Town of Newtown, CT 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COMMISSION
8-15-2013
The Sustainable Energy Commission held a regular meeting Thursday, August 15, 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, Charlie Copp, Mark Sievel, Joseph Borst, Desiree Galassi, Fred Hurley, Barbara Toomey
Absent: James Gulalo
Communications:
The monument that has been installed in town that was sent from Maine needs solar power to power the lights on the monument. Solar batteries are currently being shipped in order to power the monument.
Acceptance of Minutes:
Mr. Borst made a motion to accept the minutes of the June 20, 2013 meeting minutes as presented. Mr. Sievel seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Old Business:
HES Program
The three HES vendors attended a ceremony at Nunnawauk on August 15, 2013, the new refrigerators had just completed installation. All the residents were very thankful for the assistance. 300 units were completed in the complex. Ms. Quinn also mentioned Nunnawauk would like to install a solar panel on their Community Center and it was said that a PPA may be a possibility for them.
Since the program began, $10,015 has been donated to the fuel bank and $860 has been donated to the high school athletics for new uniforms by the vendors. The vendors have agreed to continue the donations through the end of the year.
Vivian Perez, from Home Energy Solutions, was speaking with Anne Benore, from Social Services, and they are planning to work together on other areas in town that are income eligible. One item they spoke about was including a home energy audit as a part of the fuel assistance program.
Solar Panels PPA
The ribbon cutting ceremony went well, everyone was very excited.
One of the next possible projects is the Reed School but questions do arise about the future usage of the building. Other possible buildings are the Park and Rec garage or the animal shelter. The next round will occur in the Spring.
Governor Malloy is working on setting up power islands for critical area and the next round is going through funding. A proposal is currently being put together for the town. The power can come from a combination of solar cells and turbines.
ESPC – IGA Appropriation Status
The transfer request for funds next to go through the three boards – Selectmen, Finance, Legislative. It will most likely not be approved until September.
The proposed contract has been forwarded for review. The audits would begin once the contract has been approved and executed. Ameresco would create a project and engineering plan for the buildings.
Solarize CT Program
Vendor Selection
No vendor has been selected yet. Interviews will take place first on August 20, 2013. The Commission is looking at three vendors currently because of their proximity to Newtown: Astrom, Ross Solar, and Encon. Selections will occur on a first come, first serve basis, each vendor will only serve one town in the program.
Kick – Off
The kick – off is expected to be the first week in September.
Letters
Letters were sent out early in the week to solar panel owners in town to get feedback and assist with the promotion in town. There were 39 residents who received letters. Ross Solar completed the majority of solar panels in town followed by Real Goods, Sunlight, Solar City, and a few others.
Arts Festival
The Arts Festival will occur from September 20 to 21. The Commission will have a ten foot booth to promote both the Solarize CT program and the HES program, both vendors will attend with promotional materials.
Mr. Borst moved that the commission approve $500 to pay for the booth space at the Arts Festival on September 20 and 21, 2013. Ms. Galassi seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Parade
The commission will need to reserve a spot in the parade.
Mr. Borst moved that the commission approve $50 to reserve a spot in the Newtown Labor Day Parade. Ms. Galassi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Transition Movement
The Victory Garden is coming along nicely and will have produce soon.
Municipal Energy Management Plan
No update.
Grants / Budget
The reappropriation is all set. Ms. Quinn is still researching grants.
Holiday Lights
Ms. Quinn will be contacting someone about purchasing LED lights for a holiday tree in Sandy Hook.
Adjournment:
Mr. Borst made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 pm. The motion was seconded by Ms. Galassi. The motion was carried unanimously.
The next regular meeting will occur on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Newtown Municipal Center in Shared Meeting Room 3.
Submitted, Jessica Smith, clerk.
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