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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-10-HATS-min HATS Meeting February 10, 2011 Final Meeting Minutes Approved May 26, 2011 Members Present: Michael Rosenberg, Chair; Elise Woodward; Sara Mattes; Others in attendance Lisa Mustapich, Clerk Bedford Planning Board, Richard Canale, Lexington Planning Board, Sara Arnold, MPA, Dorothy Steele, Massport, Sharon Williams, MPA; Energy Committee Representatives - see below Mr Rosenberg opened the meeting at 7 35pm with welcome and introductions Elect Chair: Ms. Mattes moved to nominate Ms. Woodward as the new Chair. Mr. Rosenberg seconded the motion. Approved 3-0-0. Confirm Clerk Responsibilities and Compensation The Board confirmed the Clerk responsibilities and that Concord would pay the salary for the next quarter. Review meeting dates The standard meeting date is the 4th Thursday and will continue that way The next meeting will be Thursday, March 24, 2011 Energy Initiatives in the HATS Towns: The following representatives were in attendance and introduced themselves Sean Newell, Lexington Assistant Director for Public Facilities, Joe Musacchia, Chair of the Lexington Energy Conservation; Brenda Kelly, Bedford Energy Task Force, Abigail Hafer, Bedford Energy Task Force, Charlie Parker, Sustainable Energy Committee from Concord, John Snell, Chair Lincoln Energy Committee Each representative gave a summary of their energy initiatives as follows: Joe Musacchia (Lexington) Staff supports DPF and DPW Support includes specific technical reviews for grant proposals, architectural design review, support at Town Meetings and communications. The town lights have recently been upgraded to CFL's and induction lights, which are expected to give a 75% reduction in energy use for this lighting They are beginning an initiative to replace traffic lights to LED's They received an MTC grant for solar and purchased trash compactors, which reduces the need for trucks in and out of the area transporting trash bins. They are working on a biomass RFP to see what options are The location of the site for this was discussed and because of the location would be worth synergistic efforts Ms Mattes was recommended to contact Bill Hadley, DPW Director in Lexington, regarding this in relation to Lincoln. Sean Newell (Lexington): Lexington has worked to comply with Green Community goals since 2008 looking for energy reductions through policies, and projects It is a challenge to implement the 20% reduction over 5 years when occupancies and loads are dynamic Staff are assigned to deal with challenges called "Energy Champions". As communication was the first step, presentations were developed to obtain senior management buy-in and roll out the programs DOER energy audits have been completed but are not always implemented for various reasons They are considering a new company to look at different data, providing monthly updates in order to help make suggestions and meet reduction goals Charlie Parker (Concord) A committee was created 2 1/2 years ago to deal with energy reduction, sustainability, water, and trash. Concord received a large donation to upgrade town facilities. 2008 data is being used as a baseline and they hope to reduce consumption 20% by 2015 Concord uses a modified audit process, establishing relationships with experienced companies doing the work focused on weatherization, boiler efficiency and lighting. A challenge has been getting to an RFP from the idea phase. Their focus is on companies with analysis and design experience to give good choices for the RFP process Concord already has its own municipal light plant and is working toward having their own power supply They are also doing a lot with solar in town as well and want to build out 25 megawatts over 25 years, in 5 wt increments. They just did their first project in town on the wastewater treatment area Mechanisms to use conservation land for this purpose were discussed as well as regulations and competing needs for that land They are committed to 30% renewables in their power portfolio by 2020 and an 80% reduction of CO2 by 2050. Panels have been put on one school (a 144 kilowatt system) and they are looking to do more on municipal and schools through a third party They will pursue residential and commercial segments and put together a coordinated communication program As they have their own power plant, they are not officially a Green Community but implement their goals. Abigail Hafer (Bedford) Bedford's goal is to reduce consumption by 20% in 5 years. This is good for the environment and saves money, which in turn saves jobs. In the last 5 years energy was reduced in the schools by 40%, saving approximately $130,000 Bedford has implemented things like checking out a monitor from the library to monitor home usage There has been a lot of education to prepare residents for Town Meeting Their energy policy is being reviewed and there will be a meeting with the School Committee to include going over things like thermostats, watering, lighting, vehicles, and purchasing A lot of the focus is on behavioral methods, looking at the overall life cycle of a product and not just how much a product costs to buy Ms Mattes asked about building these types of things into bylaws and permitting. Zoning requirements and permitting to install energy efficient or renewable energy systems were discussed. Ms. Mattes asked about implementing regulations regarding sprinkler systems to save costs, energy and deal with storm water management as well as conservation It was agreed this is a good future topic Bedford is also working toward educating homeowners by using testimonials on the local cable network Right to dry bylaw was discussed and not signed off on by the Attorney General as it could infringe on contracts The infrared camera resides with the Facilities Manager and when not in use it is kept in the office It is typically not loaned but sharing equipment was discussed Brenda Kelly (Bedford) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was offering grants Bedford applied and received $100,000, used for demand control ventilation in the middle school gymnasium The new system monitors CO2 levels so when it reaches a certain level, more heat or air conditioning is generated or more fresh air is let in. The town had to work with specific building criteria to be eligible for grants The state worked hard to motivate residents to convert from oil to gas When the high school was renovated capacity was increased by 30% and overall energy usage was reduced. John Snell (Lincoln) Lincoln is also a Green Community and has been spending time on this initiative and looking at specific bills for different buildings to determine where energy usage can be saved The ARC 2030 initiative begins at 50% carbon emission reduction for new construction -- to eventually go to zero energy The $140,000 they have to work with is divided into school upgrades, town facilities, school curriculum and monitoring equipment for engineering classes There are residential initiatives with commitment to a certain reduction 1100 households and 104 have shown interest in reducing 10%, which is a challenge when homes are already built The town will assist with monitoring current electricity usage through an audit, where it is required that residents share information with the Town It is important to let residents come up with ideas as to how they would like to make a difference. They have gone to Minuteman to assist and are looking at a solar power purchase agreement. There was a discussion of who was a part of Massachusetts Communities Action Network as well as the experience of becoming a Green Community. Future conversations should include storm water management as well as biomass, to include discussion regarding the RFP in Lexington Committee Reports and Review of MOU will occur at the March meeting. Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) Dorothy Steele reported that due to adverse weather the January and February meetings were combined and will be held next week (February 15th). . Massport completed the vegetation removal portion of the Vegetation Management Program (VMP) and is in the process of removing seven obsolete light poles from the flight line. The VMP will move into a maintenance stage This is Ms Arnold's last meeting Sharon Williams was in attendance and will be her replacement Massport is also strives to be energy efficient and will be installing solar panels on the civil terminal as part of the roof repair project this spring. In response to questions Ms. Steele informed the group that the harsh winter and heavy snowfall has not affected the Hangar 24 building Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): The Secretary of Transportation, Jeff Mullan, met with the Route 128 central corridor coalition regarding short-term proposals (building on existing infrastructure and funding pilot project for someone to coordinate 47 independent shuttle services to improve reliability and efficiency) and long-term proposal (to work with federal delegation to consider a study for a multi-modal center where the Fitchburg line crosses Route 128 to keep away impediments to this center) Mr Canale reported that the final draft of the transportation needs of the entire MPO Route 128 Central Corridor region is available for review. HATS communities figure prominently in terms of congestion. The plan is broken into 8 sections that will be folded into the long-range plan, which is due to be completed in September Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) The last public open house for the Battle Road Scenic Byway is scheduled for March 10, 2011 , from 5-8 p.m. at the Minuteman Visitor's Center on Battle Road (on the Lincoln/Lexington line) The Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln Boards of Selectmen need to approve the final four town corridor management plan prior to its submittal to Mass DOT in May Goals for 2011 Hanscom Air Force Base The social event will be scheduled for the Fall The Board will look at the Pierce House schedule and try to coordinate with "changing of the guard" occurring on base. Affordable housing, transportation, municipal finance hopefully early on in budgeting cycle, planning board representation regarding bylaws and strategies on overlay districts (November), historical commissions to visit as their roles are evolving regarding demolition delay bylaws, legislators, communication meetings with MAPC and MAGIC that create dialog and define history with these organizations and various roles and relationships, and agricultural commissions regarding land purchases and farm use (Lexington purchased Busa Farm and created a committee, recommending the use for community farming and community housing (allowing only 4 housing units) Minutes: Ms. Mattes moved to accept the draft minutes of April, July, September and October. Mr. Rosenberg seconded the motion. Approved 3-0-0. The December minutes will be approved at the March meeting Adjourn Ms Mattes moved to adjourn Mr Rosenberg seconded the motion Approved 3-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.