Cornwall Energy Task Force Meeting

08jan08, Cornwall Town Hall.

In attendance: Anne Zinsser, Richard Griggs, Joyce Hart,

Gordon Ridgeway, Katherine Freygang

Meeting began at 9:30 and adjourned at 10:45 am.

Updates:

Katie noted that the Cornwall Chronicle had a good overview of our activities, including our solicitation for mini-grant proposals.

Anne brought a proposal from Dr. Fitz at CCS for $2000 to explore solar and wind power in the 7^th and 8^th grades. Roughly $1500 is for study kits and $500 for a field trip and speakers from CL&P. It was discussed and decided that we would ask them to revise their proposal to include an incentive for student creativity and to re-evaluate CL&P’s participation since they offer free programs and failed to participate in the November Energy Fair.

Energy Fund Grant Budget:

An overall budget for our $5000 grant dispersal was outlined tentatively as follows:

November Energy Fair $250

Spring Event $250

CCS $2000

HHS $500*

NW Corner Website $100*

Other Initiatives $1900

* These are projects shared by other towns and so should expect equal contributions.

Publicity:

A public notice needs to be issued to solicit ideas that promote energy conservation, production and reuse. Anne will write something that can be sent to the local papers and school websites. Katie will create a list of contacts from civic and publicity resources.

Smart Power/Connecticut Energy Fund Initiative:

Nora reported that we currently have 20% sign ups which translates to 2-4 kw solar panels worth $20,000. Joyce reported that the town has contracted Community Energy for 25% of our total town energy costs (77T) even though we are required by the program to contract for 13%. This would only cost the town an extra $800 annually. She also noted that the rebate program from the energy companies, Sterling Planet and Community Energy have produced little result, perhaps $50. These programs need closer administration that Nora, Katie and Joyce will devise.

A call was put in to Bob Wall to request a procedure plan for their installation. Meanwhile Gordon is calling Jim LaPorta who is working with SolarWrights and can give us recommendations regarding installation.

All of this will culminate in a Spring Event, that will, hopefully, correspond with Earth Day, April 22, and precede the town meeting in May. Gordon will call the school to find a good date.

Other ideas for the event are being explored including a mini-invention convention to promote creative ideas in town and in the school. New vendors may be invited too.

Winter Events and Projects:

• To keep energy issues alive during the winter we have the following:

• Develop an Energy Check Point in the Library to include:

• Documentary Films

• DVD of Energy Fair Panel Discussion

• Recommended Reading List

• Watt Monitor for Home Usage

• Show the Warming of CT inviting the director, Jennifer Boyd

• Have an electric bill workshop inviting Roger Liddell of Ingalls & Snyder to review ideas for home energy management.

• Develop Webpage and Blog with other NW CT towns

• Please send your ideas for format and content.

• Develop a town program for auditing and revising energy use.

• Transportation issues have been discussed by internet and the consensus has been to encourage rideshare messages on the Cornwall Webpage. Other ideas are being explored. Second to industrial emissions, this is the greatest issue in Connecticut.

Cornwall, please step up to make these plans happen.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Zinsser (secretary), Katherine Freygang (chairperson)