HomeMy Public PortalAboutEnergy Committee -- 2010-11-18 MinutesL ~.~'•
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MINUTES of the meeting of ~ ~ ~, = ' ` V`~"`
The BREWSTER ENERGY COMMITTEE - -
Held Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.
At the Brewster Town Office Building, 2198 Main Street, Room C
Present : Ed Swiniarski; Richard Wolf; Marc Weiss, Robert Burnhardt, Chris Powicki,
Jillian Douglass Members of the public - Dr. Kathy Sherman
Solar RFP
Ms. Douglass updated Committee members to tell them that the Town would include the
capped landfill location on the Town's RFP for solar leases, even though CVEC was
soliciting proposals for their development of ground-mounted solar at that site. This
parallel process could yield other community and commercial options
Turbine Proiect Update
Dr. Sherman asked if approval of the easements granted by Article 15 had any bearing on
eth turbine feasibility. Chairman Swiniarski noted that the easements are necessary for
any further energy development at the Commerce Park.
Mr. Wolf noted that the issue raised regarding potential interference from turbine B on th
Radio antennae tower #2 at the Commerce Park was moot and he referenced a hard copy
of a letter from AWS Turbine.
It was noted that the Conservation Commission meeting would determine whether
turbine A would need to be relocated slightly to honor setback requirements from an
isolated wetland.
Chairman Swiniarski noted the Planning Board's question re: access and a 40 foot Right
of Way. He noted that the site was already pretty much stripped of trees. Dr Sherman
noted that the visualizations were depicting conditions "as-is" and that things could look
very different post-clearance. Mr. Wold noted that there are special trucks to deliver the
blades and components and that the only clearance required is for the development of the
pad.
M=r. Powicki noted that the Assembly of Delegates is discussing standards for DRI
review of all wind energy installations. He asked if their vote on a moratorium could
affect Brewster's project. Ms. Douglass noted that she thought the moratorium would
only apply to new applications; not those already filed.
Chairman Swiniarski stated that he felt the Committee should submit a letter in support of
Brewster's Commerce Park Turbine project. He suggested that the Committee meet on
12/9/10 at 2:30p to approve a letter.
CLC Energy Audits and Scoping Report
Ms. Douglass said she would contact CLC for additional follow up on their
recommendations for the SBE and Eddy Schools. Mr. Powicki noted that the CLC
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recommendations are very initial and that on-site scoping should produce more detailed
plans. Ms Douglass noted that the Finance Committee, School Committee, Capital
Planning Committee and Building Needs Committee had not responded or asked about
the Scoping Report. She wondered if individual members would be willing to act as
liaisons to these various entities to attend their meetings and ensure that conservation
efforts would be included and incorporated into studies, designs and plans, before they
become finalized.
Mr.Powicki asked if CLC was soliciting a new Power Purchase Agreement. Ms Douglass
was not aware of any activities beyond the County's bidding processes.
Town Report
Chairman Swiniarski noted he would like to circulate a draft to John Cunningham for
comments. He noted that het report should include reference to the Planning Board's
Special Permit hearing on the Turbines scheduled for 12/15/10
Energy Consumption
Mr. Wolf reported that the Solar panels at the Schools resulted in about a $5,000 savings
on electricity bills. He noted that National Grid had sent out notices regarding new gas
contractors for December 2.
Mr. Powicki stated his desire to educate the public and local businesses (perhaps in
conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce) more on energy issues and Energy
options. He suggested the Committee sponsor a demonstration and outreach program or
forum at the Eddy or SBES. Dr. Sherman noted that ethteh CLC and the CCCC have
good educational programs and outreach activities. Mr. Powicki reminded members that
there would be a talk at the Snow Library in Orleans on Waste to Energy and the future
of the Cape SEMAS S contracts on December 1st at 7pm
The next meeting was set for December 9, 2010 at 2:30p
The meeting adjourned at 4:OOpm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian Douglass, Secretary
Accepted ~,
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