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August 3, 2010 -Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Renewable Energy Committee was called to order at
4:OOPM in the Skaket Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Mall by Chair Mary Jane
Curran.
Present: Mary Jane Curran, Ken Rowell, Victor Noerdlinger, David Hubbard, Dick
Philbrick, Jim Hungerford, John Jannell, Planning Dept. Liaison, and Paul Rooker,
Finance Committee liaison.
Absent: Chris Galazi, and Sims McGrath, BOS liaison.
Also present was Carl Freeman
Mary Jane Curran summarized the visit of Seth Pickering, Regional Coordinator for the
Green Communities Act(GCA). Discussion included the status of the GCA and should
the Committee ask Seth to attend a Board of Selectmen meeting to talk on the GCA?
Ken Rowell commented that with 35 plus Green Communities at present, and several
more ready to become Green Communities along with the fact that there is a per capita
retriction, raised the question; Is it worth the effort? With only $8.1 million available in
any given year, a small town with a high per capita income level such as Orleans would
see limited grant money as demonstrated by recent grant awards.
John Jannell suggested that the Committee draft recommendations to the Town on the
benefits of adoption of the GCA. John J. took time to review his notes from the prior
meeting with the Committee. John commented on the fact that the latest regulations
included in Item 5 of the GCA, the "Stretch Code" applies to all new construction
(remodeling and new additions). Several items John wants clarification on from Seth
which includes the model for the payback for the "Stretch Code" and the formula for
determining cities and towns to receive upcoming grants.
John mentioned that the Cape is ahead of other areas in the State because of the
energy audit system in place at Cape Light Compact and Rise Engineering. Other
resources are available on the Cape at the Cape Tech Schools.
The GCA allows and encourages the placement of light alternative industry for
Research and Development within Towns to meet requirements of the GCA.
Mary Jane C., and Ken Rowell agreed to work with John J. to review the "Stretch Code
with the Orleans building inspector. They will report back to the full Committee on their
findings.
Dick Philbrick brought up the concern over noise. MJ noted the states Wind Siting
Reform Act was on the agenda later in the meeting.
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets—January 6th, 2010 Page 1 of 3
The Wind Energy Siting Reform Act - The Committee discussed the current status of
the Act. The Act is in limbo now as both State Senate and House have passed different
versions and the Act needs reconciliation between both groups.There is much debate
over the proposed Act.
The Town of Dennis is having discussions over the siting of a new wind turbine in the
Old Kings Highway Historic District(OKHHD). A hearing regarding this proposed turbine
at the Aquaculture Research Center(ARC) will be held August 11th at the Dennis Town
Hall. The Cape Cod Community College(4 C's) had problems with their proposed wind
turbine in the OKHHD. The Siting Reform Act may offer some relief to these
roadblocks. Mary Jpne recommended that the Committee stay on top of what is
happening with discussion within the halls of the State Legislatures. Keep informed.
Old Business:
COA Solar Project Status;
John J. briefly went over the grant awards being processed by the State.
John J. updated the Committee on the status of the Council On Aging Solar project.
John mentioned that the Bid packets should be going out shortly for advertising. John
will include a procurement schedule in the next meeting packet.
Wind Turbine Noise;
Dick Philbrick brought up the current concerns recently being raised over wind turbine
noise. Dick stated that the State should be very concerned with the upswing in groups
against turbines because of the so-called noise issues.
A discussion followed centered on the current problems of the Falmouth wind turbine
and the noise concerns raised by local citizens. Falmouth is working on finding what is
causing the problems and is just about ready to put a second wind turbine online.
Dick Philbrick commented on the September Eastharn Festival and a possibility of the
windmill being run to grind grain. He suggested that Jim Hungerford record the sound
and to make a comparison berween this windmill and the modern turbines. The
windmill will not be grinding grain during this years Festival. Same for the windmill in
Orleans on the Cove.
Approval of previous minutes;
The minutes of June 15, July 6, and July 20 were approved. Dave Hubbard, Clerk read
corrections being proposed in each and the Committee voted on each set of minutes
with changes.
Public Comment;
Carl Freeman made a presentation on plans to improve the traffic within the Town of
Orleans. Working with the "village center committee", Carl spoke on the consideration
of the construction of a Park and Ride lot and using buses to move people to
destinations around town. He also mentioned the possible use of bike peds and water
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets—January 6th, 2010 Page 2 of 3
cabs to reduce traffic. Another proposal was to have a turbine like structure laying
horizontal on the ground where individuals could pedal to create energy.
No New Business;
Adjogr,qed at 5:3 P
David L. Hubbard, Clerk
Attachments:
Agenda for August 3, 2010
New Release of Communities receiving Green Communites funding.
Memorandum to John Kelly
Minutes of June 15,2010
Minutes of July 6, 2010
Minutes of July 20, 2010
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets-January 6th, 2010 Page 3 of 3