HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 08/24/2020
Approved Meeting Minutes
August 24, 2020
Committee members present: Andrew Chalnick, Keith Epstein, Richard Shrake, Sam Swanson, MJ
Reale, Ken Plato, Ethan Goldman, Tim Perrin, Marcy Murray
Committee members absent: Linda McGinnis, Karen Mckenny
Community members present: None
City staff present: Ilona Blanchard
Meeting conducted online via GoToMeeting.
Andrew called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Rich agreed to scribe.
Ilona noted that she had received proposals to install a solar array on the new city hall and would
welcome input from the EC in reviewing them. Ken and Keith volunteered.
Sam shared a report indicating that consumers support the inclusion of energy efficiency ratings in
property valuation and noted that the state Department of Public Service has formed two working groups
to develop standards for such valuations of commercial and residential property.
Marcy reviewed the current state of a proposed consolidation of trash hauling services as discussed at the
most recent City Council meeting and recommended by the Energy Committee in July 2017. The
consultants’ presentation marked the end of Phase 1. Given the expected reduction in wear and tear of
city roads, the consultants' projection that trash-collection-related greenhouse gas emissions would
decline by two-thirds, and the other expected cost- and quality-of-life-related benefits;
Justin Rabidoux is calculating the cost of pursuing Phase 2 and is expected to report to the City Council in
September or early October. Ethan suggested the SBEC include specific metrics for greenhouse gas
reductions in any recommendations to City Council on this matter.
In a final review of the CAP, with regard to the Revolving Fund, Ethan recommended that we present a
chart with the true value of investments and the money saved rather than just cash on hand. Keith noted
that Lou does not have that data in his spreadsheet. Ken volunteered to work with Lou on this. There
followed subsequent discussion concerning the current limitations of the city’s tracking abilities and the
potential for gas and electric vendors to enable auto-uploading of data to Portfolio Manager.
Andrew called for discussion of Don Cummings’ resignation letter, especially with regard to its depiction
of Lou’s work. There followed discussion of the varying degrees of success EC members have had
working with Lou, the general consensus being he is strong in project management but has room to
improve in measuring the financial and energy usage (corrected for outdoor temperature) impact of
efficiency activities. Ken offered to share his knowledge of such matters to help Lou broaden his work.
Adjournment
South Burlington Energy Committee
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
facebook.com/SouthBurlington
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Next Meeting
TBD
South Burlington Energy Committee
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
facebook.com/SouthBurlington