Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-31-SLC-min Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of Meeting of March 31, 2021 A meeting of the Sustainable Lexington Committee (SLC) was held by Zoom conference. A quorum of seven was present. Members Present: Cindy Arens, Celis Brisbin, Archana Dayalu, Rick Reibstein, Todd Rhodes (vice-chair), Dan Voss (chair), Charlie Wyman Members Absent: Paul Chernick, Marcia Gens Other Attendees: Stella Carr (Sustainability Director), Joe Pato (Select Board), Mark Sandeen (Select Board), Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Robert Peters (Planning Board), Amanda Loomis (Planning Director), Sandhya Iyer (Economic Development Director), Carol Kowalski (Assistant Town Manager), Ricki Pappo (GWAC), Mary Hutton (MOF), Jeanne Krieger, Lin Jensen, Tina McBride The meeting was called to order at 12:01 pm. Todd referenced the opening statement requested by the Town Clerk, and all members present responded that they could hear. Article 45 Amendment. Cindy described the changes made to the amendment wording since we viewed it last week; none affect the substance, but were made (several at town counsel's suggestion) for clarification. All committee members present expressed support. Charles Hornig noted that the Planning Board will discuss the amendment at their meeting later this afternoon, but related that staff has raised serious concerns about the ability of developers to meet the standard required by the amendment and concern that the amendment will sharply limit the interest of developers in the Hartwell district. A long discussion followed, with many points of view expressed. There is agreement on making the Hartwell corridor as green as possible. Planning staff would prefer to see standards in the regulations rather than the by-law; committee members expressed the opinion that having a clear standard in the by-law, even if less than 15 Btu/sgft/hr, is important. There was also considerable discussion about process, and frustration expressed about the last minute presentation of findings, leaving little time for evaluation. Questions of whether to proceed with the amendment, with or without a firm number, or substitute a resolution that the matter should be taken up in the fall, were discussed. 1. Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of March 31, 2021 After further discussion, it was moved, seconded, and voted(5-2)to endorse the proposed amendment, substituting "7" for "15" for the required Btu heating baseload to be provided by sources other than combustion: e. Buildings over sixty-five (65) feet shall utilize, as a primary heating system, an HVAC system that does not use on-site combustion which has a minimum heating capacity of seven (7) British thermal units (Btu)per hour per gross square foot or equal to the building's design heating load, whichever is lower. Any additional heating capacity above seven (7) British thermal units (Btu)per hour per gross square foot may utilize on-site combustion. This subsection 7.5.4.1 e shall not apply to systems not related to building heating, such as emergency backup power generators, humidification, and process equipment. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Charlie Wyman 2.