2023-3-23 Draft
3/23/23 Energy Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Carl at 6:03pm.
In attendance: Carl Bucholt, Jim Hand, Tim Lalor, Steven Henry, Joanne O’Connor, Scott Murphy (town manager)
Approval of minutes from 3/2/23 tabled until next meeting.
Energy Fair Planning
1. Publicity-Joanne reported on the status of outreach and publicity now that the event flyer is ready. Online postings thus far (flyer or event calendar form:
a. Manchester website and Facebook page, FB groups- Earth Matters, EV Forum, Northshire Forum. Manchester Forum, Front Porch Forum (calendar and email), G-NAT-TV (calendar), Youth Lobby, VECAN Google group, Shires Young Professionals
b. Flyer sent to Dorset and Arlington energy committees
c. Will contact Manchester Chamber of Commerce and other service groups (e.g., Elks)
d. Will contact VT News Guide about doing an article rather than paying for ad space. (¼ page = $158)
e. Tim will speak with Jen about publicity at BBA
f. Press releases to be prepared for
g. Carl to obtain access to email lists for Earth Matters and Transition Town Manchester
h. Carl and Joanne will ask businesses if poster can be displayed on their bulletin boards
i. Press releases 2-3 weeks before event to local newspapers
2. Poster
a. revisions-- remove “Vermont”, add Route 7A
b. Number of small and large posters to print was not decided; but number should include enough for the other town co-sponsors
3. Survey Results
a. Carl spoke about the survey results from town meeting day. Hard copies to Joanne for entry and addition to email list
b. Tim to look into a free version of Mail Chimp as an option for future surveys and newsletters
4. Local Motion
a. An MOU received from Local Motion; needs to be signed by both the town (sponsor) and Riley Rink (host). Scott had a question about the waivers for riding the bikes; Joanne confirmed that waivers will be on site for both the demo/event day (April 22) and during the loan period with the rink.
5. List of Vendors Attending
a. Carl asked about accepting a new vendor, Rutland’s SunCommon. The members felt it was too late to include them plus space was limited.
b. The vendor list was reviewed; a few still waiting for confirmation and extent of involvement
6. Logistics for Event
a. Locate enough tables and tablecloths (9 tables of all sizes identified at town hall)
b. Tim to measure hallway and main room for table layout and spacing; Tim might have access to a trailer to transport some borrowed tables from Riley Rink and other businesses
c. Using a megaphone vs microphone was discussed, tbd
d. Each committee member will ask the vendors they are working with if they could bring a tablecloth and their own water bottles
e. Steven suggested finding a small space within town hall for vendor presenters to prepare. Might be able to use the waiting area in the administrative office area.
f. Videos: 3-4 short videos so far; might just use closed caption videos so that volume won’t interfere with conversations etc.; where to display is tbd (which room, which screen)
g. No popcorn, drinks or other food will be available
7. New Business
a. New town manager, Scott, Murphy, will be the committee’s contact
b. Any spending by the committee must first be approved by Scott
c. $4K grant--Scott’s understanding is that once approved, the town fronts the funds and then submits an invoice to the state agency in charge of the program, Buildings and General Services (BSG) for reimbursement. Spending ideas will be discussed among the members after the energy fair is over.
d. At the last selectboard meeting, setting up more energy audits for town buildings was discussed. Scott contacted Efficiency Vermont to follow-up. The committee informed Scott that the cost of audits and the contractors to use is all part of the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) with BSG. The town will hold off until this program is up and running.
Next meeting is April 6th at 6pm at town hall
Joanne motioned to adjourn, Tim seconded, all approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:29pm