MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, February 5, 2007
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall
PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Richard Bramley, Smart Power Representative Keri Enright, one reporter, two citizens
First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Bramley made some grammatical corrections to the minutes of January 16, 2006. In the section HIGHWAY BUDGET the word The should be They, budge should be budget and the “truck purchase, contracted services, purchase and rental of equipment” were, not was, discussed. Selectman Bramley made the motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were none.
COMMUNICATIONS: There were none.
SMART POWER: Ms. Keri Enright of Smart Power presented to the Board packets of information on the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program. The program is a partnership between the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, Smart Power and those who participate in the Connecticut Clean Energy Options program. Smart Power is a non-profit marketing campaign leading the effort to promote clean energy from wind, solar and hydro through their 20% by 2010 Campaign. Their campaign is to challenge municipalities to obtain 20% of their electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2010 thereby creating a demand for clean energy and showing consumers that clean energy is available and working. Cornwall has 850 households. If 10%, 85, households signs up for green energy, the town will receive 1 kW solar energy system. There are 8 possible companies that households may purchase their renewable energy credits from. If all the households purchase from the same company as the municipality, the town will receive financial rebates. The Board discussed the options and benefits. Ms. Enright stated that the cost of these renewable energy credits will be in addition to the power bill that a household presently pays but the additional cost will on average be 4 to 5 dollars more. The Board discussed costs and commitments to renewable energy sources.
First Selectman Ridgway made a motion to pass the Resolution Committing the Town of Cornwall to the 20% by 2010 Campaign
WHEREAS, the Cornwall Board of Selectmen promotes conservation, energy efficiency, and the study of the use of renewable energy sources; and
WHEREAS, electricity generation produces more harmful air pollution than any other single human activity; and
WHEREAS, clean, renewable energy from the wind, sun, water, and biomass can be generated and distributed right in the U.S., and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut legislature has mandated the creation of a clean energy option for consumers who will be able to signup for clean energy on their electric bill; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen with a commitment to the health of its citizens, commits the town of Cornwall to the 20% by 2010 campaign, where, by the year 2010, the Town’s municipal facilities will obtain 20% of its energy needs from clean, renewable energy sources; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town will investigate all options for meeting that goal as soon as possible, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s), pursuing local clean energy installations, and investigating possible state and federal funding opportunities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen commit to allocating 100% of any electricity savings to additional Town purchases of clean energy and will oversee the progress of the Town’s commitment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their electricity bill.
Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed with Ms. Enright possible public meetings to discuss this campaign, how to sign up, and invite the companies to come make their pitch for buying the renewable energy credits from them. Ms. Enright will send more information. Meetings will be scheduled for later in the spring.
GIRL SCOUT WEEK: First Selectman Ridgway had received an announcement that it is the 95th Anniversary of Girl Scouts on March 12, 2007 and a request that Cornwall proclaim March 11-17 as Girl Scout week. The Board discussed this. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion that whereas Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place, the Cornwall Board of Selectmen does proclaim, in celebration of their 95th anniversary, March 11-17 as Girl Scout week in the Town of Cornwall. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board discussed who has Girl Scout cookies to sell.
DE LUCA PROPERTY: First Selectmen Ridgway updated the Board on the De Luca Property on River Road. The Board reviewed an e mail sent by First Selectman Ridgway to L.A. Drinkwater of Marcus and Millichamp. Progress is being made for the state DEP and local land trusts and conservation organizations to evaluate the property for purchase.
BUDGET 2007-2008: The Board reviewed the draft of the 2007-2008 budget and discussed amounts requested, last year’s expenditures, what might possibly be needed in the next year. The Board discussed increases and what could be reduced.
The Board approved a draft budget which will be sent to the Treasurer and the Board of Finance
BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss Personnel and Real Estate, Route 7. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 11:00 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 11:15 p.m.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to cooperate with the Housing Corporation in their efforts to establish access for future affordable housing lots adjacent to Cornwall Bridge firehouse property. Selectman Bramley seconded. Selectman Baird disqualified himself from voting. Motion passed 2 ayes, 1 abstention.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Hart, Secretary to the Board of Selectmen