03/01/2022 EC Minutes

Bethlehem Energy Commission

March 1 at 7:00 pm

In-Person at Bethlehem Town Hall

 

Attending:  David Van Houten,  Bruce Caplain, Dan Crosby, Josiah Chamberlain, Chuck Phillips

Excused:  Mary Lou Krambeer

 

Agenda

Mission: The Bethlehem Energy Commission was established for the study and planning of energy resources for the town. The commission will evaluate existing energy usage in the town and suggest possible improvements in energy efficiency and conservation, as well as potential clean renewable energy solutions in order to reduce expenses and increase self-reliance.

 

Review minutes from last meeting

Approve 2/1/2022 meeting minutes.  Motion to accept, David; Second, Chuck; Unanimously approved.

 

Profile solar project update – Dan has an online website from Jack that shows real time production of the array. There is a problem with the $’s data – never input to be used here – ignore. URL to be distributed.

 

Town solar project – Contract is complete and has been reviewed by Select Board. $5,000 were released for the engineering studies to be completed by 3/11 to allow the contract to be signed and the USDA RD grant funds to be released.

Village District Solar – Strategy is to plan/design/quote solar “in concept” with no extra $’s and then go after grants. Dan and Bruce will follow up in April.

BES – David and Bruce pitched the request for $20,000 contribution to the solar project. No definitive response because the budget is unresolved. Urged them to engage in an energy audit, a la Town Hall, while $’s are available for about 3/4 of the cost through CDFA funds available this year. Will follow up in April.

Town Hall energy audit – Reviewed structural problem areas from infrared pictures identifying possible remediation actions when a contractor is identified. Discussed possible major actions to address Fire and Police areas in the long term.

Next meeting will be at Town Hall to detail 3-5 things to do now with a small budget, e.g. programmable thermostat in Meeting Room, and 2-3 things to do longer term with bigger budget

TO DO: David will reserve room for Tue, April 5 at 5:30.

Next meeting date, Tuesday, April 5 meeting at the Library (post meeting – need to meet at Town Hall, library unavailable.

Mary Lou Krambeer will be asked to set the agenda and run the meeting.

Adjourn 8:38 pm

Bethlehem Energy Commission (BEC) is appointed by the Select Board. All meetings are open to the publiClerical Assistant Nicole McGrath ensures that BEC meeting notices, agendas, and minutes are posted as necessary.

 

To find BEC info go to: www.bethlehemnh.org

-go to government tab

-our committee is listed under: boards and committees’ tab

-our meetings are posted through Nicole on: agendas and minutes tab

Nicole also posts a hard copy of meeting notices in the Town Hall and at the post office.