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Energy Policy Committee

Meeting Minutes

Committees: Town Energy Policy Committee

2006 Annual Report

MISSION: To serve the residents of the town of Hingham by establishing energy policies that will promote the efficient use of energy, increase awareness and will reduce environmental impact.

GOVERNANCE: The committee consists of seven members including the School Director of Business and Support Services, the General Manager of the Hingham Municipal Light Plant, and the Town Accountant/Finance Director.  The final four members are citizens designated by the Board of Selectmen: Pam Harty, Rob Baynes, Brian Phillips, and Russ Heissner.  Russ Heissner serves as Chairman.  Rob Baynes serves as Secretary.

WORK PRODUCT:  The Town Energy Policy Committee will draft a comprehensive Green Energy Action Plan that will articulate the results of the Work Agenda, and present it to the Board of Selectmen.

WORK AGENDA: The committee meets monthly to address the following Goals:

• Establish Renewable Energy Standards for (1) electric power generation and use, and (2) renewable fuels for fleet vehicles, heating, and stand-by power generation.
• Establish “green” building codes that enhance energy efficiency
• Establish zoning by-laws for land-use that promotes energy efficiency, conservation, or alternative power generation.
• Establish Energy Performance Contracting Programs for residential, commercial, and municipal purposes.
• Identify Capital Project Incentives Programs from Private Equity, State, Federal programs.
• Identify Operating Incentives from Private, State, & Federal programs
• Establish Community Outreach programs that communicate that benefits of energy conservation and renewable energy

WORK PROCESS: The committee will use the following process in order to meet the Goals:

• Review of standards from other towns, municipalities, state, or federal sources
• Discussion and creation of Hingham standards
• Review new recommended policy standards with relevant town committees
• Modify as required, and adopt policy.  Present as warrant item(s) if required.
• Develop execution plans as required

INTERACTION WITH THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN: The committee will report periodically to the Hingham Board of Selectmen.  The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen will be the liaison with the committee and together with the chairman of the committee will determine if and when the committee will make presentations to the board.  Should funds be required for consultants, surveys, or other matters, the committee will arrange to submit a proposal to the board for consideration.  The board may seek grant monies or other outside support at the request of the committee.