Bettina Amigas appointed South Burlington's first climate action manager amid energy savings discussions

The South Burlington City Council convened on February 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including the introduction of the city's first Climate Action Manager and updates on energy savings initiatives.

The meeting began with the introduction of Bettina Amigas, who has been appointed as the Climate Action Manager for South Burlington. With over 20 years of experience in environmental policy and engineering, Amigas expressed her enthusiasm for the role and her commitment to advancing the city's climate initiatives. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to prioritize and implement projects outlined in the Climate Action Plan.

Following Amigas' introduction, Lou, a representative from the energy committee, presented an energy savings report. He detailed the city's approach to tracking energy savings from various projects, highlighting the importance of economic feasibility in decision-making. Lou noted that while large projects undergo rigorous examination for potential savings, smaller initiatives, such as replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives, are also being pursued for their environmental benefits.

The discussion then shifted to the city's revolving fund, which is designed to reinvest savings from energy projects into new initiatives. Lou explained that the fund has generated income primarily from solar arrays, which contribute significantly to the city's budget. He provided examples of recent projects, including the installation of LED lights at the police station and the planned replacement of boilers, emphasizing the need for separate electric meters to better track savings.

Council members raised questions regarding the funding sources for electric vehicle purchases and the overall financial implications of climate-related expenditures. They expressed a desire for clearer communication with the public about the costs and benefits of these investments, particularly in light of the city's budget constraints.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Dorset Street Lighting Project, where Public Works Director Tom DiPietro sought clarity from the council on the project's direction. The council's role in adopting policies and allocating funding for such initiatives was reiterated.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing climate change through strategic planning and community engagement, while also navigating the complexities of budget management and project implementation. The council plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, focusing on transparency and accountability in climate-related spending.