The follow-up

Select Board member Paul Santaniello (also a member of the RETF) did not propose a standing committee on energy...That does not mean he will not, it means that it did not happen tonight. I am optimistic that the Select Board will eventually do the right thing.

Of course, they can be prompted, too.

RETF member Jerry Nolet made some remarks about some proposals, and hinted at the creation of a standing committee. He did say that the work of the RETF "ought to be relegated to a standing committee," however. Chairman Santaniello said that the Select Board will "have a discussion" about setting up an energy committee. Mr. Nolet accepted the language of the task committee report being a "final" report.

[In the world of energy and emerging technologies, I am sure it won't be the final word, however.]

In my remarks during the public comment time, I said that I support the change of the RETF to a standing committee, that it's a first step, and the second step would be for the town to agree to the non-binding Memorandum of Agreement (read it here) in support of the Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan. Agreeing with the principles in this plan indicates that we want to save money by saving energy and can even earn us money by raising our Commonwealth Capital Score (a score that helps us be competitive in state grant awarding ).

On June 24, 2008 I received a note from Cindy French, Administrative Assistant to the Select Board that "this item has been put on hold until further notice, per Chair Person Santaniello. I will keep you informed as to when it is placed on a future agenda."

I asked the Chair when the CEP can be taken off the table. The Chair replied that he is working with the town manager on the schedule; when there is an opening he will schedule it.

I met with the Select Board on May 5 to discuss this plan. [They had copies since the start of the year. The minutes of every meeting after May 5 make no reference to working on this.]

I had not heard back from anyone in response to my requests to work with them in discussing their questions about the MOA; PVPC Planner Catherine Miller had also heard nothing back. I have volunteered to speak with SB members on the phone, in person, or during a public meeting. Neither Catherine nor I have received a response...yet--I am an optimist! This policy plan provides ideas and strategies; Longmeadow can pick and choose from lots of ideas; or we can come up with our own....BUT the idea is to sign on to agree with the principles--and in so doing, enable us to compete for state grants more effectively.]
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More of interest:


Renewable Energy for the Pioneer Valley

PVPC and FRCOG have been funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to develop a Strategic Plan for Renewable Energy for the Pioneer Valley. As part of this plan we have developed an inventory of renewable energy activities in the Pioneer Valley. The plan will be completed in Summer 2007. The Pioneer Valley Renewable Energy Advisory Committe (PVREC) meets quarterly.

Download PDF inventory of renewable energy activities in the Pioneer Valley

Timeline of plan development and a list of ways that you can get involved

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Minutes of MAy 5: 7:07 pm Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) Clean Energy Plan - PVPC Representative

Catherine Miller, Longmeadow PVPC Alternate Becky Townsend – Ms. Townsend gave a detailed presentation to the Select Board outlining the Memorandum of Agreement for Promoting and Implementing the Pioneer Valley Clean Energy Plan.

The Select Board directed some questions to her and the discussion continued. Select Person Paul Santaniello expressed his concern with signing an “unbinding” document and committing the Town to an agreement that has no specifics. Select Person William Scibelli concurs.

Select Person Kathleen Grady agrees, however; she also understands that by signing the Memorandum, the Town of Longmeadow would be joining a regional effort and would be able to participate in energy conservation efforts on a Regional level, including benefiting from receiving grant monies.

After some discussion it was decided that Catherine Miller, the representative from the PVPC, would attend a future meeting and address the Select Board’s specific concerns. [emphasis mine]