July 10, 2104

Washington Energy Committee Minutes

Present: Andrew Hatch, Al Krygeris and Johanna Young

Members gathered at the Washington Town hall before visiting a local resident to assess possibility of an energy saving project from our team, in formation stage.

Before making that visit the committee discussed funding resources in other states. In Massachusetts, for example, Co-op Power do weatherization and energy conservation projects and are able to leverage grants from local and state resources. They also have pledging members that help support funding.. Andrew said he could reach out to them for ideas and protocols.

What do we need funds for? Equipment and to help recruit a team. It would also be helpful to have funds to help train a team. There is a group in Dunbarton that has done similar projects.

The committee discussed how many volunteers are needed for a team (5 or 6 seemed like a good number, but we could have more people on a list if we end up doing more than one weatherization project). The committee decided to keep its name: Washington Warm Neighbors.

Actions: Johanna to make an official report to the Washington Conservation Commission and to get their blessing. She will also update Caroline Russell and ask if she could get a copy of his first energy audit report (see next section).

Al will ask Shawn Atkins who did the insulation for the Town Hall – perhaps that same group could help out with the resident. He will also ask the church for volunteers.

Andrew will make a flyer to help recruit a team of volunteers.

Second half of the meeting:

The committee visited the home of the resident in question (we did not go inside but looked at the outside near the side entrance where we could see evidence of a previous weatherization projects. The resident talked about having had EAP assistance some four years ago...they did some foaming but put in doors improperly and they still leak terribly. They sent the resident a bill when the resident complained about the work. They did an energy assessment/audit, but did not give him the report.

Next step: to gather a team to help plug up some of the leaks. The home is very old and could use major renovations, which is beyond the scope of this committee. The committee and team could help seal windows and cracks where air is getting through to help reduce the resident’s use of pellets. It was a cold winter last year and the resident used a lot of pellets last year for such a small space.

The committee also wondering if the contractor doing the Town Hall siding this summer wouldn't mind taking a quick look (for his opinion). Al Krygeris will ask. The resident said he would be willing to help us out with the labor and also might be able to help with energy saving projects the committee identifies in other leaky homes.

The committee is also hoping to get some donated materials to help with this project.

Respectfully submitted by,

Johanna Young

Secretary Pro Temps