Milton is moving closer to modernizing its energy infrastructure following the announcement that the town has been selected for a Department of Energy feasibility study. Municipal Energy Manager Kai Mueller informed the Climate Action Planning Committee that the study, which runs through June, focuses on battery storage at Town Hall and the Fire Headquarters. Mueller explained that the town had been selected for a grant for a battery storage feasibility study... the implementation grant would only cover up to 75% of the total battery cost, which means that the remaining 25% would have to be covered by the town. The project aims to determine if separate systems or one large battery would better serve the town's goal of generating revenue through utility demand-response programs.

The committee also examined solar energy initiatives ahead of Town Meeting. Mueller detailed Article 2, which seeks authorization for the Select Board to enter net metering credit agreements that could offer the town a 17% discount on electricity. Discussions also touched on Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for the Animal Shelter and Fire Headquarters. While some members questioned the financial trade-offs of third-party ownership, Mueller noted that a PPA is the most viable path for a small municipal staff. Matt expressed skepticism regarding leasing equipment, stating It's always better to buy. So, I don't know enough about it to have an opinion. Mueller responded that while town ownership has clear financial advantages, the PPA avoids the heavy administrative labor involved in municipal clean energy facilities.

The committee took formal action to bolster a $50,000 EEA Planning Assistance Grant application to fund consulting services. Motion Made by A. Arthur to approve and send a letter of support for the EEA planning assistance grant application. Assistant Planning Director Avante noted that a letter would of course be from the Climate Action Planning Committee because y'all worked so hard on this draft. Committee Chair Alex added that the funding would engage systematically with the town staff and decision-makers who we really can't move from planning to implementation without their partnership. Arthur recommended the letter emphasize the committee's solidarity, noting I would just like to recommend also that the letter indicate that the vote was unanimous by the attending members. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

Mueller raised concerns about "dark clouds" regarding the state's Energy Affordability Bill, which could significantly slash Mass Save funding. Ron asked, In what ways specifically do the cuts to Mass Save affect our work? Mueller expressed worry that marketing and outreach cuts would be a heavy blow to reaching low-income residents. To help bridge such gaps, Anna introduced the Kelt Municipal Fellowship, which could provide a graduate student to assist the town for 20 hours a week for six months. The fellowship is fully funded by this group, Anna explained. Maggie cautioned against overburdening the Planning Department with supervision duties, noting I'm a little protective of Avante... I know a lot of things are happening in the planning department.

Long-term planning discussions shifted to coastal resiliency and waste management. Arthur highlighted a grant for 30 acres of marshland restoration and warned that the town must eventually consider bylaws that relate to resiliency and property relocation due to sea level rise and other types of flooding. Meanwhile, Kim and Arthur reported on a recycling audit that showed residents are still bagging recyclables, which increases municipal costs. Ron suggested stakeholder meetings to refine the town's climate strategies, noting the goal is to gather stakeholder and public input into the proposals that are in the climate action plan and to get additional input to refine the plan. Alex reminded members that while public input is vital, what I don't want is to have public meetings where we say 'here's the waste plan' and it doesn't look anything like the plan on our website.