Warwick Buildings and Energy Committee January 29, 2025
Present: Janice Kurkoski (Chair), Jack Cadwell, Dan Dibble, Mary Humphries, Steve Kurkoski, Emily Rosen, and guest Chris Mason
Meeting opened: 5:05 p.m.
The minutes from our last meeting on December 4, 2024, were accepted as written.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REPORTS:
No word yet on the Green Community grant application for ASHPs/DHWs at the Library and WCS.
Topics for Discussion
Letter of Support: We reviewed the letter of support from the SB meeting for a Municipal Energy Manager grant for FRCOG to help Warwick and other towns “develop energy management practices, track energy consumption, oversee the installation of energy-saving projects, and plan decarbonization efforts, especially in our schools.”
Warwick wants to participate. There was little discussion, but JK told them what we need help with. Carol (WCS) also signed the letter stating the school’s needs. JK will find out the age of the school roof and how old the shingles are and suitability for solar panels. Jack suggested checking with Brian at Hayden Roofing.
Leading by Example: Chris Mason joined the meeting at 5:13 and shared the news that Warwick received the “Leading by Example” award. Congratulations on our “can do attitude” regarding energy, as just one example. JK mentioned the improvement in the electric bill at the new Fire Station.
Regarding the award presentation in Boston tomorrow, Jack expressed some concern about optics. DD, DY, JK, are going. Emily asked if The Recorder would run an article on this news. Press release? Chris offered to go and help with the presentation and in giving the “building” proper credit.
Climate Leader Community: Chris gave a comprehensive description through a slide presentation of what’s involved in achieving this designation. He noted that there will be some extra work required of the Town. Municipal Operations is the focus of CLC. Q&A. JK asked about codes. Base, Stretch, and Specialized (only for new construction). Chris offered to join a public presentation on this subject. Jack suggested that the best way to sell the idea is to be knowledgeable about CLC and as WBEC to have answers to questions the public would have. We would need to focus on the differences between the codes. Forty towns have adopted the Specialized Code. Jack asked about the definition of Historic Homes. All-electric homes are the least expensive homes to build. Chris will bring us newer and clearer info on the codes and how they compare.
Ventilation will be another subject that will come up. HRV (energy recovery ventilation) incentives are increasing. JK asked how the current political climate may affect available money.
JK asked the Committee if we even want to pursue CLC designation. It was agreed that more time to consider as well as another meeting is needed to come to a decision. A public forum in March with Chris Mason and a Hers Rater. We have until June 30th to submit the CLC application. Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) and Municipal Energy Manager (MEM) grants that the FRCOG has applied for would be helpful. JK says we should get our questions on paper. She will also ask DY when this topic should be brought to the SB.
Meeting adjourned 7:06 p.m.
Next meeting: February 12th at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Humphries