Simsbury sustainability fair draws about 1,200; committee eyes Solarize outreach and EV program

Vice chair opened the meeting by recapping the town's sustainability fair and outreach efforts, saying, "We set a new record. We had 1,200 people there," and noting 35 participating organizations.

The committee discussed an EV speaker night that committee member Brian said attracted about 25 people and generated questions mostly about available models, battery range and charging adapters. "There were some good questions," Brian said, and the town engineer provided an update on municipal charging work.

Members discussed Solarize-style outreach after Vice chair described an interaction with Will Wahlberger of New England Energy Solutions, a firm that conducts door-to-door campaigns. Committee members noted BlueField's solar maps showed Bloomfield with concentrated commercial arrays while Simsbury's installations appeared more dispersed. One member suggested reaching out to Bloomfield's committee and partner firm Earthlight for lessons on concentrating commercial participation.

Committee members discussed outreach tactics to increase uptake among residents and businesses, including a possible fall charrette to engage local business owners and targeted Solarize work for commercial rooftops. Town staff Franklin said he will be the committee's new staff support and will work with the town manager's office on follow-up.

The meeting recorded no formal votes because the committee lacked a quorum; members said the outreach discussions would be captured in the minutes and returned for formal action at a later meeting.

The committee plans to follow up with Bloomfield and Earthlight about commercial outreach and to consider Solarize door-to-door models for Simsbury as part of fall planning.