The Newbury Energy Committee met on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Tenney Memorial Library beginning at 6:00 pm. Attending were: Linda Ide (Chair), Liane Allen, Garnett Hebb, Tom Williams, and Peggy Hewes.
As moved by L. Allen and seconded by G. Hebb, the minutes of the
meeting on October 28, 2008 were approved with the following addition: The discussion re: biodiesel included information on environmental impacts of international biofuels production.
Follow-up Reports
Garnett reported that Efficiency VT no longer does energy audits. They provide a list of private contractors who do audits for fees ranging from $300-$500. Their web site offers a lot of other information. Another potentially helpful site is www.helpforvt.org.
Linda reported that the committee has the go-ahead for a low-E bulb distribution and display table at Town Meeting. The committee agreed by consensus to proceed, and Liane will make the arrangements. Tom suggested that we also include information on recycling the bulbs when we distribute them.
Peggy presented a copy of the Town Plan which has some energy conservation language in it already. Linda will obtain a copy of Bradford's Town Plan for comparison.
Peggy shared information provided by Rivers Reach re: Community Action weatherization services. Tom will contact CVCAC about possible cooperative activities.
Liane reported that her contact in Hinesburg is willing to do a presentation on renewing small hydro facilities, and the committee agreed that she should go ahead and set a date for this. Liane will present her research on wind power at the next meeting.
Other Discussion
Garnett raised the issue of liability and whether the committee is covered by Town insurance. Peggy will make an inquiry about this.
Tom suggested that a need may exist for a local transfer station for
vegetable oil used by individual producers of biofuel.
The committee agreed that Linda should locate a trainer from SERG to
teach us how to do home energy audits.
Tom suggested that a local pellet-making plant could be a good project for a consortium of towns, although insect importation is an issue when vegetative products are moved from area to area.
The committee will need to decide whether to participate in Bradford's energy fair next year or to sponsor an event of our own, perhaps with some sort of student engineering contest.
Recycling of various plastic bags and wraps is a big need.
Peggy and Garnett will obtain additional information on street lights in both villages.
The committee agreed to change the meeting schedule from twice a month to once a month. The next meeting will be December 9 at 6:00 pm. Garnett will determine if the Newbury Congregational Church vestry is available.
Brandon Boudreau is unable to be on the committee; a replacement is needed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Hewes
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