***Final***
CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE MINUTES
January 21, 2009
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of Simsbury Town Hall. The following members were present: Patrick Boeshans, Lori Fernand, Jim Ray, Susan Van Kleef, and Al Weisbrich. Due to an unexpected conflict, Chairman Boeshans explained that he would be leaving the meeting early. Also in attendance was Sherisse Hughes. Commissioner Fernand volunteered to do the minutes for this meeting.
1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2008
Chairman Boeshans requested a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of December 17, 2008. Commissioner Weisbrich made the motion to approve the minutes with a minor name spelling correction (Van Kleef instead of Van Cleef in the last line of the minutes). Commissioner Van Kleef seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
2. UPDATE ON POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT OPTIONS-TIMELINE
Chairman Boeshans presented the following information:
1. Power Purchase Agreement Update
Bob Malton of OPEL conducted due diligence on Simsbury schools, eventually determining that Squadron Line held adequate roof space, minimal shading and obstructions for a solar installation. Furthermore it had the most recently updated roof system. Upon further investigation, Mr. Petrucelli of Silver/Petrucelli, architects retained by the town of Simsbury to work on past and future school projects, notified OPEL that every Simsbury school roof had “marginal, insufficient load to accommodate a solar array.”
Available fields or alternate buildings are still being considered by OPEL.
2. CCEF Funding of PPA’s-Received word from Christin A. Cifaldi that completing the application process upon selecting an alternate building or site will not necessarily provide an advantage to the town in the near future.
“CCEF cannot take any action on applications submitted after January 15, 2009. Currently, there are more applications in the CCEF pipeline than funding available, and without federal aid many applications currently in our office will go unfunded until July 1, 2010.”
If we wish to still submit an application, CCEF will file it for review at a later date, but such a submission will not hold a place in any queue. Depending on the amount of time that elapses between submission and review, the town may have to update the entire application.
We can stay tuned for announcements on the CCEF website (www.ctcleanenergy.com) about funding availability and any new application deadlines that could be posted if federal aid is made available. We may also check out www.dsireusa.org for federal or other state funding opportunities.
3. DISCUSS TASK FORCE MEMBERHSIP REQUIREMENTS/OPEN SEAT
As the Task Force must be balanced according to Charter rules, Chair Boeshans contacted the Simsbury Republican Committee to announce the Task Force’s current vacancy. A registered Republican resigned from the Task Force creating the opening. Chair Boeshans will also contact the Town to post the vacancy on the website.
Sherisse Hughes has expressed interest to serve on the Task Force. Upon appointment of a new Republican member, Ms. Hughes’ membership on the Task Force will be initiated.
4. NEXT MEETING/FUTURE MEETINGS CALENDER
Due to a scheduling conflict, Chairman Boeshans proposed changing the next three meeting dates. It was agreed that the CETF will meet on Monday, February 2nd, Monday February 16th, and Monday, March 2nd. Chairman Boeshans will inform Town Hall of the schedule change.
5. REVIEW OF ONGOING ACTIONABLE ITEMS AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEW ACTIONABLE ITEMS
A. Talking Points Document
Chair Boeshans presented a sample Talking Points document he drafted for the Task Force. This was created as a tool for Task Force members to use as they seek partners to promote the residential clean energy options program. The Task Force will review and provide recommendations for updates at the next meeting.
B. Simsbury High School
Simsbury High School students have expressed interest in promoting clean energy in our community through a grassroots campaign. An inquiry has been made regarding their ability to work towards earning PV panels or a system for the high school. The Task Force discussed the appropriateness of locating PV panels with organizations that assist the Town in realizing its Clean Energy goal. It seems logical that the schools and/or organizations that offer assistance and request utilization of earned solar panels be given some level of priority based upon date of offer/request. Also the benefits of the PV panels as teaching tools make the schools desirable candidates for the systems.
A motion was made by Commissioner Van Kleef to prioritize Simsbury High School as the recipient of the first PV panel. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weisbrich and passed unanimously.
Chairman Boeshans will contact Mr. Avery at Simsbury High School about the Task Force’s decision and possible next steps.
C. Simsbury Clean Energy Purchase and EPA Community Energy Challenge
Both the Town’s clean energy purchase and the Board of Selectmen’s approval of the EPA Community Energy Challenge need to be finalized. Commissioner Fernand will contact First Selectman Mary Glassman and Deputy First Selectman John Hampton to ascertain the date these actions will be completed.
D. Clean Energy Fund Microgrant Program
Commissioner Fernand stated that the grant application cannot be completed until the Town has approved the EPA Community Energy Challenge. Once approved, Commissioner Fernand will complete the grant application.
E. Community Outreach
Commissioner Fernand spoke with the First Selectman’s office about Chairman Boeshans participating in a State of the Town program to air on Simsbury Community Television (SCTV). The details are being finalized but will likely include a taping of the show in February and to air in March.
Commissioner Van Kleef is working with the Town to put Clean Energy info on the Town website that would enable residents to sign up for the Clean Energy program. Commissioner Van Kleef will review what information is needed, including links to download materials or register electronically. This will be a good resource to highlight on SCTV.
Commissioner Fernand contacted Sterling Energy and Community Energy and both are willing to participate in a taping for SCTV. Commissioner Fernand also spoke with Green Bean Magazine producer, Jill Paterson, about including the 20 by 2010 in an upcoming Green Bean Magazine episode. Because of significant existing commitments, Ms. Paterson is unable to include this in a program for this season, but might be able to assist us in editing segments we tape, in order to air on SCTV.
Commissioner Van Kleef spoke with Susan Bullock about the Task Force providing information at the Library to educate residents about the program and materials to sign up. The Library has a display case available in March. Commissioner Van Kleef will speak with Ms. Bullock about the type of materials to include. We can also stand an easel, with additional information, alongside the display case. It was agreed that the Commissioners should bring ideas to the next meeting about a recognizable symbol to represent the Clean Energy program and also ideas on how best to present this effort to residents, i.e. a simple way to describe what the Clean Energy program is. At the next meeting action needed for the display will be finalized.
Other locations suitable for outreach to the community were discussed, including local businesses. Commissioners are still in the process of reaching out to local organizations to identify potential outreach through newsletters and events. Ms. Hughes spoke about upcoming science fairs, March 26th at Latimer Lane and March 31st at Squadron Line, and the possibility that the CETF might participate on some level. She will have additional information at the next meeting.
F. Potential Sites for Power Purchase Agreements
It was agreed that additional information on the specific requirements for buildings for power purchase agreement projects is needed. The CETF wants to request OPEL to revisit with the Town architects their concerns about the suitability of the school buildings for these projects. In addition to the school buildings, what are other likely options. Commissioner Fernand will contact Chairman Boeshans about contacting OPEL.
G. Clean Energy Fund Information
Commissioner Weisbrich will contact Beth Piggush for clarification about required thresholds to obtain PV panels. The material available is not clear.
H. Additional State and Federal Funding for Clean Energy Programs
As funding in the State Clean Energy Fund is already allocated and no additional funds yet identified for new projects, it was agreed that the CETF should reach out to State and Federal elected officials to inquiry about potential additional funding. Commissioner Weisbrich will contact Representative Linda Schofield and Commissioner Fernand will contact Congressman Chris Murphy.
I. Action Item Document
Ms. Hughes brought up the need for an Action Item Document to most effectively outline proposed actions and timelines. Commissioner Ray agreed to review past meeting minutes and to compile the Action Item Document for the Task Force.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Weisbrich motioned to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Kleef and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Fernand
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