Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 08/06/2015 South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sburl.com facebook.com/SouthBurlington Thursday, August 6, 2015 Approved Meeting Minutes Committee members present: Don Cummings, Karen Mckenny, Keith Epstein (Chair), Marcy Murray, Sam Swanson, Thor Vue Committee members absent: Fred Kosnitsky, Linda McGinnis, Patty Tashiro, Wayne Maceyka Community members present: Grant Taylor City staff present: None Initial Business The meeting began around 6:30 p.m., Marcy volunteered to scribe, and the committee approved the July minutes with one abstention. Public Invited to Speak There were no comments from the public. New Member Introduction The committee welcomed Thor Vue, one of our two new members, with appreciation! South Burlington Energy Prize Updates • Treasurer’s report: Marcy reported that we’ve spent $9,107.30 to date, have $20,817.23 on hand ($2,233.98 in the City of South Burlington General Fund and $18, 583.25 in the Energy Prize Reserve Fund), and have two spending-authorization allocations that need to be replenished. • Members shared key accomplishments, next steps, and requests for assistance as Keith scrolled through the pre-meeting written project update summary. Selected discussion points follow:  Jenn Clifford, the excellent photographer who volunteered her time on previous ads, has stepped down. We need a volunteer professional photographer and people of varying ages willing to volunteer to be photographed for future ads. Please forward suggestions to Don at d.r.cummings@att.net.  We are looking for the names and contact information of landlords who have weatherized their buildings and understand the tremendous cost, customer, and environmental benefits of energy efficiency measures. Please forward to Keith at keithepstein@gmail.com.  UVM classes start August 31st, so now is an excellent time to pitch specific UVM student project ideas to relevant natural resource and business class professors. Two potential projects: creating a Municipal Green Team Handbook (Grant could help but we’d need someone to lead at key points in the process), and making a case for the city to adopt stretch energy codes. If interested, please contact Keith at keithepstein@gmail.com.  Efficiency Vermont is donating 120 Nest Smart Thermostats (each valued at $250) to be given at CityFest to South Burlington (initially) residents meeting certain energy-related criteria.  Based on helpful information from experts at a recent Planning Commission (PC) meeting, the PC is planning to recommend that the City Council adopt a citywide stretch energy code. South Burlington Energy Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sburl.com facebook.com/SouthBurlington  Because we are trying to do something transformative on the national scene via the Energy Prize competition, we need significant support from community and state leaders like Efficiency Vermont (it would be of strategic benefit to EVT if all three Vermont towns made it into the Energy Prize finals). Sam will help by connecting with EVT’s Liz Gamache and Paul Markowitz.  Sam will request that a City Council member write an article about what we are doing, how the latter fits into the overall plan for the city, and what community members should do to help the city reach its energy-related goals. The goal is to have the commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy become part of the city’s brand while raising awareness of the city’s strong connection to the energy prize effort, i.e., that the latter isn’t just a committee project.  Based on the interest expressed by city department heads, Keith will follow up with them about what they can do at home to support the city’s energy usage goals.  Efforts are underway to add an Xpress-pay button to the website for public tax-deductible donations. Resulting donations will be reported to our treasurer, and Patty will likely send thanks to each donor. Because having 501(3)(c) status would make it much easier for businesses to donate to us, Sam will revisit NEGEF’s 501(3)(c) offer and explore whether another municipality has participated in a similar arrangement while maintaining virtual control over how the donated funds are used. Motions MOTION: Don moved and Keith seconded that we authorize an additional $2,000 for ad design and media placement. Approved unanimously. MOTION: Don moved and Keith seconded that we authorize an additional $500 for social media ad placement. Approved unanimously. Adjournment The meeting adjourned before 9 p.m.