Renewable Energy Working Group Meeting Minutes 6/24/22

Meeting date: 
Friday, June 24, 2022

Minutes of Meeting on 6/24/2022

Renewable Energy Working Group

 

The REWG met at the Monterey Community Center, 468 Main Road, Monterey, MA 01245, at 5 pm on June 24, 2022.

 

Members present in person:

Peter Murkett

Rob Hoogs

Peter Grealish

 

Members attending remotely:

Chris Aidun

John Prusinsky

 

Posted agenda:

Application for ARPA grant by SB
Strategy for promoting use of solar panels
Funding a feasibility study
Membership reappointments
Review of minutes

Meeting convened at 5 pm.

Peter Murkett reported that consideration of his incomplete draft application for ARPA funds should be postponed due to SB decision to create a standard application form with a specific due date. The full SB will consider all applications at once, following an election to fill the seat vacated by resignation of John Weingold.

In addition to ARPA, two possible sources for financing a consultant are the META grant, currently under consideration by Dennis Lynch, and an independent fund-raising effort. The Group considers ARPA to be the clearest path to earliest money-in-hand.

Murkett also reported on a recent conversation with Beth Greenblatt of Beacon Integrated Solutions, a potential consultant to help prepare a comprehensive plan for town solar panels, at a cost of $15K. Development of a large-scale solar array on two sites previously identified as meeting three criteria (proximity to three-phase power; open, south-facing slope; not casually visible from commonly traveled roads), were discussed in addition to roof-top or ground-mount solar panels on town buildings.

An innovative vertical array on the town parcel where the town garage and transfer station are located was also discussed. The town of Hadley reportedly has such an installation; the Group will investigate.

The Group proposed a few dates for a meeting with Ms. Greenblatt and the full membership, hoping to set it up within a few weeks.

The Group discussed promotional materials, including sketches of a logo and text for a flyer, for distribution to townspeople at various locations and events over the summer. Chris Aidun offered to prepare a summary of residential solar costs and benefits, to encourage homeowners to install solar panels on their own.

Peter Murkett left the meeting at 6 pm.

Chris Aidun moved that members rotate note-taking duties among members then present, to be forwarded to the Chairperson, who would write official minutes for review. John seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Peter Murkett, Chairperson

Monterey Renewable Energy Working Group