Sustainability, Energy, & Resiliency Committee

Meeting Minutes - Final April 24, 2019 – 6:30PM City Hall – 98 Washington Street In Attendance: John Hayes, Jeff Cohen, Jenna Ide (staff), Brittany Dolan (staff), Lisa Peterson (councilor), Chris Cantone, Rick Nye Not in Attendance: Lisa Rosenthal, Phil Koch, Gail Kubik Public: Judith Reilly, Matt D., Megan Riccardi, Carolyn Ziering, Angelina DiMauro (SSU Intern) 1. Introductions 2. Public Comment  Judith Reilly- League of Women Voters is having a forum on May 16th at Community Life Center from 6-8pm. There will be an overview of climate change topics and then it will go more in depth about gas leaks, carbon pricing, and resiliency. 3. Review and Approve Meeting Minutes  Jeff Cohen motioned to accept the minutes with the revisions. Chris Cantone seconded.  Vote passes unanimously. 4. A green new deal resolution for Salem  Lisa Peterson - Resolution was submitted to City Council. It got voted through with edits that were made at the City Council meeting.  Resolution got changed from Green New Deal to “a green new deal”.  It will be submitted to congressional and state delegations.  Jeff Cohen - Thank you to Lisa for helping this get through. Most of the body of the resolution did not get changed and the essence of the resolution did not get changed with the edits that were made.  Lisa Peterson – The groundwork has been laid for more resolutions and ordinances to be passed in the future that will align with the goals of this resolution.  Jeff Cohen – One thing that we should take advantage of is collaborating with the other City committees. 5. Solarize Plus Update  Jeff Cohen – Meeting with someone next Monday to talk about the solar coach position.   Jenna Ide – The key part for the affordable housing additional incentive would be the financial part. Helping families understand that this will help you save money in the future. The solar coach would be responsible for both parts of the marketing campaign.  Jeff Cohen – Most of the work for the solar coach will be in the Fall of 2019. After that the installers are also involved. 6. Updates to SERC Website  Angelina DiMauro – A lot of formatting changes have been made as well as definitions have been added to the website. I have also added a gallery of pictures to demonstrate how climate change is affecting Salem.  Angelina DiMauro – We have also finished the Resiliency FAQ for the committee members to take a look at and edit.  Jeff Cohen – I will wait to see what legislation gets to the floor before I add my section on policy to the FAQ.  Jenna Ide – We applied for MVP Action grants for green infrastructure at Gallows Hill and also applied for a grant for permeable paving at Bertram Field.  Jenna Ide – We have hired Salem Sound Coast Watch to make some updates to our Climate Adaptation Plan.  Jeff Cohen - Motioned on behalf of the committee to send a letter to increase Sustainability and Resiliency Coordinator to full-time position. Rick Nye seconded.  Vote passes unanimously.  John Hayes – We could do a questionnaire about ideas that could be incorporated into the adaptation plan. New Jersey has done something similar. 7. Energy Information and Carbon Dividend Act  Jeff Cohen – We have talked about the Carbon Bill in the state legislature. The Jennifer Benson Bill had 95 co-sponsors. Salem would get $2-3 million for renewable energy projects. Energy Information and Carbon Dividend Act is a national bill and it is gaining many co-sponsors. 8. Climate Preparedness Week  Jenna Ide – This is in September. There has been interest in doing an event and SERC could sponsor something during that week. There are many different types of events we can do but we should focus on a few key events.  Jeff Cohen – Montserrat College will light up the Salem-Beverly Bridge during September and we could maybe coordinate events.  Jenna Ide – We could do tree plantings at the Willows.  Lisa Peterson – Maybe Salem businesses could donate a tree.  Chris Cantone – Residents may also want to donate a tree to be planted. 9. Upcoming Events  Somerville Sustainability Tour – Sunday April 28, 11-5pm 10. Thank you to Angelina for being our intern! 11. Meeting Minutes  Rick motioned to adjourn the meeting. Jeff seconded  Vote passes unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:27pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Brittany Dolan.