Again, Croton is not alone. Several town and village residents have sent your editor the
video link for the Feb. 4, 2016 meeting in Pound Ridge regarding the CCA
program being offered by Sustainable Westchester. The link is provided at the end of this post. Just hit "play"; discussion of the program begins rather
quickly. You are strongly encouraged to watch it.
As the February 4th video shows, officials of Pound Ridge rejected SW's CCA program in a unanimous vote. Those officials expressed significant concerns and questions about the program itself, the administrative costs to the taxpayer, what is perceived as a "bait and switch" regarding renewables, the lack of savings, etc.
Indeed, some of these concerns and questions are similar to those stated by the Croton village board majority, as well as in Mayor Schmidt's recent letter to the Gazette. Additionally, Pound Ridge officials, as well as their counsel, expressed concerns about the SW contract language itself. These same officials also categorized the SW process as "chaotic" and as such, undermined confidence in the program. Pound Ridge officials also stated that the program does not "pass muster" under their established procurement policy.
There's more but it's important that you make the time to watch the video instead.
Please also note that on SW's website, Croton's approval of the program is still being shown as "pending" as is Pound Ridge. That is simply untrue. The vote was taken in both communities and the answer was NO. Yet the SW website remains uncorrected.
Also please note that despite assertions to the contrary in some circles, the all-Democratic Town of Cortlandt Board has not voted on this program, it is not on their agenda for the foreseeable future, and they have requested additional information from Sustainable Westchester. Town officials have again confirmed that this is correct in an email dated yesterday.
Here is the link to the Pound Ridge video and unanimous rejection of SW's CCA program http://poundridge.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=13
YOU CAN READ MAYOR SCHMIDT's RECENT GAZETTE LETTER HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-letter-from-dr-greg-schmidt-why-we.html
As the February 4th video shows, officials of Pound Ridge rejected SW's CCA program in a unanimous vote. Those officials expressed significant concerns and questions about the program itself, the administrative costs to the taxpayer, what is perceived as a "bait and switch" regarding renewables, the lack of savings, etc.
Indeed, some of these concerns and questions are similar to those stated by the Croton village board majority, as well as in Mayor Schmidt's recent letter to the Gazette. Additionally, Pound Ridge officials, as well as their counsel, expressed concerns about the SW contract language itself. These same officials also categorized the SW process as "chaotic" and as such, undermined confidence in the program. Pound Ridge officials also stated that the program does not "pass muster" under their established procurement policy.
There's more but it's important that you make the time to watch the video instead.
Please also note that on SW's website, Croton's approval of the program is still being shown as "pending" as is Pound Ridge. That is simply untrue. The vote was taken in both communities and the answer was NO. Yet the SW website remains uncorrected.
Also please note that despite assertions to the contrary in some circles, the all-Democratic Town of Cortlandt Board has not voted on this program, it is not on their agenda for the foreseeable future, and they have requested additional information from Sustainable Westchester. Town officials have again confirmed that this is correct in an email dated yesterday.
Here is the link to the Pound Ridge video and unanimous rejection of SW's CCA program http://poundridge.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=13
YOU CAN READ MAYOR SCHMIDT's RECENT GAZETTE LETTER HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-letter-from-dr-greg-schmidt-why-we.html
Thanks. Glad the vote stands. If SW is so great, I can always go in later, and only if I'm ASKED next time.
ReplyDeleteAsk me or don't. I stand with Pound Ridge and the Town of Cortlandt.
ReplyDelete"Pound Ridge officials also stated that the program does not "pass muster" under their established procurement policy."
ReplyDeleteWould it pass ours? We've been asked to sign a contract with blank spaces in it. C'mon.
For me, it ended right there. I would NEVER put anything like that on a village agenda. End of story.
Actually enjoyed watching this meeting. We are in good company with Pound Ridge. Thanks again village board for your vote. Linda
ReplyDelete