0:00The meeting brought to light several communication issues with contractors, highlighting a persistent problem with delayed responses that has led to project slowdowns. The committee expressed frustration over a contractor, presumably named Frank, who had not responded to inquiries about project participation for an upcoming grant round. This lack of communication was seen as a significant impediment to closing out current grants by the end of the year. The newly appointed Town Administrator, Nelson Moy, acknowledged these frustrations and pledged to reach out to the contractor to improve communication and project timelines.

Contractor performance was another topic of concern, especially regarding the quality and timeliness of installations. While simpler tasks like light bulb installations had not garnered complaints, more complex projects were not meeting expectations. This raised alarms about the committee’s ability to manage its workload effectively amid limited resources.

15:23In parallel, the meeting delved into the technical capabilities and leadership of contractors, stressing the need for effective communication to ensure project timelines are met. The role of the facilities manager was discussed as a potential solution, leveraging their familiarity with the buildings to expedite energy efficiency projects.

32:02Another topic was the billing structure for street lighting, which prompted a detailed examination of energy usage, costs, and savings. The committee analyzed data showing a decline in energy consumption since the installation of LED lights but noted discrepancies in the expected versus actual savings. There were questions about how energy usage was calculated, with participants scrutinizing the logic behind using flat rates for billing instead of actual consumption.

The billing process for streetlights appeared convoluted, with participants questioning the accuracy of charges and expressing confusion over the calculations. They explored the relationship between the cost per kilowatt hour and the number of bulbs in operation, noting a lack of clarity in the utility’s billing methods. This led to a broader discussion about the potential impact of rising electricity costs on projected energy savings.

15:23The conversation also touched upon the town’s streetlight replacements, particularly the past decision to lease streetlights from Unitil. The current lights operate based on sensors, turning on at night, but lack sophisticated control systems to minimize energy use during off-peak hours. This limitation was a point of contention, as participants expressed a desire for more control options, such as timers, to better manage energy consumption and costs.

A participant shared data on energy consumption following the installation of LED streetlights, noting that usage appeared to be approximately half of what it was before. However, the anticipated cost savings were not as substantial as hoped due to maintenance and other fees.

The meeting also addressed issues related to outdoor lighting compliance, with participants recounting past enforcement challenges. Non-compliant installations by businesses had gone unchecked due to a lack of enforcement by the previous building inspector. However, with a new inspector in place, there seemed to be renewed momentum towards compliance.

49:20Finally, the committee discussed the need to prioritize remaining projects in light of grant funding opportunities. They emphasized the importance of quoting several projects to meet grant requirements, with a focus on those offering the best return on investment. The conversation highlighted the necessity of ongoing collaboration with facilities management, particularly regarding school-related energy projects.