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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 01/12/2022South Burlington Energy Committee Meeting Minutes January 12, 2022 Committee members present: Andrew Chalnick, Ethan Goldman (Chair), Kate Bailey, Keith Epstein, MJ Reale, Marcy Murray, Sam Swanson, Steve Crowley, Tim Perrin Committee members absent: Ken Pulido, Linda McGinnis City staff present: Lou Bresee City Council’s charge: The charge of the South Burlington Energy Committee is to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy resources among the city's residents, businesses, and in municipal affairs. The committee assists the city in addressing the goals to promote energy efficiency, affordable energy, and lessen reliance (per capita) on non-renewable energy resources. Ethan called the meeting to order via GoToMeeting shortly after 6:30 p.m., and Marcy agreed to scribe. Members agreed to reorder agenda items.. Minutes. Keith moved and MJ seconded a motion to approve the revised draft minutes from December 8, 2021. The motion was approved with seven voting in favor and two abstaining. Election of new Chair & Vice Chair. Sam moved and Marcy seconded a motion to elect Tim as Chair and MJ as Vice Chair for the remainder of 2022. The motion was approved unanimously. This marks a term change from 4 to 12 months. Members thanked Ethan for his multiple-term work as Chair. Bike shelter proposal and survey results. MJ summarized background and results of surveys administered to various students by Matt Dransfield and Amelia Lutz at the high school and middle school, respectively. Of the 127 SBHS respondents, 7.1% said they currently bike to school, and 24.8% who don’t currently bike said they would if there were covered bike storage. Of the 86 FHTMS respondents, 16.3% said they currently bike to school, and 37.8% who don’t currently bike said they would if there were covered bike storage. Several members thought survey results supported moving forward with a solar bike shelter as does the potential project visibility and the importance of and community interest in biking. There was agreement that it would be important to incorporate student suggestions where possible in the project design. While SBEC would like to remain involved, Andrew suggested that SBSD’s Gary Marckres and his colleagues should determine the shelter’s location and design. MJ confirmed that students may be able to be involved in key project phases. In addition to the Energy Prize Solar Consortium funds and penalty payment (totaling $15,570) given to the school district by the Energy Committee (SBEC) and city staff, members thought that in addition to potential additional SBEC funding LocalMotion, Rotary, BikePed Committee, a SmartGrowth grant, AllEarth Renewables, and a GoFundMe campaign might provide, if explored, funds or materials toward the potential $40,000 shelter project. Next steps: • Andrew will talk to Donna Leban of the BikePed Committee to assess funding interest, to SunCommon (with Ethan), and to AllEarth Renewables. • Keith will explore the SmartGrowth grant opportunity. Intern search. MJ reported that no applications have yet been received in the latest round and that additional lead time may be needed for future searches. Climate Action Plan Task Force (CAPTF) update. The CAPTF aims to meet twice a month. Andrew volunteered to share the CAPTF packet for the January 13th meeting. FY23 Annual Work Plan (starting July 1, 2022). Keith explained member survey results of potential action items and recommended that our primary focus be on the items receiving at least three votes: 1. Building a public/private coalition to support CAP implementation, 2. Working on policy- related aspects (including LDRs) of the CAP implementation, and 3. Working on infrastructure- project-related aspects of the CAP implementation. Three additional projects could also be added to the work plan if the small number who voted for each of them choose to move forward, i.e., 1. Outreach and education to low-income and multi-family residential building owners, 2. Public outreach and education directed toward homeowners (including expanding regular communication with the community), and 3. Updating city energy data (if staff doesn’t take responsibility for data). Members agreed with Sam that work could begin this fiscal year, perhaps as early as March when the CAPTF may have a solid draft plan. Keith will finalize the list of six potential projects for approval at our next meeting and will discuss with Lou whether to put the six projects into Jessie Baker’s strategic categories. Event featuring Dwight DeCoster, Weatherization Program Director at CVOEO. Keith has scheduled the event and will work with MJ to supplement his advertising actions. Energy Projects Revolving Fund. Lou shared the status of the fund (he expects it to be in the black by the end of the current fiscal year) and welcomed committee input regarding his related calculations for the plug-in hybrid car and the 180 Market Street solar array. While sharing his suggestions, Ethan suggested creating a smaller group to help balance the levels of detail and effort. Ethan asked Lou to include SBEC in the planning for the 180 Market Street solar display content. Lou has drafted a document regarding planned updates at the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Plant and would welcome committee input on design objectives in the next two weeks. Adjournment: 8:38 p.m. Future meetings • Wednesday, January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Event featuring Dwight DeCoster, Weatherization Program Director at CVOEO on its low- and moderate-income home weatherization program (virtually & perhaps in City Hall Room 301 at 180 Market Street) • Wednesday, February 9th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30: SBEC monthly meeting