2011-03-09 Climate Advisory Committee Minutes

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March 9, 2011 Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee Notes for March 9, 2011. 7PM (Next Meeting — March 23 at Town Hall) Present were Ray Porter, Gina Snyder, Ron D'Addario, Tony Capobianco, Joan Boegel, and Stephanie Anderberg. Guests were Betsy Schneider and Demetra Tseckares. Meeting opening —Chair Ray Porter opened the meeting. Minutes — The minutes of the February 23 meeting were approved. Other Business to add to agenda — Walkable Reading Update, Conservation Bylaw Change, and Town Meeting Warrant. Earth Day Events — (note: Earth Day is also Good Friday). Nature Walk: Dave Williams (RMHS teacher) is available 511 or 4/10. The committee decided to go with 4/10 at 2pm. The place is yet to be determined, and we hope to be able to plant a tree at the end of the walk. Ron talked with the Forest Committee about permission to hold the event in the Town Forest, and would also like to have a non - denominational service at the tree planting. Ron talked with a reverend from the Old South church, who was very enthusiastic and gave Ron a copy of the "Green Bible Devotional" which they give to their confirmation students. Sustainabilit talks: alks: Demetra Tseckares spoke about her experience in giving talks about backyard chicken flocks and organic gardening. She's interested in setting up similar talks here, as she has recently relocated to Reading. Bike Recycling: Betsy Schneider would like to work with us again this year, possibly April 9 with a Friday evening bike drop off on April 8. We could look into using RMLD again. Need to get some volunteer mechanics and others to pump tires and wipe down bikes. Ron will contact RMLD to see if we can confirm a date quickly to meet YCC newsletter deadline. Business 1 -2 -3 Pledge — Green roundtable: National Grid will send two people to the event, and Jared will represent RMLD. Chamber sent out a notice to everyone on their list, but not a lot of response. Ron went in person to 7 banks, 2 other businesses. Agenda is drafted. An idea for a future event might be something tailored to restaurants. Green Business Awards: no updates. Climate outreach programs — No updates. Actions items progress update — Green Sense: We have a supply of topics for a little while. We will do one to highlight the nature walk and tree planting. No updates for School Climate Change Education, MassRIDES, Communi No- Idling or Municipal Energy Efficient Buildings /Green Communities. Other Business — Walkable Reading: Mass Municipal Assn. has a magazine that recently had several articles about walkability and the health of towns. They are working on a model policy for towns. Also, the Town Meeting Warrant has an article about adding a sidewalk shoveling ordinance — committee members should take a look. Mattera Cabin: we would like to use our remaining grant funds for supplies to weatherize the cabin based on our recent blower door test findings. A volunteer group from Pepsi may be requested by the conservation department to help with the weatherization work on the Pepsi company's May 14th "Volunteer Day ".