Energy Team Meeting: August 28, 2009
Present: LeRoy Harvey, Ray Severy , Dennis Antone, Judy Kindel, John Sarver, Steve Schlachter, & Jerry
Richards. Roger had a conflict, Maggie was sick, and Jeremy Kammer recent got an energy job!
Updates:
Ray:

Meridian negotiated a lower price/ccf of natural gas, saving about 15% on costs switching from
Consumers to MI Gas & Electric.

The Township has been talking with Consumers and Lansing Board of Water and Light about LED
lighting.
Dennis:

The new propane-burning truck arrived Tuesday. It’s cleaner burning, produces fewer greenhouse
gases, and used fuel which is currently a lot cheaper. Conversion costs about $11,000 but a tax credit
to the dealer may reduce this.
John:

Michigan Twp Association is looking for case studies to feature in a “green” track and encourages
Meridian to consider this.

Utility programs are up and running and may provide opportunities for residents and businesses.
Judy

…has been exploring utility program a bit an encourages us to explore them for some of the retrofits
that the Township is considering.

…sees these as a part of the “Green Review” – which we discussed after the meeting. A meeting will
be held to develop the GR – a program (yet to be developed) to help Green Star businesses and others
save money, reduce waste, and save energy.

…asked if we have $ to do wind and solar in the recent EECBG grant (if we get it). Yes there is money
in “demonstration projects.”
LeRoy

…provided DOE with supplemental info for our EECBG grant on Aug 7 (same day as requested) but still
hasn’t heard on the final decision

… mentioned ICLEI’s new program to help set up an Energy Office. ICLEI membership may also be
useful to gain access to some resources to help set up revolving loan program. He viewed a portion of
a webcast on this topic on Wednesday - http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/wip/tap_webcasts_archive.cfm

Jeremy got a job with an energy efficiency contractor.

Meridian is the first Township in Ingham County to participate in the Michigan Business Pollution
Prevention Partnership. This is a support network to help businesses reduce pollution and celebrate
successes in doing so. The award letter was distributed to the committee along with a list of “best
practices.” Ray encouraged us to review this list for potential opportunities in the Twp. More at
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_4129_4188---,00.html
Steve

The Central Fire Station may soon close as a cost-saving measure. This is one of the most inefficient
buildings and may save about $16000/year in utility costs.
Energy Saving Discussion
Judy asked if we’ve done anything to encourage turning off lights or saving computer energy. Dennis
will check with his sign folks about stickers that remind folks
LeRoy saved 25 watts shutting off his monitor before coming to the meeting today – according to the
read out on his kill-a-watt meter.
Talk about an employee suggestion “box” or process ensued. We used to have this. We could do it
again. We could also have point-people or “monitors” on each floor in each building to help
encourage efficiency – and collect ideas – and distribute information. Ray suggests that ALL of
us could be monitors!
With the new utility programs we may want to find out more. John suggested a speaker at MABA or
other local events (from utilities)
Green Review
Judy mentioned that now that we have some major things going in the Township, that we think about
reaching out to others. The Green Review may be a way to help others save energy and reduce
waste. A meeting will be held in Sept. to discuss this concept.
Next Meeting: Sep 25 at 8:30 – Conf. Room – Town Hall.