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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-24-SLC-min Town of Lexington Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of Meeting of September 24, 2019 A meeting of the Sustainable Lexington Committee (SLC) was held in in the Hudson Room of Cary Hall. A quorum of five was present after 8:10; prior to that, topics were discussed but no action taken. Members Present: Marcia Gens, Rick Reibstein, Todd Rhodes (vice-chair), Dan Voss (chair), Charlie Wyman Members Absent: Paul Chernick, Celis Brisbin Other Attendees: Joe Pato (Selectmen); Bijan KHosraviani (Ag Green/Total Green Energy Solution), Cindy Arens, Mark Sandeen for last 15 minutes The discussion (prior to the presence of a quorum) began at 7:05. 1. Overview of the Mass Save Residential Renovations and Additions program - Bijan KHosraviani (A9 Green / Total Green Energy Solution. LLC). Mr. KHosraviani described his company, which works with builders of new construction to comply with the stretch code (modeling, inspections, certificates), but in the last year has also begun to work with homeowners and contractors to take advantage of the new R&A (renovation and addition) program. This program provides anyone doing a renovation or addition of more than 500 sq. ft. with incentives to increase energy efficiency, including grants of up to $10,000/unit, and his business provides modeling and inspections, helps homeowners secure these grants, and provides oversight of work. In addition to making us aware of the program, Mr. KHosraviani encouraged Lexington to distribute to builders a checklist prepared by the Energy Advisory Committee of the BBRS (on which he sits) that helps ensure all appropriate energy efficiency measures and programs are employed, and offered to assist with a community presentation to raise public awareness. 2. Membership. Dan and Todd noted that there are two vacant positions (we have seven on a committee authorized for nine), with ten sectors we are stretched very thin, and we hope to find two new members who can bring expertise to the committee particularly in subject areas where we are underrepresented. Joe explained that the town can advertise these positions and pass on any applications received; we would be expected to screen applicants and forward recommendations to the Selectmen. Cindy Arens spoke of her background and interest. At this point, Rick Reibstein arrived, providing a quorum, and the meeting was called to order at 8:10 pm. 1 Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of September 24, 2019 3. Sustainable Action Plan priorities for Presentation to the Selectmen. Todd explained that the Sustainable Action Plan calls for an annual presentation to the Selectmen about programs the committee proposes for approval by the Board. Dan led a discussion that ensued about the timing, objectives, and content of this presentation, with the conclusion that (1) programs with significant budget implications should be presented in May or June to feed into the budget planning for the fiscal year beginning a year later; and (2) updates on committee priorities at other times should be provided whenever Selectmen input or approval is sought. It was agreed that the committee will present an update to the Board in November, and will meet on October 22 to review progress in developing programs and priorities in each of the ten sectors. Todd noted that we also have been offered the League of Women Voters First Friday Forum on November 1, and this would serve as good preparation for the presentation to the Board. The latter may take place on November 18. 4. Update on Sector Activities. Representatives of the teams for each of the ten sectors then reported their progress in identifying issues, consulting with stakeholders, and preparing a list of priorities for the coming year. Progress varied widely. 5. A question was raised about whether the town might prohibit new natural gas hookups, as Berkeley and San Jose have done. Joe has asked the Town Manager to ask town counsel to explore what authority the town might have, including the use of incentives. Dan noted that another critical step in evaluating natural gas use in town is to meter gas flow into town to establish and baseline and a better understanding of gas leakage. Todd reported the input from a facilities official at Hanscom, which has done this for the base. 6. FUTURE Act. The question has been posed whether Lexington should adopt a resolution along the lines of what Brookline has proposed. Charlie noted that there is a great deal of legislation on areas of interest to the committee and wondered how we prioritize where to act; he offered to start by assembling information on key legislative priorities and to try to place the FUTURE Act in context, for discussion at the next meeting. 7. Ad Hoc Special Permit Residential Development Zoning Bylaw Amendment Committee. Todd reported on what he’s learned and has started putting together a statement for us; there was consensus that the special committee’s work touches on a number of priorities for Sustainable Lexington. Todd will draft and circulate a statement for consideration at our next meeting. Rick suggested an expedited permitting process as incentive. Next Meeting: The next meetings of the Sustainable Lexington Committee will be on Tuesday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 29, both at 7 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, 2 Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of September 24, 2019 Charlie Wyman 3