Energy Committee Minutes - April 27, 2023
Present: Carl, Tim, Carol, Steven, Jim
Absent: Joanne, Jen
Meeting called to order at 6:03 pm.
Tim moved to approve minutes from 3/2/23 and 3/23/23, with a minor revision for 3/2/23 to correct a typo, from “No Mow Way” to “No Mow May”; seconded by Carol; all approved.
Robert’s Rules:
After reviewing Robert's Rules, Tim moved that all statements, endorsements, any form of communication with the public (press releases, flyers, posters, forms, etc.) that are made from, or on behalf of, the Energy Committee be approved via motion and vote at a regularly scheduled meeting rather than via email. The committee may move and vote to give a member or subcommittee of at least three members authority to produce such artifacts for a specific event or period of time. Seconded by Steven, approved by all.
April 22nd Energy Fair:
The committee discussed what worked at the energy fair, and what might be improved.
Bekah Kuster (Efficiency VT) was very happy with the attendance; she spoke with a “steady stream of people”.
Bill Laberge (Grassroots Solar) was surprised; it was “better than expected” in terms of people who signed up for batteries and/or solar consults.
Allison Pouliot (Window Dressers) spoke with 20-30 people (“Quite a lot”); she loved the presentations; thought the other groups were great; and liked the time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. She thought we should have someone there who sells/installs heat pumps.
In general, folks thought the fair was well organized and enjoyed the mix of tablers.
Among possible improvements:
1. a sandwich board in the middle of town, maybe a few or them, advertising the event; and
2. simplify the poster that would be displayed in stores. Ours was great if someone had time to read it, like in the water bill mailing, but was too verbose to put in a store window as people walked by.
3. Perhaps have something fun for kids.
4. Steven suggested changing the name from "Energy Fair" to "Energy Expo".
5. Although this year's event was planned to coincide with Earth Day, it landed at the end of a school vacation week. Jim suggested being cognizant of community events.
6. Bekah suggested that presentations not coincide with tabling. The event could be split into segments for each.
One person suggested holding it outdoors; we thought that was much too risky for April.
We discussed the $4K mini grant.
Tim said it should be used for education; there was general agreement; the question is How?
Jim suggested having a joint meeting of the Select Board and the Planning Commission, with public attendance, at which we could present information about climate, energy, etc., and why we need to do things such as weatherize the town buildings, or how replacing the use of fossil fuels in the Town Hall could save a significant amount of tax-payer money.
There was consensus that we need to plan events (at MCL) to get people together.
Carl suggested that at public forums, meetings, etc., we have several people in the audience who could stand up to speak about their experience with whatever was being discussed, e.g., heat pumps, EVs, solar panels, etc. Research shows that “public pressure” is the most effective way to encourage action on climate issues. Second most effective is financial incentives. Least effective is “education”.
Special edition of the News Guide:
Donna Burgess from the VT News Guide would welcome articles from us on various energy related topics for the May 22nd special energy issue of the Guide. Carl might submit one on regenerative agriculture as it relates to carbon sequestration. Other members are encouraged to write something, too.
MERP planning:
We discussed how we might get an inventory of town equipment. Jim will talk with Jeff Williams to see how difficult that would be.
We discussed the energy audits that are part of the MERP. We need to determine what the time difference would be for a comprehensive audit vs. a walk-through. The BGS director, or Callie Fishburn of BCRC might know. Both audits are okay for accessing the potential $500,000 implementation grants but the more comprehensive one would allow for access to loans and other federal programs.
Consensus was that, since both types of audits are covered/free to the town, the industrial-strength audit would be far more beneficial. The only reason to consider the walk-through audit would be if it could be scheduled far sooner than the other.
Electric Drive-in Event in Autumn
It was agreed that we should have an Electric Drive-in event, probably to coincide with the state wide events occurring Sept 22 - Oct 4. There is a possibility of pairing with Mt. Equinox’s Skyline Drive to have an EV “parade” from Manchester to Skyline Drive in Sunderland after our Drive-in is over, and then drive the EVs to the summit of Mt Equinox. Carl will discuss details with Melissa Bell, who works with the directors of Skyline Dr. Melissa reported that the Carthusian monks - who own the mountain - are very interested in alternative energy and EVs.
Next meeting:
Our next EC meeting was set for May 18th at town hall at 6:00 PM.
Tim, as Vice-Chair, may need to submit an agenda to Leslie Perra on Monday, May 15, as Carl will be out of town that day.
Tim moved to adjourn at 7:00 PM; seconded by Steven; approved by all.