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CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE MINUTES
December 9th, 2009
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by Chairman Boeshans in Room 103 of Simsbury Town Hall, with the following members present: Patrick Boeshans, Jim Ray, Susan Van Kleef, Al Weisbrich, and Lori Fernand. Deputy First Selectman John Hampton was also in attendance.
1. APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed by all and Chairman Boeshans requested a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 14th, 2009. Commissioner Weisbrich made the motion to approve the minutes with noted changes. Commissioner Ray seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
2. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Chairman Boeshans opened up the floor for public audience.
Deputy First Selectman Hampton updated the Committee on the most recent Gifford’s Green Conversations hosted by Aquarion Water Company and expressed his appreciation of the attendance of several CETF members. In addition, the Town application for block grant funds to study the feasibility of wind energy for some of the buildings at Simsbury Farms was discussed.
Regarding the release of Aquarion grant funds awarded to the CETF, the funding request should be made by e-mail to First Selectman Mary Glassman and Deputy Selectman Hampton with the pertinent information. They will then process the request.
An annual report needs to be submitted by the CETF to the Board of Selectman. Chairman Boeshans took responsibility for drafting and submitting the report.
The display case in Town Hall is available for non-profits. The CETF discussed possible best times to request the space. The Committee needs to speak with Town Clerk Carolyn Keily to reserve the display case.
Deputy Selectman Hampton has been reviewing CETF activities in other towns for possible additional projects.
3. REVIEW OF ACTIONABLE ITEMS
Commissioner Fernand will speak with the Town to confirm the first installment of $2,000 (out of a total of $4000) for the micro grants has been received and how to access the funds.
Commissioner Boeshans spoke at the Simsbury Junior Women’s Club. Over 85 members were in attendance and the presentation was well received, with several new sign ups completed at the presentation and several other members requesting materials.
Commissioner Boeshans spoke to the Simsbury High School Enviro Club, with over 30 students in attendance. Twelve students agreed to volunteer to assist the CETF. The students have designed two websites on environmental issues and created several videos. A possible good project to for the students is designing the CETF display for Town Hall.
The task force spent time discussing the critical paths for the three key clean energy initiatives: Alternate Energy Curriculum; Green Business Certification; and Clean Energy Options Promotion. Action plans were put together for further discussion at the next meeting. (See CETF Action Plan document)
Commissioner Ray reviewed the actionable item spreadsheet, which he maintains for the task force, and indicated that no new items were outstanding.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF NEW ACTIONABLE ITEMS
The CETF wishes to honor Westminster School for its efforts in securing LEED certified buildings. It was suggested that a Board of Selectman proclamation be presented to Westminster School, possibly at a Gifford’s Green Conversations hosted at the school.
Commissioner Ray is setting up a presentation to the Rotary Club.
The CETF will invite Simsbury resident and Connecticut Innovations’ Managing Director for Business Development, Charles Moret, for an update.
5. OPEN FORUM
Discussion on various green issues including: other energy providers marketing in the area with a percentage of the electricity from clean sources; NPR story on changes in household behavior being the quickest and most effective way to provide immediate energy consumption savings; and potential “Cash for Clunkers” program for old appliances.
6. NEXT MEETING/FUTURE MEETINGS CALENDER
The calendar for 2010 was reviewed and meeting dates scheduled. It is hoped that the meetings can be held at the Simsbury Library so the Town Hall building will not have to remain open after hours for only the CEFT meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Ray motioned to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:14 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weisbrich and unanimously approved.
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