Clean Energy Committee
Meeting Minutes
December 29, 2009 6:30 PM
Called to Order
A regular meeting of the Clean Energy Committee was held in the Enfield Room at the Enfield Town Hall, Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on December 29, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Chairman LaPlante
Roll Call
Roll call was announced by Karen LaPlante. Virginia Higley and Jeffrey Myjak were absent. Carol Hall entered the meeting at 6:40. and Karen LaPlante introduced her as the new Town Council Liaison. The Committee members introduced themselves and Karen LaPlante gave an overview of the Committees goals, achievements and progress. Karen LaPlante noted the Town’s participation in the “20 by 2010” program and that Enfield is on its own as no other surrounding towns are involved. Karen also noted that Committee members often travel to workshops and other events to learn about clean energy initiative and programs from other towns.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Minutes of Preceding Meeting
It was noted that the minutes incorrectly stated the meeting location as the Enfield room, the meeting was held in the Thompsonville Room.
Gerard Lafleur noted that his name was incorrectly spelled; Gregory Mark noted an incorrect spelling of his name.
A motion by Stephen Moriarty was seconded by Raymond Gwozdz approving the minutes of the November meeting, as amended.
Old Business
2010 Energy Expo/Fair
Karen LaPlante asked Joel Cox for an update on registrations for the event. Joel Cox reported that there were only 2 registrations confirmed for the event as of that time and that several vendors reported that why would need to get back him after January 1st. Many vendors reported hesitation due to staffing issues but most were very interested in participating.
Karen LaPlante explained the idea behind the energy fair to Carol Hall and then went on to give an explanation of the WRAP program and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Stephen Moriarty gave Carol Hall and idea of what occurred at his audit and Gregory Mark spoke about the rebates and other information he received during his audit.
Karen LaPlante noted some of the things that the Clean Energy Committee did at the last event and that Kill-o-Watt meters are now available for loan from the library.
Raymond Gwozdz noted that it would be a good to get a schedule organized for the event so that something can be published to inform the public.
Karen LaPlante stated that she thought it might be worthwhile to see if Asnuntuck has students that are interested in filming the event or if the College could possibly loan some video equipment. Stephen Moriarty noted that he tried to contact them and his perception is that they are not interested in these types of projects.
Karen LaPlante asked Gregory Mark if he could contact Home Depot to participate in the fair and he responded that he would. Karen went on to note that it might be a good idea to have a retailer involved in the show that know about or deals with the Energy Star rebates. She reported that she tried several times to get through to someone was unsuccessful. Raymond Gwozdz asked if it would be any conflict to have a corporation at the event due to it being a Town event, and Karen LaPlante responded no because they would just be a vendor and not a sponsor.
The Committee then discussed getting more press releases out and getting a schedule into the paper as soon as possible, members also discussed the need for more E-TV slides and more information on the website. Karen LaPlante noted that releases would need to go out as soon as possible to be in the paper in a reasonable time. Karen LaPlante questioned if the schedule could go into the paper as an advertisement or could it make it in as an article. Joel Cox responded that he felt it would be possible to get all of the information in an article.
Gerard Lafleur discussed his Public Service Announcement that he was sending to Asnuntuck for broadcast. The Committee agreed it was good and Karen LaPlante suggested gearing it more towards the public rather than business, she also recommended adding the website to all releases and announcements.
Joel Cox stated that an additional meeting to discuss the event might be necessary. The Committee agreed to meet the following Thursday for a discussion and planning.
New Business
Discussion
Karen LaPlante noted the continued importance of getting public involved in clean energy. She stated that something like LED Christmas lights would be an easy and visible item. She went on to state the importance of getting kids involved as well. Stephen Moriarty noted that he attended a webinar and that there is an abundance of information available to allow schools to add clean energy to their curriculum.
Karen LaPlante noted the many accomplishments of West Hartford to Carol Hall. Raymond Gwozdz noted the accomplishments of Hartwick, Vermont and the importance of “picking the low hanging fruit.”
Correspondence
Joel Cox noted correspondence from A1 Solar Consulting, the individual is looking to offer services to the Town, he might be someone to add to the agenda at a future date.
Adjournment
A motion by Raymond Gwozdz was seconded by Gerard Lafleur to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.
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