HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-26 Climate Advisory Committee Minutes Town of Reading
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 1819 JUL -
Climate Advisory Committee 1 AM 11: 39
Date: 2017-04-26 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Bi-monthly meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Zeek, member and chair; Gretchen Latowsky, member; Laurie Ann
Sylvia, member (stopped in at 7); Ron D'Addario, member; Jeff Everson,
associate member; Gina Snyder, associate member
Members - Not Present: '
Ray Porter, member
Others Present:
Celeste Kracke
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Gina Snyder
Topics of Discussion:
Reminder on Adopt-an-island: Ron had forwarded message from Garden Club regarding
the barrel at the train station. Ray had taken the lead on this item and will wait until he gets
back. Gina had helped to water the climate barrel last year, but gave up her own barrel this
year.
Minutes from 3-22-17 were accepted with one correction (3-0-0).
Earth Day — April 22 at Parker Middle School:
• It went well, people who came really appreciated, learned a lot; those who stopped by
our table seemed really interested.
• The auto suppliers went out of their way to come. Maybe write letter to the editor
acknowledging individual dealerships.
• Bigger than last year, better location but soccer game was a bit of a problem with
parking.
• For publicity, this year was the best. The signs, several articles, the Chronicle featured it
several times, it was on the Patch, the website, several businesses (all the HS and
Parker science teachers got one or more emails inviting, one Parker teacher gave
students extra credit). Green Sense articles on several topics leading up were helpful.
• 34 signed up for the bag ban, maybe 8 said 'no thanks'.
• Doyons already wrote back after the "thank you" note about coming back next year.
Dave will send a particular thank you to the school, and Mark Mahoney was very helpful.
• Ideas for getting a head count, such as handing out the vendor list to each attendee
• T-Shirts or something to identify us?
• Attendee noted they saw the sign on the easel; saw signs where needed, so it was easy
to see and get there.
• Selectmen Barry Berman attended. Nice to see the Board represented.
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Presentation, now scheduled for May 2
o Presentation to Board of Selectmen - May 2, 7:45
• Presentation will be done by David Zeek with options for Gretchen and/or
Ray.
• The Committee reviewed recent draft of slides. Background is available if
questions for details come up.
• Cards discussion - Celeste suggested using bit.ly for shortening website
address; possibly she could help with web things.
Plastic bags
o Ron went to Market Basket, talked to Johnny U., manager not there, but will be
tomorrow. Also left message at corporate. He knew about the bans (that other
towns have).
o Some towns have ban, some charge a fee. Motion is to look at feasibility.
o Instructional motion is Monday night. Can have handouts, but must identify
where from (e.g., poster with RCAC identified).
Bike swap
o May 5-6 Bike Swap with Reading Cares: Jeff, Saturday 9-1:30; David on Friday
(11-12:30). Expecting Ray (& Betsy's "wrenches") too. Others to check
calendars.
Other
o Sunset Clause: Maybe have Selectmen redo committee tenure at same time as
presentation May 2 to be efficient. Barry Berman seemed to think it wasn't an
issue, committee is active.
o Gina described electric car charging and battery storage on solar canopy pilot
project proposed at RMLD. MVES is interested in using for Meals on Wheels -3
hr/day). Looking for others possibly for afternoon, such as Metco. Thought of"the
Ride"; or the YMCA. David said Bob had mentioned an interest in canopy solar.
o Ron needs to withdraw from the committee due to family concerns. His term
expires in June this year, so he wouldn't ask to be re-appointed.
Adjourn at 8:45 PM
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