5th Meeting, LCI
March 5, 2008
Focus: Structure, Projects, Volunteers
Amanda opened the dinner meeting with a suggested mission statement for CISI -
The CISI is a forum to discuss ideas, promote projects, and implement solutions for insuring a healthy future for the community of the Cranberry Isles.
[If there are further thoughts on the statement, we can discuss them and will finalize it at the next meeting.]
There is a need to implement a structure for the group to aid in grant applications and any needed fundraising. Anyone interested being on a board of directors should contact Amanda: 244 – 9906 or ajoyravenhill[at]gmail[dot]com
Structure is also necessary to move from ideas to projects to action.
Current projects include:
Website
Community Energy Audit
Alternate Energy Feasibility Study
Amanda described a positive brainstorming session with residents of Great Cranberry concerning the CISI.
Cynthia present a first draft for a proposal for an Energy Audit beginning with a limited professional audit/workshop carried out by Richard Riegel Burbank of Evergreen Home Performance in Rockland. The full project should find ways to lower energy usage, reduce energy loss, and cut energy costs for residents. This could also lead to job development.
Barbara Fernald and Wanda Porter will help review the proposal and develop a plan and evaluation for the audit/workshop.
Jeff Cramer began his report on the Alternate Energy Feasibility Study by commenting,” the cheapest kilowatt is the one you don’t use!” The proposed study will comprise 3 steps:
What cannot be done? “Fatal Flaw Test”
What is possible for the TCI?
What is best for TCI?
Pilot Projects
– Examples of energy independent small communities are all over the world. Look at the many Scottish Islands doing this, as well as other Maine islands. The Scottish island of Eigg, with 63 houses now uses 100% locally produced energy.
– It makes good economic sense to pursue community, as opposed to strictly private projects in looking at the cost of production for 1KW.
– Alden Hathaway wrote to suggest investigating 3 roof sites on Islesford for solar panels, the restaurant, the co-op, and new town garage.
Jason asked if Bangor Hydro might force purchase of new lines if we had a large amount of electricity to sell back.
Jeff answered that BH is legally bound to work with towns and to maintain lines.
Dan said a study would look scientifically at conventional wisdom with regard to energy sources and our location, i.e. wind, solar, tidal.
– Jeff felt a costly engineering study is not needed at this point.
– With regard to tidal power, Kleinschmitt Engineering reported earlier that private developers can claim rights to tidal areas for development of energy. This should be considered now by TCI.
Eric Dyer and Wanda Porter volunteered to work with Jeff.
Ted described the work Jeri is doing in the Dominican Republic. The school and church being built will rely on solar power,
Dan presented another project as looking into the use of blowdowns and brush on the islands. Is it possible and economical to make pellets here in the community?
Amanda reminded everyone of the importance of attending town meeting and voting for the 3 warrants sponsored by CISI:
Signing the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement
Authorizing $10,000.00 for green project development in TCI
Authorizing the town to buy green electrical power from Interfaith Power
Future projects might include:
–Getting all summer residents to switch to green power [Interfaith is adding capacity.]
–Bumper stickers saying, “My summer [Islesford] home is GREEN”
–Memorial Day beach clean up and pot luck.
Jason: March 14 is the 5th anniversary of the War in Iraq. Island residents may join the program “Every Village Green” with our commemoration in the town field.
All present joined in thanking Anne Fernald for her hospitality in hosting a delicious and thought-provoking evening.
