2011-08-10 Climate Advisory Committee Minutes

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Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee Notes for August 10th, 2011. 713M (Next Meeting — Tuesday, August 23rd at Town Hall) Present: Ron D'Addario, Ray Porter, Dave Williams, Joan Boegel, Tony Capobianco, Michele Benson, Gina Snyder, Laurie Sylvia Meeting opening— Laurie Sylvia introduced as RMLD liaison to committee. Each member provided brief personal introduction. Ron will follow -up with town hall on adding Laurie as an associate member. Ron will also need to confirm what needs to be submitted to our town selectman liaison. Minutes - Notes from July 27th meeting accepted. Website: Tony will work on bringing website current. He needs to contact town webmaster, Bob LeLacheur. Green Business Roundtable: Ron provides an overview of the green business roundtable held at Reading COOP: - Discussion of edits to pamphlet. Ron is looking to deliver the pamphlet quickly to Irene Collins of Reading Chamber of Commerce. Ron will forward the pamphlet to Jared for final audit prior to Chamber submission. • Michele would like to provide an achievable goal for business energy savings in order to gauge efficiency. Efficiency measure would be determined by Jared of RMLD, if called upon. In the past, RMLD has funded a plaque commemorating efficiency efforts. • Should local businesses work with whomever awarded plaque to the COOP? RideShare: MassRides - Michele is seeking an appointment with John Doherty to review past activities performed with the past superintendant. • Reading still member of MassRides program. • Michele looking for best method to get information out to teachers. Tree planting on South Main Street: - Michele would like to speak with Gina about working with Camille & Mary Ellen regarding ad hoc group dedicated to tree plantings throughout town. o , Peter budgets $3500 /year for trees. o Ray would like to submit proposal for $1500 grant, resulting in 5 new trees to attract, residents to execute energy efficiency improvements. Joan will determine whether this would be a viable idea for New England Grassroots Environmental Fund (NEGEF) grant, confirm our eligibility and find out next application due date. o Resident pledges for efficiency projects could generate points towards tree planting. Water Bills: - ` Ron spoke with Mike regarding municipal water bills. o Dave will follow up with MWRA on alternate billing formats. This will make the bills readable and allow consumer to view incremental water savings compared to average household. Present alternative is to have bills list gallons consumed versus cubic feet. Electric Bills: