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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 17, 2008
7:00 pm
In Attendance: Cindy Keegan (Chair), Nick Lewis, Adam Segal, Betsy Horne, John Hayes, Rob DeRosier, Jeff Barz-Snell, Kristen Smith
Members not in attendance: Rick Nye
Public: Mike Sosnowski, Bob McCarthy, Ben Bouchard, Katy Krottinger
Meeting Start: 7:00 pm
Introduction
Task Force member Kristen Smith announced her resignation. In her replacement, Cindy stated she would like to see a representative from SESD as a member. Group members thanked Kristen for all her service. Meeting minutes from the group’s November 2007 meeting were reviewed and approved.
Renewables Expo
It was stated that the Renewables Expo was set for Saturday, June 14thfrom 10 am – 4 pm. Ben Bouchard from the Chamber of Commerce presented an outline of the ideas for the Expo to the group. The Task Force agreed to help out with the Expo. The group discussed their ideas for the Expo which included contacting local vendors, City and State officials, local non-profit organizations, etc. Jeff said he would contact the Bike Path Committee. Jeff and Cindy stated that they would like to have a screening of An Inconvenient Truth at CinemaSalem. Cindy also stated that the Town of Ipswich recently held a similar event and that they would be a good model to base our expo on.
SODAR Unit
Tom reported that the loan agreement between UMASS and SESD for the SODAR Unit had been signed. Ward 1 Councillor Bob McCarthy was present and discussed his ideas/thoughts for an informational meeting he will be hosting next week to inform neighbors about the SODAR Unit.
Green Up
Cindy announced that there have been 20 sign ups towards this year’s count which leaves 130 more to go in order to become eligible for another solar array grant. It was said that the schools would be a good resource to help get the word out. Tom will work on getting the information up on the city website. Members said they should work harder to get businesses to sign up. Katy stated she would like to see a City resolution in which the City agrees to buy a number of renewables to help fund the Task Force. Cindy talked to City Electrician John Giardi about the Recycling Energy Purchase and will email him more information about this program.
Wind Ordinance
Tom will email the group a copy of the draft wind turbine ordinance. The group will email to Tom any changes/thoughts they have about the draft ordinance.
ICLEI
John Hayes and his Salem State College student intern Jenn Carr are ready to begin work to assist the RETF with data collection for the Community Energy Challenge and ICLEI program. Tom said the paperwork is underway for the City’s full membership as an ICLEI member.
Action Items
Tom will work on creating a SALEM GOES GREEN link and Green Up info for the city website.
SSC Course Proposal – Representatives from Salem State College would like help from the RETF about designing and possibly conducting a short adult education course on renewable energy. Cindy and Paul marquis are willing to help out. Cindy will email the group a draft course syllabus.
Big Belly’s – Tom will find more information about the installation of posters and how the City can go about soliciting for ads.
Tom will find out more information about the proposed recycling committee.
Tom will ask the Mayor about a letter she put together regarding savings from the Big Belly’s.
Find a replacement for Kristen Smith
Contact local vendors for Renewables Expo
Email Tom thoughts/ideas on draft Turbine Ordinance
Spread the word about the Green Up campaign
Meeting Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm
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