CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING
June 10, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Chairman Boeshans with the following members present: Patrick Boeshans, Lori Fernand, Susan Van Kleef, and Al Weisbrich.
1. APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 27, 2009
The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed by all and Chairman Boeshans requested a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 27, 2009. Commissioner Van Kleef made the motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Weisbrich seconded the motion.
2. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Chairman Boeshans opened up the floor for public audience. No comments were entered into the record and the public audience was closed.
3. REVIEW OF ACTIONABLE ITEMS
A general overview of the open action items was done to determine any updates in status.
-Commissioner Fernand confirmed that the EPA Commitment Letter was sent to CCEF. CCEF is to contact Commissioner Fernand about the next training date for submitting a grant for funds to conduct community outreach.
-Commissioner Weisbrich updated the Committee on his discussion with Nevin Christensen of Flamig Farm about their solar system. The cost of installation for the solar system was approximately $10,000 per kilowatt. Committee members want to know if Flamig's system has a monitor and if it could be incorporated into local educational programs on alternative energy. Commissioner Van Kleef is looking into a monitoring system. Avon has created a curriculum and purchased monitoring kits for each of its schools.
-Chair Boeshans reported that the television taping at Talcott was re-scheduled. Although the taping for a local news broadcast was postponed, Chair Boeshans was given a tour of the school by the Director, Jonathan Craig. Director Craig is on the town of Avon’s CETF. Chair Boeshans will speak further with Director Craig about ways to promote clean energy efforts.
-Chairman Boeshans presented the first draft of the Green Business Certification Executive Overview. It was agreed to have two unique levels of certification, one requiring a higher accumulation of points than the other. General discussion took place on the categories outlining the different actions a business might take to gain points and how to weigh the various actions. Although the mission of the CETF is to have residents and businesses choosing clean energy sources for their homes, in order to have the greatest number of businesses competing in the Green Business Certification program it is necessary to include a variety of achievable green point options, in addition to those gained by purchasing clean energy. Members are to review the rating system and bring back suggestions to the next meeting.
Other suggestions to support the Green Business Certification (“GBC”) program include: having the Town website include links to businesses participating in the GBC; producing a Green List-highlighting businesses that are ‘green” merchants to be included in local papers, announcement boards, and community and faith groups’ newsletters; and annually presenting awards or proclamations to participating businesses. In addition, information outlining green business operations should be compiled and provided to local businesses. The Library might be able to have a green business section and purchase materials to assist businesses in their green efforts.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF NEW ACTIONABLE ITEMS
Members are to review the rating system and bring back suggestions to the next meeting.
5. OPEN FORUM
No additional topics for discussion were identified.
6. NEXT MEETING/FUTURE MEETINGS CALENDER
The next meeting is scheduled to be in Room 103 on the first floor of Town Hall (at the end of the hall) on June 24th, 2009.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Weisbrich motioned to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Chairman Boeshans and unanimously approved.
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