January 2008 Minutes
From GNC
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[edit] Green Needham Collaborative
[edit] Meeting Notes from January 23, 2008
[edit] In Attendance:
I didn't have the names of all attendees, but here are some of them: Chuck Dowe, David Duehren, Tess Edmonds, Jim Glickman, Michael Greis, George Kinel, Lynn Klatt, Kim Legelis, Eleanor Rosellini, Debbie Schmill, Wendy Surr...
[edit] Meeting Highlights from January 23, 2008
The Green Needham Collaborative hosted its 3rd meeting of the 2007-2008 year on January 23, 2008 at Olin College. ??? individuals, including ??? Pollard Middle School students, attended. Participants included both continuing and new Green Needham members.
[edit] Needham High School Environmental Club
[edit] Pollard Environmental Action Team
[edit] Green Needham Membership Update
[edit] Update from Town of Needham-NeedEnergy Committee
[edit] Update from Wind Power Action Team
George Kinel reported that the Wind Action Team has continued to focus on gathering wind data – either by purchasing and installing a met tower to collect data first-hand at the RTS, or by leveraging data from possible existing sources.
If we have to purchase our own tower, the issue is cost (about $10,000) and so we’ve been thinking about possible sources of funding. Michael mentioned that he will reach out to the folks at Dedham Savings Bank as they sometimes look for opportunities to support the local community.
Possible existing sources of data include WCVB meteorologists, and the anemometer already installed on the Mitchell School Gym rooftop. Michael spoke with Dick Albert and it seems unlikely that WCVB has data available. JC Monahan has recommended that we contact the National Weather Service in Taunton to see if they can help.
Kim has obtained some wind data collected from the anemometer at Mitchell. Although the data is a few years old and the equipment is located on the roof of the School gym at a height below the tree line, results suggest low (4 mph or less) monthly average wind speeds at Mitchell.
In addition, Kim is investigating the possibility of installing wind sensors on a tower currently being leased by American Tower near the RTS. This would help reduce the cost of on-site wind data collection.
We also began gathering some data on turbine costs. A re-manufacturer of Vestas turbines provided estimates as follows:
• a 120kW turbine would cost about $150,000, and
• a 500kW turbine would cost about $600,000
But the key question continues to be: do we have enough wind to justify any turbine purchase?
[edit] League of Women Voters Climate Action Committee
[edit] Tip of the Month, Legislative Updates, Green Kids and Transportation
[edit] Temple Beth Shalom Environmental Concerns Update
[edit] Mass Climate Action Network Conference
[edit] Other Updates and Discussion:
[edit] New England Wind Fund Solar Challenge
[edit] Small Group Discussions
Following updates, participants were encouraged to join one of three small group discussions:
- Wind Power in Needham
- Citizen Education-Climate Action Committee --Low Carbon Diet Teams Session Notes
- Needham Solar Challenge.
Small groups met for 25 minutes, highlights of these discussions, below. The full group reconvened for 10 minutes so each small group could report on highlights of their discussion.
[edit] Mark your Calendar!
[edit] Upcoming Green Needham Meeting Dates:
- Tuesday, March 4th, 2008, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 2 2008, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Olin College “Big Conversations”
- Evening Meeting Thursday, May 15, 2008 7-9 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 3:30-5:30
