In preparation for the Sustainability Festival, the committee highlighted the need for volunteer support to operate their booth, intended to engage the public and gather input on local climate initiatives. Members discussed scheduling their availability, noting that morning hours might see less engagement due to a nearby farmers’ market, with more interactions expected later in the day. To enhance public engagement, one member proposed bringing an easel and paper for visitors to document decarbonization efforts, which could be “upvoted” with stickers, creating an interactive experience. Ideas for giveaways, such as chocolates, were also exchanged to attract visitors.

The committee considered collaboration with local organizations, such as the UMass Carbon Zero Alliance, and the involvement of student volunteers from local colleges. Past experiences with student groups were shared, emphasizing the need for clear communication and coordination to ensure effective participation. The committee also discussed the logistics of the festival, including materials and activities at the booth.

Another focal point was an event scheduled for April 8th featuring a presentation by Daniel Barry from PV Squared about residential rooftop solar energy. The committee explored various topics for Barry to address, including tree-related obstacles to solar installation, the cost-benefit of removing trees, and the comparative merits of leasing versus owning solar systems. Advertising strategies for the event were brainstormed, with suggestions to engage local communities and use social media to ensure a robust turnout. The committee expressed a desire for a live audience, noting that while some might view the recording on the town’s YouTube channel, a live turnout was preferable.

The discussion then turned to a panel on decarbonization at local campuses, featuring presentations from Ezra Small, Steve, and West Drips. The event, titled “Decarbonization at the Amoris Institutions of Higher Education,” is structured with individual presentations followed by a panel discussion. There was confidence in attracting attendees through UMass Carbon Zero Alliance and educational institutions, with plans to promote the event through campus sustainability newspapers.

Legislative changes were a significant topic, particularly the proposed cut to the Massachusetts Alternative Energy program (Massave), which could hinder efforts to adopt heat pumps and solar energy solutions. The committee acknowledged the importance of staying informed about legislative changes and expressed concern about the potential impact of funding cuts. There was mention of the legislative process involving the House and Senate reconciling differences in their respective bills, highlighting the need for the committee to be proactive in advocacy efforts.

The meeting also touched on the draft solar bylaw, with updates on the Climate Resilience Committee’s progress and the timeline for legal review and public hearings. The committee expressed eagerness to be involved in the bylaw review process, with suggestions for regular updates and active participation to ensure informed discussions. Members voiced concerns about needing more direct involvement to avoid being presented with complex legal documents without context.

Updates were provided on the weatherization report for the North Amherst Fire Station and the status of a heat pump program, with acknowledgments of interest from various parties. Concerns about committee membership were expressed, noting vacancies and the need for outreach to encourage more volunteers to join.