Town of Wethersfield
Clean Energy Committee
MINUTES (Approved)
October 10, 2007
Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, Wethersfield, CT

In attendance: Michael DiCioccio, Joe Hickey, Cindy Jacobs, Judy Parker, and Ginny Judson. Also in attendance: Christopher Shepard.

Judy called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.

  1. Minutes: Judy moved to approve the September 12, 2007, meeting Minutes as presented. Michael seconded. Approved with one abstention.
  2. Public comments: None.
  3. Energy Conservation Strategies: Christopher reported that as far as he knew, Bill Leahy still awaits information from Mike Turner to proceed with benchmark analysis of Town buildings.
  4. Connecticut Clean Energy Options Program: The website indicates we have 152.5 sign-ups. Christopher reported Ginny intends to ask Clean Energy Fund staff to confirm whether the number of sign-ups is flat or the website has not been updated recently.

    Christopher reported the booth at the Corn Fest, staffed in part by Wethersfield Ecumenical Energy Conservation Committee volunteers, generated a lot of interest but only a dozen sign-ups.

  5. Renewable Energy Earned: Christopher reported we still are waiting for Bob Wall to schedule the consultant's site visit.

Cindy arrived at 5:00 p.m.

  1. Renewable Energy Purchased: Committee discussed the earlier presentations by Sterling Planet and Community Energy regarding the cost, source, location, and ownership of the clean energy available from them through CL&P. Joe moved to recommend the Town Council sign up with Community Energy and add $1,440 to its $10,000 budget allocation for clean energy premiums in order to meet the 20% clean energy target this fiscal year. Judy seconded. Approved unanimously.

Ginny arrived at 5:25 p.m.

  1. Energy Conservation Strategies continued: Cindy reported she shared information about available training for facilities managers with the Superintendent of Schools.
  2. Connecticut Clean Energy Options Program continued: Cindy reported the Wethersfield High School Parent Teacher Student Association's light bulb sale did not meet its sales expectations this year, but the group pledged to do it again next year.

Cindy departed at 5:25 p.m.

  1. Community Innovations Grants Program: Christopher reported the Wethersfield Ecumenical Energy Conservation Committee held its first event and understood from preliminary reports attendance was less than hoped. Its second event will be held next month with a final report due shortly thereafter.

    Christopher will start to solicit proposals for round II through letters to community groups and a press release.

Joe departed at 5:30 p.m.

  1. Publicity: Committee discussed potential opportunities for seeking publicity such as the Town signing up with Community Energy, installation of a solar panel, etc.
  2. New Business:

    Ginny is scheduled to present a one year progress report to the Town Council on October 15. A draft will be circulated to Committee members for comment.

    Michael shared information about SolarWorks school contests in New York and Vermont.

  3. Other Announcements: Christopher circulated a "Greenroofs" newsletter provided by the Town Manager.

Ginny moved to adjourn the meeting. Michael seconded. Approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Next meeting: Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 4:15 p.m., at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher Shepard