Energy Advisory Committee

Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 21st 7:00-8:30PM City Hall: City Council Chambers Members Present: Wavell Cowan, Jared Duval, Anne Watson, Karl Johnson, Ken Jones, Geoff Fitzgerald, Barbara Conrey, Kate Stephenson, Cara Robechek, Brent Ehrlich, Rebecca Harris (AmeriCorps VISTA) Attendees: Amy Gamble, Bill Chidsey 1. Introductions 2. Meeting called to order by Kate 3. Dan moves to approve previous minutes and agenda. Ken seconds. All in favor. 4. Public Comment  Will there be a bond that guarantees return on investment for the wastewater treatment plan project? 5. Updates from Working Groups Planning and Policy  Discuss creation of a commercial working group.  By April we will gather and coalesce goals and strategies from individual working groups.  Should the energy plan be coordinated with the state? o Anne takes charge of connecting with the State. Residential  The residential working group is tackling the next stage of home energy tours.  Potential need for a new chair. Transportation  The transportation working group is working on the transportation section of Master Plan. A draft was put out last week. Municipal  Managing grant from efficiency Vermont for retrocommissioning. A walk through of the police station will take place Friday morning.  ESG (contractor) is determining the viability of the wastewater treatment plant project. In order to do so, they 1. Need to find high-energy waste and 2. Create an agreement with Green Mountain Power. o Present progress by April and have proposal in front of city council by November. o Will there be holistic carbon accounting? What is the total energy impact?  Revolving loan fund is in place. Next week capacitor will be installed 6. Other Business Parking Proposal  Parking strategy moved to next city council agenda. Anne would appreciate energy committee comments on the parking strategy.  Current version is on attached agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. If the strategy is changed before April’s meeting, Anne will send out an updated version.  The transportation working group can take lead on commentary. Letter of Support  On April 12th Anne will propose a resolution that demonstrates city support for the winning design from the sustainable design competition. In addition, it will serve to support the design as a basis for the master plan. The energy committee will provide a letter of support.  Ken makes a motion to designate the chair, Kate, with the task of drafting a letter of support. Barbara seconds motion. All in favor. Georgetown University  Georgetown report – Ken will send out document and members can send edits. NEGEF (New England Grassroots foundation) offers grants up to $3,500. The deadline is April 15th 7. Adjourn  Geoff moves to adjourn, Jared seconds motion. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:15PM