Recycling and Renewable Energy Committee

from 2 January 2008, Town Hall, 4-6pm

Attending:  Ghee Patrick, Jim Denietolis, Mike Leger, Lee Bartell

Preceding Minutes:  Approved as written

Wind Turbine Survey:  Lee brought in one of the surveys that our committee created to be inserted in the town's census mailing next week.  It's bright yellow, really attention-getting, and will be brought to Doug Johnstone on Friday.  All agreed that it turned out great, as it's compact, easy to read, and it's a good start in educating the public about this issue.

DPW Notes:  Sandy at the DPW told Mike that even though the regulations say that 1 recycling bin is all that's allowed per home, as many as are filled will be picked up.  We really want to see more recycling receptacles up and down the street this summer.  Maybe we can work something out with the DPW and we'll buy half of them and they, the other half.  After all, recycling is the goal. 

Another Creation:  Mike pointed out that on licensing applications, there's a statement that one must sign, saying that you'll follow the town's rules and by-laws, etc.  We know that most folks have no idea what they are, but simply sign.  We must encourage businesses to recycle.  Ghee suggested creating something similar to the census insert, that spells out the rules and regulations for recycling and dealing with trash, to accompany the license application, and also to go to guest houses, motels, businesses, and even homes.  The idea is that it would be on bright card stock, and with all the "legalese" out of it, so it's really clear.  Lee will bring a sample to the next meeting.

Pay-per-bag:  Jim explained that the Selectboard asked the DPW to look into this, and that he will report back to the Selectboard on the 14th, same meeting that we'll be at.  It's not a done deal yet, but Ghee stated how hard it will be for some, and that our taxes were supposed to pay for it.  Jim said that there are many different ways that pay-per-bag can work, and if it is adopted, the first of October will be the earliest that it would go into effect.  We're the only Cape town that picks up trash, all others take it to their transfer station/dump.

Clear bags:  Lee said that clear plastic bags have worked miracles in towns where they've been used.  Recycling goes way up, as trash is not picked up if recyclables are seen inside.  Apparently, it doesn't take long for folks to "get it" and recycle more than they ever did.

Selectboard Meeting on the 14th:  Mike read what he's written so far, which states our history, our accomplishments, and our goals and issues.  Wind Turbines, recycled paper in Town Hall, and recycling/trash issues are what we want to discuss.

Mark Forest: Mark showed up, from Rep. Delahunt's office, and being the cheerleader for alternative energy that he is (and so is his boss!) gave us an earful of fabulous information.  He believes that we, Provincetown, could become energy independent!  Hull is the model, with 2 land wind turbines, and now 4 more going into the water, providing energy for its 18,000 people.  We have just over 3000 year-round, so imagine how 3-4 wind turbines would power the entire town.  And with grants from the MTC (MA Technical Collaborative) and the Renewable Energy Bonds, plus this money and that grant, we could do it.  Warren Leon is the head of the MTC, and John McCloud is an expert from Hull.  Mike will get in touch with both, on our behalf.  Mark said that we could get a $250k grant from the MTC, to do the feasibility study that needs to happen early on.  He also said something we all know, and that is how important it is for us to not ram this idea down people's throats, but to work with the town, include folks, as we figure out the whole process.  He thought that our survey was a perfect first step.  Hull owns its energy company.  He said that there has not been another municipal utility created since the 40s.  But, there is something called a Regional Electric Cooperative, a new authority, and it's only between 2 municipalities, so ours would be Provincetown and Truro.  We already share the water, why not the electricity, too? 

Jeff Rogers' house:  Lee will check with both Jeff and Catherine Russo, about a taping session date for PTV.

Town Buildings:  The town paid $600 to ICLEI, to help us with an energy audit, which hasn't happened yet.  Energy Star will do the audit for free.  It's a daunting task to look up old records, to establish a base line, for instance, the year 2000, to then set goals for getting back to that usage, not increasing usage every year.

Cape Light Compact did a lighting audit, and made recommendations, with which they're following through.

Future Meetings:  We decided to make our meetings the first Wednesday of each month, starting in Feb.

Selectboard Meeting which we're attending: Monday, 14 January 2008, Town Hall, 6:00pm

Next Committee Meeting:  Wednesday, 6 February 2008, Town Hall, 5:00pm

Minutes by Lee

Lee Bartell
9 Seashore Park Drive
Provincetown, MA 02657
508-487-8838
capewoman@cape.com

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Let us pledge to do more, wherever we are in whatever way we can,
to make every day a day  of peace."  Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary-General