The agenda was approved.
The minutes of the meeting on February 10, 2009 were read and approved. (motion by G. Hebb, second by L. Ide)
Old Business
Neither Dylan nor Linda were able to attend the workshop in Danville regarding woodchip heating systems, but Linda will continue to obtain information on the system used at Blue Mountain School.
Garnett reported that no additional information regarding street lights has been received from CVPS.
The committee discussed the CFL bulb distribution at Town Meeting with thanks issued to Tom for obtaining the bulbs and staffing the table and to Linda for setting up the table and giving an informative report. Approximately 140 bulbs were given out. The remainders will be saved for other events; Garnett will reserve space at the Newbury Congregational Church Fall Festival if possible. Tom is still finalizing the details for obtaining a refund for the bulbs from Sierra Club. In the meantime, Aubuchon Hardware has deferred payment. Three people signed up for HEAT training. The overall message for the committee from Town Meeting seemed to be that we focus on how to reduce energy costs for the Town. This suggests that we go ahead with plans to survey energy usage in Town buildings. Linda and Peggy will ask the Selectboard for guidance in this direction.
Linda provided an up-date on the HEAT training for home energy assessments. HEAT is being piloted in nine towns. The results need to be evaluated, and some liability issues need to be resolved, so we will wait for the next round before setting up this training here. Dave Root noted that some utility companies also do energy assessments.
More discussion followed regarding how to help homeowners address energy conservation needs. Garnett suggested a survey. Tom reviewed the weatherization program offered by Community Action during the summer. Peggy noted the information/referral services offered by River's Reach.
Dylan arrived at 7:00 pm.
New Business
Linda reported on suggestions received from the Newbury Conservation Commission for cooperative efforts. NCC would like to co-sponsor an educational film series with us. The committee agreed that Linda should help NCC organize this. A second suggestion was to hold a "town summit" on energy and conservation issues with members of both committees, Selectboard, Planning Commission, and Solid Waste Committee.
Linda again urged that all committee members read the book Transition Handbook.
Patty Cashman suggested that the committee ask the Solid Waste Committee about accepting CFL light bulbs at the Recycling Center. Tom will talk to Claude Phipps about this.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 14 at 6 pm at the Tenney Memorial Library.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. (motion by G. Hebb, second by D. Kidder)
Respectfully submitted, Peggy Hewes
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