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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6:30 pm
In Attendance: Cindy Keegan (Chair), Rob DeRosier (V. Chair), Adam Segal, John Hayes, Jeff Barz-Snell, Rick Nye
Members not in attendance: Nick Lewis, Betsy Horne
Public: Caroline Nye
City Staff: Tom Watkins
Introduction
Meeting minutes reviewed and approved as amended.
Earth Day Event
John stated that Salem State College will be holding their Earth Day Week this year from April 13 – 17 and their special evening program is on Wednesday, April 22nd. Tom announced that the City will be holding their Earth Day event this year on Saturday, May 2nd and it will coincide with the City’s annual Clean Sweeps Day. Rob, Adam and Jeff said they should be able to make it down to the Common for the Earth Day event. Rob also stated that Dominion may be able to offer some assistance.
2KW Solar Array and ESCO
Tom announced that the solar array RFP has yet to be completed and that he will continue to follow up with the City’s Purchasing Agent on this.
Tom also said City Staff need to collect some data needed for the Energy Services Contract (ESCO) RFQ before it can be put out.
Interns
Tom shared with the group two emails he received from college students interested in interning with the Renewable Energy Task Force. Holly Elwell of Tufts University is interested specifically in the ICLEI program. The Task Force agreed to have Tom contact her to talk to her more about this. Also, Sarah Williamson from Georgetown University is interested in interning with the RETF and the group agreed to have Tom contact her as well.
John will talk to his former intern from Salem State College about the ICLEI data she was working on.
Wind Turbine Ordinance
Tom stated that the wind turbine ordinance will need to be revised so as to better reflect and define roof top turbines and some other language as well. The group asked that Tom invite Danielle McKnight and Tom St. Pierre to our next meeting to discuss these issues.
Cindy also stated that the group should follow up with Fairweather Apartments to see how their wind data collection is moving along.
SESD
Tom shared an email which was forwarded to him by Alan Taubert of SESD. It stated that after looking at the site, General Electric (GE), would not be able to erect a turbine there due to their own set back requirements. GE requires a 1 ½ size fall radius. Cindy and Tom will still follow up with MTC to see what the next steps may be for a feasibility study at Winter Island. Tom stated that the Mayor has plans to create a Master Plan for Winter Island and will incorporate a wind turbine for the area into the plan.
It was also mentioned that the Kernwood Marina site may be a good fit for a wind turbine.
Green Communities Act
The Task Force members discussed the criteria set forth in the Green Communities Act which communities must comply within in order to become an official “green” community. Tom will email out to the group some documents he received about the Green Communities Act, including the state model bylaw for the “as of right” zoning criteria.
Tom will also invite Danielle McKnight and Natalie Lovett to their next meeting to discuss the Act in more detail and how the City may go about complying with all the criteria.
Salem High Environmental Club
Tom shared with the Task Force an email he received from High School Science Teacher Graeme Marcoux. He leads the school’s Environmental Club. He has invited Tom and some Task Force members to the club’s next meeting to discuss the creation of a Renewable Energy Plan for the High School. Jeff and Adam said they may be able to make this meeting with Tom.
Living Green Grants
The Chamber sent out a request for applications for the two available grants. The applications were sent out to all principals. No applications were received back. Rob is on the selection committee for the grants. Tom will notify Mr. Marcoux about the grant application.
Living Green Fair
It was announced that multiple movies will be shown at CinemaSalem this year during the Fair. The movies will have a positive theme to them. Jeff mentioned showing “Fuel” as a potential film. The Living Green Fair sub-committee will be meeting again soon. Rod will touch base with Ben Bouchard at the Chamber of Commerce about this date.
Press
Adam talked recently with Lisa Guerriero of the Salem Gazette. She is interested in running an article on renewable energy and some of the work the RETF has been doing.
Next meeting will be April 16th
Meeting Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm
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