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Village Advisory Board: Climate Action Advisory Board

The Climate Action Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Village Board of Trustees and works to support sustainability, clean energy, climate resilience, and environmentally responsible decision-making throughout the Village of Saranac Lake. Through collaboration with residents, technical experts, educators, students, organizations, and community partners, the Board helps guide initiatives related to greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, sustainability planning, and implementation of the Village’s Climate Action Plan. The Board also serves as a liaison between the climate-conscious community and Village government while advocating for policies, investments, and programs that support a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Guiding Document

Climate Action Plan

Mission

The mission of the Climate Action Advisory Board is to support clean energy, sustainability, and climate action within the Village of Saranac Lake. The Board works to promote informed, community-focused approaches to mitigating and adapting to climate change while supporting long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The Board operates in an advisory capacity to the Village Board of Trustees and undertakes actions that support the following vision statement:

“The historic Village of Saranac Lake is committed to building a more sustainable community and engaging its citizens on best practices for mitigating and adapting to climate change.”

The Climate Action Advisory Board also serves as an avenue of communication and consultation between the climate-conscious community and Village government.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Climate Action Advisory Board is responsible for:

  • Advising the Village Board of Trustees on matters related to clean energy, sustainability, and climate action
  • Supporting efforts to adapt to climate change
  • Promoting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
  • Encouraging energy conservation and efficiency
  • Advocating for implementation of NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities initiatives
  • Supporting participation in the NYS DEC Climate Smart Communities Program
  • Assisting with implementation and ongoing updates to the Village Climate Action Plan
  • Advising on future-focused clean energy and sustainability investments
  • Supporting alignment between Village operations, infrastructure planning, and climate goals
  • Serving as a liaison between the community, Village staff, and the Board of Trustees on climate-related issues
  • Promoting cooperation between public and private entities in support of climate action

Members

The Climate Action Advisory Board consists of up to nine voting members appointed by the Village Board of Trustees, along with one ex-officio Village Board liaison. Members serve staggered two-year terms without compensation.

Appointments are made with the goal of representing a broad range of climate-conscious perspectives and encouraging diversity with respect to age, ability, race, and gender.

The bylaws identify ideal membership representation including:

  • Technical experts
  • State and federal policy experts
  • High school student representation
  • Green building expertise
  • Outreach and education representatives
  • Data management and research representatives
  • Community members with an interest in climate action

Current Members

Garrett Marino 5/31/27
Sunita Halasz 5/31/27
Steve Halasz 5/31/27
Oliver Halasz 5/31/27
Carolyn Koestner 5/31/28
Diane Strablow 5/31/28
Vacant 5/31/28
Vacant 5/31/28
Vacant 5/31/28


Ex-Officio Member

Village Trustee David Trudeau

Staff Liaison

Community Development Director

Meetings

The Climate Action Advisory Board meets monthly, with regular meetings held:

Second Thursday at 5 PM
Village Board Room
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

All meetings are open to the public in accordance with New York State Open Meetings Law unless otherwise noticed. Public notice of meetings is posted at least 24 hours in advance.

Board members may attend meetings remotely by telephone or video conferencing.

Bylaws

The Climate Action Advisory Board has adopted bylaws governing:

  • Membership and appointments
  • Officer roles and responsibilities
  • Quorum and voting procedures
  • Attendance requirements
  • Meeting procedures
  • Conflict of interest policies
  • Public participation procedures
  • Committee structure
  • Adoption and amendment procedures

The Board conducts business in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order unless otherwise provided within the bylaws.

[Climate Action Advisory Board Bylaws]

Contact Information

Village of Saranac Lake
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Phone: (518) 891-4150
Email: [email protected]

Join or Participate

Public participation and community engagement are important components of the Climate Action Advisory Board’s work. Residents, students, technical experts, educators, organizations, businesses, and community members are encouraged to attend meetings, provide input, and participate in shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and climate-conscious future for the Village of Saranac Lake.

Notable Achievements:

  • 2018: $50,000 grant for LED street lights and plug-in hybrid EV
  • 2020: Bronze Certification 
  • 2024: Bronze Recertification
  • 2024: $275,000 CEC grant
  • 2025: $482,164 CSC EV Charger Grant
  • 2026: Climate Action Advisory Board created