Town of Newtown, CT 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COMMISSION
1-17-2013
The Sustainable Energy Commission held a regular meeting Thursday, January 17, 2013 in shared meeting room 3 of the Municipal Center located at 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT 06470.
The meeting was called to order by chairman, Kathy Quinn at 7:00 pm.
Present: Chairman, Kathy Quinn, Fred Hurley, Charlie Copp, Mark Sievel, Barbara Toomey, Desiree Galassi, Dan Holmes
Absent:James Gulalo, Sarah Hemingway, Joseph Borst,
Communications:
Ms. Quinn informed the Commission that they have had 503 sign-ups for the HES program, making Newtown eligible for another 5 kilowatts for solar panels.
Ms. Quinn informed the Commission that Earth Mitt contacted her with a process for duct work where they seal from the inside. Ms. Quinn is going to recommend that Earth Mitt talk to the preferred vendors from the HES program and possibly have a booth at Earth Day.
Acceptance of Minutes:
Mr. Sievel made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 15, 2012 meeting minutes as submitted. Mr. Holmes seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Old Business:
HES Program
Ms. Quinn is planning to connect with Diane to get updated information about sign – ups and the progress of the program and will pass it along to the Commission. She will also check – in with the income eligible vendor to see how they are doing.
Solar Panels PPA
Mr. Hurley stated that the solar panels are on track, and that Gino Faiella , Director of Facilities for the Board of Education, is working with the contractors on scheduling.
Mr. Hurley discussed the small Z-Rec program and said that Newtown will put applications in during the next round, with the Reed School, dog pound, and Parks and Recreation garage as possible locations.
Mr. Hurley told the Commission about a bill in the state legislature that will require CL&P and UI to pay for delivery and generation costs for municipal net metering, right now they only pay for the generation costs. If the bill passes, the town can build remote sites and gain energy credits for other town buildings. The power generated could be used for up to four other town buildings plus the site of the power generation. Mr. Hurley encouraged the Commission to talk to their legislators about passing the bill.
Water Treatment Plant
Mr. Hurley reported that Hurricane Sandy caused some damage and the plant has been down since the storm. The repairs will be beginning soon.
Solarize CT Program
Ms. Quinn informed the commission that Newtown was not chosen in the second round of applications. She is not sure if there will be a third round applications or if they will open the program up to the entire state.
Transition Movement
Ms. Toomey told the Commission there will be break from showing films right now. She also told the Commission that Edmond Town Hall may be getting DVD capabilities which will open up more possibilities for showing films.
Ms. Toomey is planning on having demonstrations at Earth Day such as how to compost or raise chickens and stated that the Young Adult Council at the library may have interest in helping with Earth Day.
Ms. Toomey would like to include an article in an upcoming edition of the Newtown Bee about sustainability.
Go Green Website
Ms. Quinn stated that the website is making progress and is coming up to date.
Energy Star Portfolio Manager
No update.
ESCO
Ms. Quinn reported to the commission that the presentation is being drafted. She is planning on meeting on Tuesday, January 22 with some Sustainable Energy members and a couple members from Building and Site to work on the presentation.
Plan of Conservation and Development
Ms. Quinn told the Commission the plan was submitted.
Municipal Energy Management Plan
No update.
Brownfields
The brownfield sites in Newtown are a possibility for solar panels.
New Business
Sandy Hook
The town has numerous donations and offers coming in and it is going to take a little while to determine specific projects and destinations of the donations. Some strategic planning for the town will be needed so the donations can be directed to specific projects.
Earth Day
Earth Day will be on April 27, 2013 at the Middle School. The Commission would like to keep everyone together in one area - the HES vendors, Commission, Transition Movement. It will be a good event for the Commission to advertise all of their accomplishments over the past year.
Adjournment:
Ms. Galassi made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 pm. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toomey. The motion was carried unanimously.
The next regular meeting will occur on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Newtown Municipal Center in Shared Meeting Room 3.
Submitted, Jessica Smith, clerk.
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