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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 11/21/2019 Meeting Minutes & Notes - Approved 12/12/2019 November 21, 2019 Committee members present: ​Andrew Chalnick,​ ​Linda McGinnis, Karen Mckenny, Keith Epstein, Marcy Murray,​ ​Richard Shrake, Sam Swanson, Tim Perrin Committee members absent: ​ Don Cummings, Patty Tashiro Community members present: ​Rep. Selene Colburn, Rep. Ann Pugh City staff present:​ Lou Bresee Tim Perrin called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Richard Shrake agreed to scribe. Keith moved and Karen seconded to accept the October meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously. Election of Vice-Chair Tim noted that the committee did not currently have a vice-chair. Linda nominated Andrew for the position. Marcy seconded the nomination. Andrew accepted the nomination. The committee unanimously elected Andrew. Button-Up Vermont Tim noted that the SBEC has traditionally been involved with this weatherization initiative, but as the kick-off occurred in October, we are a little behind schedule. Karen expressed a willingness to reach out and get involved. Keith noted that in the spirit of things he could post on Front Porch Forum opportunities for folks to see the upgrades he has made to his home to achieve net zero. Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus In anticipation of the December 9 VCSC public forum at Tuttle Middle School, Selene Colburn presented a slideshow outlining the history and goals of the Caucus. The primary focus of the presentation centered on four themes: 1.Accountability (the Global Warming Solutions Act) Keith, Andrew, Linda, and Sam all had feedback with regard to the most accurate and informative ways to portray Vermont’s relative emissions 2.Cap-and-Invest (Transportation & Climate Initiative) Linda noted that this initiative is important because revenue is required to make progress, but expressed concern that funds generated could get routed to general funds. Andrew noted the possibility of backlash from consumers. Sam expressed concern that the framework required careful implementation to assure the generation of adequate funding. 3.Building Efficiency (Focus Job Training and Economic Development on Climate) 4.Electrification (Transition away from Fossil Fuels) Andrew noted that it would be extremely helpful for appraisers to include solar upgrades in home valuations. Selene responded that they’re working on that. Selene concluded by noting the Caucus’s demand for executive action from Governor Scott in adhering to Vermont’s commitment to climate action.. Ann noted that the governor is required to solicit feedback and that there is a website to do so. South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov facebook.com/SouthBurlington Tim asked how the EC can support the December 9 meeting. Andrew noted that our role is to sponsor it, set up the space. Ann will include an invitation in her Other Paper column. Karen can put it in FPF and Facebook and place an add in the Other Paper. Ann requested that the timing of the releases be coordinated. Andrew moved and Sam seconded the motion that the SBEC formally support the December 9 VCSC public forum. Keith suggested we provide up to $100 for refreshments. The motion was approved unanimously. Ann and Karen will coordinate publicity. Andrew will coordinate with Martin to secure AV for the meeting. City Energy Projects Update Lou presented updates on a number of projects including: ●the Revolving fund from solar (income higher than projected) ●Public Works HVAC rooftop units inspection (aging but in good shape) ●Police Station lighting update (inspection for rebate is complete) ●Street Light documentation (GMP has provided size and GIS coordinates, Lou anticipates full documentation to be complete by the Spring) ●Airport Parkway Water Treatment Plant (a new power factor capacitor has been proposed for $10,750 with an ---ROI payback of less than two years ●Sewer Outfall Turbine (engineering study is complete - report due in December; there is a potential here for a significant capture of energy but concern about hitting GMP’s cap on renewable; Keith noted that the cap may not have bearing on such a project and asked if reps from SBEC should get involved - Lou recommended waiting until we see the report) ●Building evaluations site visits begin in December ●Electric vehicles for city work deemed as not cost effective Carbon Emissions Tracking Sam and Andrew have been investigating the best means of measuring GHG emissions in the city and propose requesting assistance from CCRPC to put in place such measurement. Sam moved and Andrew seconded the motion that the SBEC formally submit a letter they drafted requesting this assistance. The motion passed unanimously Transfer of Development Rights Andrew presented a history of TDRs in SB and an overview of the recommendations of the TDR Interim Zoning Committee and requested that the SBEC submit a letter supporting these recommendations. Sam moved and Andrew seconded the motion that we submit the letter of support drafted by Andrew with corrected typos as noted. The motion passed unanimously. Upcoming Events and Activities South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov facebook.com/SouthBurlington Rich reported on a meeting with representatives of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and SB schools to begin the process of reducing the carbon emissions brought about by travel to and from school. More meetings will follow. Linda noted that many businesses have been unable to go solar because solar contractors don’t want to work with SMBs that might not be around long term. GMP is trying to ease this situation. Might be worth our reaching out to Chamber of Commerce. Marcy noted that SB schools did not receive the grant funding for an electric school bus. She also noted that trash collection consolidation talks are ongoing. Karen is continuing to work with gaining administrative access to MailChimp, which is registered in a previous SBEC member’s name. Keith noted that he will be moving all of the SBEC’s documents to the city’s Google Drive. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Next Meeting Thursday, December 12, in the South Burlington Police Station’s 2nd floor conference room at 19 Gregory Drive (middle entrance). South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov facebook.com/SouthBurlington South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov facebook.com/SouthBurlington