City of Salem
Renewable Energy Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 16, 2007
7:00 pm
In Attendance: Cindy Keegan (Chair), Rick Nye, Nick Lewis, Adam Segal, Betsy Horne, Jeff Barz-Snell
Members not in attendance: Kristen Smith, Rob DeRosier, John Hayes
Public: Christian Murphy and Fred Hobbs
Meeting Start: 7:00 pm
Introduction & Wind Turbine Site Survey
The group introduced themselves to the public – Christian Murphy and Fred Hobbs. Meeting minutes from the July 19th meeting were reviewed and approved.
Cindy reported that the UMASS Renewable Energy Lab had finished their desktop analysis of the wind turbine site survey. In the analysis, it was reported that the site at the SESD Water Treatment Plant was the best site given the amount of load in the area and wind volume. Winter Island and Forest River Park were also deemed potential good sites, however, there is a definite lack of load in the area. The group agreed to support SESD with all their future turbine plans.
Cindy mentioned she had talked to Groom Energy about the possibility of recording the installation of their turbine and doing press around it.
Betsy will investigate the wind turbines which were previously located at the high school or hospital.
Nick and Cindy will find some informational wind turbine videos which could be aired on SATV.
Tom will email to group the state sample of their wind turbine ordinance.
Green Up Program
Cindy would like to have a location in mind for another solar array panel before the group begins advocating for more Green Up sign ups. She would like to advocate for a renewable energy lab at Salem High School and have the 2nd array, should the City receive the needed sign ups, located again at the High School. Jeff mentioned that he will be in contact with some high school teachers at a September conference and will talk to them about incorporating a renewable energy curriculum into their classrooms. The Task Force would like to make a formal recommendation to the Mayor, School Committee and Superintendent about adding a renewable energy curriculum.
The group would like to continue to work on getting more sign ups for the Green Up campaign. They would like to advocate for this through the schools. Fred Hobbs stated that SolarNow, an organization he works with, would be glad to help out the RETF with their outreach and advocacy efforts. Cindy mentioned creating a worksheet which would show the savings people could have through the Green Up program. Rick said he will help with this and Tom will check to see if there are any Eagle Scouts looking for projects to do. Cindy would also like to see an energy efficiency package which could be available at City Hall and could be downloaded through the City’s website.
Big Belly Trash Compactors
The group would like to know what the approval process is for soliciting and approving corporate sponsorship on the Big Belly Solar Trash Compactors, as well as information flyers about the RETF. Tom will check into this.
Task Force Logo
Adam said he will follow up with Katie Keadings about creating a logo for the RETF. It was also mentioned to hold a bumper sticker contest for children as well as outreaching to students at Salem State College to see if they could create one.
Community Energy Challenge & Miscellaneous
Tom will talk to Andrew Tsang, the intern at the EPA, about scheduling training to learn how to use the Portfolio Manager, software which can track energy usage and savings for the Community Energy Challenge.
Cindy received a report from Paul L’Hereux on the schools’ electric and gas use from the past 2 years.
The Keyspan Energy Challenge was discussed. It was mentioned that the Keyspan Challenge focuses on one or two buildings while the Community Energy Challenge will target all municipal buildings and facilities.
Salem High School is the City’s #1 energy user. They recently converted from electric to natural gas for their heating supply. This would definitely result in at least 10% savings.
The Low Carbon Diet Program was briefly discussed and the group will explore this program further.
Nick would also like to continue with promoting the use of reusable bags at local grocery markets. Tom stated that there is currently an effort in place to sell these bags and will find out more details for the group.
Press & Events
Cindy mentioned that SESD is interested in the Task Force using them as a case study for an upcoming press release. National Change A Light Day is on October 5th. The Green building Tour is on October 6th – Cindy would like to register the Carlton School for this tour and she will also check to see if Groom Energy will do it as well.
Action Items
Betsy – will investigate former wind turbines at high school and hospital site
Nick and Cindy - will try and find informational videos about wind turbines to be aired on SATV
Tom – will email group sample state ordinance on wind turbines
Tom – will look into approval process of corporate sponsorship on the Big Belly’s
Adam – will follow up with Katie Keading about logo for the RETF
Cindy and Rick – creation of a worksheet which shows the savings through the Green Up program
Tom – will see if there are any Eagle Scouts available for upcoming projects
Cindy – creation of an energy efficiency package to be displayed at City Hall
Cindy and Tom – outreach to Carlton School and Groom Energy about participating in the Green building Tour
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
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