Arlington Energy Committee
Regular Meeting
Minutes from January 7, 2026
Members Present, in person: Mary Anne Holmes, Joan Nash, Stephanie Moffett-Hynds,
Via Zoom: Mardi Crane-Godreau, Bill Laberge, Alexandra Ernst, Garret Seigel
Absent: Jenny Murtaugh
Also Present: Jeff Dexter (via Zoom), Morgan and Darren O’Neil from Split & Shine, LLC
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM, by AEC Chair, Stephanie.
Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda: Steph added 2 items to OTHER below
Minutes of the previous meeting of November 5, 2025: Joan made a motion to approve the minutes. Bill seconded. Motion carried.
Old Business:
- Heat Pump Cleaning Presentation: Split & Shine, LLC founders presented a PowerPoint showing the need to deep clean heat pumps (both external and internal units). External units accumulate pollen, dust, insects, etc., that reduce the efficiency of air intake. In addition, a thorough inspection of external units can reveal whether they are sealed sufficiently to keep mice and other animals from entering the home. Interior cleaning targets mold, which also reduces airflow and unit efficiency, and can cause health problems for anyone sensitive to mold. Further clogging of drains, etc., can result in water leakage behind walls. Morgan and Darren recommend annual deep cleaning. This maintenance cost should be considered by anyone planning to install air-air exchange heat pumps.
- Electric School Bus Tour Report: Joan, Bill, Mardi and Mary Anne joined Jamie Paustian on December 18 for a demonstration of the new EV schools buses acquired by Arlington. The bus was amazingly quiet, equipped with the latest safety features for the kids and driver, gave off no exhaust smells, and provided a smooth, quiet ride through East Arlington. The AEC group learned that drivers have adjusted to the two-foot method of regenerative braking, that distance anxiety persists, as it does for typical EVs, and that a connection issue persists wherein the bus will not begin warmup while connected to the grid for recharging overnight. They are working with the company to solve the problem. Otherwise, the quiet and absence of pollution seem a great asset for Arlington’s school kids. There is no data yet on the savings from the fuel that is no longer being purchased. The schools are seeking to build a garage for the buses to help maintain battery life.
- Weatherization Report regarding Town Hall and Town Garage: No update yet from the Select Board or interim town manager
- Red Mountain Parcel Update: No updates at this time, except that the December 31, 2025 deadline for title transfer has been extended
- Town Annual Report Update
- Carbon Tracking Tool Update: Steph has not yet had a response from Cynthia to her email asking for confirmation that the AEC has permission to share the tool template with those who have expressed interest and to find out what “hold harmless” language the SB would like us to use. Several towns have expressed interest in trying it out and sending us feedback.
- AEC Orientation Packet: Mary Anne Holmes sent out a revised version The next step is for the AEC to provide additional edits to MAH, and then all the information to Karen Krulikowski and Matt Bykowski in order to update our website page.
- Prioritizing Future AEC Projects: This is an ongoing discussion.
New Business:
- Monthly Climate Column in Local Newspapers: Sunderland Energy Committee Chair, Jeff Dexter, shared the vision for this idea: that each energy committee in the county could be responsible for contributing a couple of articles a year regarding energy efficiency and resiliency measures. This would certainly come under the AEC’s mission of providing educational outreach. At this point, Jeff has commitments from three energy committees. Steph said that while she thinks it would be a great idea, she would want reassurance the there are at least 5 committees willing and committed to doing this so that it doesn’t create too much work load for any one committee. The Sunderland Energy Committee has already come up with their own list of topics. The AEC plans to do the same.
- Other:
- Volunteer Fair in March at AMHS – Arlington Area Alliance
- VTCC Meet the Climate Action Plan, virtual overview at noon on Jan. 12
Register for this virtual event.
The Vermont Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for how Vermont will continue to act on climate change. Updated in 2025, the Plan outlines how to cut climate pollution and build resilience in communities and nature. Join the Vermont Climate Council to learn about the Plan’s priority actions. A discussion will focus on how we turn the plan into action.
- Election of an AEC vice chair and secretary
Next meeting: February 4, 2026
Mardi made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Joan seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:58PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Stephanie Moffett-Hynds and Mary Anne Holmes.