Warwick Buildings and Energy Committee December 4, 2024
Present: Janice Kurkoski (Chair), Dan Dibble, Mary Humphries, Steve Kurkoski, Emily Rosen, and David Young
Meeting opened: 5:21 p.m. Welcome, Emily!
The minutes from our last meeting on September 23, 2024, were approved unanimously.
ANOUNCEMENTS & REPORTS:
GC Summit on November 22nd at Devens: SK commented that it was encouraging to see what so many MA communities are doing. Lots of new material was presented. $60M for Climate Leader Communities.
DY said it makes a lot of sense for the Town to acquire ownership of the property of the church on the hill. A great deal of work has already been gone into it. How should we think about it? SK: what would we do with it? If there are no plans made, it will become a demolition site.
Brief History of the WBEC: JK gave a brief history of this committee for ER to have some background. JK then asked about her interests and skills which include presenting information, writing, survey development and analysis, and public education and public outreach.
PV on the Fire Station: There is an article at upcoming Special Town Meeting to fund $170K out of “free cash.” After discussion, DY asked for support in the form of a motion. DD made a motion to support passage of Article #2 to appropriate $170K from free cash for solar PV on the New Fire Station. This motion passed unanimously. DY has confidence that it will pass at the STM. JK emphasized that we need to be ready to answer questions at this meeting and stress the $60M.
Review criteria to become a Climate Leader Community to fund PV on other Town buildings and other community programs. We’re looking for a paid part-time coordinator to manage this. JK needs help with her workload, and possibly ER could get some work if she’s interested. Or perhaps there are parts of DY’s duties that would be available as he pieces off his job. JK described forms of energy reduction in some communities and what that “earns” them. There are hoops we need to go through; DY: “The more you’re doing, the better you are, the more you get.”
The Opt-In Stretch Code is our only remaining hoop/criteria. What are we doing to engage the community? We can be creative but must do something new every three years. We need an event/outreach. ER asked if resistance to the stretch code is a belief-system issue. DY mentioned his idea of a Town-owned enterprise in order to become a competitor and not be subject to the sky-high contractor and tradesmen prices. This could possibly be worked into the energy position. The Community First Partnership Program is off the table for Warwick, and it was awarded to Greenfield.
New Committee Member? ER was asked if she would like to become a member of the WBEC, and she replied that she is willing! SK presented the step of the Selectboard inviting/appointing ER to be on the committee for a three-year term.
Acoustics in TH Dining Area: DD raised the issue of the bad acoustics in the dining hall and how they might be improved. Sound suppression is needed. Also, the large ducts need to be removed, as they’re no longer needed. SK asked how we will heat the building if the grid goes down. Discussion of options. DY and DD will undertake the sound suppression and duct removal projects together.
Styrofoam Recycling Project: We reviewed the current styrofoam collection/recycling system and the need for something more practical and sustainable. DY outlined the possible objections to adding another line to the Transfer Station. MH will work up a draft proposal to take to the Transfer Station Committee’s next meeting after the WBEC has reviewed and approved it. DY offered to take care of the permit application.
Meeting adjourned 7:11 p.m.
Next meeting: TBD
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Humphries