GREENER HOPKINTON
Thursday, January 10, 2008, 6:30 PM, Hopkinton Library Community Room
MINUTES
Present: Cass Mellen, Janet Ward, Susan Covert, Erin Thesing, Carol Cleary, Lori Aubertin, Brian Bickford, Jim O’Brien, Jack Ruderman, Corinne Lajoie, Bethann McCarthy
-Minutes of Nov. 29, 2007 were approved.
-Janet noted that Greener Hopkinton’s contribution to the Town Annual Report was submitted on January 7.
-Carol reported that we have sold about 400 bags. Another order of 300 bags was approved (200 turtles, 50 ladybugs and 50 recycle designs). Bella, Rusty’s and the schools will serve as outlets for continuing sales. The Committee recommended that another sales effort be made. Janet will request permission to sell GH bags at the Town and School meetings.
-The Town Energy Audit subcommittee: Brian reported that the formatting to track municipal energy usage is now in place. It requires information for the last three years and will provide the means for the town to track energy usage going forward. Once all information is in, Dick Henry of the Jordan Institute will review the results and offer recommendations. Jack noted that we may require expertise beyond that offered by Dick Henry. How to address, find the funding, and take action on energy conservation recommendations will be a major challenge. Jack recommended that we investigate PSNH financial support for projects indicated by the energy audit. Both Mary and Bethann suggested that there may be town funds available for this purpose. Janet will check with Don.
-Janet reminded the committee that the Strategic Planning volunteers offered to begin a Greener Hopkinton House Party initiative to educate the town, neighborhood by neighborhood about sustainability.
-David Luneau emailed Janet with the news that the Hopkinton Schools’ grant proposal was accepted by the Jordan Institute, so the Institute will audit school energy use.
-Jim noted that Tobias Marquette has been appointed by the Carbon Coalition to coordinate the gathering of information from local energy committees such as Greener Hopkinton. A meeting of these committees will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 – 9 PM at UNH. [Please consider attending this meeting, if you are able. More information can be found at the Coaliltion’s website. ]
-Bethann suggested that we consider doing something special for Earth Day. Perhaps, Jim offered, a Congress for Local Energy Committees.
-Mary reported that the Recycling Committee will NOT recommend a PAYT item to be considered at the 2008 Town Meeting, but instead is collaborating with Steve Clough on a plan which involves the town’s waste haulers. Specifically, the haulers will soon be able to reduce the tipping rate they will charged by the amount of recyclable material they collect. If the plan does not demonstrate measurable progress by early fall, PAYT will be revisited. Mary also informed the Committee that Webster wishes to be a full participant in recycling plans.
-Following up on a recommendation from Bethann to consider assisting the Recycling Committee with another major education effort, Mary noted that recycling information is on the town website. Janet suggested that an unexpected and enjoyable way to educate people about recycling might take the form of Recycling Theatre, skits that amuse and teach. Janet will contact Mary Congoran about this idea.
-Erin shared ideas about a January 31 Teach In – Focus the Nation. Unfortunately, we are a little late (thanks to being absorbed by the political process here in NH) to prepare for this event. However, we might cooperate with the Recycling Committee to help out with an educational effort. Mary invited GH to send reps to their next meeting to explore this idea. Erin, Bethann and Janet volunteered to attend.
NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, AT 6:30 PM AT THE HOPKINTON TOWN LIBRARY (COMMUNITY ROOM).
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