HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-08 Climate Advisory Committee Minutes.� grk4
Town of Reading RECEIVED
.; Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
READIN 1, MA.
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Board - committee - Commission - Council: 2023 MAR -8 P 3: I
Climate Advisory Committee
Date: 2023-02-08 Time: 07:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Bi -monthly meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Zeek, Chair; Ray Porter, Secretary; Genady Pilyaysky, Member; Walt
Talbot, Member
Members - Not Present:
Travis Estes, Member;
Others Present:
Ben Ream
Gina Snyder, Green Sense Editor
Jack
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:
Ray Porter
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting was held via a Zoom Conference Call
Welcome to Members and Guests
Review minutes, vote on acceptance
Meeting minutes reviewed and approved for 1/25/2023
Polystyrene Bylaw
• Dave reviewed meeting with the Board of Health
• Board of Health asked that a procedure be prepared that inspectors can follow to
identify polystyrene products (flyer)
• The Climate Advisory Committee should not speak for the Board of Health about
implementing the polystyrene bylaw
• Dave and Genady to arrange a follow-up meeting with the Public Health Director
• Dave to consult with Usha Pilllia to have North Reading to adopt a polytyrene ban
Net Zero Plan
• Date for initiating plan not established
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
Green Communities Designation
• Coordinator for this region promoted to a new role
• New regional coordinator not identified
Tree Plantings in Reading
• Mike Hannaford is the Tree Warden (he has many competing responsibilities)
• The Town only manages public space (tree lawn)
• Permit needed to cut a tree in a wetland area
• iTree is a tool that defines the ecological value of trees
• Town will plant a tree (far a fee) on property adjacent to public space
• Fidel recommended looking at Arlington for tree replacement policy
• Maintenance of the tree is needed through the first year after planting
• State bill about urban reforestation, resubmitted in last session
• Community Planning & Development Commission (CPDC) coordinated projects with
developers relative to setbacks and green space requirements
• Walt and Gena to follow-up on links to other committees and relevant bylaws
• Walt and Gena plans to speak with the Town Tree Warden to discuss implementation
proposed rules
Heating/Cooling Survey for 2023
• Already received 2,875
• Gena will attempt to boot up the scanner
• Walt to assist in separating scanable surveys from forms
CAC Update to the Select Board (Feb 21)
• Dave to present to Select Board meeting on February 21
• Ray and Gena to attend
Library Landscaping Committee
• Gena also accepted to committee
Goals of this Committee for 2023
• Current commitments
o Polystyrene ban
o Heating / cooling survey for 2023
• Green Community Application
o Previously lead through Town Planning
o Need to pass article at Town Meeting (fee contribution)
o RMLD to Implement charging system
• Solar Installations on Town Building Roofs
• Heat Pumps Adoption
• Energy Stretch Code Adoption
• Transportation topics
• Create a survey of Town engagement and priorities (Travis and Genady)
Calendar of Coming Events
2/21 RCAC Presentation to Select Board
2/22 Climate Advisory Committee - Zoom
Next meeting 2/22/2023 at 7:00 pm
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