MINUTES: CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE – FEB. 19, 2009
The meeting was held in the Old Courtroom at the Town Hall and was called to order at 7:35 by the Chairperson, Dan Holmes.
PRESENT: Ryan Clancy, Terrence Ford, Dan Holmes, Ted Kreinik, Dave Stout and Kathy Quinn. ABSENT: Pam Buchler,
Neil Perone and Ben Toby.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bill Weber , a Newtown resident who is with Alteris Renewables was there to observe and offer his services. He discussed some of the Federal Grants that will be available especially those available to schools. Drew Savanson and Malcolm Levy from Brookfield came to find out what we are doing as a team. They are interested in getting their town more involved and are also starting their own company – Core Energy.
COMMUNICATIONS: Ted mentioned the new web site – Stimuluswatch.com where we can see what will be available in CT for available grants. Dave talked about a meeting that he had attended that discussed a new wind turbine that would work with 4mph winds. Dan discussed a nominating form for the CT Climate change awards – Terrence made a motion which was seconded by Ryan that we nominate our Task Force for an award. Dan discussed an upcoming event in Boston on March 12 about energy efficiency. Dan also had a copy of a memo that the DEP has published with recommended language that can be used by towns for improving energy efficiency in town codes. Ted noted that the EDC has also looked at this.
MINUTES – The minutes from the Dec. 9th meeting were accepted. Note – there was no official meeting in Jan. due to a lack of a quorum.
OLD BUSINESS:
Task force – New name. a vote was held and it was decided that our new name would be the Sustainable Energy Commission. This name will be incorporated into Ted’s Mission Statement and will be presented to the Selectmen in the near future for review.
Earth Day – Dan reported that a separate Earth Day group has been meeting regularly and that plans are coming together for our next Earth Day event to be held April 25th at the Middle School . We have received a pledge from Iroquois Gas for $1000. There will be more involvement with the schools and it will also be done in conjunction with the Lion’s Club “Loose the Litter Day”.
5K Grant - Terrence will address this prior to the next meeting. This is the grant available from the CCEF.
PPA Update - Only one proposal was received on time for the expanded solar panels for the Reed School but because there maybe the potential for new grants it was decided to continue putting this package together. This led to a discussion of other possible projects that could be proposed. A motion was made by Terrence and seconded by Ryan that we also look at the use of thermal solar for the pool at the High School and the motion was passed. Terrence will work with Dave on this.
NEW BUSINESS:
Web Hosting: Dave submitted a bill for our web site, Kathy will submit it for reimbursement.
Next Meeting Date: March 19th, 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Hawley Room
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Dave and seconded by Ted to adjourn at 8:59
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