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June 15, 2010 -Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Renewable Energy Committee was called to order at
4:00PM in the Skaket Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall by Chair Mary Jane
Curran.
Present: Ken Rowell, Victor Noerdlinger, David Hubbard, Dick Philbrick, Jim
Hungerford, John Jannell, Planning Dept. Liaison, Paul Rooker, Finance Committee
Liaison,
Absent: Chris Galazzi, and Sims McGrath, BOS liaison.
Review of Green Communities Act Guidelines - John Ja(nnell continued with a review
of the guidelines to qualify as a Green Community. Tonight John covered Guideline 5
which referenced the new "Stretch Code"for new construction within the State. It sets
guidelines to meet for individual home and commercial construction and includes
square foot sizes for each. There is a performance-based code which requires the
structures to meet specific efficiency. John J. also covered the adoption process
proposed by the State. In the past, most new specific processes that are adopted,
eventually become required. Under the adoption process, Towns are advised to adopt
the "Stretch Code"through Town Meeting action. According to the process, "There can
be no amendments to the State Building Codes language for Stretch Code to be in
effect".
John J. has included a map of Massachusetts with 35 current Communities that are
designated Green Communities.
Ken Rowell asked about the possible increase in additional inspections that will be
required under the Act. How will the Towns handle the additional work with reduced
staffing. Could be no easy sell for local communities. John J. asked that Committee
members consider questions for the Regional Coordinator.
Also included in packet were articles in the Cape Cod Times on the town of Mashpee
adopting the Stretch Code and Harwich's decision to reject the Stretch Code for the
time being. Mashpee will be the first Cape Green Community.
Wind Sites within Orleans Watershed - John J. started the discussion with a quick
review of the past Committee's report. John stated that the lack of financial aid affected
the completion of the project. Committee discussed possible alternatives and decided
to revisit the reports conclusion. The plan was for municipal owned 660kw turbine on
site one in the watershed. Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative(CVEC) was only
interested in the placement of a 1.5MW. Victor Noerdlinger expressed his opinion and
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets—January 6th, 2010 Page 1 of 3
concern with the placement of a wind turbine in the watershed and would prefer one
placed outside the watershed. Jim Hungerford spoke on the DVD of the construction of
the 1.5MW at Camp Edwards and that the committee should view it to see what occurs
during construction phase. Ken R. mentioned that there may be a different view of wind
turbines on the watershed with the current Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
Prior attempt failed due to concern over third party ownership. Victor N. proposed a
motion and Ken R. seconded "Being that the municipal model is not financially viable
without grant funds, the Committee moves to reexamine wind turbines of the CVEC
model in the watershed along with, in parallel with consideration of alternative sites".
The Committee voted 6-0-0 in favor of the motion.
John J. mentioned that CVEC may not consider any turbine unless it is approved by the
participating Town vote. John had a map of previous sites considered on the watershed
with delineated 1500 foot buffers.
Dick Philbrick asked about out year planning by the Water Dept. and if it was
considering future needs. Examples given; Supplying water to Eastharn and additional
water treatment facilities. Ken. R. mentioned that talks with Eastham are ongoing.
Discussion also centered on Power Agreements. If a Town agrees to an amount of
supplied power, what will happen if additional needs develop or if power needs are
reduced. John J. also mentioned that CVEC has and is considering solar projects.
John mentioned that community needs Town Meeting support as the process moves
along. All information must be passed along to the Board of Water and Sewer
Commissioners. John will work with Mary Jane on review of sites for Committee to
reconsider.
Old Business - Council on Aging solar panel project. John J. met with members of the
team for the design, bid, and build of the project. The process is moving along with
several aspects of the project being in progress. Still looking at July 31 bid opening but
may have to be extended.
Wind Turbine Noise - Mary Jane C. stated that there is currently a large controversy
over noise of wind turbines. Jim Hungerford mentioned that he has good data from his
and Ken R. visit to MMA and Mass Military locations. Jim stated that better data can be
achieved with the use of a wind screen on the sound instruments to filter out ambient
noise. Advice is to always use a wind screen. Mary Jane stated that we should hold
onto our noise level readings.
Mary Jane C. mentioned she had received a call from Steven Clark who indicated that
the Dept. of Transportation expressed concern regarding 3 items: Since the Federal
Government funded Rte 6, it is controlled by the Federal Highway Dept.; The concern
regarding sound from proposed turbines; and the potential opposition by the Old King's
Highway Historical District. MA Highway Dept. is still concerned with flicker. Steven
indicated that New York is looking at their cloverleaves for wind turbine placement. He
will research this and keep us informed on any progress regarding such a project.
New Business - Dave Hubbard mentioned that the new Open Meeting Law has an
impact on how Committee conducts business. John J. will work with Dave.
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets-January 6th, 2010 Page 2 of 3
Correspondence -John J. mentioned letter from BOS Chair Margie Fulcher on the
designating of Sims McGrath as liaison to Committee. John again mentioned the map
of designate Green Communities with the State.
Approval of minutes of June 1, 2010 - The minutes of the 6-1-10 meeting were
approved 6-0-0
Motion to adjourn at 5:29PM by Victor N./seconded by Ken R. Vote 6-0-0 to adjourn.
David L. Hubbard, Clerk
Attachments for meeting;
Summary of the Massachusetts Building Code Appendix 120.AA "Stretch" Energy Code
Stretch Code Adoption Process for a Town
Mashpee eyes green projects article
Propose energy code draws critics in Harwich article
Draft of addendum to final report(Final report of previous Committee)
Map of Original Wind Sites: 1500 ft. buffers (for 1.5MW turbines)
Letter Town of Orleans designating Sims McGrath as BOS liaison
Map of 35 municipalities designated Green Communities as of May 21, 2010
Renewable Energy Committee Minuets—January 6th, 2010 Page 3 of 3