller re:ARPA Closeout Summary IV-3 9:45 Planning Director Heather Lanza, Planner Mara Cerezo,ATA Ben Johnson, Government Liaison Gwynn Schroeder and Deputy Supervisor John Stype re: Short Term Rental Task Force Technology Presentation IV-4 10:00 Town Board Break IV-5 10:15 Planning Director Heather Lanza,Asst. Planning Director Mark Terry, Planner Mara Cerezo and Government Liaison Gwynn Schroeder re: Subsidy Framework for Community Housing in Southold IV-6 10:30 Special Events Committee Members re: Proposed Changes to the Process for Issuing Special Events Permits IV-7 11:00 David Gallo, President of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC re: Developer Perspective on Affordable Housing Projects IV-8 Councilman Brian Mealy re: Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council(CAC) Mission Statement IV-9 Supervisor Krupski re: Procurement Policy IV-10 TBD Town Board Lunch Break Executive 5jess o IV-11 Potential Contract 2:00 Lillian McCullough, Land Preservation Executive Assistant IV-12 Labor- Matters Involving the Employment/Appointment of a Particular Person(s) -Town Board Discussion of Personnel Items for the 2025 Organizational Agenda Town of Southold Water Advisory Committee Residential/Commercial Irrigation Systems Legislation Code Suggestions December 17, 2024 Testimony by representatives of the Water Advisory Committee before the Town Board. The Water Advisory Committee is tasked with making recommendations to the Town regarding both the conservation of water resources and the preservation of water health. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 Natural Resources, Goal 1: Conserve Water Quantity notes that the potable water supply in the Town is limited, and without conservation measures, the supply of potable water in the aquifer is strained, especially in times of drought. In today's testimony we will focus on our recommendations for water conservation through a plan for the regulation of residential and commercial automated irrigation systems in the Town and will share best practices town residents should be educated on. The Water Advisory Committee has consulted with local experts and researched automated irrigation system legislation in other towns on Long Island. As stated in our testimony when we last came before the board on June 18th, it is our determination that regulation of automated irrigation systems offers the most promising first steps for reducing peak demand for drinking water during the summer months. According to the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) 70%of water usage in the summer months is used for lawn irrigation. Residential and commercial automated irrigation systems outfitted with EPA SmartSense SMART controllers can lessen peak demand by: • Automated odd/even watering • Controlled and automatic adjustment of water volumes delivered through the on-site system by season, rain events and drought Installation and maintenance of an automated irrigation system by a qualified irrigation contractor can assure that the system is optimally designed and that the sprinkler heads are adjusted to water the lawn and bedding and not impervious surfaces. Regulation of automated irrigation systems will provide the Town Board with useful data on the number, size and distribution of these systems in town that can be utilized for tracking progress of the conservation effort and for future planning. For the community and for home and business owners these irrigation regulations are expected to result in: • Reduced water demand during peak usage times • Less waste of the potable drinking water supply • Economic benefits to homeowners and businesses by lowering water bills and creating healthier lawns and plantings by optimizing irrigation. In conjunction with these regulations, the Water Advisory Committee recommends that the Town engage in a sustained education effort about water conservation. Consistent messaging and incentive programs can achieve acceptance and buy in from the community regarding the need for water conservation. Proposed Automated Irrigation System Legislation: SUMMARY The primary elements of the recommended legislation are: 1. Permit would be required for installation of new irrigation systems, effective 4/1/25. 2. Permit would be required for existing irrigations systems, effective 4/1/28. 3. Odd/Even Watering mandated for all residential and commercial users in the Town of Southold, whether via a permanently installed system or hoses. 4. Watering is not allowed on residential and commercial properties between the hours of 10 am and 4pm 5. Use of water saving devices EPA WaterSense Approved (Smart Controllers) shall be used on all automated irrigation systems 6. Residential and commercial properties without automated irrigation systems but who water their gardens and lawns with hoses or self installed drip type irrigation systems are also expected to comply with the following elements of this law. If they use a controller to control watering on a schedule it is recommended to be a SMART CONTROLLER. 7. Use of automated irrigation systems is prohibited from October 15 until April 1 unless there are new plantings (season is extended for new plantings). 8. A long-term commitment to education of the public is an essential part of any water conservation effort. Proposed Automated Irrigation System Legislation: DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS 1. EFFECTIVE DATE: NEW USERS: This law will be effective 4/1/25 and applies to homeowners or businesses that install a NEW automated irrigation system that waters their lawns, flowers and plants, by an automatic in-ground system or hoses, whether the water is from a water company or well water. This law does not apply to Misc. users. In addition, if a property owner needs to replace, expand or update their system, it will be up to the new installation specifications. If a residential or commercial property with an existing system is sold after 4/1/25 and before 4/1/28, the existing system shall be treated as a new system and must comply with all the requirements of a new system. 2. This law applies to residential users or business users that water their lawns, flowers and plants, by an automatic sprinkler system or hoses, whether the water is from a water company or well water. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE: CURRENT USERS: This law will be effective 4/1/28 for property owners with existing systems in place. 4. WATERING AFTER A RAINSTORM: No watering of lawns for a minimum of 2 days, after 1/2 inch of rain has fallen in the Town of Southold. 5. TIME OF WATERING: Watering of lawns, flowers and plants outside the hours of 10 am-4pm and only on odd or even days based on the odd or even number of the street address. The odd or even day watering is an element of the SCWA conservation policy. No daily watering. ti 6. USE OF WATER SAVING DEVICES EPA WaterSense approved (SMART CONTROLLERS): Effective 4/1/25, all NEW installations must have either a Weather-Based Irrigation Controller AND a rain sensor, OR a Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controller AND a rain sensor installed and be in operation at initial installation. Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers(WBIC) may be either of the WBIC onsite sensor- based controller or WBIC signal-based controller type. Once the rain sensor detects%" of rain, it turns off the system. The shut off must last a minimum of 2 days before the sensor puts the system back on. The irrigation systems must be installed in such a way that there is no ponding on roads, sidewalks or driveways. The permit requirement also applies to an increase in the current system, of at least 30% in the number of heads of additional coverage. A permit is required from the town to install a new irrigation system. 7. USE OF WATER SAVING DEVICES EPA WaterSense approved (SMART CONTROLLERS): Effective 4/1/28, all CURRENT installations must have either a Weather-Based Irrigation Controller and a rain sensor OR a Soil Moisture-Based Irrigation Controller and a rain sensor installed. Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers may be either of the WBIC onsite sensor-based controller or WBIC signal-based controller type. Once the rain sensor detects%" of rain, it turns off the system. The shut off must last for at least a minimum of 2 days before the sensor puts the system back on. Any home or business that does not have one of the above systems will have until 4/1/28 to have one installed and be in operation. We defer to the Town Board on how to evaluate, monitor and enforce. 8. EDUCATION: The Town will have included on their web site information about the new Town code. It will also have links to web sites showing the proper irrigation techniques for maintaining a lawn and plantings. It is recommended that this information also be on the irrigation contractor's web site and water provider's web site. The Town should also develop a pamphlet or flyer that can be used by the providers to introduce and describe the new code and a web site link. Advertisements will be placed by Town in the local paper each Spring and beginning of Summer to notify the public. We recommend the Town widely advertise and educate on all available discounts for installation of new systems from various groups. 9. CALENDAR WATERING ALLOWED: Lawns, flowers and plants can only be watered by automated irrigation systems between April 1 and October 15th, unless a new planting. Fall watering should be altered to take into consideration lower temperatures. 10. CONTRACTORS: Automated irrigation contractors need to communicate with their clients about this law and give them equipment options needed to follow this law. This would include a flyer from the Town on the requirements as well as information on options for installing a EPA WaterSense approved controller on their system. It is recommended that the contractor be required to provide the property owner with the approved permit number to confirm that they are following the Town code. When providing a new estimate to a customer, the contractor will provide them the minimum requirements set by the Town. Additional Suggestions for Consideration of Water Conservation Measures: 11. OUT OF TOWN USE OF TOWN OF SOUTHOLD WATER: Make this illegal, either from public or private sources. Eliminate the permitting process that currently allows companies to do hydrant withdrawals. 12. AREA OF PROPERTY IN LAWN AND TREE REMOVAL: The Water Advisory Committee recommends that the Town Board consider the use of the zoning code to designate a percentage of the total area of a property that can be irrigated. Tree coverage on a property should also receive some consideration. This includes both the minimum tree coverage to remain when altering a property as well as the maximum amount of tree coverage to be removed. Trees help keep lawns and property from drying out and shade the property which helps manage heat in the warmer months. We encourage the cultivation of natural areas and native vegetation instead of green lawns. 13. WATER DROUGHT CONDITIONS: The Water Advisory Committee recommends that the Town should collaborate with water suppliers and the community, when there is a water drought condition, to have residents and businesses modify their water consumption, if appropriate. This could mean reductions in the rate of irrigation system operations within the Town. This could also include limiting or elimination of car washing at home. 14. INCREASE RATES ON LARGEST USERS: The Water Advisory Committee recommends that the Town work with public water suppliers to look at increasing rates for the top users of water and for commercial and residential that use over 10% over the average comparative. Proposed Automated Irrigation Legislation—The Water Advisory Committee recommends the town consider the following penalty structure: 1. First notice is a warning. 2. Second notice $500 fine. Give them 30 days to rectify. 3. Third notice or continuous violation, $1,000 fine. Give them two weeks to rectify. All penalties are the responsibility of the property owner. Proposed Automated Irrigation Legislation-Permit: The Town should require a two-year term permit for every irrigation system, whether the system is on public water or well water. It is the responsibility of the property owner to submit the permit application to the Town. The Committee recommends the town consider charging$100 for a two-year permit. Definitions: Automatic Irrigation system: An automatic underground, above ground, or grade-level system that allows or provides a means to apply controlled amounts of water to land for irrigation. Business Owner: Business owner that is not in the business of growing (food) vegetables, plants and shrubs. EPA Water Sense approved Smart Controllers: "Smart Controllers" are controllers that automatically update the watering schedule to allow for changes in water needs throughout the year. A smart controller will automatically reduce the watering times as the weather gets cooler, when less water is needed. Then as the weather begins to warm up, the controller will add more watering time. Exempt from the law:This law does not apply to Misc. users that water plants during the day. Automated Irrigation Contractor: One who installs and maintains lawn and plant irrigation systems for residential and business owner users. Misc. user: Nurseries, greenhouses, vineyards, golf courses, vegetable, animal and grain farmers, commercial car washes, and garden centers. Rain Sensor:The system will shut off based on the amount of rain the sensor picks up. The system is then shut down for a two-day period. This is after%" of rain has fallen. Residential user: A residence that is used for habitation use only. Soil Moisture Sensor: A moisture sensor (often more than one), (1 is common in residential) is placed under the irrigation system to measure the actual amount of moisture in the soil. The irrigation time is based on the amount of moisture present. Sole Source Aquifer: An aquifer designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the sole or principal source of drinking water for the area above the aquifer and including those lands where the population served by the aquifer live :that is, an aquifer which is needed to supply 50% or more of the drinking water for that area and for which there are no reasonably available alternative sources should the aquifer become polluted. Updated System: An automated irrigation system that has been expanded by increasing the number of sprinkler heads by 30 percent over the previous system in place. Weather Based Irrigation Controller(WBIC):This controller has 2 types: its own weather station that you install with it (WBIC onsite sensor-based controller) or the WBIC signal-based controller type that obtains information from a nearby offsite weather station (may be less effective on North Fork due to inconsistencies in wifi or cell service coverage). Both types use real-time data from the weather station to adjust the watering times. BACKGROUND RESOURCES Background: Water Quantity and ualit The Upper Glacial Aquifer is an unconfined aquifer bounded from below and in the near shore areas, by a salt water interface. • Its upper surface is at the water table making our ground water resource more susceptible to contamination from human development. • The aquifer is of limited thickness compared to that on the main body of Long Island and public water supply consists of many wells that cycle on and off regularly, withdrawing water at greatly reduced pumping rates to protect and maintain the position of the salt water interface. • While the Upper Glacial Aquifer has plenty of water to meet our needs now and in the future, the physical boundaries of our aquifer limits the ability to meet growing peak demand for drinking water without the installation of new public supply wells. Automated irrigation systems can lessen peak demand. • Groundwater supplies are plentiful in all but our near shore areas where salt water intrusion and sea level rise may encroach upon low lying areas and limit the amount of groundwater available for private wells. • Drinking water provided by SCWA has been treated to State and Federal drinking water standards. Costs to produce it include: well construction and operation, distribution infrastructure and water treatment. • In Southold, groundwater contamination by nitrates and pesticides in the Upper Glacial Aquifer currently limit areas available for development of future public supply. • Migration of the salt water interface (due to sea level rise, changes in precipitation and recharge rates and changes in aquifer withdrawals by private wells , agricultural wells and public supply) will present challenges to meeting the future drinking water needs of the Town. Sack round: Water Usage The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has about 9500 customer accounts on the North Fork and there are an estimated 3000 private wells.(SCWA CAC presentation August 2024). Automated irrigation systems on the North Fork are connected to either the public drinking water supply or to private wells. Currently water provided by private wells is unmetered. A few residential and commercial customers have both public water supply and a private well. Increased use of automated irrigation systems over the last 30 years has resulted in large increases in per capita water usage during summer months. The average homeowner uses around 130,000 gallons of water each year. • SCWA experiences peak demand during the early morning hours in July and August that approach the capacity of the existing infrastructure in Southold. • SCWA reports that up to 70% of water usage from May through September is from residential and commercial irrigation systems. • Two thirds of the supply wells in the SCWA system exist solely for the purpose of meeting peak demand from May to September (Ty Fuller, SCWA on Podcast What About Water May 26, 2021) • SCWA estimates that as much as 50% of water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Water Conservation Efforts in Suffolk Count On February 1, 2023 the SCWA adopted a water conservation policy to reduce water usage by 15% in compliance with guidance from NYSDEC. The main tenets of the campaign are: • Odd/Even Watering policy for all residential and commercial customers. Under this policy, customers with odd-numbered addresses may only water their lawns on odd-numbered days of the month and customers with even-numbered addresses may only water their lawns on even- numbered days of the month. Additionally, watering is not allowed between the hours of 10 am and 4pm, when most water applied to a lawn will evaporate and thus be wasted. • In addition to odd/even lawn watering, the SCWA Board has instituted a rebate program as account credits for the purchase of various water-saving devices (e.g. smart controllers for irrigation systems, low flow appliances and rain barrels...). They also offer free WaterWise Checkups, to help residential and business customers assess water use and learn to use less on a daily basis. Regional and Local Water Conservation Programs and Incentives SCWA has an extensive conservation program which includes their conservation policies, WaterWise incentives rebate program, WaterWise Checkups and extensive education campaign. SCWA Long Island Conference Aquifer Protection (LICAP) has outlined 10 steps for water conservation Our Water Our Lives. The Peconic Estuary Partnership (PEP) is a National Estuary Program that acts as a backbone organization, bring together partners from different sectors and around common goals. Within the Peconic Estuary Watershed. They offer an incentive rebate program called Peconic Friendly Yard.. Long Island Regional Planning Council Garden Rewards Program for Long Island homeowners along the North Shore. In partnership with The Long Island Sound Study, the NYSDEC and NEIWPCC provides funds to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on residential properties including rain barrels, native plantings and rain Long Island Gardens Rewards Pro rdrn. With the exception of SCWA which has established long term funding, the programs listed here may be re-funded annually. This list is not exhaustive. cl Page 1'of 6 Priority-Driven Subsidy Framework for Community Housing in Southold This subsidy structure offers a flexible framework to support affordable housing projects while enabling the Town Board to evaluate the impact of key policy priorities. A proposed base subsidy of$55,000 per unit serves as the foundation, providing essential financial support for all qualifying projects. To encourage development aligned with the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan and Community Housing Plan, additional bonuses may be applied for projects targeting designated priority areas (see Table 1).These priority areas, derived from the objectives and strategies outlined in the plans, reflect the Town's commitment to equity, sustainability, and livability. Bonus funding is calculated as a percentage of the base subsidy and applied proportionally to qualifying units, incentivizing features such as public health and water safety, deeper affordability, transit-oriented development, and other impactful initiatives. This structure allows the Town Board to evaluate both the financial feasibility and community benefits of proposed projects while advancing Southold's vision for sustainable and equitable growth. By targeting high-priority initiatives, developers are encouraged to create housing solutions that align with the Town's long-term goals. In addition to direct financial subsidies, the Town may provide valuable in-kind support to affordable housing projects.These contributions can include land at reduced cost, sanitary flow credits, or infrastructure support such as access to essential services.These in-kind subsidies play a critical role in reducing overall development costs, making projects more financially viable, and facilitating the creation of sustainable, affordable housing. By offering these resources, the Town helps ensure that housing projects meet local needs while aligning with long-term planning goals for community growth and environmental sustainability. Outline Table 1: Priority Area Bonus Structure...... ........................„.. .» ......... ........ .... „„. „.„,............2 Project A—10 One-Bedroom Apartments (Adaptive Reuse)..............................,........„.......,............3 Project B—24 Two-Bedroom Homeownership Units...............................................„ „,.......„...........4 Project C—8 Four-Bedroom Mixed-Income Units (Green Building)...„„,„.„„..,.......„.„..........................5 Table 2: Comparison Summary Table.............................................................„..„.,....,........................6 FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Page 2 of 6 Lr m W n Supports the financial and 50% bonus for adaptive reuse of an logistical complexities of $27500 repurposing existing buildings existing structure. while preserving the community's character. ✓//„/ %/�� ,„�, /��� ,,,,,,,,„�ir>,„r//err �/ � ����� �%/ ,, �. �.. . ...% . / ri/ /// ..,✓ //ia/ / ��/ /%, � ..✓ / /,,,, / rill /.: /... rrr.... /i i ,... r r ... .. r /i. / Enhances environmental health 20% bonus for including a septic $11,000 and benefits the broader upgrade. community by improving wastewater treatment systems. m 15% bonus for units of 4 or more Addresses the need for family- bedrooms. $8,250/ sized housing while accounting 10% bonus for units of 2 or more $5,500 for higher construction costs of bedrooms. larger units. Promotes transit-oriented 10% bonus for projects within 0.5 development, reducing m WW miles of public transit $5500 transportation costs and improving accessibility for residents. ... W W . '� ".. �'" W m m,: " m W 0 W W IL: 0 0 :I.GY.0 II ^ W �.m.n �,.m �•• ^« ,. W WW W FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Page 3 of 6 J Project A—10 One-Bedroom Apartments (Adaptive Reuse) 1. Development Cost Base Subsidy: Affordable Housing Construction Costs To support the build-out of the 10 one-bedroom rental units that is an adaptive reuse of an existing building that includes a septic system upgrade and is close to public transit. o Base x 10 =$55,000 x 10= $550,000 2. Priority Area Bonus Subsidies: • Adaptive Reuse This project will transform an existing old office building into 10 new one-bedroom apartments. o Base x 10 x 50%=$55,000 x 10 x 50% =$275,000 • Septic Upgrade This project will upgrade their existing system to improve wastewater treatment. o Base x 10 x 20%=$55,000 x 10 x 20%= $110,000 • Proximity to Public Transit This project is located within 0.5 miles of both train and bus stations. o Base x 10 x 10%=$55,000 x 10 x 10% =$55,000 3. Total: • Base Subsidy= $550,000 • Total Bonuses = $440,000 • Final Total Subsidy =$990,000 4. In-Kind Support (e.g., Sanitary Flow Credits, Land Contributions, Infrastructure Access): These contributions include valuable resources such as land provided at reduced cost, sanitary flow credits that reduce wastewater system development costs, or access to essential infrastructure (utilities, roads, etc.) that can lower overall project expenses. • Sanitary Flow Credits FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Page 4 of 6 Project B—24 Two-Bedroom Homeownership Units 1. Development Cost Base Subsidy: Affordable Housing Construction Costs To support the build-out of 24 two-bedroom homeownership units. o Base x 24=$55,000 x 24= $1,320,000 2. Priority Area Bonus Subsidies: • Diversity of Unit Sizes This project will include 24 two-bedroom units. o Base x 24 x 10%=$55,000 x 24 x 10%=$132,000 • Homeownership Opportunity This project will include 24 units for homeownership. o Base x 24 x 20%=$55,000 x 24 x 20% =$264,000 3. Total: • Base Subsidy=$1,320,000 • Total Bonuses=$396,000 • Final Total Subsidy= 1 6 1�0O 4. In-Kind Support (e.g., Sanitary Flow Credits, Land Contributions, Infrastructure Access): These contributions include valuable resources such as land provided at reduced cost, sanitary flow credits that reduce wastewater system development costs, or access to essential infrastructure (utilities, roads, etc.) that can lower overall project expenses. • Water Main Extension FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Page 5 of 6 Project C-8 Four-Bedroom Mixed-Income Units (Green Building) „. � ���� 1. Development Cost Base Subsidy: Affordable Housing Construction Costs To support the construction of 8 four-bedroom rental units near public transit, built to LEED green building standards, with 4 units for up to 80%AMI and 4 units for above 80%AMI. o Base x 8=$55,000 x 8=$440,000 2. Priority Area Bonus Subsidies: • Diversity of Unit Sizes This project will include 8 four-bedroom units. o Base x 8 x 15% = $55,000 x 8 x 15% =$66,000 • Deeper Affordability This project includes 4 four-bedroom units for tenants up to 80%AMI. o Base x 4 x 20%=$55,000 x 4 x 20%= $44,000 • Environmental Sustainability This will be a LEED Green Building. o Base x 8 x 10% = $55,000 x 8 x 10%=$44,000 • Proximity to Public Transit This project is located 0.5 miles to the nearest bus stop. o Base x 8 x 10%= $55,000 x 8 x 10% = $44,000 3. Total: a. Base Subsidy=$440,000 b. Total Bonuses= $198,000 c. Final Total Subsidy= '638 000 4. In-Kind Support(e.g., Sanitary Flow Credits, Land Contributions, Infrastructure Access),. These contributions include valuable resources such as land provided at reduced cost, sanitary flow credits that reduce wastewater system development costs, or access to essential infrastructure (utilities, roads, etc.) that can lower overall project expenses. a. Land at Reduced Cost FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Page 6 of 6 Table 2: Comparison Summary Table i � 1 Project A $55000 10 $550,000 $440,000 $990,000 1 $99,000 Project B $55,000 24 $i,426,000 $396,000 $1,716,000 $71,500 / / Totals 42 units (90 bedrooms) $3,344,000 $79,619 FOR TOWN BOARD REVIEW—ALL EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY Affordable Housing Development: Key Questions for Developers Exploring the Funding Ecosystem 1. What funding sources are most critical for your projects (e.g., LIHTC, state grants, private capital, municipal subsidies)? 2. Are there specific state or federal funding programs that are difficult to access or underutilized in our area?Why? 3. What are the primary funding challenges y u face when developing affordable housing on the East End of Long Island? Complications in Funding Mechanisms 4. What complexities do you encounter when layering multiple funding sources for a project? 5. Are there particular challenges with timing or alignment of funding approvals and disbursements? Town Housing Fund Subsidies 6. How can the Town's housing fund subsidies better complement other funding sources you rely on? 7. What structure for subsidies (grants, loans,tax incentives) would be most impactful for your projects? 8. How can the Town ensure its funding mechanisms are flexible enough to meet developers' evolving needs? Collaborative Opportunities and Looking Ahead 9. Are there specific funding gaps that Town subsidies could effectively fill, or examples of other towns successfully addressing similar challenges? 10. Beyond direct funding, what other forms of support would be most helpful to you in developing affordable housing in our community? 11. How can we, as a Town, create a more supportive environment for affordable housing development beyond providing subsidies? 12. What policy changes or local initiatives would make the biggest difference for your projects? la -if Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council Mission Statement (revised December 2024) Purpose: To ensure the conservation of the Town of Southold's natural resources, and the enhancement and protection of its environment,while fostering unified action on environmental issues. The Council, consisting of Southold residents,with its advisory capacity,will: • Advise the Town Board and other town agencies in the development, management, and protection of the natural resources of the Town of Southold, and to make recommendations on land development affecting the environment. • Coordinate with the Town's Boards, Councils, Committees, and local community groups and organizations which have an impact on the environment. • Assist the Town to attain and retain certification in the NYSDEC Climate Smart Communities certification program; Oversee the CSC Task Force; Develop renewable energy opportunities. • Advocate for the protection of Southold's natural resources, land, and waters through an Open Space Plan, Open Space Index, and Natural Resources Inventory to allow instant comprehension of the environmental impact of permitting decisions with particular attention to wetland and storm water runoff, and fragile and diminishing open spaces. • At the direction of the Trustees, review specific Trustee wetland permit applications for environmental impacts.