2021-07-27-SLC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of July 27, 2021 Sustainability Director's Report. Stella introduced Michelle and Tanay, members of SustainabLY, who each spoke briefly about initiatives they are exploring, including a Sustainability Day at the schools and other hands-on activities. Stella provided updates on the new charging stations; the RFP for solar panels for the new fire station; a Police Department test drive of a Tesla; the water webinar she presented the previous week; and the Town's hiring of a new Equity Officer. Fleet Electrification Policy. Stella walked the committee through the latest draft of the fleet electrification policy. Some discussion followed about the logistics of obtaining approval of both the Select Board and the School Committee. After further discussion, the committee voted to endorse the policy as drafted, 7-0. Report on siting solar arrays without need for greenfield sites. Rick introduced a student of his at BU, Griztko Erickson, who had taken on the project of identifying feasible solar array siting alternatives to forest conversion. Gritzko led us through his presentation. Some discussion followed, especially focused on the opportunities that powerline corridors and roadway canopies might present. Dan suggested that a second student project that explored impediments and regulatory pathways to approval of these alternatives would be very useful. Updates to the solar bylaws approved by Town Meeting last fall. Charles explained that the Planning Board was considering amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to remove restrictions and streamline permitting to make it easier for people to install small scale solar systems, for consideration at town meeting this fall or next spring. The committee voted to express our support of the proposal, 5 in favor, none opposed, with 2 abstentions (members who wished to study the details further). Update on Article 45 working group. Charles explained that the Planning Department is current planning to bring back Article 45 in a substantially different form that will apply town-wide and not just to the Hartwell corridor. Separately, there is a working group (that includes Charles, Cindy, Mark)working on the emissions issue. Cindy added that Amanda Loomis, Sandhya Iyer, and Building Commissioner Jim Kelly are or will also be involved. The Town Manager has set the scope of the working group to focus on establishing a number for the minimum BTU/hour/square foot baseload that can be required from non-fossil fuel combustion for space heating as part of any hybrid system. The group has spoken with one consultant who might help but are trying to meet with others, and would like to have an answer by the end of August. The result of this effort could be incorporated into a general by-law, if not the zoning by-law. Ricki Pappo expressed concern that the Planning Department/Board is not planning to bring Article 45 back to Town Meeting as previously expected following the resolution of work by the working group. The Sustainable Lexington Committee will continue monitor progress on both activities. 2