HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-14 Climate Advisory Committee Minutesrn� Town of Reading RECEIVED
' Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2023 MAR -8 PN
Climate Advisory Committee
Date: 2019-08-14 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Lower Level Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: BI -monthly meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Zeek, chair; Ray Porter, secretary; Celeste Kracke, member; Denise
McCarthy, member; Patty Cameron RMLD, member; Jeff Everson;member;
Peter MacGown, Associate member; Gina Snyder, Associate member
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
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Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Ray Porter
Topics of Discussion:
Welcome to Members and Guests
Review minutes, vote on acceptance
Minutes from July 10, 2019 accepted as amended
Ongoing Business:
Presentation of the Green New Deal to the Democratic Committee
• Gina Snyder and Ray Porter presented to the Democratic Committee
• Presentation was well received and led to the push for a Democratic debate
on Climate Change.
Independent Survey of NG Leaks in Reading
• Cost of survey is about $35,000
• question of how the survey data will be used.
• Tree plantings in Salem, MA delayed until NG concentrations in the excavated
hole and be measured.
• Warrant Article initiated by Select Board
• The RCAC resolves to the following statement: "The Reading Climate Advisory
Committee endorses actions by the Town of Reading to reduce or eliminate fugitive emissions
of greenhouse gases, including methane in natural gas.'
Presentation to the Select Board (Meeting August or September)
• Date not yet certain. Participation optional, but welcomed by Dave.
• Suggested edits to selected slides.
• Andy to confirm date
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
Creation of a Joint Sustainability Group
• Vanessa Alvarado has been difficult to reach.
• Dave Talbot, of RMLD not interested in meeting outside of established Board
Meeting time
• RMLD is interested in pushing the Shred the Peak initiative.
• Concerned that public buildings are using energy when they are not being
used or peak use periods.
• The amount of electricity used at the peak energy use would more than offset
the benefit from installing solar.
• EV charging station discussion did not advance.
• Outreach and public education could be a way to engage with RMLD.
• Success stories for peak use based on RMLD Information
• Investigate the Energy Use within the Town Buildings.
• Review Reports from Other Towns/Cities for Suggestions for Reading
• Newton risk management plan
• Weston report.
• Jeff to provide a summary of relevant actions.
• Street Fair September 8, 2019 (Noon to 5:00)
• Agreed to share a table with the UUC Green Sanctuary
• Need people to support/attend the booth.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm
Next meeting 8/28/ 2019 at 7:00 pm
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