Manchester Energy Committee Minutes - July 14, 2022
Meeting was called to order by Carl at 7:02 pm.
In attendance: Carl Bucholt, Joanne O’Connor, Jim Hand, Carol Berry, Steven Henry, Jen Lalor, Tim Lalor
Tim moved to approve minutes from 6/30/22. Approved by all.
Tim noted that the 6/30 minutes have not been added to the town’s website.
The committee discussed meeting in-person at the town hall. All agreed that should eventually be where and how we meet.
Discussion:
WINDOW DRESSERS campaign:
Jim will give our emails to the local leaders of the Window Dressers program (North and Southshires) so we know of their bi-weekly (every two weeks) meetings. Everyone is supportive of our EC getting involved in the local campaign.
EV CHARGERS:
Carl spoke with the owner of a local business who may be willing to let some of the land be used for Tesla or other types of EV chargers. It might be in a flood zone though which will have to be researched. An alternative location might be the land behind Walgreens which is believed to be town owned. Carl will check with the town manager about ownership. Steven is willing to complete a Tesla application after some details are better known.
Steven is offering to buy and donate level 2 chargers to be installed, at the town’s expense, at town-owned locations (e.g, town hall, police and fire house, behind Walgreens, etc.).
ACT 172:
Eectrification rules are being written in July and available in Sept. Grants/loans might apply for level 2 EV charger installations and other committee projects such as an energy audit.
Jim suggested an energy audit be done for all town buildings. Jim has ideas on who would be good candidates. Cost could be $1-2k per building.
Carl and Jim will put together a plan/proposal for an audit and see about getting it on a Selectboard meeting agenda.
VECAN OUTREACH INVENTORY:
We spend some time filling out an inventory sheet for our committee to use to bring awareness of our activities, projects and events to residents, community groups, state agencies, media and businesses. This is a work in progress.
Next meeting will be on August 4th.
Carol moved to adjourn. Motion was unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:26