Middleboro Green Committee

On January 30, 2009, I posted Middleboro Green Committee because so many had inquired about the 'Green Committee' that was initially posted in August 26, 2008 LINK and August 26, 2008 Press Release from PTWS.

During the February 23, 2009 Board of Selectmen's Meeting, Mr. Cristello announced the following candidates for the "Green Energy Committee" who were subsequently appointed --

1. Steve Bonfiglio

2. Charles Chace

3. James Cook

4. Julie Gould

5. Brian Kowalski

6. Joseph Ranahan

7. Jeff Stevens

As far as the candidates, I might offer the following of the few I am aware of --

Mr. Ranahan has LEEDs certification. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - definition)

Jeff Stevens has been involved in the alternative energy projects at the Soule Homestead projects, as well as energy efficiency with the public school system.

Steve Bonfiglio has constructed energy efficient homes and netzero homes for years.

That the process required August through February to accomplish when the applications were in the Town Manager's hands much earlier .... ???

That it required so much time for the Town Manager to act needs to be remembered to ascertain if this is a consistent pattern of management.

Middleboro has an abundance of untapped resources and talents within its boundaries.

For now, let's rally behind the Committee and attend the meetings and offer any assistance possible to move this process forward expeditiously. We're years behind other communities and need to catch up.

Middleboro Green Committee

Since town residents have asked me about the status of Middleboro's Green Committee, I can only offer the information available. On January 9, 2009, the following letter was hand-delievered to the Middleboro Town Manager:

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Dear Mr. Cristello:

When the matter of a Green Committee was discussed by the Board of Selectmen, I immediately communicated with the Board’s secretary to express my interest in serving. At that time, my computer was being repaired, as I explained to Ms. Shandley. I requested that my name be added to the list of interested applicants.

When I recently inquired about the status of the Committee, it appeared, that the 7 members being sought had been achieved. They are as follows:

1. Jo Ranahan
2. Steve Bonfiglio
3. Charles R. Chace
4. James Cook
5. Ada Alfonso
6. Julie Gould
7. Brian Kowalski

If for any reason, any of the above decline participation, I would appreciate consideration for membership on the Committee.

My interest and concern regarding the issue doesn’t revolve around my inclusion, but rather my concern that residents who have never participated in town issues and offer expertise, should be given priority consideration.

Since it appears, at this time, that the Town has the appropriate number of applicants, I would more than gladly offer any services to provide the organizational information of other municipalities’ experiences, research and accumulate information, post on a web site and ensure that the information is widely distributed and readily available.

It would be hoped at this time, that the Green Committee can be appointed and move forward to address municipal energy use.

Middleboro: Last To Act, First To Whine

The Middleboro Board of Selectmen, incapable of walking and chewing gum at the same time or addressing future planning along with current business whine about budget shortfalls, but fail to act. Well, that is, unless you consider Selectman Spataro's recent rant about a Charter change to hire a Public Safety Director that he might have accomplished two years ago had he not been text messaging during meetings. His current attentiveness is only due to his upcoming re-election in April.

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Other than individual town employees applying for grants, Middleboro misses out repeatedly.

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Remember the candidate for Fire Chief who told the Board during the interviews that he applied for and received a grant for a new Ladder Truck?

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The Brockton Enterprise offered an article about GRANT MONEY received by Rockland, but pay attention to this part ---

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The grant for the solar panels was applied for in November by the Rockland Energy Committee, which formed in 2007. Since then, the committee has established a partnership with National Grid; that led to an energy audit of the high school.
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In December, the state Department of Energy Resources awarded a total of $2.7 million to Rockland and 16 other towns. Rockland will use its $150,000 grant to make energy-efficiency improvements at the elementary schools.
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Kudos to Rockland for being proactive.
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Rockland is but one community that began to address ENERGY while it's not even on the Middleboro BOS Agenda.

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While ENERGY is my personal concern, there are many other areas that other municipalities are addressing, while Mr. Spataro text messages, Mrs. Brunelle says 'we've tried to do this in the past....', Mrs. Duphily fails to grasp any issue beyond her mindless support for the casino, facts be damned! You get the point.

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And remember that Mrs. Brunelle was Chairwoman when Real Estate Tax Bills were mailed out late and the entire rest of the Board failed to speak up, make a motion to prevent it or even protest.

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It's time to elect people to the Board of Selectmen willing to devote the time, effort and energy to do the research, inform themselves, and maybe even venture beyond the Town's borders to look at what other towns have accomplished.

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You copy success instead of being mired in dysfunction.

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The new Town Manager, Mr. Cristello seems to be doing his best to inform this Board that there is life beyond the borders of Middleboro, but when the dinosaurs from the past step forward to protest CPA, his success is doubtful.

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And, by the way, where is the Middleboro Gas & Electric Company?

Middleboro's Green Committee

Fellow blogger, Bellicose Bumpkin inquired about the proposed Middleboro Green Committee and its status.

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Since the Middleboro Board of Selectmen can't seem to walk and chew gum at the same time, that is: deal with a casino that isn't coming and their responsibilities [snarky comment strictly my own], I inquired of the Town Manager's Office. The Selectmen's Secretary was out of the office at the time, so Allison, the Town Manager's Secretary responded, without identifying herself.

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It seems that 7 Members were being sought for the Committee and inaction was attributable to not having attained that number. Allison explained that they only had six people, but a gentleman had stopped by the Town Manager's Office today and expressed interest.

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Since I was aware of 5 people who had submitted their names, I called back to ask the names they had so far.

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The applications received at this time are from:

1. Jo Ranahan

2. Steve Bonfiglio

3. Charles R. Chace

4. James Cook

5. Ada Alfonso

6. Julie Gould

7. Brian Kowalski

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In fairness, I took down the names and counted when I got off the phone.

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My crude calculations seem to indicate 7 names, but maybe I miscounted.

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You might notice that my name has not been included. At the time names were solicited, I called the Selectmen's Secretary, explained that my computer was ferschnucken [being rid of a Trojan Horse or other wildlife] and requested that my name be added to the list. That my name does not appear on the list can be forgiven of a $7 an hour employee since I realize how underpaid the secretaries are! And the counting error is clearly my fault and hopefully, my mathematical error will be fully explained.

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But I might also point out that Steve McKinnon, who currently serves on the Finance Committee had expressed interest. There was discussion about the Town Charter preventing him from doing so, but also discussion about the BOS providing for the presence of the FinCom on just such a committee. There seems to be no other committee in Middleboro whose involvement makes greater sense. The Finance Committee reviews the numbers and has more perspective on the budget overview. Middleboro voters elect the Finance Committee to advocate on their behalf in terms of financial matters. The FinCom, under Wayne Perkins' reign and Jack Healey's boot, were marginalized and condemned and denied much information. It's time to restore their input and significance to its rightful place and maybe part of that includes the new Town Manager. (Some may remember that the new Town Manager provided the FinCom and Voters with ONLY abstracts of the union contracts shortly before Special Town Meeting. Maybe this needs to be improved before voters insist on a Charter Commission to correct this.)

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Regardless---it's time to get the Green Committee rolling and organized!

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Thanks for asking, Bumpkin! I needed the arithmetic lesson!

Regional Energy Roundtables #2

Massachusetts Attorney General, Martha Coakley, has made available (in pdf format) the informational pamphlet that was distributed during the Roundtable Meeting on the Attorney General of Massachusetts web site containing energy resources.

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Transcriptions of the roundtable will be posted on the site as well and energy strategies will be added.

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Included with energy considerations was the Plymouth Fire Chief Bradley who addressed the recent increase in alternative methods of heating that puts homes and residents at risk. It's always helpful to be reminded of the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. For anyone unfamiliar with the recently changed codes, carbon monoxide detectors are now mandatory. It might be helpful if the Middleboro Gas & Electric included warnings or some other effort were made to remind residents.

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Three members of Plymouth town government, including Brian Kuhn, Chairman of the Energy Committee, Richard Quintal, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Bill Driscoll, Chairman, Finance Committee explained the actions Plymouth has taken to address demand side energy, in other words, energy conservation.

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It was estimated that the School Department has reduced their costs by $750,000 to $1 Million with thermostats, shutting off lights and motion sensors, shutting off computers and other non-capital intensive measures.

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I have previously posted reports by experts indicating that 20-30% of energy consumption is simply wasted energy. This is the so-called 'low hanging fruit' we can all take advantage of, beginning with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), programmable thermostats, energy efficient appliances.

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On the Supply Side, Plymouth's 2020 program will coincide with their 400th Anniversary with a goal of 100% municipal energy generated by alternative energy sources.

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Plymouth's efforts began with changes to their zoning by-laws to allow erection of wind turbines. While not every town enjoys this advantage, it's worth consideration. As the cost of roof top wind turbines declines, there may be marginal locations that are viable.

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There are currently 15 wind projects in various stages of consideration/permitting in Plymouth, including the waste water treatment plant (RFP currently on hold), South High School, County Prison and Farm. Photovoltaics are being considered at the landfill. Consideration is being given to a Plymouth Power Authority for the sale of power. (It was pointed out that under the Green Communities Act, there is a net metering cap currently 1%.)

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A No Idle Policy was implemented and consideration is being given to purchase of fuel efficient vehicles and elimination of reuse of police cruisers by other departments when it's affordable.

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An energy audit of all municipal buildings revealed that the library was the biggest energy user. Each of the buildings has been audited in a step-wise fashion and a facility and vehicle audit is underway of the Fire Department.

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It is hoped that the planned film studios will be the first green studios in the nation.

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Bill Driscoll raised the issue of considering conservation land purchases to include provisions that would allow the land to accept renewables and indicated that the Finance Committee cut the energy budgets of municipal departments to send a message.

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Regional Energy Roundtables

Plymouth Town Hall was the site this morning of the second of four Regional Energy Roundtables, to be held around the state with an impressive array of speakers, offering a wealth of ideas, options and resources.

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It seems particularly appropriate that Plymouth was chosen as the site for this forum since their Energy Committee has accomplished a great deal that was offered at the meeting, although not posted on the town's site. Plymouth's Board of Selectmen and Green Committee are working toward a "2020" Program with a goal of being 100% renewable by 2020.

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As time permits, I'll post the resources and information, but would like to comment that representatives of Plymouth, Dedham and Hull were in attendance to explain programs their communities have undertaken to reduce their consumption and address alternatives. They are not the only municipalities with current energy or green programs.

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Adoption of a "No Idling Policy" seems universal. And addressing the 'low hanging fruit,' those solutions that cost nothing or little, but reduce consumption, also seems universal. Those might include installation of CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), installation of motion sensors, programmable thermostats, and just shutting off lights and computers when leaving for the day.

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Former Town Manager, Jack Healey sat next to me so that we could exchange notes about Fuzzy Math and his passion which is the reading program. There were 2 other Middleboro residents present that I won't embarrass by including their names without their permission, but NOT ONE SINGLE MEMBER of the Middleboro G&E or any other Middleboro official was present. What a disappointment!

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The Middleboro G&E recently paid to conduct a telephone poll that asked rather disappointing questions regarding energy conservation. With all of these resources available, it would seem that the G&E might be interested in what other towns are accomplishing.

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Once again, Middleboro is being left behind other towns, missing out on grant money as other towns move forward and missing out on money saving ideas.

Middleboro's Green Committee and Knee-Jerk Reactions

During a Middleboro Board of Selectmen's Meeting, Chairman Adam Bond introduced the subject of the Town of Middleboro creating a Green Committee, which other towns have long since accomplished. Several of those committees have been active and involved in reducing their towns' energy consumption. (There is a public discussion forum on nemasket regarding the topic.)

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The first step in the process of reviewing municipal energy consumption is completion of an energy audit.

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Selectman Marsha Brunelle's immediate response was that 'we did an energy audit' to conceal her historical lack of leadership and planning for the future, as well as her abrogation of fiscal responsibility. Of course, she can't provide the date or the information because it was never done, but then that's consistent with Mrs. Brunelle's response: 'we already did it.' Maybe it's time to be honest and acknowledge there's work to be done.

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During a free Town Hall Lawn Concert, organized by the Health Agent, Jean Spalding, to raise funds for the Park Department and the Animal Shelter, ALL of the interior lights of the Town Hall building were on, including those in locked and vacant offices.

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When I blogged about that observation, I noticed those lights extinguished on subsequent occasions. Kudos to those reading the blogs and acting on the comments!

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But maybe we can adopt those first incremental steps toward energy reduction prior to creation of a committee.

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How about the following? (And I would encourage others to toss out some of the basic simple ideas that work.)

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1. Power strips are available for sale at Ocean State Job Lot for about $3.00. How about working with the IT Director to install those strips on every computer, monitor and printer to shut off those hidden energy VAMPIRES when leaving the office?

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2. If the Town's Web Site were externally hosted, would that allow for the Town's computer to be shut down other than during business hours?

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3. The spotlights on the Town Hall lawn become extremely hot shortly after illumination. Would that be a good location to consider the investment of LEDs?

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4. The rear Town Hall stairwell, exiting the stage, is illuminated like daylight. While illumination is necessary for safety reasons, would it make sense to reduce the level of illumination, install CFLs, and motion sensors on the switches? Maybe someone could work with the Building Commissioner to ensure code compliance, but reduce the energy consumption.
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5. Do all municipal buildings have programmable set back thermostats? During a recent radio program, a Middleboro G&E representative commented that the G&E was only now installing those in the Philander Washburn building. So, in other words, that must mean the building was being heated or air conditioned overnight or all weekend when vacant. Would you do the same in your own home if you went away for the weekend? I was in one municipal building that had ALL of the thermostats set at 72 degrees in the winter.

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6. 2 representatives of the Middleboro G&E spoke during a recent radio program. One indicated that you should turn your thermostat down in the winter and your A/C up in the summer.

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OK. So, I'm an MG&E ratepayer. That's it?

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The Coffee Shop Talk program has been posted on nemasket. It's worth the listen.

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I would like to believe that MG&E spokespersons are at the pinnacle of information and education.

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Did I hear a mention of CFLs or any of the other initial first steps?

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One of those representatives was an elected G&E Commissioner, Don Triner. Now Don, you and I have met. You should know better. Some older folks in Middleboro need solid information and they look to you to provide it. Is that the best you can do? If that's all that you can tell folks, Don, you need to call me. My number is 508 946-9761. Don, we can do better. The information is out there. It's on my blog. It's on the internet. We --- all of us -- need to get the information out to folks to reduce the impact of heating costs this winter and energy usage.

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Let's begin with encouraging folks to install CFLs. Do you have CFLs? They're cheap and will reduce electric bills ~ 10%. Then we look around for the other basics. There's a great deal that can be accomplished to reduce wasted energy consumption. The experts say the first 20-30% is easy and inexpensive.

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Now, Don, you may have a new home at Oak Point that is well insulated. What about other folks who have lived their lives in Middleboro and their homes are not as well insulated? Can't we look around and recognize that some folks need some upgrading? Maybe some insulation? Maybe some weatherstripping? some caulking and tightening? Maybe they need some additional information beyond lowering the thermostat in the winter. What can we do for them?

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The G&E knee jerk response was that 'we don't want to participate with the state pool of $$.' Does that make sense? Have WE, the people discussed it? Voted on it? Are we loosing out on a potential annual $10 million grant/loan? Are we missing $10 Million for a surcharge of $.0025 on our G&E bills?

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The most recent enclosure with the utility bills indicates that the G&E reduced electric expenses for municipal buildings in Middleboro and Lakeville by $250,000. What would happen if that money were instead used to reduce consumption? What would happen if street lights were replaced with LEDs for the $25,000 that is being reduced?

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Maybe all of us should abandoned the knee-jerk mindset and look for some real solutions. What else can we do?

Do you want real solutions? .....

Last week, a Middleboro Selectman broadcast a radio program that included a representative of Alternative Energy, the Plymouth company that installed photovoltaics in the Charlie Horse Restaurant in Kingston, one of the partners of the Charlie Horse, and members of the Kingston Green Committee. (Please note: The Town of Kingston web site is user friendly, with information easily located.)

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The first portion of the program is mostly wasted time discussing the silly banners that are proposed to identify 'Historic Downtown Middleborough,' that I have described as 'lipstick on a pig.' (My apologies to the pig!)

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But after the first ~ 30 minutes of wasted air time, information was presented about energy that provides some insight.

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Note how the host doesn't want to hear 'energy conservation.'

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After a delay, I finally listened to the broadcast today (posted on the nemasket forum, link below).

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After hearing the host for the second time comment that his oil bills last winter were $1500 per month, a random survey of friends with larger homes seemed to indicate that was excessive. One friend with a home twice the size, spent $200 per month last winter. It should be noted that over the years, most have added insulation, replaced or improved windows, made efforts to seal air leaks and taken the necessary steps to reduce their energy consumption long before the price of oil skyrocketed. Another friend intends to install homemade hot air collectors to reduce consumption next winter.

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Coffee Shop Talk 7-17-08

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The Kingston Green Committee encountered problems with their initial vehicle review that seems consistent with those I raised more than a year ago when I requested a list of Town-owned vehicles. The list originated from the insurance agent and was not maintained in the Town's database for ready access. Those vehicles are not reflected in the individual department's budget and no periodic audit is conducted. At that time, 212 items were included on the list, but additional vehicles have since been added.

I suggested at that time, that the vehicles should be charged to each department and their fuel consumption and mileage recorded to enable the town to accurately assess the needs when purchases are considered. Fuel efficiency, recorded over time, would allow consideration of the elimination of gas guzzlers and more sensible replacements. Charging the costs to individual departments provides for greater transparency to voters and more accurate accounting.

Any discussion about reducing energy costs, both personal and municipal, needs to begin with conservation.