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Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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bronze Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess). Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess) is a bronze certified Climate Smart Community.

Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess) was certified on September 19, 2022 with 126 points earned from 24 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess)’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess) will expire on September 30, 2027.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess) is:

Name:Ellen Kutner
Title:CSC Task Force Coordinator(Pleasant Valley)
Address:712 Traver Rd Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Pleasant Valley, NY 12569

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Pleasant Valley, Town (Dutchess) was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • 1. Build a climate-smart community.

    PE1 Action: CSC Task Force

    20 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: The minutes of the Pleasant Valley town board meeting dated March 11, 2020(item #4) shows the approval for the creation of Pleasant Valley Climate Smart task force and coordinator, Ellen Kutner. A list of task force members showing the connection to the Pleasant Valley town board also attached.

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: The Pleasant Valley town board meeting minutes dated March 11, 2020 show the approval or creation of Climate Smart task force and coordinator, Ellen Kutner.

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: In September of 2021, two Town of Pleasant Valley Climate Smart Communities Task Force members joined the Cornell Climate Stewards Program hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. The Cornell Climate Stewards Program is a 12-week training program for adults who want to work with their communities on a local climate action project. Once completing the twelve weeks of training, volunteers agree to contribute 40 hours over 1-year to complete a local climate community project to help their municipality become a “Climate Smart Community” in New York State. The Cornell Climate Stewards Program provides New York residents with the tools and network to help increase adaptation at a local level and increase mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Read about the mission, vision, program goals and see the full curriculum here: https://climatestewards.cornell.edu/about/

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Fleet Inventory

    4 Points

    Program Summary: There are two departments within the Town that have vehicles, the Highway department and the Recreation department. The Recreation department vehicle inventory is maintained by staff from that department and updated on an annual basis. The Highway department updates their inventory regularly as they replace or purchase new vehicles. The Highway department vehicles were all purchased the same year as the model year, and they are all used interchangeably for highway activities.

    PE3 Action: Energy Code Enforcement Training

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Pleasant Valley, NY sent its Zoning Administrator, Sarah Davis, to a full day Energy Code Enforcement training in Bedford, NY on April 14, 2022. Please find Confirmation Letter of Attendance as well as Certificate of Attendance for this very valuable training session attached. This training earned the Town of Pleasant Valley 200 points on Clean Energy Communities Scorecard...we are on our way!

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Recycling Bins in Government Buildings

    3 Points

    Program Summary: On October 20, 2021, the Town of Pleasant Valley passed a resolution #1005/2021 to have recycling bins next to each trash bin in Town owned buildings. The Climate Smart Communities Task Force purchased 12 recycling bins to facilitate the transition. A photo of the recycling set up for each trash bin is attached, including the educational signage. There is also an inventory to show the approximate number of trash bins and recycling bins in Town owned property. In June 2021 in order to satisfy your request the Task Force placed labels on individual receptacle to clarify what should and should be placed in them. Please note we do not have single stream recycling and that is why the cardboard box is paper collection and at our refuse site paper will go in one place while the cardboard box will go in another. We co-mingle our glass, metal and plastic. Trash is obviously trash. The small signs on the receptacles along with the larger educational sign will provide those clear distinctions along with the maintenance department knowing what needs to be done will allow for successful recycling. Please note that the original pictures are still included along with updated pictures.

    PE5 Action: Construction & Demolition Waste Policy

    2 Points

    Program Summary: On 10/14/2020 in Pleasant Valley, NY the Pleasant Valley town board passed a resolution #159/2020 to eliminate the dumping of construction debris at Pleasant Valley transfer station starting November 1, 2020. This is a savings of $215.00/per rolloff dumpster for hauling fees not to mention the cost once weighed for dumping. Pleasant Valley averages a rolloff dumpster of debris to be hauled away minimum every other week. Resolution #159/2020 can be found in the minutes of the 10/14/2020 meeting, specifically on page 18, item #10 of the attached document.

    PE5 Action: Reuse Programs

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Pleasant Valley Transfer Station/Recycling Center is open all year round. (http://pleasantvalley-ny.gov/services/refuse-and-recycling/ ) Open hours are Friday and Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm. " We have been recycling and had a Reuse spot at the transfer station for the past 30 years during my time as Highway Supervisor" said Butch Gardener former PV Highway Supervisor. A pdf file with all of the details of the transfer station as well as our "Take it or Leave it" spot adjacent to the transfer station attendant booth is included. Photos of metal recycling, cardboard recycling, commingled paper recycling, commingled plastic and glass, newspaper recycling as well as bottle and can collection by a local Pleasant Valley scout troop are attached and Salvation Army drop boxes. Resolution #5005/2022 which was passed by the town board on May 25, 2022. This resolution allows the town to distribute the trifold flyer which has all info on the transfer station, educational info, as well as info in "Take it or Leave it" compliments of Pleasant Valley Climate Smart.

    PE5 Action: Waste Reduction Education Campaign

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Pleasant Valley launched a waste reduction campaign on Earth Day 2021 with an Earth Day community-wide clean up. At the main site of the clean up there was a composting demonstration and a plastics display (event flyer and an example of some of the educational materials present are attached). On July 22, 2021, members from the CSC Task Force presented a composting activity to third and fourth graders at Pleasant Valley Camp Sunny Days (summary of event attached). Waste reduction was also included in the CSC Task Force's table at Pleasant Valley Bicentennial Weekend (September 17-19, 2021) where they also had a compost demonstration and information on plastic reduction. On October 19th, 2021, they held a composting workshop in conjunction with the Pleasant Valley Free Library and Sustainable Hudson Valley (Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/257747029461543). The Task force plans to continue to provide composting assistance and workshops as needed into 2022, and is also looking into the feasibility of starting up a repair café in Town. The full report on the campaign is attached.

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: Smart Growth Policies

    7 Points

    Program Summary: The Town is requesting seven points for this action. The explanation for each category can be found in the document attached. The Town's Zoning Code can be found here: https://ecode360.com/7089724 and the Town's Comprehensive Plan, including the full Centers and Greenspaces Plan and Districts Map can be found here: http://pleasantvalley-ny.gov/government/comprehensive-plan/

    PE6 Action: Policies for Local Food Systems

    1 Points

    Program Summary: The Town is applying for one point for having a local zoning ordinance that supports rural agriculture. The documentation is the Zoning Districts and Zoning Map that shows that there is a district called Rural Agriculture (RA) which has the intent to protect the district from overdevelopment, encourage continuation of agricultural uses, and discourage sprawl through the remaining rural areas. Additionally, zoning code section 98-17 Agricultural protections ensures that farmers may lawfully practice agriculture within the Town limits.

    PE6 Action: Complete Streets Policy

    4 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The attached Pleasant Valley, NY Complete Streets Resolution and Policy provides proof that the Town adopted a Complete Streets Policy on December 29, 2021, which is in effect immediately. The attached Pleasant Valley Complete Streets Policy was adopted by Resolution #1209/2021 at the 12/29/2021, 10:00 am Pleasant Valley Town Board meeting. Pleasant Valley CSC is requesting the 4 points for the action item as we are also complying with the New York State "Complete Streets Act" ( chapter 398, Laws of New York) of August 15, 2011. As stated in the Act, Complete Streets will contribute to a "cleaner, greener transportation system" and "more citizens will achieve the health benefits associated with active forms of transportation while traffic congestion and auto related air pollution will be reduced."

    PE6 Action: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Town is requesting 3 points for upgrading and improving the sidewalks on North Avenue, a project that received CDBG funding and took place in 2011. Information about the CDBG grant, bidding process, and bid winner is included in the documentation below. Photos from the project plan including the limits of the project, notes about the sidewalk design and erosion control, and the traffic plan is included.

    PE6 Action: Natural Resources Inventory

    8 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Natural Resources Inventory is chapter 3 of the town of Pleasant Valleys Open Space Plan(2013). The NRI covers the entire community of Pleasant Valley which includes the hamlet of Salt Point and the hamlet of Washington. A description of the process followed for the Open Space Plan and subsequent NRI can be found in Chapter 1- Project Overview. The full Open Space and Farmland plan can be found of the town's website http://pleasantvalley-ny.gov/government/environment/open-space-and-farmland-plan/ Please find attached minutes of the Pleasant Valley Town Board dated December 11, 2013 ( new business item #1) adopting The Open Space and Farmland Plan Resolution #147/2013

    PE6 Action: Zoning for Protection of Natural Areas

    4 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Pleasant Valley would like four points for having local zoning and other regulations support the preservation of natural areas. See attached document for details.

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Climate Vulnerability Assessment

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Led by The Nature Conservancy and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. The Town of Pleasant Valley participated in this one day workshop along with the Town of Wappinger, the Village of Wappingers Falls, Town of Poughkeepsie and the Town of LaGrange to assess common vulnerabilities and to start discussions around solutions. The summary of findings document is attached. It details multiple vulnerabilities including the top hazards of sea level rise and storm serge, inland flooding, drought, wild fires, wind and future projections.

    PE7 Action: Evaluate Policies for Climate Resilience

    6 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In 2018 Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County worked with the town of Pleasant Valley to complete the Climate Smart Resiliency Planning tool.(see attached) and worked with staff to create a list of recommendations(see attached) to include climate resilience into the towns plans and ordinances.

    PE7 Action: Shade Structures Policy

    4 Points

    Program Summary: In addition to the resolution on Shade Policy, the Climate Smart Task Force believes that a shade structure inventory should take place so the town knows exactly what has been done so far to comply with the policy and what may need to be done. Although most shade structures are obvious such as the gazebo at Mill Park, the pavilion at Cady Field, the pavilion at Helen Aldrich Park and numerous trees including those in front of the current Town Hall, an inventory would be beneficial in systematically keeping track of compliance with the policy. Please find inventory list file below to complete this action item.

    PE7 Action: Cooling Centers

    1 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Pleasant Valley continues to post on social media and on their Town website about local available cooling centers during times of extreme heat. Attached is one screenshot example of a Facebook post and one screenshot example of the Town's website. The actual Facebook posts can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/pleasantvalley.ny/posts/10159045807463301 https://www.facebook.com/pleasantvalley.ny/posts/10158979358268301

    PE7 Action: Conserve Natural Areas

    4 Points

    Program Summary: In 2013 the Town of Pleasant Valley completed The Town of Pleasant Valley 2013 Open Space and Farmland Plan and passed it at the Town Board meeting on December 11, 2013. This plan covers the entire community, identifies priority areas (Chapter 4 Priority Areas of Conservation), outlines implementation strategies (Chapter 6 Goals, Action Items and Implementation) and describes an inclusive planning process (Chapter 1 Project Overview). The full plan can be found on Pleasant Valley's website: http://pleasantvalley-ny.gov/government/environment/open-space-and-farmland-plan/

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Climate Change Education & Engagement

    8 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Pleasant Valley Task Force updated the Education and Engagement Plan and it was accepted by the Town board in June 22. The Task Force had two large outreach events; Pleasant Valley Weekend and Earth Day based on the strategy outlined in the plan. At these large events and several smaller events such as teaching composting and reducing, recycling and reusing plastic usage at Camp Sunny Days, we were able to engage with a variety of community stakeholders through hands on activities, handouts, discussions and surveys (included in the Plan) to educate them on how to adapt to and mitigate climate change. An analysis of the survey results (also included in the Plan) aids us in tailoring our approach to local circumstances and targeted stakeholders especially through our collaboration with the Library and Recreation Dept. and also through our social media outlets https://www.pvclimatesmartny.org/ https://www.instagram.com/pvclimatesmartny/ and https://www.facebook.com/PVClimateSmart . Engaging directly with the public gives us an understanding as to what they want to learn about and how we can engage them. For example; offering a simple tire gauge as a giveaway along with an explanation on how knowing, checking and keeping your tires properly inflated enables your vehicle to ultimately perform better and release less GHG emissions or the necessity of a handout on heat and flooding or having a hands on composting demonstration (included in the Plan). We will continue to engage with the public and broaden our collaborations with others such as the Fire Department, Church groups etc. while continuing our survey process and analysis tailoring our actions to changes within the community and globally. Current plans are for a 2nd Repair Cafe, expanding Earth Day to include a larger Green Fair, and to offer events in conjunction with the Library on alternative energy and energy efficiency.

    PE9 Action: Climate-related Public Events

    3 Points

    Program Summary: In the spring of 2021 the PV Climate Smart Task Force hosted and supported a series of climate-related public events. On April 24th ,2021, the Town of Pleasant Valley and Pleasant Valley Climate Smart Community hosted an Earth Day Clean-up. At the event, the CSC Task force had members stationed at a plastics display that had materials to educate residents about plastic and plastic waste (materials attached to Earth Day Flyer documentation). Also at the event, a composting demonstration was done with approx 40 people in attendance. Families signed up and garbage was collected in a town wide clean up effort. Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County hosted an Earth Day stream a thon on April 22, 2021 with support from the Pleasant Valley Climate Smart Task Force that covered a wide array of topics related to climate change. Pleasant Valley Climate Smart group did continuous posts on out facebook page promoting this event and put up flyers at the library. Screenshots of our social media posts are attached and the CCEDC event page can be found here: http://ccedutchess.org/events/2021/04/22/2021-earth-day-stream-a-thon Pleasant Valley Climate Smart Communities hosted an educational event via zoom thru the PV Library. All information and supporting documentation has been uploaded. We reached numerous community members in attendance for this event.

    PE9 Action: Local Climate Action Website

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Pleasant Valley Climate Smart created a website to help communicate all of the climate initiatives that the Town is doing, as well as be a resource for Town residents on climate change. The website went live 11/4/21, and all content on the website was created this year. The website address is https://www.pvclimatesmartny.org/ A description of the local government's efforts can be found on this page: https://www.pvclimatesmartny.org/the-road-to-bronze How local residents and businesses can participate in efforts led by the government can be found on this page: https://www.pvclimatesmartny.org/join-us-on-the-road a And a summary of actions that residents and businesses can take to reduce GHG emissions can be found on this page: https://www.pvclimatesmartny.org/the-road-at-home

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Creation of "Pleasant Valley NY Climate Smart" Facebook page was done on the very day that we had our first official meeting by member Sandra Larkin(open space chair) https://www.facebook.com/PVClimateSmart/ In addition, there is also an Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/pvclimatesmartny/ Both accounts have supported composting efforts, information about creating a repair cafe, and the Facebook page has posted information about plastic pollution and reduction, eco-friendly travel, car idling, and many other climate and clean energy initiatives.

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