# green-communities-committee — 8 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-01-04-agenda-2466.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-01-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-01-04-agenda-2466.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01042012-2466 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== NOTICE OF MEETING Green Communities Task Force Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – 7:00 PM Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue Agenda Review Town Meeting Selectmen’s Directive  Future Strategy Green Projects in Lunenburg GCTF/agendas/2012/01.04 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-01-04-minutes-2466.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-01-04 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-01-04-minutes-2466.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01042012-2466 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Green Community Task Force Minutes January 4, 2012 Present: Members D. Blatt, Z.Cutting, S.DiCampo, J. McQuaid, N.Sullivan Advisors M.Benson, J. Londa 1 .Meeting called to order at 7:09 P.M. The minutes from 11/2/11 were approved. 2. Solar Landfill Project: Borrego has the contract back from Town Counsel and should hear from Unitil by 1/14/12 regarding the interconnect. On 10/18/12 the estimated cost to upgrade the power lines was $200,000.00 but they will be giving a more accurate cost soon. The project size is still at 1.5 MW. The Development Plan Review needs to proceeds through the Planning Board to the Building Inspector. The site includes both Commercial and Residential zones. 3. The THMS solar project has produced 56 kW of power at a savings of $10,000.00. 4. Pilgrim Baptist Church is going forward with their proposed solar project to the Planning Board on 1/9/12 and will hold a Public Hearing on 1/13/12. 3. MASS PV1 on Chase Road is negotiating a financial agreement with the Town called the Pilot Program where they would pay the Town $24,000.00 in lieu of taxes. 4. M.Benson submitted town warrants from Lancaster and Townsend regarding the Stretch Code for our review. 5. Green Community Act: Our directive from the Board of Selectmen is to make additional public presentations to address unanswered questions regarding the pros and cons of adopting the Stretch Code, the availability of HERS raters, necessity and cost. The material needs to be covered in more depth prior to the vote and appeal to a great global vested interest. D. Blatt will write a series of articles for the Ledger addressing “What is in it for you, the taxpayer”. They will start in late March. J. Londa stressed that there is indeed a financial impact to the Town through savings in energy reduction and grants to achieve that goal. An informational sheet on energy produced and savings realized from the THMS solar project would reinforce that point. 6. Questions Raised: What can the Task Force accomplish without funds? What new projects would we pursue with funding? Can the money be matched to increase its’ effectiveness? How to best educate the townspeople, the Town Committees and Officials (Board of Selectmen, Finance, Planning, Conservation)? Will the HERS raters reduce the work load for the Building Inspector? ===PAGE 2=== 7. Task Force Members are asked to formulate a list of new initiatives. Suggestions include: Devens Recycling Center, MassSave/Unitil, public presentations on energy efficiency, solar projects and wind turbines, DYI projects. 8. New Business: J. Londa said without additional funding he could look into Energy Performance Contracts to help reduce cost. The Town does not have to invest any money up front but the contracted company would get all the financial benefits from revenue generated. 9. Next meeting will be 2/6/12 at 7:00 P.M. at the Ritter Building. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Joanne McQuaid ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-02-06-agenda-2467.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-02-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-02-06-agenda-2467.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02062012-2467 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== NOTICE OF MEETING Green Communities Task Force Monday, February 6, 2012 – 6:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue Agenda Joint Meeting with Planning Board Green Communities Act Bylaw GCTF/agendas/2012/02.06.12 repost ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-02-06-minutes-2467.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-02-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-02-06-minutes-2467.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02062012-2467 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Green Community Task Force Minutes February 6, 2012 Present: Members D. Blatt, J. McQuaid, E. Sund Advisors M.Benson, J. Londa 1. Joint Meeting with Lunenburg Planning Board called to order at 6:34 P.M. by T. Bakaysa and D.Blatt. 2. The Planning Board would like input from the Green Community Task Force regarding the Town solar bylaw. M. Benson provided a handout of the Model As-of Right Zoning Bylaw, which is the only current one from the State. T. Bakaysa said that the Planning Board met with Unitl last week regarding procedures for large-scale solar projects. They are only required to accept Net Metering up to 1% cap for residential and 2% for municipal projects. D.Blatt said that if more power is produced than net metering limits the power can be wholesaled. 3. Regarding the proposed solar field on the Youngs Road landfill D.Blatt noted that the GCTF is gathering all the financial information and Unitil approval before presenting the project for review to the PB. He suggested that if proposed large scale solar projects defined the scope of their projects (size and interconnect application) prior to seeking approvals from town officials that if would provide much needed information required to make informed decisions. 4. T. Bakaysa asked D.Blatt for suggestions on setbacks for ground mounted solar installations. D. Blatt offered an idea of doubling the size of the array. E.Sund noted the difference between commercial and residential solar applications. T.Bakaysa questioned if the size of residential ground mount projects could be limited. 5. M.Benson accepted a copy of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission on Bylaw Writing submitted by a visitor. 6. At 7:07 the Joint meeting with the Planning Board ended and the GCTF meeting continued. 7. Solar Landfill Project: J. Londa said that Borrego has the contract back from Town Counsel and should hear from Unitil by 1/14/12 regarding the interconnect. On 10/18/12 the estimated cost to upgrade the lines was $200,000.00 but they will be giving a more accurate cost soon. The project size is still at 1.5 MW. The Development Plan Review needs to proceed through the Planning Board to the Building Inspector. The landfill site includes both Commercial and Residential zones. 8. The THMS solar project has produced 4,000 kW of power in January. 9. D. Blatt will write a series of articles for the Ledger addressing “What is in it for you, the taxpayer”. They will start in late March. J. Londa stressed that there is indeed a financial impact to the Town through savings in energy reduction and grants to achieve that goal. An informational sheet on energy produced and savings realized from the THMS solar project would reinforce that point. 10. J. Londa is working on compiling at list of suggested lighting upgrades on a town wide basis that would be suitable for Energy Performance Contracts to help reduce cost. 11. The next meeting date was not established. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Joanne McQuaid ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-06-06-agenda-2468.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-06-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-06-06-agenda-2468.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06062012-2468 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== NOTICE OF MEETING Green Communities Task Force Wednesday, June 6, 2012 – 7:00 PM Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue Agenda Minutes: Approve 1-4-12 Approve 2-6-12 Sign 10-5-11 Discussion Notes Green Communities Act Bylaw GCTF/agendas/2012/06.06.12 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-06-06-minutes-2468.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-06-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-06-06-minutes-2468.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06062012-2468 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Green Community Task Force Minutes June 6, 2012 Present: Members D. Blatt, Z.Cutting, J. McQuaid, N.Sullivan Advisors M.Benson 1. Meeting called to order at 7:05 P.M. The minutes from 1/4/12 were approved. 2. Solar Landfill Project: J. Londa stated that Borrego is possibly reducing the size to 500 – 750 Kw because the original interconnect fee is too expensive making the project non-viable. Borrego is trying to get Unitil to discuss fees and procedures with National Grid and WMECO for price comparison. 3. Twin City Solar Project/EPG: M. Benson noted that they are not “grandfathered” under the new Solar By-Law. It was submitted as an ANR (Approval Not Required) land lease plan which protects it as a solar field. It currently has been submitted to Developmental Plan Review but they have not submitted a Zoning Application, which has related fees. 4. Chase Road Solar Project: M.Benson noted that this is a land purchase, not a lease and has been ANR approval as a solar field but with new dimensions. 5. Green Community Act: D. Blatt said that it was not on the Spring Town Meeting Town Warrant because there were too many ongoing issues. The informational articles will be republished before the Fall Town Meeting. 6. Question: In what direction should the Green Community Task Force move? Need ideas for projects to increase revenue or cut cost with low cost to the Town. Need quick return on investment; small to medium projects Suggestions: Revenue from recycling. Westminster is making a million dollars on regional unit. Maybe a Paper Retriever? Public Safety Building- Solar Hot Water Performance Contracts- still cost the Town money Re-Education- Solar has a bad reputation right now Revolving Account for the GCTF to keep gains realized for new projects Recruit new members 7. Next meeting: Possibly in late July. Members will be sent an email to set the date. 8. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Joanne McQuaid ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-07-18-agenda-2469.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-07-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-07-18-agenda-2469.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07182012-2469 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== NOTICE OF MEETING Green Communities Task Force Wednesday, July 18, 2012 – 7:00 PM Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue Agenda Minutes- Approve 6-6-12 Review of Current Projects Town Landfill EPG Solar MASS PV1 Town Buildings, Energy Conservation Site Seeker for Renewable Energy Projects GCTF/agendas/2012/07.18.12 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2012-07-18-minutes-2469.txt BOARD : green-communities-committee DATE : 2012-07-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/green-communities-committee/2012-07-18-minutes-2469.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07182012-2469 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Green Community Task Force Minutes July 18, 2012 Present: Members D. Blatt, Z. Cutting, J. McQuaid Advisors J. Londa 1. Meeting called to order at 7:03 P.M. The minutes from 6/6/12 were approved. 2. Solar project updates: Landfill: J. Londa met with Borrego and the Town Manager. The interconnect fees are still an issue as well as the means of connection. Unitil will do a study in August looking at different inverters and the scope of the project. The cost will be $12,000.00 payable by Borrego who has already invested one year of planning and $18,000.00. There is uncertainty whether the Planning Board will require the 200’ setback per the by-laws which would reduce the developable area significantly. Perhaps a variance would have to be requested. EPG: They are interested in net metering the electricity to the Town. If 100% is sold to Lunenburg then Unitil will reimburse the distribution charge which could ultimately be paid by the rate payers. The discussion is ongoing with the Planning Board. Mass PVI: In M.Benson’s absence no other members were aware of updates. However an observer at the meeting indicated that they think MassPVI has gone to the Attorney General claiming that the new by-laws were making the project unfeasible. 3. The Planning Board is requesting possible additional sites for renewable energy projects within the town. We should look for quick Return on Investment (ROI) projects D. Blatt will follow up with M. Benson. Unitil may already have a list for solar sites. Large scale wind does not seem feasible. Z.Cutting stated that energy conservation would probably be the best option. A solar hot water system for the Public Safety Building may not be a quick ROI but an option for savings. 4. Town Buildings Update: J. Londa said that cardboard recyclers are being installed at the schools to generate revenue and it would be available to residents. Selective lighting changes at the Primary building are warranted as well as changing the high school lighting from T-12 bulbs to T- 8 because the T-12 bulbs are no longer available. Perhaps an Energy Savings Contract or assistance from Unitil would be possible. Z. Cutting indicated that the price of LED lighting should be dropping soon. D.Blatt wondered if Monty Tech students could assist with lighting upgrades for the Ritter Building. 5. Other business: The Green Community Act may be on the Fall Special Town meeting. D. Blatt will verify with the Board of Selectmen. Is there a new Building Code coming in 2014? 6. Next meeting TBA. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Joanne McQuaid, Secretary