Energy Committee Minutes

March 13, 2008

Present: Jerry Klohs, Sandy Bremer, Lindley Rankine, Al Krygeris, Johanna Young, Kitty West.

1.0 Correction to the Minutes of 2/24/08: the farmer’s market is seeking “vendors” not “volunteers.” Correction under correspondence: Gwen Gaskell not Goodall. Sandy noted her last name is “Bremer.” Minutes approved after corrections noted.

2.0 The Committee welcomed new member Al Krygeris.

3.0 Old business:

1. Johanna thanked Sandy and Jerry for picking up CFLs and reported they have been donated to the Washington Food pantry. Sandy and Jerry were reimbursed $14.85 from the Energy Committee kitty. $20.15 remains in the fund. We hope to purchase more CFLs to donate. Johanna and Lindley will check Job-Lot in Newport. Jerry noted that True Value stores accept spent CFLs. Al also reiterated that the Transfer Station recycles them also as hazardous material. On behalf of a concerned neighbor Kitty asked about the mercury content and Johanna and Lindley referred her to the detailed explanation on the WCC web page.

2. Johanna reported on the results of the meeting between the select board and SmartStart reps on Feb. 28^th. The selectmen seemed in favor of signing an agreement with the PSNH SmartStart program to purchase and install more energy efficient lighting for the Town Hall and DPH buildings. There would be no increase in rates as the savings and rebates would off-set costs over the repayment period. Members of the committee discussed ways to do an audit of municipal buildings for energy leakage. Jerry suggested we consult with the Seeds consulting agency. They can do a presentation for $150. Audit cost $600. Al noted any expenditure would have to come before the town meeting for a vote next year. Johanna noted there are some do-it-yourself programs on-line and had researched some for residents. Jerry suggested we get volunteers to help with efficiency audits for residents. No final decision was made, yet, on how to proceed.

3. Green Films: the committee would like to show films about topics related to the environment and the energy crisis. The committee discussed the pros and cons of various sites for showing the films. Suggested places: Congregational Church, Camp Morgan Lodge or a person’s home. Time: April-June. Johanna to come up with dates and will survey the committee and check into venue. A member with a library card in Keene will take out the DVD when we decide on time and venue. Al suggested posting flyers on all town bulletin boards and in the selectmen minutes when the time comes to spreading the word.

4. Educational workshops: Al noted that UNH has a speaker's bureau – Johanna to follow-up. Johanna noted that the Carbon Coalition is expanding its website pages on resources for town energy committees. We also discussed putting out information at the Farmer's Market when it starts up in May.

5. Jerry asked for more ideas for a project he would like to do with the elementary school on energy efficiency. He hopes to do the project before the end of the school year.

4.0 New Business:

Began to discuss some other areas where energy committee could make recommendations re: energy savings such as purchase of new municipal vehicles and energy efficient upgrades when buildings are upgraded. Al noted that some towns have passed a no idling rule, which is something we could look into.

Next meeting is set for one day earlier – on April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, if there is a free space. Johanna to double-check.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Johanna Young