From Alison:

Jan. 9th under a very full moon the new City of Boulder Neighborhood sustainability group met. I attended the second half of the meeting and Cathy who will include her notes attended the first half when they talked about Energy Smart. At the second part of the meeting, we discussed ways to invigorate neighborhood sustainability groups. The city has a grant and can give each group $400.00.

Some ideas discussed:

• Read Social Activism 2.0
• Hold a meeting on building community groups and inspiring sustainability efforts among neighbors in May
• Have a citywide event for all neighborhood events, perhaps collaborating with ETown
• It is now possible for neighborhood groups to use BVSD space for meetings
• Cathy Conery expressed her “dream” for Newlands Neighborhood: more environmentally focused with open networking opportunities.

Next meeting:
March 12, 5-7pm
1720 13th Street
Topic: Water Conservation, Water Quality, and 2012-Colorado Year of Water, facilitated by Curry Rosato

 From Kristen Hartel:

• EnergySmart: Andy Mazal: Principal, Existing Homes Director (Andy.Mazal@popboulder.com; 303-325-7650)
• Dave Penzkover, Senior EnergySmart Advisor (Dave.Penzkover@popboulder.com; 303-544-1000

What makes EnergySmart unique?

• Personal Energy Advisor to walk residents, landlords, and businesses through the energy efficiency upgrade process
• Pathways for all housing types, including multifamily units, HOA’s, and rentals
• Access to free direct installs, including CFL’s, water-saving shower heads and faucet attachments, and water heater pipe insulation
• Exclusive access to rebates and financing options
• Non-biased expert support and recommendations; program is funded by American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and implemented in partnership by Boulder County, cities of Boulder and Longmont, Xcel, & Platte River Power Authority
• More info at www.EnergySmartYES.com, or call 303-544-1000

Ideas on how to connect EnergySmart with your neighbors: *

• Newsletter or website blurb – text will vary depending on length
• Presentations to neighborhood groups
• EnergySmart House Party
  • Can simply be a presentation and discussion of the service
  • EnergySmart information and light refreshments can be provided
  • Share SmartRegs On Site Video – details the SmartRegs Inspection through EnergySmart and explains to landlords and property managers what to expect.
• Have you already participated in EnergySmart?  
  • Contact your Energy Advisor, or Dave Penzkover (contact info above), for a yard sign to raise awareness about the service. Would you like to participate in a case study?

Contact Kristen to schedule an event, for text to print on website or newsletter, or to participate in a case study

BVSD School property for neighborhood events:

• Boulder Valley School District is committed to making school facilities available to the public for outside use. The Community School Program administers permits for use of the schools during non-school hours including weekends and evenings. Interested patrons may contact our office to arrange for space in all BVSD schools. Usage fees vary according to the type of space, the group’s age category, number of people in the group. Spaces available include gyms, auditoriums, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms and playing fields.
• Fees range from *free – $100; depending on size, location, and type of attendees
• More info, call: 720-561-3765 or visit: www.bvsd.org/facility

List of City offerings for next Neighborhood Meeting

Neighborhood grant ($400/yr) ; Flyer printing ,Website support , Event support (including ZW infrastructure), Event space rentals, Support for creation of a new Group , Block party & other permit help & guidance,  Neighborhood maps ,  Raffle prizes to provide incentive for event attendance,  Connect ‘hoods to applicable and interesting resources (ie: NGS, NECO pass),  Possible sound system?

Next Steps : Please send Kristen:

• Ideas or informal discussion topics for February’s meeting
• Any open community spaces or gathering areas that could be utilized by fellow neighborhood groups
• Any interest in a specific NECO pass meeting with the City’s NECO pass coordinator?
• February 06 – 5-6pm, Conference Room (1720 13th St)
• Informal open discussion & networking