Enfield Energy Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved
DATE/TIME: August 26, 2008
LOCATION:  Whitney Hall Conference Room

 

I.  Call to Order 5:15 PM
 ATTENDANCE:   Present: Steve Goldsmith, Alisa Bonnette (Administrative Staff) John Burritt (alternate), Charles DePuy, Rich Lammert, Carol Lammert.  Absent: Wendell Smith Resigned: Meredith Smith
II.  Approval of 7/22’08 Minutes
 There were minor grammatical and spelling changes to the minutes received via e-mail prior to the meeting.  It was suggested that the Solar Fest be identified as the event referred to in the section on reports from activities attended.   The minutes were approved with these changes.
III.  Old Business
 Goals and Objectives Update
  The committee agreed that the Energy Committee’s mission statement will read as  “to identify energy savings for the town and energy savings opportunities for the community.” Alisa clarified that this is in agreement with the Selectboard’s intentions for the committee, as noted in the first organizational session.  It was mentioned that the committee can make recommendations but has no power for enforcement.  
  Regarding goals, committee members were asked to review the priority list of interests for committee members. Charlie has added some topics of particular interest to himself.  He asked that we bring our thoughts to the next meeting.
  Upcoming events and reports from attendees at meetings/events/activities and informational resources
  No reports were offered.  Reference was made to the Carbon Coalition’s  website This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Most members do receive the e-mail information directly.
 Contact with Enfield Library Architecture: alternative energy sources
  Wendell submitted a report via e-mail.  He has been in contact with Bart Thurber, the Library Committee chairman.  Mr. Thurber is interested in alternative energy sources and has a proposal for a geothermal energy system.  The Library Committee supports up to $75,000 “extra” for such a system.  Wendell will continue contact with Mr. Thurber and will attend the September Library Committee meeting. 
  The committee exchanged understandings on how a geothermal system works.  Concern was expressed relative to the power source for the equipment considering the inefficiency of electricity vs. possibly the use of propane power.  It is not known if there is a propane powered system on the market. 
  There was discussion on the source of electricity generation for this geographic region and how an individual might find how one’s electricity is generated.  It was stated that most electricity comes from hydro power and probably wood chip burning though the function of a grid system with trading energy may make it difficult to impossible to verify the precise generation process of the power.
 Town Energy Audit progress
  Two points from the August meeting were not discussed. Those concerns are 1.)  the need for locked programmable thermostats in all public buildings and 2.) writing directions and posting them near thermostats and light controls in public buildings, such as the Community Building.  These topics were previously identified as in need of development.
  Alisa reported that she is awaiting a written report based on a free energy audit of public buildings which was completed on the facilities that function for 20 hours or more per week.  Some areas were identified as in need of upgrades.   Some items may be upgraded to meet minimum standards without charge.  The installation of CFL light bulbs in Whitney Hall was one suggestion the committee made..
  Charlie presented additional data available (based on 2007 information) as a spread sheet at http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=plv6rWnkNBC5OMbL0qg_OHA&inv= This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it &t=7922663241925858475&guest that shows the Town’s buildings energy audit data. The additional data shows source energy intensity (SEI) that is calculated according to the EPA Portfolio Manager.  The rating is calculated using BTU’s per square foot. SEI describes energy use and transmission, conversion efficiency and other factors involved in obtaining actual use of energy.  Three town facilities are of concern. Whitney Hall has a SEI of 103 and the Police Station is at 303.  Additionally the Fast Squad building is high at 156.  Charlie will confer further with Police Chief Crate on the use of computers 24 hours a day, lighting and heating.  Whitney Hall is also an entity to consider.  Office activities in the town offices section were discussed. Turning off office equipment when not in use was highly recommended. Sleeper modes for computers and copiers were discussed at length.  Turning off personal printers is an option.  The use of a power strip (possibly at a cost of $40.00) was suggested for several machines, including the laser printer, would switch off all those connected when the lead machine is turned off . In general, during warmer weather use of machines that generate heat when air conditioning is required is a problem.  It was recommended that a Kill-a-Watt meter device be obtained and used to evaluate the office equipment.  2008 data will also be calculated at the end of the year.

 

 Street lighting

 

  Alisa presented content from Nationalgrid that gives address, pole number etc. for street lights billed to the town.  The committee members agreed that this information should be made available to Kurt Gottardt, a concerned citizen who has collected considerable information on street lighting.  (He had previously presented his data and other information to the committee.)  Reference was made to information from Kurt on determining criteria for appropriateness of existing street lighting.

 

  The preferred method to promote revision of the town’s street lighting is to present the information in dollars saved.  The per cent of savings in the town budget would be less effective.

 

  Concerns were expressed for how much information to collect, interpret and present to the Selectboard and possibly the public.  Carol will contact a person from Jaffery, NH, to invite him to present the committee’s process in revising the town’s lighting for the next meeting.  He will be invited to either come in person or to participate in a conference phone call with the Enfield committee.   Charlie will contact a person from Thetford for information on the cost of retrofitting street lights with timers.

 

  Proposed changes in street lighting might be presented to the town as a warrant article at
  Town Meeting in March, 2009.
  
  Enfield  Ordinances
   No discussion.
   Alisa had earlier referred Carol to the Zoning board minutes that have reference to lighting throughout.  These need to be reviewed in greater depth for the future.

 

 Public visibility/educational opportunities
  The Farmers’ Market informational booth for September 3 was cancelled as there is not time to bring materials together.

 

  The Library educational equipment for display of different types of  light bulbs was considered out dated as there are many stores selling CFL bulbs now.  A display of LED lights was considered too expensive.  Possibly obtaining two Kill-a- watt meters ( ~ $40.00 - $50.00 each) to be made available to the public was suggested.  Information on how to use the equipment and interpret the information should be kept with the meters.  Alisa will discuss the purchase with the town manager and if approved she will confer with the librarian as well.

 

  The idea of an Energy Fair/Tour for August 2009 was cancelled.  In its place is the concept of offering presentations at Town Meeting in the spring.  The date for town meeting is March 14, 2009.  Finalization of content and equipment should be scheduled for the February Energy Committee meeting agenda.

 

 Recycling (deferred)

 

 Report to Selectboard
  
  Alisa stated that she has been providing reports covering the committee meetings to the Selectboard at their meetings.  In light of the Selectboard being informed on the committee’s activities it was suggested that there is not a current need for a presentation from the Energy Committee. It was suggested that when the committee has sufficient data collected that a presentation would be appropriate.
  
  
 No idling ordinance

 

  Carol provided samples of educational materials available through the state DES.  Educational materials may be free.  A 1 - 2 week lead is needed to obtain a supply of specific items.  Signage for buildings or parking areas do carry a cost. A copy of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Env -A 1101.01 - 1101.10 were passed around.  It was unclear if these are laws or regulations.  Carol will refer that question to the DES contact person, Kathleen Brockett, for clarification. 
   
   Extent of the coverage of a no idling policy was considered.  Locations suggested were town owned spaces and private businesses such as restaurants and banks and their drive through areas.  Regarding schools ownership of school lots was questioned.  A presentation to the school board might be appropriate.  The committee discussed how to proceed.  Possibly presenting No Idling as  an article of warrant at Town Meeting is an option.
  
 Data collection for fuel usage in city owned vehicles

 

  Alisa will ask Donna for this information.  Data for 2006 and 2007 would provide a better scope as the winter of 07 snow fall was bountiful. The committee did question what they would do with the information when collected.
  
 Alternative energy sources update

 

  Wendell submitted an e-mail report that he met with Ron Cameron who manufactures Nautilus water generators.  A survey will be done of Enfield.

 

 Informational Website
   
  It may be helpful to develop a website prior to town meeting.  It was suggested that this is something that Wendell would develop.  If information were to be handled as a page on the town’s website with attachment files Alisa could do this.  Making energy links available to the public was met with favor.  This is an area for further thought.
   
IV.  New Business
 
 Committee membership
  
  Meredith Smith had e-mailed Steve that she wished to resign from the committee because of extensive personal commitments elsewhere within the community.  Committee members voiced their appreciation for Meredith’s input with her interest in alternative energy use, extensive knowledge of the community and its members.  While John is often unable to attend meetings he suggested that Wendell move from alternate to full membership.
  Members suggested two potential members, Rebecca Powell and Jamie Martin.  Alisa will confer with Steve Schneider, town manager.  The method of appointment and resignation was explained by Alisa.
V.  Other
VI.  Adjournment
  The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.

 

 Next meeting 
  Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:00 P.M. Whitney Hall Conference Room

 

Respectfully submitted,
C. Lammert
August 29, 2008;  Revised 9/25, 2008