November 7, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Present: Janice Kurkoski (Chair), Jack Cadwell, Mary Humphries, Steve Kurkoski, and Dan Dibble
Meeting opened: 5:37 p.m.
The minutes from our last two meetings on 10/02 and 10/22 were accepted as written with no discussion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REPORTS
Solar Sites Visits – 11/05 with Bob from North East Solar. Photos and solar “window” measurements were taken of Town Hall, Police Station, WCS, Highway buildings and Transfer Station/Landfill. The information will be handed over to a preliminary design team at North East Solar. Preference is always for the largest expanse of flat roof, and west-facing roofs are getting more popular. More discussion on this matter.
Transformer – National Grid has installed the new transformer. This paves the way for the solar array installation at the fire station. A deposit for the PV array on the fire station has been sent to Rich Finn at Nexus Energy Solutions, the project manager. The cost for this array was previously voted on at TM in Dec 2023, though many people may not be aware that this project will be installed soon. DD suggested we put a blurb on the L. Northeast Solar is doing the work. JK to double-check the status of the project before putting a notice on the L.
Library Mini-splits – John Bradford will be working on getting them connected to the internet with the app installed. The same issue is happening with the new mini-split on the stage at WCS. Ivan suggested that someone on the Library Trustees could download the app and monitor.
WCS – DHW has temporary tempering (anti-scald) valves. J. Gates will return when the correct part comes in. The infrared heater for the fire pump room still needs to be installed. There’s no heat in the kitchen. Holly texted JK to report that there was no heat in the kitchen which was very cold. Who needs to be monitoring? Some staff need to be trained on this. DY suggested installing another infrared heater to fix the problem in the kitchen. Todd is back from vacation and can possibly do this.
Carole LM and Faye Brady are writing an application for a designation as a “Green Ribbon School.” JK helped fill in a lot of this document with data we have. We noted that the Warwick TCC has a “Cool Congregation” title, which can be added to our Climate Leader narratives.
Police Station – Some issues include an immanent leak in the hot water tank and the mini-split running too loudly. Handicap ramp is in disrepair, the roof shingles re failing and the door bottoms are rusting out. In general, the building is in poor shape with no clear direction for repair. “Maintenance by crisis” is often the norm for small towns.
Green Community – Today (11/7) is the last day for GC annual report submission. JK sent it in on Wednesday. 😊 It’s signed off and is done! They may come back with questions.
TOPICS For DISCUSSION:
Status of Climate Leader Application – Deadline is 12/30/2025. FRCOG (Ted and Audrey) can help starting next week, 11/10/25. We can update the 2023 municipal-wide Net-0 report as a template. This is the one Allison Gage put together when she was at FRCOG. Ted, Audrey, Jared, JK, Diana Noble, and Rich Finn will all have access to MEI which is the tool that tracks all energy use.
We still need the Roadmap. JK asks who will be the traffic cop for the Roadmap into the future? A position should be named for this responsibility vs an individual. JC has the consultant’s 55-page document in Google Doc format for joint editing. We can all review and edit it.
Unitarian Church Update: Andrea Woods sent the consultant report to MH who forwarded it to this committee. SK observed that of the $900k to fix the church, one-half of the cost is for the slate roof. ($460k for a slate roof.) JC notes that the report is a good way to start people thinking about it. Built c. 1835. What are the possibilities regarding a historical designation on the building? JC also notes that the purpose of the church should be established first before moving forward. There may be a new committee formed whose purpose will be to focus solely on this church. JC says it would be helpful to have a consensus-building committee.
Green Corner MH will write the December GC on the new WCS E-bus. JC and other WBEC members suggested interview questions for the article. MH will get Lois’ contact info from Jess at WCS. JK to send MH an email with E-bus stats from Diana Noble to include in the article. JK reports it cost $90k each for two gas school buses, whereas costs to pay the driver, fuel, and insurance are under $10k/yr – resulting in a payback of less than a year for this electric vehicle. The KIA has approximately 6,800 miles on it.
This committee brainstormed more questions to add to the E-bus interview article.
Next meeting date and time: 11/18/25 5:30 p.m. with focus on CL application.
Meeting adjourned 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Humphries