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Minutes
Thursday, July 17th, 2014
7:00 pm
120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
- Attendees: Jeff Elie(City of Salem), Cindy Keegan(Chair), Jeff Cohen, Rishi Nandi, Nick Lewis, Rick Nye
- Guests: N/A
Updates
Jeff Cohen, also a member of the City of Salem No Place for Hate Committee, passed out their Draft By-Laws as an example of By-Laws the RETF could use for reference
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:
Action Item – Jeff Elie, City Energy and Sustainability Manager, to check with City Solicitor, Beth Rennard about Open Meeting Law and meeting outside of Thursday monthly meetings for the purpose of having a RETF general strategy session to develop and bring to monthly meeting for vote
Also check about changing the name of the RETF to Sustainability Committee, Green Committee, or Energy Committee, etc.
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 presented draft RETF letter to local organizations and non-profit groups as an introduction to gain support within City.
Subcommittees Update
- Executive Committee: None.
- Policy Committee: None.
- Outreach/Events Committee: None.
- Projects Committee: None.
Action Items
- Jeff Elie – Share Climate Change Action Plan scope of work and schedule to RETF
- Jeff Elie – Check with City Solicitor about number of members allowed in RETF
- Jeff Elie – Send Energy Resiliency DOER grant guidelines application to Rishi
- Jeff Elie – Send May meeting minutes to RETF
Administrative:
- Future Meetings: Next Meeting to be held on August 21, 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 May 15, 2014 meeting minutes
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