1/18/23 Energy Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Carl at 7:00pm
In attendance: Carl Bucholt, Jim Hand, Tim Lalor, Joanne O’Connor, Leslie Perra (interim town manager)
Motion to approve minutes from 1/5/23 by Tim; moved by Jim. Approved by all.
Energy Fair Committee Update: (Carl)
We discussed the venue for the event. Riley rink will not work per Jim. The Park House at the rec center might be too small. Other options suggested: BBA (Tim will inquire) and town hall. Town hall would likely be the location if there is not a quick affirmative response from BBA.
Town hall has advantages: no cost, good space, tables and tablecloths, one curtain partition, a big screen and internet connection for presentations, cleaning and prep work by staff, a popcorn machine.
Jim will check with Riley Rink about borrowing more curtain partitions. Hotels might be willing to lend partitions as well.
The event will take place from 11am-3pm on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Tim will check with the BBA Environmental Club about creating artwork, flyers, and networking with other young people.
Information on rebates, tax incentives, and reduced costs for low income residents will be central to planning these essential energy topics:
electrification
weatherization (including Window Dressers)
solar installation and back-up battery systems
Partial list of organizations to contact:
Neighborworks-- Heat Squad
BROC
GMP (Tiana)
Efficiency VT
Drive Electric (Dave Roberts)
SolarFest (Mike Bailey)
Partial list of people to contact:
Rob Terry (Merck for e-mower demo)
Andrew McKeever (GNAT and Sunderland EC)
Mike Rice (representative)
Bill Laberge, Alex Mintz (solar installers)
Corey Trimmer (energy audits, demo of blower door, possibly)
Emmett Dunbar (Windham County, BROC) Jim to contact
Other possible event topics, such as plastics, regenerative agriculture and others might be included as long as space and planning resources are available.
Joanne and Tim will review the VECAN inventory list for potential publicity and media partners. Once the event venue is decided, save the date and other materials can be written and artwork created. Be sure to post on the town’s website and Facebook page when closer to the event.
Other outreach ideas suggested: Earth Matters mailing list and FB page, BCRC, Manchester Business Association, WEQX radio.
Depot Street Housing Project:
Leslie showed us Shires Housing design for apartments to replace the parking lot behind Depot Street. Other development bids are due by Feb 15th.
GNAT-TV
Carl will represent our energy committee on GNAT-TV and give an overview of the work we are doing to the viewers.
Next meeting: February 9th at 6pm at town hall.
Tim moved to adjourn, Jim seconded. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm
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Energy Committee Approval Date