2006-12-13 Cities for Climate Protection Minutes

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December 13, 2006 Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee Notes for Dec. 12, 2006 (Next Meeting Dec. 27th at Town Hall) Committee Meeting 7 PM, present were Stephanie Anderberg, Michele Benson, Ron Daddario, Tracy Sopchak, Gina Snyder, Dan Blodgett, Joan Boegel, and Ray Porter The minutes for Dec. 8 and Nov. 8 were accepted unanimously. Provided a recap of meeting that CPDC discussed Parking alternative downtown Dec. 11'h. Key Features were that the Downtown Parking Committee (George Katsoufis) noted that they are scheduled to provide a draft plan to selectmen and CPDC in Mar. 07 and a final in June 07. They are dealing with 3 development(build out scenarios: one at current levels, one at medium development and the highest number of units could be 150 units of mixed residential housing downtown in the next four years under the 40R plan. For those scenarios they are looking at use of four tools: share parking; remote lots; demand reduction; and parking structures. The committee agreed that we should try to work with these two other committees on transportation issues and later in the meeting voted to prepare a letter for Ron to send to the committees, with the points of reference from notes from Dec. 86' and the issue of how the master plan and vision for Reading, can help with the town's climate protection goals. The committee voted in a new secretary (Stephanie Anderberg) and chair (Gina Snyder) for 2007. All congratulated Ron on a job well done. New positions will be in place January 1St. For the change a light campaign, Reading had 300 pledges (60%) of goal, 1738 bulbs; Marblehead had 965 and Swampscott 594 (their total was 6000 bulbs). Ron has checked with Natalie Hildt of Rep. Tierney's office, but it isn't clear what the next step is. Michele will contact Marblehead to find out if they gave out bulbs or had other incentive to get a last minute turn-out. The 1-2-3 pledge is at 95% of the 2006 goal of 400 tons of C02 reduction. The website looks great, many thanks to Tracy. Ron has asked Peter about a direct link from the Town website (we were waiting for the Town website to be upgraded which has finally been done). Still need to get this to happen. Milestone 1 is done. Ron has asked Peter to get this as a topic on Selectmen's agenda for January. The next two milestones are connected: to pick a target and to write an action plan to reach it. The software can be used to develop scenarios, however, some of the measurement may be difficult because of the data. Joan discussed the MA state climate action plan (2002); it had a goal of reduction of emissions to 1990 levels by 2010; by 2020 -10% below 1990 levels and long term (undefined) 75-85% below 1990 levels. We have not been able to get data from 1990 but we might be able to use information as scalars, such as the number of cars registered to Reading residents. Michele will check the state website to see if the VMT data goes to 1990. Stephanie will check the state planning office to find out about VMT and how often data is gathered in a town to see how we might be able to use this to track transportation over time. The ICLEI conference in Hartford had some great but rushed presentations, particularly Nancy Cole from UCS - 'spoke of climate impacts in New England. Keene NH piloting adaptation spoke of the challenges of less snow and more flooding. There is much uncertainty of the effects and what's called the `surprise factor' caused by much that is unknown about possible effects of having temperatures in New England that are more like South Carolina. Ron will call Amy Roth at DEP regarding the grant funds to find out whom to contact at EOEA. Tracy attended a meeting in North Reading of people interested in the topic of CCP membership, the meeting was set up by John Rogers and had about 10 residents who were very enthusiastic. Tracy let them know that we are willing to help and could help them set up a presentation for selectmen. Dan and Michele are working with Mary DeLai's Building Energy Committee. Most of the 15 town buildings have been entered into the EnergyStar portfolio. While there are no ratings for FireHouses (no benchmark has been set), the schools came out from the 57`h %ile to as low at 21St %ile. The Wood End school ranked in the 22nd %ile which was a disappointment. Parker school came out higher, but something isn't right with the data. The group is already doing adjustments and plans an education campaign and audits of the worst buildings ASAP. Michele will check to see if RMLD may fimd audits and the school may use some funds for retrofits. This could be a topic of Green Sense, this committee is doing great work. Summary Specific To-do's: Letter (Stephanie, Gina and Tracy) for Ron to send to the CPDC and Downtown Parking committees Find out from Marblehead (Michele) if they had incentives to get a last minute change a light pledges Check the state website to see if the VMT data goes to 1990 (Michele) Check state planning office to find out about VMT and how often data is gathered in a town (Stephanie) Call Amy Roth at DEP on who at EOEA is the contact for grant funds (Ron) Check to see if RMLD may fund audits for schools (Michele) Our next meeting will be a short meeting at 7 on Dec. 27th for those who can make it, particularly to focus on Action planning/selectmen presentation and if time, the MPO transportation grant.