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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 24th, 2008
7:00 pm
In Attendance: Cindy Keegan (Chair), Betsy Horne, Jeff Barz-Snell, John Hayes, Rob DeRosier (V. Chair), Rick Nye
Members not in attendance: Adam Segal, Nick Lewis
Public: Kathleen Hoff, Wesley Hildebrand
Meeting Start: 7:00 pm
Introduction
Meeting minutes were reviewed and approved for the March 27th, 2008 meeting with some minor changes.
Saltonstall Earth Day Event
The Renewable Energy Task Force was presented with information about the upcoming Saltonstall School Earth Day event by Kathleen Hoff and Bowditch School student Wesley Hildebrand. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th 2008 from 8 am to 11 am. Ms. Hoff invited the RETF to attend the event to discuss current projects and initiatives they are working on. The RETF agreed to support the event and some of the members agreed to come. Tom will check into having a Big Belly and the City’s hybrid vehicle present. Jeff will check into bringing the energy producing bicycle and bringing his own hybrid car.
Recruiting a New Member for the RETF
Cindy would like to invite either City Electrician John Giardi or School Building and Grounds Supervisor Paul L’Hereux to fill the vacancy of former RETF member Kristen Smith. Tom will check to see if such an appointment presents a conflict of interest given that these individuals are currently City employees. Jeff will talk to Michael Williamson. Tom will also check the name of the gentleman who has attended previous RETF meetings and works in the field of wave technology.
Solar Energy
John Hayes mentioned that he would like to see an inventory of City buildings which haves roofs that may be compatible for solar panels.
Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair
Rob will work on producing a carbon footprint calculation worksheet for the event. Tom will ask the City Staff members of the City’s green committees – Conservation Commission, Bike Path and Recycling Committee - if they would like to partake in the event.
Two speakers will also be presenting at the event. RETF member Feff bar-Snell will give his presentation on climate change and Paul Marquis will present on Green House Remodeling.
The RETF will also have their banner, wind map, Green-Up and Big Belly info available there.
It was also decided that it will not be worthwhile to make t-shirts for the RETF members for the Fair this year.
SESD SODAR Unit Update
Tom had stated that he received an email from Dr. Utama Abalwahid from the UMASS Renewable Energy Resources Lab which stated the first round of data analysis from the Sodar unit will be available sometime in the middle to end of the month of May.
Carlton School Wind Turbine
Tom and Betsy had a conversation with Carlton School Principal Phillip Burke the night of the City’s Earth Day event about the noise issues with the schools roof turbine. He explained to them that he, Paul L’Hereux and Ward 2 City Councillor mike Sosnowski had met to discuss this issue and had ordered parts which would help with the noise. The parts had been delivered and installed and the noise issue has since been taking care of.
Meeting with Mass Energy
Cindy had updated the group on a recent meeting she had with Mayor Driscoll, Rep. John Keenan, Larry Chretian of Mass Energy and Tom regarding the City’s status with acquiring the $400,000 grant from Mass Energy. Cindy stated the data from the SODAR unit was coming in at 80 meters and above. Below 80 meters has been receiving some turbulence and interference. Other turbine locations were mentioned such as the islands (Children’s Island which has a generator and Baker’s Island which would most likely receive a lot of opposition). Partnering with Keyspan for a turbine at their location off of Bridge Street may also be a possibility. It was also stated that it will be critical to get the Turbine Ordinance in place to make the process easier for private homeowners to install
turbines on their property. Jeff had also mentioned that it would be more economically feasible for homeowners to create coalitions when looking to install turbines on their property.
Big Belly Advertising
Tom and Rob will work together on this. Tom will forward to Rob the size specs for the Big Belly ads.
Letters to the Editor
Tom shared with the RETF a recent letter to the editor by a Salem resident who was in opposition to a met tower and wind turbine being erected at the Fairweather site. Cindy will work on drafting responses to future negative letters to the editor. Cindy also mentioned that the interview and story from WBUR Radio will be on the air tomorrow at 1 pm and on Saturday at 1 pm.
Future Meetings
The next regular meeting will be rescheduled to May 22nd at 7 pm. The special meeting on the turbine ordinance will be rescheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 6:30 pm. Tom will also reschedule all other future meetings to 6:30 pm.
Action Items
· Attend the Salstonstall Earth Day event
· Work on an inventory of city owned buildings with roofs compatible for solar panels
· Recruit City committees to partake in the Fair in June (Betsy/Tom)
· Carbon Footprint calculation worksheet (Rob)
· Big Belly advertising (Tom/Rob)
· Recruiting a new member for the RETF (Tom/Jeff/Cindy)
Meeting Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm
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