Submitted by the Chair as DRAFT minutes; sincere thank you to Laura Dubester and please see her letter in Reader to Reader
Present were Laura Dubester, Chair, Steve Averbuch, Miles Moffatt, Tim O’Brien, Michael Canales, and guest Neel Webber
Per Michael Canales, the following Chair’s announcement should appear on future Agendas and be read at the start of every meeting:
“Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, paragraph 20(f), after notifying the chair of the public body, any person may record or transmit this open meeting. This hybrid meeting is being recorded by the Town of Stockbridge. The names of members participating remotely will be announced. Any member of the public wishing to speak must first receive permission from the chair. The agenda items listed are those reasonably anticipated by the chair, but not all may be discussed, and other topics not listed may be brought up for discussion by the public body as permitted by law.”
Committee members introduced themselves, noting the length of time serving on the Committee, as well as work experience, skills and interests. Neel Webber, Guest, expressed his interest in serving on the Committee and shared his background (teacher at Monument Mountain, recently retired, eager to serve Stockbridge, experience with non-profit organizations).
Following a brief conversation with Neel and unanimous sense among Committee members that Neel has a lot to offer, the Committee reviewed the process for Selectboard consideration and approval. Neel will send a letter to Selectboard and Laura will send a recommendation letter on behalf of the Committee.
Potential Visit from Leigh Davis and House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability:
Steve Averbuch has been in touch with Leigh Davis’s staff intern. At this time, they will not be meeting with the Stockbridge Committee during the legislative committee’s site visit to South Berkshire. Steve reminded the Committee that she is a resource to Town.
Environmental Preferable Products Purchasing Policy:
Michael will share a proposed addition to the Policy to the Selectboard in the early fall after there is a full board in place. The proposed addition will prioritize battery operated small engines (SORE/Small Off-Road Engines e.g. weed whackers) when feasible per Town’s needs, including performance and budget. In addition to not using fossil fuels, they are healthier to operate for Town employees.
Town Environmental Needs/Gaps:
Laura and Steve reported that they had a positive meeting with the Forestry Agriculture Commission. At this point, the Committee is pursuing its priorities and Matt (Chair) agreed that it was good to know what Committees are working on (especially pertaining to environmental considerations) and person-to-person conversations are positive.
Based on interest expressed by a few Town residents, Laura asked Michael whether the Town has a policy vis–vis native plants/shrubs or plant maintenance. Mike suggested contacting Lisa Bozzuto directly as she is the appointed Tree Warden and also a member of various Town Committees. Tim will contact Lisa to initiate a conversation to see whether or not the Green Communities Committee can serve as a resource to her.
Updates — Next Steps:
• Climate leader application: Submitted to DOER and most likely approved by staff and awaiting governor’s signature.
• FY 25 Annual Report: Laura will compile the data and information provided by Town staff related to energy consumption for Town buildings, vehicles, and operations. The report will be submitted late fall 2025.
• Streetlighting: Mike will be in contact with National Grid to find out of retrofit of downtown streetlights has or will be scheduled soon
• EV Charging Stations: Steve has been taking the lead on raising community and visitor awareness about the charging stations. A new sign has been installed inside the Chamber of Commerce kiosk with an arrow towards the ev charging stations and public restrooms. He also raised the idea of providing information or helping businesses develop sustainable practices.
• Municipal Aggregation: The new aggregation plan and pricing will be announced by Mike when it goes into effect. He always reminds Committees and the public that the purpose is to provide rate stability. The new rates include options for greater amounts of renewable energy.
• Updated energy audits of town buildings: Laura reported that, assuming Stockbridge is approved as a Climate Leader Community, it makes sense to move expeditiously to develop a Technical Assistance proposal to DOER. (Climate Leaders can apply for up to $150,000 for technical assistance and/or $1,000,000 for implementation). In line with the Town’s commitment to become fossil-fuel free by 2050 (as feasible), we had been focusing on the Town Office building, a major user of energy. The issues/challenges include the 100+compressor units that have reached their useful life and are beginning to fail, a natural gas heating system that ‘mimics’ the failed geothermal system, and plastic piping in the walls. At this point, however, The Roadmap describes a plan that still makes sense to follow especially because it is highly likely that technology and/or costs will change in the next 5 years or so.
However, there are a variety of issues in the new DPW building that could benefit from a comprehensive review. Laura Dubester and Michael Canales will meet with Guardian Energy to discuss a technical assistance grant application to be followed, hopefully, by a implementation grant application. A possibility would be to install solar panels on the roof. In addition, it was noted that the Salt Shed also has potential for solar (an eligible installation in the Climate Leader grant program). Neel noted that plans for the new high school (if approved) include “solar ready” and geo-thermal heating.
Adjourned
Editor’s query: When and by what process was it decided to read the statement at the start of every committee, commission and board meeting? Who made the decision? At what public meeting? Was public comment allowed?
