Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2010 Clean Energy Committee Meeting
Called to Order
A regular meeting of the Clean Energy Committee was held at the Enfield Town Hall, Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on April 27, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Chairman LaPlante.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Karen LaPlante, Steve Moriarty, Gerry Lafleur, Jeff Myjak, Raymond Gwozdz and Geoff McAlmond present,
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Minutes of Preceding Meeting
Motion was made to approve the minutes of the April 6th meeting by Gerry Lafleur, and seconded by Jeff Myjak. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
Old Business
Energy Challenge
-Discussion on the Municipal Facility Energy Challenge. An e-mail was sent out by Joel 4/26 to all town employees to announce the energy challenge.
-Karen brought up the suggestion that if any employees sign up themselves or any other people for the Ct. Clean Energy Option, they might receive “bonus points” for the town challenge. After further discussion, the committee felt that this idea may prove to be a conflict with the town employees which we would want to avoid.
-Karen asked the group members to think about which of the participating town buildings each member would want to assist with in tracking their overall progress. Geoff McAlmond said that there should be no problem for the energy teams to access any meters to obtain their regular readings.
-So far, 3 buildings have already committed to the challenge; Adult Day Care Center, Village Center, and the Town Hall.
-Geoff McAlmond mentioned that he has available the historical data for energy usage for the town buildings. We will use last year May/June figures to compare with this year and average the Kw/day used. Discussion followed to also factor in a degree day adjustment for last year and this year. Geoff McAlmond said that the last year degree day data is also available.
-The group discussed the logistics on the meter readings and the consensus was that they should be consistent with the days and times the meter is read. We also hope to post the ongoing progress on the town’s website.
-Gerry requested any feedback for his planned press release, and the group felt that it was well done. We plan to release to the newspapers one we get a final tally on participating buildings.
-We also plan to publicize the dollar percentage savings per building once the challenge is completed so the town residents can obtain a hard dollar figure for the money saved by the town. Geoff McAlmond mentioned that he could provide the total dollar amount.
-We still have not received any communication for the Board of Education for a desired meeting with them. The group felt that it would not be necessary to pressure them right now with the exceedingly busy agenda they currently have.
Sterling Planet
-Karen mentioned that Matt Coppler is waiting for Council approval for our suggested recommendation to endorse Sterling Planet as a clean energy provider. The committee suggested a special budgetary account for any money we receive from Sterling Planet for any future Clean Energy Option signups and any future grant money we may receive.
New Business
July 4 Celebration
-The July 4th Celebration will have a recycling theme for this year’s parade and a float made with recycled material. Discussion followed on the committee’s participation for the weekend celebration, and we decided to share a community table with the town. Karen requested that we think about a schedule of volunteers to staff the table for the event.
-Steve brought up the possible idea for a “Green Corner” at the celebration with “green” vendors, car dealerships, etc. being in the general vicinity to make the green corner theme.
Misc.
-Jeff brought up the program he is setting up to recycle old energy efficient bulbs.
-Steve would like the group to have some exposure this year at the Farmers Market once it opens.
-Steve went over information on his Energy Open House last weekend. Overall, it was well received with a large number of people showing up. He plans on having another on in the future. He provided the group detailed information on the grass seed he is using; Pearls Premium- slow growing/drought resistant, with a 12” deep root system once established. The seed can be obtained from Whole Foods or online at $35/5 lb. bag.
Correspondence
- E-mails and received printed correspondence was discussed, including future wind system possibilities in CT. Geoff mentioned the Town Farm Rd. area as a potential possibility for Enfield.
-Karen shared information that Cornwall CT has achieved a 34% residential signup for the Clean Energy Options program.
-Geoff mentioned the CROG DEP climate change website and we discussed if the committee should sign up for it. It could be an opportunity to obtain more information. The group decided to bring it up at the next meeting after group members have a chance to review the website.
-Ray shared info on new wind turbine designs published in this month’s Sierra Club magazine and the Preservation magazine article on “green” refurbishment for historical buildings. Hopefully this info will be useful if the town goes through with any future possible purchases and green-themed remodeling.
-Geoff mentioned he will be retiring soon and will announce who will take his place at the meeting once it is decided.
Adjournment
-Ray made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Gerry. After a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35.