Arlington Energy Committee
Minutes
2 October 2024
6:30 – 8:00 PM
In-person at Town Hall and online
Present: in person: Karen Lee, Jenny Murtagh, Mary Anne Holmes, Joan Nash, Mardi Crane; online: Alexandra Ernst, Garret Siegel
Call to order: 6:38 PM
New Business
- Additions/Deletions from Agenda:
Mardi asked to discuss resiliency. Joan made a motion to add this item to the agenda; seconded by Jenny. Motion passed unanimously..
- Minutes:
Minutes from the September meeting will be approved in November.
None
- Window Dressers Update:
All should go to the Window Dresser’s website to check on their volunteer schedule and fill open slots if possible.
- Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Mardi suggested that the committee ask Nick if there is money in the hazard mitigation budget for outreach. If so, sending a USPS mail post card to every household would be the most inclusive and cost-effective form of outreach. The postcard would include a checklist with key information.
- Resiliency:
Mardi opened by saying that the recent tragedy in North Carolina is an opportunity to think about what resiliency could mean for us. Karen suggested that climate change is two-fold: 1. Reduce emissions, 2. Adapt to reality.
As citizens, we need to be more aware of the clues— what has happened in the weeks prior to a major flood event.
Mary Anne Holmes has volunteered to monitor a USGS stream gauge on the Battenkill.
Other thoughts ideas and questions were discussed:
- Buddy system
- As a committee, we could create lists of the information that we want to distribute. In fact, we’ve already done some of that work. The Energy Fair kit is a good starting point.
- Mary Anne Holmes explained the structure of our mountains and the propensity for landslides. She introduced the committee to the USGS map.
- Questions for Nick: Does the town have supplies at the high school shelter?
- Think of a more politically correct term than “be prepared”
Old Business – none
All Other Business
- Upcoming events: 10/10 5-6:30 PM at Manchester Library: Manchester Energy Committee thermal energy experts will talk about the efficiency of various heating systems
Motion to Adjourn: Mardi moved; Mary Anne Holmes seconded; none opposed. Adjourned at 7:28 PM