Green Communities Committee

Section 1: General

The rest of what the town says about it (543 more words)

The Lunenburg Green Communities Committee will work with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to learn of grant opportunities for energy conservation and renewable energy generation and will apply for appropriate grants. The Committee will ensure the Town retains its status as a designated Green Community.

Section 2: Functions

Mission: The Lunenburg Green Communities Committee will focus on improving and promoting energy efficiency in town and school facilities, infrastructure, and vehicles. The Committee will help raise awareness, educate, advise, and motivate the Town of Lunenburg residents and businesses to reduce waste, reduce energy use, conserve resources, reduce emissions/carbon footprint, and embrace clean and renewable energy options.

Responsibilities

Identify and develop grant submissions for Green Communities Competitive Grant annually that corresponds with the mission of this committee and is consistent with the Town's goals;

Develop action steps to ensure Lunenburg remains designated as a Department of Energy Resources Green Community;

Facilitate town participation in DOER programs, grants, and incentives;

Serve as an information resource for town residents and business owners on the benefits of energy and resource conservation;

Increase constituents' awareness of and promote resource conservation methods, energy efficiency programs, utility rebates, and state/federal programs to promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, and overall enhancements to long-term sustainability and resilience in response to environmental, resource, and energy challenges;

Report at least once annually on its activities to the Select Board.

Section 3: Membership & Meetings

The Committee shall be composed of 5 regular members serving three-year terms appointed by the Select Board and two associate members. Two members shall initially be appointed to a three-year term, two members shall initially be appointed to a two-year term, and one member shall initially be appointed to a one-year term. After the initial term, all regular members shall serve a three-year term. The associate members shall be appointed to a three-year term.

In addition to the regular members, the Committee shall consult with the Town Manager, the town departments that oversee the facilities and energy accounts, the School Superintendent, and the School Facilities Director that oversees the school facilities and school energy accounts in order to ascertain future energy projects, areas where energy savings are needed, and replacement schedule for vehicles.

Voting Power: All duly appointed regular members shall have full voting power.

Resignation: Members of the Committee shall notify the Chairman of the Committee, the Town Manager, and the Select Board of their resignation.

Vacancies: Any vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

Representations: Members shall get the approval of the Committee prior to making statements, presentations, or joining activities on behalf of the Committee.

The election of officers including at least a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Clerk and shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the Committee.

A quorum shall consist of three members.

The recording of minutes and votes of all meetings shall be conducted as prescribed by the Open Meeting Law. Copies of the minutes shall be submitted to the Town Clerk as prescribed in the Town Bylaw and according to Open Meeting Law.

The Committee shall comply with all state laws and local bylaws.

This charge was adopted by the Select Board at their June 1, 2021 meeting and may be amended at any future meeting.