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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-12-4 and 10-16 Energy Master Plan (amended)_201902211524368271 /i63o Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street p�Ce co Watertown, MA 02472 ELECTED Phone: 617-972-6470 OFFICIALS: Mark S.Sideris, Committee on Public Works and Council President Committee on Economic Development and Planning Vincent J.Piccirilli,Jr., Meetings: October 16 and December 4, 2018 Vice President& Report: January 8, 2019 (as amended) District C Councilor The Joint Committees convened at 7:30 pm on Monday October 22, 2018 in the Louis P. Caroline Bays Councilor At Large Andrews Upper Conference Room. Present were Public Works Committee members Vincent Piccirilli, chair; Anthony Palomba, vice chair; and Kenneth Woodland, Anthony J.Donato, secretary and Economic Development and Planning Committee members Kenneth Councilor At Large Woodland, chair; Lisa Feltner,vice chair; and Vincent Piccirilli, secretary. Staff present Susan G.Falkoff, were Steven Magoon,Assistant Town Manager/Director of Community Development Councilor At Large and Planning; and Ed Lewis, Energy Manager. Also present were Councilor Susan Anthony Palomba, Falkoff, members of the Watertown Environment&Energy Efficiency Committee, and Councilor At Large members of the public (see sign-in sheet Attachment A). Angeline B.Kncilor , The purpose of the meeting was to develop a recommendation for the Town Council on District A Councilor p� g p how to move forward with the Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10 Goal IA, "Consider Lisa J.Feltner, Developing a Climate Action or Energy Master Plan and Adopt it as an Addendum to District B Councilor the Watertown Comprehensive Plan." Kenneth M.Woodland, District D Councilor A proposal from the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C)was presented to the Joint Committees. The proposal recommended that Watertown commit to the development of a master plan and that it be called the "Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan." (See Attachment B). In order to develop an effective "Climate and Energy Master Plan,"Watertown needs information regarding both mitigation and adaptation challenges. To that end, the proposal suggested moving forward with: 1. A Green House Gas (GHG) Inventory and Ener2v Assessment that would collect and analyze data on sources of GHG emissions in Watertown including housing, businesses, municipal buildings and activities, and transportation; and 2. A Climate Chance Vulnerabilitv Assessment that would involve data gathering on Watertown's assets in terms of its residents, topography, landscape, infrastructure, municipal services, businesses, and transportation. The Town would need to hire a consultant to collect the information and develop recommendations as described above. The report would go to WE3C for consideration and would include Town Council and staff assistance in its review and for the potential implementation of any recommendations. Other assessments in surrounding communities have taken months to years to complete and the cost range can vary but generally would be expected to be in the tens of thousands of dollars (there may also be grant funding available from the State). It was also mentioned to include the public throughout the process as much as possible. Page 1 of 2 Joint Committees on Public Works and Economic Development&Planning Report January 8,2019 The Joint Committees then discussed a resolution that was drafted by Watertown Faces Climate Change and endorsed as revised by WEX (see Attachment C). The Joint Committees discussed whether or not the full Town Council should move forward with the resolution and if so whether or not the language would need to be amended. Councilor Palomba made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, that the Joint Committees move forward with a resolution on this topic for consideration by the full Town Council. The vote was 3- 1 with Councilor Woodland voting in opposition. Councilor Palomba made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner,that the proposed resolution be amended by Councilor Piccirilli to reflect the Joint Committees discussion and brought back to the Joint Committees for further consideration and review. The vote was 3-1 with Councilor Woodland voting in opposition because he disagreed with the procedural matter, and not because he opposed the plan. 4 ACTION ITEM: Councilor Woodland made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, that the full Town Council endorses the WE3C recommendations for a"Climate and Energy Master Plan", as presented, and requests the administration identify potential consultants for the assessments, develop one or more Requests for Proposals, and identify a funding source,to be brought forward for Town Council consideration. The motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm. The Joint Committees reconvened at 6:00 pm on Tuesday December 4, 2018 in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber. Present were Committee members Mr. Piccirilli, Mr. Palomba, Mr. Woodland, and Ms. Feltner. Staff present were Mr. Magoon and Mr. Lewis. Also present were Council President Mark Sideris, Councilor Caroline Bays, members of the Watertown Environment &Energy Efficiency Committee, and members of the public (see sign-in sheet Attachment D) The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the revised resolution which was tasked to Councilor Piccirilli. The updates to the resolution included some grammatical changes, adding language from relevant authorities concerning the issue of renewable energy and refining Watertown specific aspirations at the end of the resolution. Committee members and the public then spoke generally in favor of the resolution. It was mentioned that though the resolution does not mandate specific renewable goals it does set a framework to help guide Town policy moving forward. The Committee agreed to amend some language and to update the resolution to include the Annual National Climate Assessment released in November. 4 ACTION ITEM: Councilor Palomba made a motion, seconded by Councilor Feltner, that the full Town Council approve the amended resolution. The motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm. Report prepared by Kenneth Woodland. Attachment A: Sign-In Sheet October 22, 2018 Attachment B: WEX Proposal for Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan, July 2018 Attachment C: WE3C Proposed Resolution 10/22/18 Attachment D: Sign-In Sheet December 4, 2018 Attachment E: Draft Resolution for a Transition to 100% Renewable Energy- December 4, 2018 Page 2 of 2 O/aa Ile 6-d d Ll vt WE3C proposal for Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan The Watertown Comprehensive Plan,adopted in 2015,includes a recommendation that the Town"Consider developing a Climate Action or Energy Master Plan and adopt it as an addendum to the Watertown Comprehensive Plan." We recommend that Watertown commit to the development of such a plan and suggest it be called the"Watertown Climate and Energy Master Plan." The effects of climate change are already apparent and are predicted to increase in severity over time.These effects are on a global,national and local level.Along with every other national,state and local government,Watertown has a moral imperative to address its contribution to climate change. There are also economic and public health imperatives for careful planning regarding climate effects. It is clear from projections that Watertown as a community will be increasingly affected by climate change. Significant impacts to daily life in Watertown are to be expected. Local impacts are predicted to include increased flooding from increased precipitation and storms,and increased temperatures. Temperature change in the U.S.is predicted to be greatest in the Northeast,including summer heat waves of much greater duration. These climate change effects are projected to occur regardless of reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The severity of effects,however,will be significantly influenced by local, regional,national and international mitigation efforts,especially in the longer term. Broadly speaking,Watertown faces two challenges: mitigation and adaptation. On-going mitigation efforts in reduction of GHG emissions are critically important and require careful assessment of costs and benefits in order to be as effective as possible. Meanwhile, coordinated planning is also crucial for successful adaptation to the expected range of coming climate impacts on quality of life for Watertown residents. This includes impacts on Watertown residents'health and property as well as on town infrastructure,services,and environment. In order to develop an effective Climate and Energy Master Plan,Watertown needs information regarding both mitigation and adaptation challenges. Such information would include: • A Green House Gas (GHGI Inventory and Enerev Assessment would collect and analyze data on sources of GHG emissions in Watertown including housing, businesses,municipal buildings and activities,and transportation. It would also make best estimates of current and future energy needs and available resources. Using this information,mitigation planning could be optimized. It should be noted that the Town,in its municipal buildings and operations,has accomplished significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and is working toward its recommended goal of reducing emissions from 2010 levels by 20%by 2020. This,if achieved,will be a major accomplishment. Yet a much larger challenge looms in the state goal of 80%reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. As well,the challenge of reducing GHG emissions beyond municipal to the private sector has been a focus of Town efforts including encouraging home weatherization,private roof-top solar installations and,recently,the Town's endorsement of Watertown Electricity Choice,a community aggregation program that will offer town residents the option of greener electricity. This is a beginning,but a comprehensive inventory will allow for much more comprehensive planning. • A Climate Change Vulnerabilitv Assessment would involve data gathering on Watertown's assets in terms of its residents,topography,landscape,infrastructure, municipal services,businesses,and transportation.For planning,local and regional climate projections for both nearer-term and longer-term horizons have been utilized,typically focusing on the years 2030 and 2070. The vulnerability of Watertown's assets to climate change would make use of information from regional climate change studies,local area temperature projections, FEMA flood maps,area storm projections and from detailed analysis of local conditions including population distribution and growth patterns,business types and locations, topography,tree canopy,permeable and impermeable surfaces and drainage systems,buildings,infrastructure,transportation,and locations of critical services. Information would be gathered from town resources such as persons and boards involved in town planning including the DPW, Board of Health, Police and Fire Depts, Planning Board,Conservation Commission,Parks and Recreation,Tree Warden,Stormwater Committee,Transportation Planner, Energy Manager, Facilities Manager,School Dept,and Elder Services. In addition,information would be gathered from private resources including religious,business,and civic organizations. Gathered information would enable projection of impacts in 2030 and 2070 to town growth,residents'health and quality of life,housing and other buildings,emergency needs,transportation,infrastructure,energy supply,water and sewage systems,trees and green space. Using this information the Town would develop a Climate and Energy Master Plan with priorities and strategies driven by the assessments. The Plan would include the development of specific goals in multiple areas,strategies for monitoring progress toward such goals,and would build in flexibility for adjustments to changing conditions. The Climate and Energy Master Plan also would seek to coordinate with plans developed by adjacent communities and regional entities such as the Metropolitan Area Planning Council while maintaining its focus on the specific needs and circumstances of Watertown and its residents. The scope and depth of such a project is very large. Therefore,we propose that the Town hire a consultant or consultants to collect data as described above and then develop recommendations. Such recommendations would be formulated into a Climate and Energy Master Plan suitable to be adopted as an Addendum to the Watertown Comprehensive Plan. The WE3C and Town Energy Manager would be involved in an advisory role throughout the process and would review all recommendations with the Town Council Subcommittees on Public Works and Economic Development and Planning before presenting them to the Town Manager and Town Council. July 2018 Igxa, I wu 3C- Resolution for the Town of Watertown, Massachusetts, in support of the transition to 100% renewable energy "WHEREAS, 971110 of published climate scientists agree that human activity is responsible for global warming ,, and "WHEREAS, we understand that global warming profoundly threatens human health, economic activity, and the viability and stability of the Earth's ecosystems and WHEREAS, communities in Massachusetts and around the world are already experiencing climate change and in many cases enduring its adverse impacts ,; and WHEREAS, clean energy production brings many benefits to Massachusetts, including reducing pollution, creating new clean energy jobs, and retaining more of our energy dollars in the local economy ,,; and WHEREAS, the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts are: 39% transportation, 26% residential, 19% commercial and 13% industrial all areas must be addressed; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the planning agency that serves Metropolitan Boston, is urging all 101 cities and towns in the reeion to move to 100% renewable energv6; and WHEREAS, many municipalities in Massachusetts are progressing toward 100% renewable enere-w, including Arlington, Melrose, Auburn, Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and Holyoke, and prominent American companies, including Biogen, Google. Amazon. Johnson & Johnson, Facebook. Avole. and Microsoft, now follow business models committed to 100% renewable energy a; and WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown, appreciating the threat of climate change, has already taken significant steps to become energy efficient, reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of Watertown commits to a goal of 100% renewable municipal electricity by 2035, and100% renewable m ro icipal heat and transportation by 2050. !6 LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of Watertown will encourage and, when feasible, provide incentives for residents, commercial and transportation sectors to transition to 100% energy by 2050. TO The Town Council agrees to strongly consider taking concrete and aggressive steps to achieve that goal by: • Exploring the construction of Netfero municipal buildings by seeking consultation from green energy designers while new buildings are in the planning process6be use we know that schools have high enerQv uses, paying par 'cular attention to the rehabilitation and construction of schools, here the Netfero and 0-emissions movement has been zainM trac 'on m. • Explore and adopt best transportation practices, including providing municipal shuttles, establishing safe and extensive bike lanes, contracting for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, continuing to purchase municipal electric vehicles, providing municipal spaces for Z�Car and other solutions to Single Occupancy vehicle trips made by Watertown residents or workers. • Encourage town-wide participation in Mass Save audits, Community Choice Aggregation and through Design Guidelines and TMA projects. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Watertown officials and staff will consider all municipal decisions in light of whether they will bring the Town and its residents, businesses, and institutions closer to 100% renewable energy, including avoiding actions that could unnecessarily delay the transition to 100% renewable energy; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Manager report back to the Council on the status of progress toward 100% renewable energy at least once a year. T)JV l d S. -o VP-3 -z o Law s �f Z ll�'1 d F� of,4r-o <---- "73 JY\ i i i Draft for Discussion 12/4/18 Town of Watertown supports a Transition to 100% Renewable Energy WHEREAS, global warming threatens human health, economic activity, and the stability of the Earth's ecosystems, with communities in Massachusetts already experiencing its adverse impacts; and WHEREAS, clean energy production brings many benefits to Massachusetts, by reducing pollution, creating new clean energy jobs, and retaining more of our energy dollars in the local economy; and WHEREAS, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 percent or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities; and WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted by consensus on December 12, 2015 and brings all nations into a common cause to undertake take ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with each country to determine,plan, and regularly report on the contribution that it undertakes to mitigate global warming; and WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, Chapter 298 of the Acts of 2008, which requires a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the state to 10%-25%below 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80%below 1990 levels by 2050; and also passed the Green Jobs Act, Chapter 307 of the Acts of 2008, to support the growth of a clean energy technology industry within the state; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, of which Watertown is a member, is urging all 101 member cities and towns to move to 100%renewable energy, and is providing technical and policy assistance for municipalities to set goals and undertake a holistic approach to their climate planning; and WHEREAS, the Watertown Comprehensive Plan was adopted in June 2015 with a vision for our future, and includes Goal I in Chapter 10: "Consider developing a Climate Action or Energy Master Plan and adopt it as an addendum to the Watertown Comprehensive Plan". THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the City Known as the Town of Watertown commits to aspirational goals of using 100%renewable energy for municipal electricity by 2035, and using 100%renewable energy for municipal heating and municipal transportation by 2050; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Watertown undertake a public process to develop and adopt a Climate and Energy Master Plan; and to use this plan to refine these renewable energy goals; and to develop additional goals and objectives for Watertown to meet, including Massachusetts' target reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 80%below 1990 levels by 2050; and 2. That the Town Council of Watertown encourages non-municipal residential, commercial, and transportation sectors in Watertown commit to a transition to 100%renewable energy by 2050; and 3. That the Town Manager provide an annual report to the Town Council on the progress toward a transition to 100% renewable energy, for both municipal and non-municipal uses.