HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 09/01/2016 South Burlington Energy Commi ee
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.sburl.com
facebook.com/SouthBurlington
Mee ng Minutes Approved
September 1, 2016
Committee members present: Don Cummings, Keith Epstein (Chair), James Mount, Jeremy King, Karen
Mckenny, Patty Tashiro, Linda McGinnis, Marcy Murray, Sam Swanson (scribe),
Committee members absent: Fred Kosnitsky,
Community members present:
City staff present:
Initial business
Keith Epstein convened the meeting. He introduced two new Committee members, James Mount and Jeremy
King. The Committee introduced themselves and welcomed our new members.
Meeting minutes for July 2016 and note for August 2016 were reviewed.
Don Cumming moved that we approve the July meeting minutes, Linda McGinnis seconded, unanimously
approved.
Because the Committee lacked a quorum at the August meeting, we discussed the meeting notes but did not
adopt them as minutes. Keith described the invitation from the City to offer Capital Improvement Project
proposals (see below).
Capital Improvement Project Proposal
Keith Epstein and Don Cummings reported on the steps they took in August to respond to the invitation from the
City to propose projects for the Capital Improvement Plan by the end of August. Because the Committee lacked
a quorum at the August meeting the Committee Chair wrote proposing that the City undertake a two-phase
project to replace the remaining street lights with LED fixtures. In the first phase the project would develop a
detailed specification for the work required to upgrade city-owned street lights to LED fixtures, at an estimated
cost of $2,000. In the second phase the project would carry out the work. Keith reviewed the letter with the
Committee and will send a copy to the Committee.
Don Cummings moved that the Committee endorse the proposal described in Keith’s letter. Linda McGinnis
seconded, unanimously approved. The Committee intends that this proposal now be considered by the Council
as an Energy Committee proposal.
Guest presentation: Energy Action Network’s Community Dashboard: Rob Fish and Linda McGinnis
Linda and Rob provided a hands-on demonstration of the new Community Dashboard, enabling Committee
member to add information about South Burlington energy initiatives and also showing us all how to report
energy actions we have taken in our personal lives.
Efficiency Vermont Community Button-up Mini-grants
Keith reported that last week Efficiency Vermont’s Paul Markowitz announced a mini-grant program to support
community activities to promote button-up activities. Municipalities and 501c3 organizations may apply for
grants of up to $2,500 to promote Button-up activities in their communities between now and November 12.
The deadline for applications is September 7, a few days from now.
After some discussion the Energy Action Network representatives, Rob Fish and Linda McGinnis, offered to
develop a proposal to be carried out by the Energy Action Network, a qualifying grantee, in South Burlington
with Energy Committee support. The proposal is to table at all polling locations on election day and give away
energy saving kits and document energy saving activities on the EAN dashboard. If Efficiency Vermont accepts
this application, the Committee will communicate with the City Council to obtain any needed City authorization
to enable the Committee to support this grant funded activity in South Burlington.
James Mount moved that we invite Linda McGinnis and Rob Fish to prepare a proposal to be submitted to
Efficiency Vermont by the September 7 deadline. Sam Swanson seconded, unanimously approved.
Don moved we authorize $1,500 for ad design and placement, Patty seconded, and the motion was approved
unanimously.
Don moved we authorize $250 for social media advertisement, Patty seconded, and the motion was approved
unanimously.
South Burlington Energy Prize Updates
Members shared key accomplishments, next steps, and requests for assistance as Keith scrolled through the pre-
meeting written project update summary.
Upcoming events and program updates:
· Sharing Sunshine Program – Keith Epstein and Sam Swanson will provide Marcy Murray with
comments on the draft program instructions she shared with them.
· Thermal imaging camera for South Burlington Library loan program - Marcy Murray will work with
Keith Epstein to develop instructions library patrons will need to use the new thermal imaging camera.
· Dorset Commons energy efficiency improvements – Jeremy King reported on efforts of Vermont Gas to
encourage Dorset Commons to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. The Committee
members will consider steps they can take to encourage Dorset Commons to take action.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, October 6th, at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the South
Burlington Police Station (19 Gregory Drive • middle entrance)
|