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Minutes
Thursday, May 15th, 2014
7:00 pm
120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
- Attendees: Jeff Elie, John Hayes, Jeff Cohen, Rishi Nandi, (on phone call speaker – Cindy Keegan), Jeff Brandt
- Guests: Sue Kirby (Salem Resident)
Updates
Solarize Mass Update – Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen, the Solarize Mass Solar Coach, quickly updated the committee on the status of the program. The City has reached the Tier 5 pricing level, which gives customers the maximum discount. This tier is reached after the community has 200 killowatts or more of solar panels throughout the community in which people have signed contracts.
RETF Big Picture Planning
The RETF has been concerned about the general direction and influence in the City. Because the purpose of the RETF has shifted over the years from the champion committee of the proposed wind turbine on Winter Island, to being more of a support structure for the City’s Energy and Sustainability Manager, the members have expressed a concern on their efficacy as an influential sphere of influence relating to renewable energy projects and general ideas in the City. Some thoughts to reinvigorate the committee and have some more influence were:
- Reach out to local organizations such as the Peabody Essex Museum to work on a project relating to a current initiative such as the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Action Plan to display an exhibit to show the adverse effects and Salem’s approach to these changing conditions as a coastal community.
- Reach out to City Councilors (old and new) to act as potential “champions” of the City Council. Jeff Cohen said this worked for the No Place for Hate Committee when Councilor O’Keefe began attending meetings and being a strong advocate for the committee
Rishi volunteered to draft a letter that could be used to send to local organizations to explain what the RETF does and how the committee may be able to assist in community initiatives that relate to education, outreach, and project assistance.
Rishi also offered the suggestion that the committee draft formal by-laws that more strictly defines the role of the RETF in the City, how the committee should act in meetings, and generally the rules of being a part of the RETF.
The by-law discussion then led to members agreeing that the mission statement may need to be revised or rewritten to reflect the goals and by-laws of the RETF.
Footprint/CLF Settlement Discussion
Sue Kirby, a Salem resident and Footprint Power Plant opponent, shared with the RETF a letter from the Office of Energy and Environment of Massachusetts that generally stated that in regards to the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) appeal to the Footprint Power Plant in Salem, a settlement had been reached in which Footprint would give the City $2 million to fund renewable energy projects. The money will be administered by the Department of Energy Resources.
Streetlight Purchase/LED conversion update –
The City is close to purchasing the lights. The City will own the lights before the end of Fiscal Year 2014, which is June 30th.
The City is participating in MAPC regional group procurement for the LED streetlight conversion. The MAPC has drafted an RFQ that is currently under review by the Department of Energy Resources and will be released mid-June 2014. The project will take 6-8 months to complete but will save the City 50-65% in energy usage and costs from the current cost of the streetlight system. Jeff Elie will be on the RFQ selection committee and will consult with the Mayor’s office, Planning Department, Engineer, City Electrician, and other relevant City departments to make the best equipment and service option for the community.
Subcommittees Update
- Executive Committee: None.
- Policy Committee: None.
- Outreach/Events Committee: None.
- Projects Committee: None.
Action Items
- Jeff Elie – Research energy committee by-laws in other communities and share with RETF
- John Hayes – draft mission statement
- Cindy Keegan – contact Mayor in regards to RETF status and updates
- Rishi Nandi – draft letter to local organizations on behalf of the RETF to gain community support and involvement
- Jeff Elie – Email scanned copy of CLF letter to Dominick about status of 2050 Climate Roadmap; also ask about general status of this letter
- Rishi to send Jeff thoughts of how City should best use $2 million settlement money for renewable energy projects
- Rishi to send Jeff drift analysis of snow on roofs and their impact on solar feasibility
- Jeff Cohen – add additional info to draft notes on renewable energy projects that Jeff had created in response to the money for renewables from Footprint/CLF settlement
Administrative:
- Future Meetings: Next Meeting to be held on July 17th, 2014
- Agenda items not discussed: None.
- Additional items discussed: Footprint Power is giving Salem $2 Million for renewable energy projects as part of the CLF Settlement. The RETF should discuss advice we could give the Jeff as the Energy Manager as to what projects to attempt.
- Votes Taken: Approved April 17th, 2014 meeting minutes
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