TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Sustainability Committee

Minutes of the Meeting

June 23, 2009

Present:  Duffy (chair), Miller, Stoddard, Ryan, Lennon, Paulhus, Hart, Hultgren, Walton

The first meeting of the sustainability committee was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Introductions were made. Attendees were asked to provide an e-mail address for a sustainability committee distribution list.

Hart and Walton shared some of the sustainable activities that the Town has already undertaken. The committee reviewed the role of the sustainability committee listed on page 51 of the Mansfield Strategic Plan. It was decided to begin by researching strategies that other sustainable municipalities have used and tools that will help establish an environmental baseline of the Town’s operations. Miller stated that UConn used the AASHE STARS sustainability benchmarking system, designed for universities, and has made a climate commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. Stoddard stated that Clean Air, Cool Planet or ICLEI’s greenhouse gas are two examples of tools designed for towns. These tools will be reviewed by staff and shared with the committee. Committee members were asked to gather case studies of what other communities are doing.

Aside from greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable water use is particularly relevant to the Mansfield. Miller reported that the University did a water study in 2007, which has helped to move them forward in metering usage by building and target wastefulness. Hultgren stated that the Town will begin a water study in September 2009 to look at Town buildings using UConn water and possibly include Juniper Hill Village, Glenridge, the Senior Center and Wrights Village in the study. Other Town facilities served by wells can be measured using an ultrasonic device after the initial study has been done.

Stoddard suggested that while the committee develops its focus, to also be open to grant money that becomes available. An EPA Climate Showcase Communities grant is available now and due on July 22. Staff will look at it and report on it at the next meeting.

Committee meetings will be scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of the month. Walton will submit these to the Town Clerk and e-mail the dates to committee members. The next meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2009 at 7 pm. Agenda items for the next meeting include bringing benchmark tools, case studies, report on the Climate Communities Showcase grant, organize Action Step #4 from page 51 of the Strategic Plan, and discuss the function of the Clean Energy Team. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Virginia Walton

Recycling/Refuse Coordinator

Cc: Lon R. Hultgren, Director of Public Works, Members, file, Town Manager, Town Clerk