Don't Forget... Energy Committee Proposal Wednesday at 3PM
DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR GILFORD ENERGY COMMITTEE
Name
The name of this committee shall be the Gilford Energy Committee; Also known as the “GEC”Purpose
The GEC is established pursuant to the result of the 2007 Annual Town Meeting’s passage of Warrant Article # 30 to pursue goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, decrease air pollution, and reduce energy expenditures.Duties and Functions Relative to Purpose
The GEC shall advise the Board of Selectman for approval what methods to use to pursue its purpose. The GEC shall work with town departments, officials, businessmen, citizens, and environmental experts to develop an action plan to achieve purpose and a framework by which environmentally responsible decisions should be made. The GEC shall make recommendations through the Board of Selectmen to town departments to implement the action plan and provide continued evaluation and report the progress of the town in meeting these goals to all interested parties. In addition, while recognizing the lack of any formal or legal obligation to the Gilford School District, the GEC hopes that it can include the school district and their departments in a meaningful way as well.In support of this purpose, the GEC shall have the following duties and perform the following functions:
1. Conduct research on methods to reduce greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions.
2. Conduct research on methods to reduce overall energy usage, encourage conservation, improve efficiency, and seek alternative environmentally-friendly, renewable sources of energy whenever feasible for the town and school district.
3. Seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
4. Keep a spreadsheet of resources available on related topics.
5. Investigate available technology and software to assist in the creation of an overall energy usage plan, with monitoring and analyzing capabilities.
6. Recommend to the Board of Selectmen (and School Board) specific programs necessary to implement the action plan.
7. Research funding sources to implement the action plan.
8. Keep accurate records of its meetings and actions.
9. File an annual report with the Town Clerk to be included in the city’s annual report. Any savings (expenses) realized through the GEC’s recommendations will be included, recognizing some figures may be estimates.
10. Attend events, conferences and meetings, as necessary, to develop and retain contact with organizations and agencies working on similar programs.
11. Organize or participate in any activity necessary to further implement the action plan.
Structure of the GEC1. General
The GEC will consist of 13 people. Seven (7) community members, at large, all of whom are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a one year term. In addition, at least one (1) member will be appointed to represent each of the following boards and departments: Board of Selectmen, Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, School Board, and School District Buildings and Grounds.
Officers1. Chair
a. Election and Tenure
The Chair shall be elected by and from the membership no later than the second meeting of all the GEC each calendar year. The Chair shall serve for a term of one calendar year and may be re-elected for successive terms.
b. Duties
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the GEC at which he is present and direct the work of the GEC. He shall direct the calling of meetings of the GEC. He shall appoint all committee members. c. Vacancy
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Chair, the Vice-Chair shall assume the office of Chair for the remainder of the term.
2. Vice-Chair
a. Election and Tenure
The Vice-Chair shall be elected by and from the membership no later than the second meeting of the GEC each calendar year. The Vice-Chair shall serve for a term of one calendar year and may be re-elected for successive terms.
b. Duties
The Vice-Chair shall preside at all meetings of the GEC in the absence of the Chair and shall perform all duties and have all powers of the Chair in case of temporary absence or incapacity of the Chair.
c. Vacancy
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Vice-Chair, a special election shall be held to fill the office for the remainder of the term. The special election shall be held no later than the second meeting after which the vacancy occurred.
3. Clerk
a. Election and Tenure
The Clerk shall be elected by and from the membership no later than the second meeting of the GEC each calendar year. The Clerk shall serve for a term of one calendar year and may be re-elected for successive terms.
b. Duties
The Clerk, or his designee, shall keep accurate records of the meetings and other proceedings of the GEC in accordance with RSA91-A. The Clerk shall notify each member of each meeting of the GEC, which shall be posted in accordance with RSA 91-A. He shall prepare and file an annual report with the Town Clerk.
c. Vacancy
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Clerk, a special election shall be held to fill the office for the remainder of the term. The special election shall be held no later than the second meeting after which the vacancy occurred.
Committees and Consultants
1. Committees
Committees shall be established by vote of the members of the GEC for any purpose deemed necessary in accordance with the purpose as detailed above. Committee members shall be members of the GEC and shall be appointed by the Chair of the GEC as provided above. Each Committee shall report to the GEC as necessary or upon request.
2. Consultants
By vote of the members of the GEC, Consultants may be selected for any purpose deemed necessary in accordance with the purpose above. Each Consultant shall report to the GEC as necessary or upon request.
Meetings
The Chair shall direct the calling of at least one (1) regular meeting of the GEC each month. The GEC shall communicate its schedule for the upcoming year, to the extent it can, to the Town Administrator’s Office. Such regular meetings shall be held on the __________ ___________of each month at ______p.m. at Town Hall, unless otherwise specified by the Chair. Additional meetings may be held, if necessary, at the discretion of the Chair. It shall be the duty of the Chair to call such a meeting when requested to do so within reason by any of the members of the GEC and when such request specifies the purpose of such a meeting. All meetings will be held in full accordance with all provisions of RSA 91A
Transaction of Business1. Quorum
A majority of members in current standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.
2. Conduct of Meetings
All meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Roberts Rules of Order, unless changed by a majority vote of a quorum of the members.
3. Agendas
All agenda items shall be identified by title or subject matter both on the written notice of each meeting and prior to consideration at any meeting. All requests for items to be included on the agenda shall be filed with the Chair at least 7 days prior to the meeting. Any matter not requiring prior legal notice may be placed on the agenda at any meeting by a majority vote of the members present.
4. Voting
A vote of the majority of the members of the GEC present at the meeting shall be sufficient to decide any matters. Any member may request that his vote on any issue be recorded as an abstention and may withdraw from consideration on any issue. At the request of any member, the Chair shall call for a recorded roll call vote on any issue.
5. Right to know
All meetings of the GEC shall be held in accordance with the provisions of RSA, Chapter 91-A, as amended, relating to meetings open to the public and executive sessions.
Public Hearings
1. The GEC may, at its discretion, hold public hearings or informational hearings when it determines that such hearings will be in the public interest. Notice of such hearings shall be published or posted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of hearings. The matter before the GEC shall be presented in summary form by a member of the GEC or by a person designated by the GEC. Any parties in interest shall be privileged to appear before parties not in interest.
2. Testimony or other evidence shall not be presented under oath. A record shall be kept of those persons testifying and/or presenting evidence at such hearings and, if appearing on behalf of another person or entity, the name of such person or entity.
These are links to two sample documents I will present for the Selectmen's perusal. A matrix of actions and the ability to measure progress is key:
http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/for_communities/GreenTeam_Links/Green%20Tea.pdf
http://www.gonashua.com/filestorage/1715/5207/Anti-Idling_Campaign_Flyer.pdf
Comments
Don't you think the GEC needs a budget?
Posted by: michael kitch | July 25, 2007 06:47 PM
Sounds like a plan that will have some action and not cost the tax payers anything.
Posted by: pricilla | August 1, 2007 06:28 PM