5/18/23 Energy Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Carl at 6:03pm
In attendance: Carl Bucholt, Carol Berry, Tim Lawlor, Jim Hand, Joanne O’Connor, Scott Murphy
Absent: Stephen Harvey, Jen Lawlor
Motion to approve minutes from 4/27/23 by Tim Lawlor. Seconded by Carol. Approved by all. Scott will bring the two prior meeting minutes that need to be signed to our next meeting.
MERP Community Capacity Building Mini-Grant
A draft grant agreement for the $4k is available. The final version should be ready in June. No decisions made yet on how to spend the funds. See draft agreement for allowable scope of work. $4k Grant Agreement_Bulletin 5 template_DD_Updated_DRAFT.pdf (vermont.gov) One option not listed in the draft: a consultant for an ADA compliance review. See Q&A Second Round MERP FAQ_Final 5-8-23.pdf (vermont.gov)
MERP Implementation Grant
The assessment (audit) application is expected in June. Level 2 assessment requires more prep work and data collection by the town (up to 5 years, if available) but offers access to a revolving loan fund, under development. The committee agreed that level 2 audits would have more benefit overall.
The $500K application is likely delayed until January, 2024, when all of the audits are expected to be completed.
Capacity Grant
A grant is available to help towns research and apply for the unprecedented number of grants available. Joanne emailed details to the committee along with other options suggested by VLCT.
National Drive Electric Week (Sept 22-Oct 1, 2023)
Either Sept 23rd or 30th (Saturdays) will be the date for this event.
Other towns in the county will be invited to participate
No test drives will be allowed. Private arrangements can be made between car owners and attendees.
Skyline Drive might partner with us
Window Dressers
Bennington has more orders than they might be able to fulfill due to the lack of volunteers. They might need help from Northshire communities to complete the work. Carl will check with Alison P., the regional rep, about this.
Next Meeting: June 8th, 6pm at Town Hall
Motion to adjourn by Carol. Joanne seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:04pm