BRANDON PLANNING COMMISSION

June 15^th, 2009

at the Otter Valley Union High School Library (2nd Floor),

Planning Commissioners present: Ethan Swift, Linda Stewart, Jon Andrews

Others present: Jeff Ojala, Lynn Bochner, Bob Clark, Bette Moffett, Gary Meffe, Jon Satz, and approximately 10 others.

ACORN Representatives: Laura Asermily, Peter Carothers, Graham Pringle, Richard Carpenter, Dick Thodal, Tom Dunne

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.

Presentation: Kicking the Oil Habit: Renewable Energy Talk in Brandon.

Sponsored by ACORN Energy Co-op

Kicking the oil habit refers to several objectives/ strategies:

•          Energy efficiency

•          Renewable energy options

•          Commuting options

•          Bio-diesel fuels

•          Wood energy

•          Wood pellets

Wood Pellets areas of discussion:

•          Comparison with other fuels: 1 ton = 1.5 cords of firewood, 150 gallons of heating fuels, or 170 gallons propane

•          Quality of pellets: white pine, compressed = high BTU's

•          Sustainable tree harvesting (max. basal area)

•          Experimenting with other waste wood (slash), feedstock (grass4es, sawdust, etc) production

•          Question of plastic bag disposal/ recycling (many 40 lbs. bags generated if not bulk distributed).

•          Recognize limited supply/ demand

Other Projects/ Plans

•          Support co-op partners (e.g. Natural Heat Works)

•          Renewable energy assessment

•         Comprehensive survey (home energy efficiency)

•         Building site assessment

•          Bulk purchase and possible production (e.g. liquid bio-fuels)

•          Feedstock management (grass farming)

•          Community projects (hydro, wind)

•          Record case studies (e.g. individual successes)

Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN) overview:

•          ACORN formed in 2005

•          Formed an energy committee

•          Incorporated into a co-op in 2007

•          MOU with VT Wood Pellet (No. Clarendon) and Bourdeau Bros.

•          Co-op membership

•          Co-op management

•          Benefits

•          List of community partners

Energy Committee

Ethan spoke to the energy section in the recently adopted Town Plan and cited relevant goals and recommendations regarding the formation of an energy committee. Ethan solicited potential members; several meetings attendees expressed interest. A future meeting will be planned.

Adjourn - Being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted

Ethan Swift

Chair