Washington Energy Committee

September 11, 2008

DRAFT Minutes

Members Present: Al Krygeris and Johanna Young

Absent: Jerry Klohs and Lindley Rankine

1.0 There was no meeting in August so there were no minutes to approve.

2.0 At the request of the selectmen members of the WEC looked at night lighting in the town and made recommendations to the selectmen for which lights might be turned off. Al reported that Ed Thayer would like the Old School House lights to be left on as it helps him see when he plows that area at night. He said the Old Firehouse lights could be removed. The light by Eckhardt’s farm is also important for plowing. Al has been looking through the utility bills to see how much the town is charged. He said the E. Washington lights have been there since 1930. The WEC recommends that the lights that are not needed be removed and other lighting be switched to more energy efficient lighting with the beam pointing down to decrease light pollution.

3.0 Al distributed flyers throughout the town for the presentation on Sept. 15 by Tom Sintros, environmental educator and climate change speaker from Alstead. He also distributed flyers to HD HS.

4.0 Johanna reported there was going to be a program on Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. on NHPR about what NH towns have been doing to save energy and she emailed them some of the activities we have done so far.

5.0 The NCEF grant is due Sept. 15. However, at the suggestion of the WCC, we are going to hold off on applying for a grant until the winter cycle since we want more time to flesh out the proposal and cost out the project. We would use grant funds to make an energy booth display for the Olde Home Day and look at energy usage over the years to the present, and alternatives for the future.

6.0 The selectmen had asked about a programmable thermostat for the Town Hall. Al said he would look into seeing if this would save energy and money. He also wondered if the lights outside could be on a solar powered device so they would only come on in darkness.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by,

Johanna Young, Chair