The Edgartown select board was briefed Monday on potential energy savings by participating in the Community First Partnership sponsored by Mass Save.
Mass Save is a coalition of energy and gas utilities that work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.
Oak Bluffs energy committee member Dion Alley and Richard Andre of Vineyard Power spoke to the board at Monday’s meeting about the benefits of joining the program.
“These programs would help [residents] with energy audits, winterization, new heating pumps…not to mention providing rebates and other cost-cutting measures as we move towards electrification,” Mr. Alley said.
Alan Strahler, chair of Edgartown’s conservation committee, endorsed the program, noting that it would be especially helpful ahead of increased power costs.
“If Alan supports this, then I certainly do,” select board member Mike Donaroma said.
Each town will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation before the application can go through, Mr. Alley said.
The select board agreed to write a “strong letter of support” for the Island to participate in the partnership.
The board also voted on Monday to allow Martin “Skip” Tomassian to take down a tree on 124 Upper Main street. Mr. Tomassian shared that the tree had a split down the middle, and that town administrator James Hagerty had inspected the tree himself and commented that rodents were likely burrowing into its rotted roots.
“It looks bad,” select board member Margaret Serpa agreed.
Mr. Donaroma voted to approve the tree’s removal provided that Mr. Tomassian work with the tree warden and plant a replacement by March of next year.
“Whenever he or whoever else tells me is best to plant it, I’ll do it,” Mr. Tomassian said.
Rosewater Café’s Friday dinner series is set to return after the select board approved four of the upcoming seven events for a one-day liquor license. Since the town typically only approves four one-day licenses at a time, the board invited owner Julia Tarka to apply for the next round of licenses after her third dinner event.
“We’ll allow for four and extend if things go well,” Ms. Serpa said.
