Clean Energy Committee

Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2010

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 February 23, 2010.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman LaPlante.

Roll Call

Roll call was announced by Virginia Higley.  All members present.  Also present at the meeting was Geoff McAlmond, Deputy Director of Public Works and John Callendrelli.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Minutes of Preceding Meeting

A motion to accept the minutes of the January 26 meeting by Raymond Gwozdz was seconded by Gerard Lafleur, all in favor with the exception of one abstention, Virginia Higley.

Discussion of Energy Challenges

Karen LaPlante inquired about the proposed energy challenge and asked if it might be a better idea to do the challenge in Town buildings first as opposed to school buildings.  Geoff McAlmond noted that the schools do testing in March, then the recycling challenge happens and then the school year is almost over, therefore a Town challenge might be a better option.  He suggested starting something small, perhaps 5 or 6 buildings.  Karen LaPlante stated that she agreed that it might be a better idea to focus on the Town buildings and get an idea of how the challenge will run in the future.  Virginia Higley stated that she was curious if Enfield could use the same people from West Hartford as a part of this challenge because they did such a good job with West Hartford’s challenges and would be a benefit to Enfield. 

Karen LaPlante questioned how the town handles other challenges among the various departments.  Virginia Higley gave a brief overview of some of the other challenges that go on and noted that the various departments are actually very motivated by bragging rights.

Karen LaPlante posed the question the group of how to determine what the actual challenge is.  Geoff McAlmond stated that he thought the best way would be to base it on square footage of the buildings and energy usage.  John Callendrelli asked what the primary goals are, is the goal to change behaviors or buy into a new system?  He also noted that he was curious about the time frame for the challenge.  Geoff McAlmond noted that the idea is to get people to change their behaviors and given the budget this should be something that people buy into.  John Callendrelli noted the importance of getting people to go after the easy low hanging fruit.  The committee discussed time frames and the consensus was that this would be a 2 month challenge.  Karen LaPlante suggested that each building be assigned a team leader and that a weekly report and meter reading should be a part of their responsibilities.

The Committee discussed the focus of the challenge.  Geoff McAlmond noted that electricity should be the primary focus as the heating season is drawing to a close.

Virginia Higley asked Geoff McAlmond if there was any consideration given to turning off the air conditioning during the cooler spring and summer months.  He replied that open windows are a safety concern in the Town Hall.

John Callendrelli asked if there were going to be guidelines given to the buildings or would it be up to each building to decide how to go about it.  Karen LaPlante stated that she thought tips and basic guidelines should be given to each building. 

Raymond Gwozdz stated that there should be rewards or recognition for the building that are most imaginative, creative and successful.  Virginia Higley noted that people love the recognitions so perhaps some sort of Town Council recognition would be good as it would also let the public know what the Town is doing to save energy and money.  Gerard Lafleur noted that it would be very good PR. 

The Committee went on to discuss which buildings would participate.  Geoff McAlmond stated that he was thinking that Town Hall, Central Library, The Activity Center, Village Center and the Public Works Complex would be a good start.

John Callendrelli noted that sometimes people do not like sacrifice and asked how the Committee was going to portray this challenge to the employees.  Karen LaPlante noted that it should be viewed more as in interdepartmental challenge and a way to help save money.  Virginia Higley noted that people do get involved in the other challenges and that people should like this one as well.

Jeffrey Myjak asked when the challenge would start and suggested that it coincide with Earth Day.  The Committee discussed the start of the challenge and determined that it would run in May and June with an announcement on Earth Day.

The Committee went on to discuss how to collect the data and how to make sure that the employees and public can view the data and track progress.  The Committee also discussed local press and decided that it would be good to get some coverage in the Reminder and the Enfield Press.

Karen LaPlante stated that maybe a pizza party would be a good reward but was wondering how to fund it.  Geoff McAlmond noted that he may be able to find some funds for a pizza party.  Virginia Higley noted that the town sometimes gives items such as hats and t-shirts as prizes.  Geoff McAlmond stated that he thought things like mugs, and other inexpensive prizes keep people interested as well.

Jeffrey Myjak posed the question of how much is actually realistic in terms of expected savings.  Geoff McAlmond stated that 20% savings is realistic, possible and it is in line with the other EPA challenge.

Karen LaPlante asked members to come up with ideas of low hanging fruit and send them to her. 

Gerard Lafleur will do a press release.

The Committee went on to discuss a possible school energy challenge.  Karen LaPlante asked if there were any possible drawbacks to using less energy, such as problems with the contract with TransCanada.  Geoff McAlmond stated there would be no consequences.

Karen LaPlante stated that she felt that it would be a good idea to assign one child and one adult at each school as a primary contact.  Virginia Higley noted that it should not be a parent.  Karen LaPlante agreed that it should be teacher, administrator or another school employee.   She went on to say that she would like to have a plaque made for each school that participates.  Virginia Higley stated that she thought that a proclamation or Town Council recognition might be good for the schools that participate.

Raymond Gwozdz asked if achieving 20% was possible in the schools, Geoff McAlmond stated that he thought it was possible but the Town building challenge will be a good indicator and the school challenge can be scaled back if necessary.  Jeffrey Myjak noted that West Hartford was able to achieve savings closer to 30%.  The Committee went on to discuss the goal of 20% for the challenges.

Virginia Higley noted that Henry Dutcher usually has great success finding speakers and perhaps he can help find someone.  Karen LaPlante noted that perhaps the Energy Efficiency fund can help with rewards and now that there is a project identified the Committee can pursue a grant.

Greg Mark stated that he thought it might be a good idea to break the elementary schools from the middle and high schools.  He noted that the different age groups will have different motivations for participating in the challenge.  He noted that a donation to the Safe Grad program might be a good reward for the high schools.

Old Business

Sterling Planet Agreement

Joel Cox gave an update of the Sterling Planet agreement.  He stated that the Town Attorney had some changes for the agreement, specifically to ensure that the agreement noted that the Town was not exclusively promoting Sterling Planet.  Joel Cox stated that he is just waiting to hear back from Sterling Planet about the changes to the agreement and then will forward it back to the Town Manager for a signature.

The Committee discussed the agreement and what it would entail.  Karen LaPlante suggested partnering with a non-profit to promote sign ups.  She noted that Middletown has done this and they split the 20 dollars between the non-profit and their town’s energy committee.   She stated that it might be a good way to increase participation and a press release might be a good way to seek out partners.

Karen LaPlante informed the group that Sterling will be sending a proposal to the Town for a clean Energy purchase and noted that they are excited to be working with the Town of Enfield.

Karen LaPlante informed the committee that the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s annual report is out and Enfield did not do as well as other surrounding communities such as East Windsor and Ellington.

Board of Education

Karen LaPlante gave and overview of the presentation that she plans to give to the Board of Education.  The Committee discussed the presentation.  Karen LaPlante stated that she wants to put together a packet for the BOE members but is hesitant to waste the paper. 

Raymond Gwozdz stated that the presentation should stress a partnership.  Stephen Moriarty emphasized that the message should be that the Committee is here to help but not necessarily qualified to teach.  Jeffrey Myjak stated that he thought that there were too many options and not enough direction.  Karen LaPlante stated that she did not believe it was the Committee’s job to tell the BOE what to do, rather it is to give information and that the intent is to get the schools to participate in something even if it is not the energy challenge, because either way the town benefits.   Stephen Moriarty stated that this is a good opportunity to see what the schools are and aren’t doing.The Committee further discussed the potential and limits of the presentation.  Virginia Higley stated that she thought the presentation looked good.

Karen LaPlante requested a volunteer to make the presentation in the event there is a scheduling conflict.  Virginia Higley stated that she would make the presentation of necessary.

Energy Efficiency Fund Offer

Karen LaPlante informed the Committee about a program to promote Home Energy Solutions sign ups.  In this program the Committee would promote 1 or 2 specific contractors and for each audit the Committee would receive money. The Committee discussed the program.

Karen LaPlante noted the time it has taken to work on the Sterling Planet agreement and questioned if it will be an issue with this agreement.  John Callendrelli stated that it has been accomplished in other towns.

New Business

Karen LaPlante showed the Committee members the new Enfield Clean Energy stickers that she had made.  She stated that Rebecca Myer would send them out with welcome letters if the town partners with them for the Home Energy Solutions program.  Virginia Higley stated that she thought the stickers were very well done.  Karen LaPlante suggested maybe putting them on Town cars.

Karen LaPlante also showed the committee additional stickers that she had printed for the KilloWatt meters.

Earth Day

Karen LaPlante asked the members if anything should be done to kick off earth day.  Stephen Moriarty informed the Committee that he will be offering a tour of his home and would like to use it to also promote clean energy sign ups.  Karen LaPlante suggested holding off on an official announcement and work on details next month.

Geoff McAlmond also noted that he is putting together an event for Earth Day at Asnuntuck Community College however he is still sorting out the details.

Correspondence

Karen LaPlante pointed out the articles in The Reminder and the Enfield Press regarding the energy fair.  The articles were passed around for members to review.

Karen LaPlante discussed Sun Door Solar, a vendor that was at the flower show that installs dual solar panels.   They are interested in participating at the next energy fair. 

Virginia Higley noted that Wethersfield sells energy back to its residents at a lower rate and asked how can a Town sell the energy.  Geoff McAlmond stated that the Town is not selling the energy; the residents are simply piggybacking on the Town’s lower rates.

Karen LaPlante noted the reappointment of two members at the last council meeting and congratulated them on their reappointment.

Adjournment

A motion by adjourn was entered at 8:25 p.m. by Virginia Higley, all in favor.