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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-12-2014 PW report_201408071039202573 Meeting of the Committee on Public Works Tuesday, July 1 at 6:00 PM Mastrangelo Council Chambers The Committee on Public Works met at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 1 to discuss policy guidance in regard to the naming of streets/squares, town-wide water meters, the Energy Manager, and the Clean Energy Grant. Attending: Public Works Committee members: Cecilia Lenk Chair; Steve Corbett, Vice Chair; and Tony Palomba, Secretary; DPW Superintendent Gerry Mee; DPW Clerk, Mary Haley; Town Engineer, Matt Shuman; Community Development and Planning Director, Steve Magoon; Veteran Department Agent Gina Rada; Town Council President Mark Sideris; Councilor Vincent Piccirilli; and residents of Watertown (see list attached). Policy Guidance Regarding the Naming of Streets and Squares. The Committee heard a request that the intersection of Worcester Street and Springfield Street be named "Anthony `Tony' Basile Square" in honor of Anthony Basile a long time resident and decorated veteran of World War II (see attached letter from Ken and Kati Swift). A number of residents and Councilor Piccirilli spoke in favor of the request. Motion: Councilor Lenk made the motion that the Committee recommend to the Town Council that the intersection of Worchester Street and Springfield Street be named `Anthony `Tony'Basile Square". Councilor Corbert seconded the motion and it was passed 3— 0. The Committee also discussed the need to establish guidelines for naming streets, squares or other public locations in honor of a veteran or non-veteran. The process at the present time is that a request is presented to and voted on by the Town Council. Mr. Magoon, Ms. Rada, Mr. Mee, and Council President Sideris presented guidelines from other communities which included: the level of achievement/contribution to the community expected for consideration; waiting periods after a death or an event before recognition; fees to cover costs for installation and maintenance of memorial plaques or signs. The Committee requested that Mr. Magoon, Ms. Rada, and Mr. Mee develop a draft set of guidelines for consideration at a future meeting of the Committee. Policy Guidance on Clean Energy Grant Ken Mirvis, chair of Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C), announced that the Town received a $25,000 "Clean Energy Strategies Grant"funded under the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center(CEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division "to support the community-led implementation of clean energy projects identified through the Community Energy Strategies Pilot Program." It should be noted that Watertown was one of only three cities in Commonwealth eligible to apply for this grant. Under the auspices of WE3C, CEC conducted two public meetings where members of the community discussed environment and energy efficiency ideas that the Town could implement in the short term and the long term. There was a list of 12 potential clean energy programs prioritized as a result of these meetings. From those, WE3C chose to focus on improving energy efficiency in homes, particularly rental properties, through the use of thermal imagining technology. This technology would make it possible for the Town to determine the level of heat loss in rental properties. Mr. Mirvis noted that the CEC had 1 already extended the timeline for use of the grant and thus the WE3C was eager to move forward. He went on to explain the WE3C rationales for selecting this option. • Watertown housing stock is old and many owners, particularly owners of rental properties, have not taken steps to improve energy efficiency and decrease heat loss. • If these owners were made aware of the costs associated with heat loss they might consider taking steps to reduce these costs. • The thermal imaging of residences would provide the Town with information about what homes/residences had the greatest heat-loss. The Committee raised a number of concerns about the thermal-imaging proposal, especially issues of privacy and the reaction residents could have to learning that their property was subjected to thermal imaging without their permission. The Committee asked that Mr. Mirvis and the WE3C come back with other options. Policy Guidance on the Energy Manager Mr. Mirvis and Mr. Magoon spoke about the new, full-time position of Energy Manager that was funded by a grant of$50,000 for Year One and $25,000 for Year Two (see attached). The Town Manager proposed that Energy Manager report to Mr. Magoon, be located in Town Hall, and that employee benefits, totally $19,621.96, be paid for by the Town. The Committee was strongly supportive of the hiring of an Energy Manager, but raised a number of concerns including: • Setting out realistic job responsibilities to provide the Energy Manager clear direction and expectations for the community. • Reporting back to the Committee on a periodic basis to review the Energy Manager's progress at fulfilling his/herjob responsibilities. • Consider how the Town could fund the position full-time in Year Two. The Committee acknowledged the work of the WE3C for its efforts in securing the grant that made the Energy Manager position possible. Policy guidance on Proposed Town-wide Water Meters This agenda item was postponed to a future meeting. The committee adjoined at approximately 7:45 PM. Minutes submitted by Councilor Anthony Palomba 2 SfGN IN SHEET Twin I NAME SUBJECT MATTER J1.11 vlkU vi� (k a- C7� 5� F, 0- A From: Ken Swift Sent: Wed, Jun 11, 2014 11:53 am Subject: Anthony Basile To the Distinguished Members of the Watertown Town Council,Town Manager and Veteran's Service Officer; My name is Kenneth Swift,and I,along with my wife Kate and our three children,reside at 151 Worcester Street in Watertown. I was born and raised in Watertown,and for the past fourteen years,I have served as a Watertown Police Officer. I am writing this letter to persuade the Town Council to bestow an honor on my neighbor, and good friend,Anthony"Tony"Basile by re-naming the intersection of Worcester Street and Springfield Street (which abuts Tony's home—147 Worcester Street)"Anthony"Tony"Basile Square." Tony's life story is nothing short of amazing.Tony,like me,was born and raised in Watertown along with his thirteen siblings.Tony attended Watertown Public Schools until 8th grade when he dropped out to help provide for his family.At the age of seventeen,Tony was drafted into the Army and served our country proudly for four and a half years in World War II.While in the Army,Tony landed on the beaches of Normandy,France;fought in General Patton's Third Army at the Battle of the Bulge;and received a purple heart after being wounded at the Battle of Metz. After recovering from his wounds,Tony returned to duty and,later on in the war,Tony received the Bronze Star for bravery for his role in laying communication wire while coming under machine gun fire and mortar attacks. Tony and his unit were forced to fight off a German Patrol in order to complete their assignment,which likely saved the lives of many other service members that day. Prior to leaving for the war,Tony married the love of his life,Mary,and moved to 147 Worcester Street. After the war,Tony returned home to Watertown,and he and Mary started a family. Tony and Mary had two children that they raised in their home,and even though Mary has passed away,Tony still resides at 147 Worcester Street where he has lived for the past seventy(70)years! Tony also has three grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. His great-grandchildren even call him"Great"which is very apropos considering Tony's service to our country. For the past seven years,my family and I have had the privilege to live next-door to Tony,and we have learned so much from him in that time.On July 12,2014,Tony's family is celebrating his 95th birthday. His daughter, grandson and two great-grandchildren are traveling from Birmingham,Alabama to Watertown in order to celebrate his birthday with him.Tony also has family traveling from all over the Commonwealth to honor him on that day. In 2009,when Tony turned 90,the Watertown Town Council honored him with a proclamation.Now,I am requesting the Town Council go further than that.I believe,based on Tony's life-long residence in Watertown,along with his honorable and distinguished service in World War 11,that the Town Council should honor Tony by renaming the intersection of Worcester Street and Springfield Street"Anthony"Tony"Basile Square." (For what it's worth, my family and 1,as current residents of Worcester Street,would be honored to have that"square"named after such a great man). Re-naming that"square"after Tony would also tie nicely into the existing neighborhood as one block up from Tony's residence,at the corner of Malden Street and Springfield Street,fellow WWII veteran George Barmakian is honored with a commemorative plaque declaring that intersection`Barmakian Square." It is my understanding that Sgt.Barmakian lost his life at the Battle of the Bulge,the same battle in which Tony Basile fought and was wounded. Sadly,Sgt.Barmakian perished in the war and was not alive when the square was named in his honor. However,the Town Council has the unique opportunity to honor Tony,with his whole family in attendance. Tony is a very humble man who does not think of himself as a hero and who,to this day,does not like to talk about his service.But I know this honor would mean so much to Tony and his family,especially given the close proximity of Tony's home to the"square"in question. Therefore,I respectfully request the town consider honoring Tony Basile on July 12,2014,by naming the corner of Worcester Street and Springfield Street"Anthony"Tony"Basile Square." Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this letter and for your consideration of this request.Please feel free to contact me anytime if you wish to discuss this matter further. Respectfully Submitted, Kenneth and Kati Swift 151 Worcester St Watertown,MA 02472 (617-571-4636) ToWN OF 1630 WATERTOWN �i Office of the Town Manager - i- sr Administration Building 149 Main Street ' Watertown,MA02472 Phone:617-972-6465 Michael J. Driscoll Fax: 617-972-6404 Town Manager www.watertown-rn townme_rCahvatertown-ma.g-ma.eov To: Honorable Town Council From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager "� < Date: May 22, 2014 RE: Energy Manager Grant Award As you know, discussion regarding the subject and the attached May 201"Miscellaneous Item was held at last night's Committee of the Whole Budget Hearing. I will bring this up under Communications from the Town Manager at the May 27, 2014 Town Council Meeting and respectfully request the matter be referred to Committee for review and consideration. cc: Honorable School Committee Honorable Library Board of Trustees All Department Heads Hand, JoAnna From: Driscoll, Michael Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 3:02 PM To: Osmond, Marsha; Hand,JoAnna Cc: Parsons, Raeleen; Magoon, Steven;Tracy,Thomas; Mee, Gerald; Dpwdept Subject: :Watertown's Energy Manager Grant application Attachments: watertown_EM_award_Itr.pdf Please include in today's Misc Items to Council as Ms. Parsons will speak in more detail on this matter at tomorrow night's Budget Hearing. From: Parsons, Raeleen Sent:Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:45 PM To: Driscoll, Michael Cc: Osmond, Marsha; Hand,JoAnna Subject: FW: Watertown's Energy Manager Grant application FYI - ---- ------- -From: Lusardi, Meg(ENE) Imailto:mee.lusardi(@state.ma.us) Sent: Friday, May 02, 2014 7:56 AM To: Driscoll, Michael Cc: Parsons, Raeleen; Bissetta,Joanne (ENE); Capone, Lisa (ENE) Subject:Watertown's Energy Manager Grant application Dear Town Manager Driscoll - Please see attached notice of award regarding Watertown's Energy Manager Grant application. Congratulations! Best, Meg Meg Lusardi, Director Green Communities Division Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1020, Boston, MA 02114 Ph: 617.626.7364 Fax: 617.727.0030 httD://www.rnass.aov/doer/ Creating a Cleaner Energy Future for the Commonwealth Follow DOER on Twitter: htto://twitter.com/MassDOER Visit the Energy Smarts blog: www.mass.cov/bloc/enerciv 1 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF F. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES 100 CAMBRIDGE ST.,SUITE 1020 BOSTON,MA 02114 Telephone:617-626-7300 Facsimile:617-727-0030 Deval L.Patrick Richard K.Sullivan,Jr. Governor Secretary Mark D.Sylvia Commissioner May 1, 2014 Michael Driscoll,Town Manager Town of Watertown 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 2472 Dear Town Manager Driscoll, I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division has approved an award of$50,000 for a Full-time Energy Manager for the Town of Watertown. Please note that funding is provided for one year beginning in fiscal year 2015. A second year of funding is contingent upon performance in year one. In addition,the Town is committed to providing the cost share specified in its grant application. In the next few weeks, Paul Carey,Green Communities Grants Coordinator,will follow up with the designated contact listed in your grant application to discuss next steps, including coordination of the grant contract process. The Green Communities Division looks forward to working with you and your Energy Manager. We congratulate you on this grant award, and applaud your efforts to create a cleaner energy future for your community and the Commonwealth as a whole. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 617-626-7364 or by email at mee.lusardWstate.ma.us with any questions you may have regarding your grant award. Siinn�y,,,, cc����e re ly, � of aa� Meg Lusardi, Director Green Communities Division Cc: Raeleen Parsons, Director of Purchasing ( Dear Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources: The Town of Watertown is delighted to submit this proposal for a$50,000 (Year 1) grant for a fulltime community Energy Manager. Watertown meets all of the eligibility criteria noted in the Grant Application: • Watertown is a designated Green Community. • Watertown does not currently have an Energy Manager position, so this will be a new position. • Watertown will provide at least 10 percent matching funds, with no more than 5 percent in- kind. • Watertown has an active Energy Committee(the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee—WE3C)that was created by the Chief Executive Officer. • Ms.Raeleen Parsons, Watertown's Director of Purchasing and liaison to WE3C, is authorized to use MEI. LEAD APPLICANT INFORMATION Municipality/Regional School District/Regional Point of Contact Planning Agency Town of Watertown Ms.Raeleen Parsons ( Street Address Title 149 Main Street Director of Purchasing City/Town State Telephone Email Watertown MA Zip Code 617-972-6414 02472 rparsons@watertown-ma.gov For a multiple municipality request,please list all municipalities included in application: N/A Please mark the appropriate line with an X and fill in funding application amount: Applying for Energy Manager Grant: X Full-time position (greater than 32 hours per week) • Year One Amount Requested (up to $50,000) MUM _Part-time position (32 hours or fewer per week) • Year One Amount Requested (up to $25,000) -2- ATTACHMENT A PLEASE ATTACH A DETAILED WORI{PLAN FOR THE ENERGY MANAGER POSITION, LIMITING YOUR RESPONSE TO NO MORE THAN THREE PAGES, At a minimum,Watertown expects the Energy Manager to carry out the following tasks: • Oversee energy-related maintenance and improvements and identify opportunities to improve efficiency on all town properties,including fire,police,library,town hall, skating rink,Commander's mansion (at the Arsenal), and schools. 10% • Coordinate closely with maintenance efforts of the Department of Public Works and the Town Engineer to maximize energy efficiency. 10% • Monitor performance and maintenance on ESCO-related improvements from on-going ESCO work in town properties. 10% • Research viable technologies,best practices and projects that Watertown can undertake to improve its energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. 5% • Continuously seek,follow-through on, and manage additional funding opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. 10% ( • Interface with the school committee,superintendent, school curriculum coordinators and the school community to help develop,implement and deliver clean energy education messages. 10% • Work with Town staff and Town Council to explore innovative ideas for leveraging Town-level initiatives in such areas as smart growth/mixed used planning,building code energy improvements, and landlord-tenant efficiency incentives.10% • Coordinate with other local,regional,state,federal and non-profit organizations such as MAPC, nearby towns, and ICLEI on clean energy projects. 10% • Evaluate energy use by town government and town private vehicles to determine strategies to minimize miles driven and increase fuel efficiency. Specifically evaluate viability of EV's and EV charging stations. 10% • Develop public outreach strategy for clean energy for private citizens of the town. 5% • Serve as liaison to the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, and take primary responsibility for scheduling,posting meetings and for completing all reporting requirements,both for the town and the states governments. 10% For a multiple municipality request,describe the role and function of the RPA. -3— The following must be included in order for the application to be deemed complete. You must address EACH bullet: 1. Describe the need for the position, and whatgap this position will fill that is not currently being addressed;note who,if anyone,currently addresses energy issues and projectsfor the applicant; describe why an Energy Manageris critical foryour municipality orRSD to implement these projects and to meet overall clean energy goals. Watertown has been aggressive in improving the Town's energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint by becoming a green community;retrofitting our streetlights from sodium vapor to LED with an annual kWh energy savings of 203,363 per year;hiring and funding an ESCO to make improvements across the town's portfolio of property;installing photovoltaics on the Police Station,the High School,and the Department of Public Works;building a Police Station with many green features including a geothermal heating system;participating in the Solarize Massachusetts initiative;and participating in the CEC's Clean Energy Strategies Program. Through our partnership with Next Step Living home weatherization initiative,311 metric tons of greenhouse gasses have been reduced annually. We have done this with the strong support of the Manager and the Council,but with minimal internal resources.The Director of Purchasing and Director of Planning have added energy to their full portfolios.The all-volunteer Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee has led the way in identifying the opportunities listed above and its member's labor pro bono to help staff carry the load. In light of how much we have been able to accomplish with no staff dedicated to these efforts,we are confident that we can increase our overall energy and improvements several-fold with the addition of a dedicated energy staff person. In addition to overseeing projects,seeking new funding opportunities,timely filing of state reports and grant applications,the new Energy Manager will also be in the position to interface with virtually all of the Town's departments, which will put him/her in a uniquely valuable position. 2. identify specific energy-saving projects the Energy Manager will focus on in Year One,as well as clearly defined projects and goals the Energy Manager will achieve over the course of the two-year grant,Break down projects and goals into Year One and Year Two,with at least two energy saving and/or renewable energygoals identified for achieving each year. Year One: 1) Evaluate ESCO strategy for possible improvements to the plan. Evaluate ESCO implementation. 2) Identify opportunities not addressed by the ESCO for improved efficiency in all town buildings and develop a plan for behavioral change as well as continued capital improvements 3) Work with Town Council and staff to integrate our Clean Energy Center road map into town planning processes,policy making,and ordinances 4) Liaise with Next Step Living to reach a target of 1,000 homes assessed. (We currently have 422 homes assessed with 101 weatherizing projects completed.) Year Two: ( 1) Evaluate suitability of all town and school buildings for solar PV and solicit bids for solar PPA or lease for all suitable buildings. -4— 2) Evaluate energy use by town government and town private vehicles to determine strategies to minimize miles driven and increase fuel efficiency. Specifically evaluate viability of EV's and EV charging stations. 3. Identify what energy tracking tool is being used;if using MassEnergylnsight(MEI),who is the authorized user;If not using MEI,provide evidence,such as printouts tracking energy usage,far other tool being used. Historically,Watertown has been using MEI,and Raeleen Parsons is the authorized user,along with Jae Smith at the School Department. The Energy Manager will assume the role of authorized user. As back up,Ms.Parsons and Ms.Smith track utility usages and costs with Microsoft Excel. 4. Provide a targetfor annual clean energy benefits(eg,estimated savings as a percentage of current energy costs/bills)that will resultfrorn the Energy Manager's work. Our target will be simple:In the first year to save the town more than the cost of the position and to develop a three-year plan that will continue to increase overall savings and carbon reductions to the town,thus making the position self-funding for the foreseeable future. 5. Identify the clear energy projects the municipality or RSD has completed to date and how the Energy Manager will continue to monitor and/or improve upon these projects. ( A) Achieving Green Community Status: Much of the work was done by volunteers,supported by a lot of heavy lifting by town employees. An Energy Manager could take a leading role in such initiatives and lighten the load on the already-stressed schedules of the town's full- time employees. The Energy Manager will also be responsible for managing data,and completing reporting requirements and applying for Green Community grants. B) Managing the work of the ESCO:While much of the oversight work for the ESCO was carried out by a consultant to the town,managing the consultant required a great deal of un- allocated staff time. With the work of the ESCO nearing completion,the Energy Manager will provide long-term performance monitoring and maintenance,which we are not currently at a staffing level to be able to provide at an adequate level. C) When designing the new Police Station,members of the Energy Committee advocated for many of the energy-related features,including lighting and PV. An Energy Manager will be able to assist with similar future efforts.There were initial issues with the performance of the geothermal heating system at the Police Station,which were handled by the voluntary building committee'. Efforts like this will be better handled in future by a professional Energy Manager. D. Securing funding for overseeing the installation of PV on the Department of Public Works and the High School also require extraordinary volunteer and staff effort,which the Energy Manager will be able to manage.The energy manager will be able to use his/her dedicated time and expertise in getting PV installed on other town buildings. In addition,and of immense importance,the PV system on the high school is not currently integrated into the curriculum,and we will establish this improvement as a high priority for the Energy Manager. In addition,energy,resource,and community environmental issues are not integrated into the curriculum or the School Department's Community Outreach. With r -s- assistance from professional energy educators on the Energy Committee,the Energy Manager will be able to move the schools forward in a multitude of ways,from facilities improvements to teaching to curriculum and to community outreach. E) While Green Community funding paid for the town's street light retrofit,the tasks of managing the work.and overseeing performance fall onto town employees. The Energy Manager will be able to assume those responsibilities.The Energy Manager could also develop a plan to retrofit the remaining lights. 6. Provide an outline ofschool and community-wide energy education initiatives the Energy Manager will lead in Year One. A. Work with the school department and the community to develop an integrated curriculum that addresses local sustainability efforts,efficiency,and community renewable energy efforts. B) Pilot an expansion of the Middle School Earth Day celebration and science fair that includes public events; C) Involve residents,public officials and public employees in an on-going conversation about energy efficiency and environmental issues by: - Assisting with recruitment for relevant public meetings - Keeping the municipal sustainability webpage up to date and in the public eye rhtti)://www.watertown-ma.izov/index.ast)x?NID=7771; - Building a relationship with and contacting the press and local community groups on a ( regular basis; Holding regular office hours. D) Work with residents,public officials,and public employees to actualize and implement the Clean Energy Road Map developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center,including organizing a community energy forum to help educate the public regarding energy conservation opportunities. R For a position in a municipality,explain how the Energy Manager will enhance communication on energy across multiple municipal departments,including schools. For a position in a Regional School District,how will the Energy Manager enhance communication on energy issues across the School District,including member towns. The Energy Manager will work with relevant Town Council subcommittees,and town departments to develop buy-in at all levels. This is especially crucial between the loosely coupled Town and School departments.The Town Manager will stand behind the Energy Manager's work. Each department has a stake in the Energy Manager's success in that reduced spending on energy leaves more room in the budget for other needs. This will be communicated and examples of success in energy savings will be highlighted town-wide as case studies to emulate internally. B. Explain howyour municipality/RSD will sustain the Energy Manager position beyond Year One (with reduced DOER funding),and beyond Year Two,if Year Two funding is provided(with DOER no longerfunding the position), We expect that the Energy Managers salary will pay for itself in reduce energy costs over time. However,we will integrate his or her compensation in town budgets going forward.The Town Council,Town Manager,School committee and School Superintendent are all strong supporters of clean energy and understand the return on investment for such a position. -6- ATTACHMENT B PLEASE ATTACH A DETAILED BUDGET FOR THE ENERGY MANAGER POSITION, LIMITING YOUR RESPONSE TO NO MORE THAN TWO PAGES The following mustbe included in order for the application to he deemed complete. You must address each item: AMOUNT of Funding Being Requested: $50,000 Matching DOER Funds Funds Total Salary(37.5 hrs/wk,$25.54/hr) for 52.2 weeks per year $50,000 None $50,000 Mileage Expenses None None None Outreach/Education Materials None None None Other Expenses (Specify) Medical Benefits* None $19,500 $19,500 TOTAL $50,000 $19,500 $69,500 • Specify how many hours the Energy Manager will work each week,if the grant will increase the hours of an existing position,how many additional hours per week. This position will be a full-time,37.5-hour-per-week position for52.2 weeks peryear at$25.54 perhour. • A budget that delineates in percentages how much of the grant funding(i.e.,how much of the Energy Manager's time and effort)will be spent on each work plan activity.For a multi- municipality request,indicate the percentage of time spent by the position on each community. • Provide supporting documentation to justify the hourly rate of the position This position will be required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related field and have at least years of energy-related work experience. This rate of pay is roughly equal to a currently published position with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. • Specify how the municipality or RSD will fund the matching portion of the budget Tire town will fund the benefits share of this position with a value of$19,500 per-year, 'Attached is the budget instructions to departments to add$19,500 to fund for benefits for a new enrployee position. • Include a detailed plan for how the position will be sustained and funded beyond the life of the grant. We anticipate that this position will sustain itself through identifying and implementing energy saving measures. Attachments C,D, and E. with signatures, have been provided in an earlier submission.