2009-05-13 Cities for Climate Protection Minutes

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May 13, 2009Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee Notes for May 13, 2009. 7PM (Next Meeting - May 27 at Town Hall) Present were Michele Benson, Gina Snyder, Tracy Sopchak, Ron D'Addario, Dave Williams, Bing Xia, Ray Porter ,Stephanie Anderberg, and visitor Dee Clark. Meeting opening -Chair Michele Benson opened the meeting. Minutes - The minutes of the April 8ch meeting were approved. Update on RCAF - Regarding the residential water conservation action item, the town got a settlement as part of an MBTE (gasoline additive) settlement- about $700,000. Instead of the General Fund, it was suggested to be used as a rebate to residents on their water bill. Ron suggested using the money to encourage water conservation, but this was not accepted at Town Meeting. A discussion followed regarding how this might be a rate stabilization effort because our water rates went up astronomically when the town joined MWRA - our rates are among the highest in the state. There was also a discussion on the HEET model and application potential in Reading. Some committee members plan to attend the upcoming Green Communities meeting in Wilmington. The committee discussed how to re-do the anti-idling campaign in schools next fall. There is a possible tie-in with GoLoco or MassRides outreach to employees Dave attended a recycling coordinators' meeting at Covanta. Several towns and groups were represented and shared information on their recycling contracts - some towns had to renegotiate with haulers due to the decline in demand for recycling materials. Friends and Family Day - (6/20) Ron is coordinating with the event planners. Most committee members can help staff the event for some part of the day. Michele has some of the blue tote bags left and Stephanie will take the first stab at anew pledge for this year, related to food choices. Gina & Tracy will help to develop the new pledge and resources list (websites). Reappointment of Associates and possibility to become voting members - Ron is willing to give up the voting member position for one of the associate members to have a turn. The committee also discussed ideas for engaging new members. Reading Fall Street Faire - (9/13) This will be something of a sidewalk sale with the potential for community group involvement in the planning aspect. A bike corral could be a nice contribution on our committee's part. HEET - This item was tabled as Joan was not available to lead the discussion. CACP Software Training - (5/21) Bing may participate in a webinar to learn hoe to use the ICLEI software. Also, former chairs should meet with Tracy to give her some background information. Other Business - Green Communities Program - Peter is looking into whether Reading can join. There have been over 35,000 questions from all over the state, submitted for more information about the program, so it will take time to get answers.