Dresden selectmen heard from a local entrepreneur regarding remote heating system monitoring and approved an estimated budget figure for this year’s Winter Fest during their regular Monday night meeting.
With a new fire station and restored Pownalborough Hall, Dresden officials are considering another method to cut down on the town’s heating bill. Joseph Atkinson of Atkinson Enterprises, LLC showed selectmen how he controls the heating systems in Augusta Masonic Lodge buildings from his home office in Dresden and how in the past year has cut the heating bill in half.
Atkinson said he was able to cut the amount of fuel used at the Augusta Masonic Lodge by half through a computerized monitoring system.
“If you have a meeting in this building and there’s a blizzard outside and you cancel,” Atkinson said, “Who’s going to come in and turn the heat down?”
Atkinson said he is able to sit at home and adjust settings with his laptop. The system requires town buildings to have full time Internet access and a thermostat he can connect a “port forward” to for remote access.
Selectmen said they would look into the possibility, as Atkinson suggested they could realize a 20 percent savings in heating costs. They don’t know how much the service would cost and will coordinate with Atkinson to see about getting an estimate for the town.
According to Walsh, last year’s festival included two talented jugglers and this year could include a yoga demonstration. Also in the works for this year’s Fest is a Russian Kettle Bell demonstration. Walsh said the activities would be good for people to get their exercise.
Festival organizers anticipate local chefs and eateries contributing a variety of foods. Some names mentioned were the Meeting House Market and Ships Chow Hall.
Walsh said he and others would continue to try and gather monetary donations for this year’s event.
“We have a ton of volunteers who help put these (both winter and summer events) on,” Walsh said. “I think it’s (Winter Fest) a very successful event.”
He said the Kenyon Fund, which was created to provide art and musical resources for local children, provided $500 for the Fest. This year’s Winter Fest will mark the seventh for the town, so far. Further news on the festival in Dresden will be published as more information becomes available. Selectman John Ottum said the town will issue a flyer with all of the event details five days in advance.
