Clean Energy Task Force Regular Meeting January 5, 2015

CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE MINUTES
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
January 5, 2015
REGULAR MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Commissioner Beinstein in the Room 103 of Simsbury Town Hall, with the following members present: Bob Beinstein, Jim Ray, Mark Scully, Claudia Szerakowski and Susan Van Kleef.

1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MEETING ON DECEMBER 1st, 2014:
The minutes from the December meeting were reviewed by all. Commissioner Szerakowski made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Van Kleef seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion passed.

2. PUBLIC AUDIENCE:
Commissioner Beinstein opened the floor for public audience. Ms. Ieke Scully indicated that a committee was working to host a Simsbury innovation fair this Spring. This would be an ideal time for CETF to have some type of display as part of promoting alternative energy or energy conservation. Commissioner Beinstein indicated this will be discussed during the meeting as part of the plans for use of the Bright Ideas grant funds. Mr. David Levien was in attendance, but did not have any specific business or questions for the CETF. Mr. Levien has been helping Commissioner Szerakowski with the Green Business Challenge program and plans to join CETF as a member. With no further discussions brought forward, Commissioner Beinstein closed the public audience.

3. BRIGHT IDEA PROPOSAL DISCUSSION:
Simsbury CETF has earned a $10,000 Bright Ideas grant from the State, but their criteria now requires an overall plan for expenditures for the amount before it will be provided. A general discussion of ideas about possible uses with an general outline of categories and possible general amounts. These will be further discussed and finalized at later meeting.
a. Encouragement of home energy audits with approximately $2,000 used to offset 50% of the State subsided audit ($50 versus current $99). Details as to how to apply for this and the actual plan details to be defined.
b. Cell phone solar charging station for the town with possible location at Simsbury Meadows near the playground. Research into available systems and costs will be done by Commissioner Beinstein with the allocation expected to be on the order of $4,000.
c. Mr. Tom Roy, Simsbury Director of Public Works has several energy related projects for the Town already identified. Commissioner Ray will coordinate with him to get a list of smaller projects that could amount to about $3,000.
d. CETF has previously used give-aways at Town events as part of promotion for clean energy/alternative energy. Last year, $500 was used to buy LED bulbs to give away as a couple of events. About $1,000 will be used for a similar purpose with events and items to be finalized. The Simsbury innovation fair will be considered for one of the events that CETF supports.
Further discussion and finalization of the plan to submit to the State will be included in the next meeting's agenda.

4. GREEN BUSINESS CHALLENGE PROGRAM PLANS DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Szerakowski indicated that with the holidays, no further contacts had been made, but she will be following up now with such organizations like Main Street Partnership, Simsbury Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Commissioner Szerakowski also indicated that she had not yet filled out the state form required to get points under the Clean Energy Community Program but would also follow up with that.

5. CETF WEBSITE PLAN DISCUSSION: Commissioners Van Kleef and Szerakowski had previously met with Mr. Rick Bazzano who handles the Town’s website. A rough draft of the layout for the organization of the website was provided at the meeting with a general discussion was held with further ideas. Commissioner Van Kleef will further refine the layout for a follow on discussion with Mr. Bazzano.

6. OPEN FORUM:
Commissioner Szerakowski indicated that she will be resigning from CETF as she is going to graduate school. All members thanked her for her enthusiasm and initiative she has shared with the CETF efforts and wished her good luck in her future endeavors.

7. NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 2nd.

8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Szerakowski motioned to adjourn the meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Scully and unanimously approved.