HomeMy WebLinkAboutLIGHTCOMM MIN03302009
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Present: Chairman Ann Baldwin, Vice Chairman Jess Aptowitz, Clerk Kevin MorfUl,
Commissioner George Dentino, Commissioner Sandy Levine, Director Gary Bilbirl.;.Ehgil1e'er
Chris Cox - -. . , - -
Mansfield Municipal Electric Department
Minutes of Light Commissioner Meeting
March 30, 2009
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Light Commissioner Meeting
The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:06 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Ann Baldwin turned the meeting over to Director Babin immediately following the
Pledge of Allegiance. Director Babin stated the purpose of the public meeting to present plans
for the proposed substation to be located on Bird Rd. A detailed design of the proposed
substation and its immediate surrounding area is to be presented for public comment. Questions
and comments from interested parties after invited after presentations are concluded.
He then introduced Mr. Alan Rice of PLM. Mr. Rice is the Design Engineer that would be
discussing the detailed plans for the proposed Bird Rd. project. Director Babin also introduced
Cheri Ruane from the landscape architecture design firm Westin & Sampson. Director Babin
explained that Westin & Sampson's role has been to work with both PLM and the four abutting
residents to try to accommodate the exterior design of the station to what is acceptable to the
residents. Director Babin explained that a couple weeks prior to this evenings MMED, PLM,
and W &S met with the four abutting residents to go over potential approaches to the exterior
design of the proposed substation.
Director Babin recapped the proposed project. It has been in the works since 2004. In 2007
PLM did a planning study to determine the projected town growth and power requirements for
future years. PLM focused on five sites in East Mansfield to satisfy these projected needs. Later
this optimum site was narrowed down to the parcel 39-38 just off Bird Rd. Last July the Board
authorized the staff to proceed with the permitting of that particular site, as well as enter into
discussions with National Grid, the current owner of the land, with the intent of constructing the
proposed substation. April2ih is the proposed date to take tonight's plans to the Conservation
Commission and have a Notice ofIntent Public Hearing. For the 2ih National Grid will need to
authorize the filing. Director Babin indicated that they are working together on getting that taken
care of. A target date of April 29th would be set for the Planning Board Site Plan Review, a.k.a.
A Municipal Clearinghouse Review Public Meeting, for the Planning Board to review the site
plans.
Director Babin stated that should the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board both
approve the site plans MMED would then be able to begin the construction process. A request
for bond authorization to provide funding to build the station would be presented at Town
Meeting in May 2009. The warrant article is for a figure not to exceed $8 million. If the bond is
authorized the next step would be to order the equipment in the Fall of 2009 with a delivery date
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about 1 year. Site work and electrical construction would begin in the Summer 2010 working
right through to Winter/Spring 2011 with a projected in-service date Spring/Summer 2011.
Vice Chairman Aptowitz questioned Director. Babin if there are some financing scenarios for the
Fin.Com. to review. Director Babin said that he had met with the town's banker that they use for
bond authorization earlier that day. He was there to go over the bond language with the attorney
and had spoken with Jack Goldberg about the numbers for the project. The initial projection was
based on a $6 million borrowing at 4% which would be equivalent to $15/yr for the average
resident and decline from there. It started at $15 per year and went down to about $13/yr over a
20 year period.
Commissioner Dentino had a question regarding the scheduling of the April 29th Planning Board
meeting. If the Town Meeting authorizes the bond, why would the site work need to wait until
the following Summer to begin? Director Babin explained that it takes approx. a year for the
equipment to be manufactured and delivered so the site construction would begin shortly before
that in the Summer 2010 to prepare for delivery in Fall 2010. Alan Rice from PLM explained
that the entire process takes approximately 18 months total from the time of the original order to
the station being online. This is because each project is conformed to meet the individual needs
and specifications.
Director. Babin said that the focus has been on the Site Plan review and meeting the
requirements for that. He said that MMED has sat down with Sean Burke at least two or three
times and continued to "keep him in the loop" throughout the process. Director Babin also said
that they are preparing the necessary documents for the Site Plan Review. If authorized MMED
would then they would work on far more detailed drawings and designs. Director Babin
explained that it is a process that would not be best to start and stop, that continuity would be
beneficial since you would not want to start the construction then stop to wait for delivery then
begin construction again. It would be best to wait to coordinate site work so that it is completed
before the equipment delivery in conjunction with the equipment delivery date. Also, from a
banker's standpoint, you would not want to borrow money before you actually need it. It would
be best to time the borrowing with the need for the cash flow.
Commissioner Dentino again questioned the timing of the order/delivery. Alan Rice then said
that the order date would be closer to mid-Summer 2009. Commissioner Dentino wanted to
know what equipment is required besides the transformers. Alan Rice said that the transformers
are traditionally a one year delivery. That doesn't include the procurement process which is
actual advertising, bidding, awarding, and so forth. That process can run more like 14 months.
The switch gear building is also a long lead time, closer to 9 months or so. Substation structures
and bus work are about a 7 month lead time. Alan explained that everything is done based on
delivery dates so that the equipment shows up at the right time and the contractor can complete
the work in the most efficient way.
Alan explained that the structure is a factory fabricated enclosure that will be delivered in
sections and placed on the foundation and joined and wired on site. The equipment is placed in
the building at the factory. Commissioner Dentino asked if the enclosure is metal and Director.
Babin acknowledged that it is. Commissioner Dentino asked if the neighbors were OK with that.
Mr. Rice then indicated that that is what they are here to talk about tonight. Commissioner
Dentino then stated that he was surprised that to hear about the meeting with the neighbors. He
said he didn't know anything about the meeting, didn't know what the neighbors suggested, and
didn't know what MMED incorporated into the plans. Commissioner Dentino was also under
the impression that the building had veneers.
Director Babin explained that is why they are all there. They are there to put forth a proposal
and if the Board doesn't like what they hear they can say no and can send the staff back to the
drawing board. Chairman Baldwin asked if Director. Babin was looking for a vote and he said
that they were coming to the Board with a proposal. They had met with the four abutters with a
direct visual line to the site but not all of the residents from the area. There were no drawings at
the time, just questions to see what the residents would prefer for a landscape plan. Director
Babin asked Commissioner Dentino to reserve judgment until MMED had made its presentation.
Alan Rice then began the presentation. Alan works for PLM Electric Power Engineering and has
done a couple of other presentations here before. He had presented a planning study, the
feasibility study and he currently is working on a design for the site that was selected for the
substation on Bird Rd. He said that the site on Bird Rd. is both a good site and a difficult site.
The site is smaller than ideal but the location has some advantages with the proximity to the
right-of-way. Mr. Rice then presented some photographs and drawings of the parcel to show
where the various property lines are and the proposed substation site in regards to the
surrounding area. Since the parcel of land is owned by National Grid there are some limitations.
MMED cannot obstruct National Grid's access to the transmission lines within the corridor.
MMED is very limited in placement of equipment, fences, etc. on the NG right-of-way. MMED
is able to place a driveway on this property, but not able to place any buildings or any portion of
the secure substation yard that will contain any MMED equipment.
Mr. Rice stated that there is a wetland immediately into the rear of the parcel and we have to
minimize any impact to that area. Mr. Rice stated that the proposal was not to do any
construction or change the grade of the land within 25 feet of the wetland and also to create a
reliable and secure facility for the Light Department.
Mr. Rice also explained that the substation needs to be able to house two transformers in case of
a power outage, the second unit needs to be able to carry the load while the first is out of service
or having maintenance work done. The substation also needs to be able to accommodate two
transmission sources. The one that exists from the South direction is from Easton; the other line
will come at some point in the future, most likely from Foxboro because Patriot Place is driving
development there. The circuits will come out of Bird Rd. underground so there will be no
change in the appearance of Bird Rd. as you drive down.
Mr. Rice explained that National Grid has a large impact on what MMED does with respect to
structure and design. There is a 300' wide corridor but we are limited to what we can do with
that area. MMED is allowed to put a driveway and plans to put a fence around the facility with a
gate for access, but cannot in any way limit the access for NG to access their equipment.
Approximately 40' from the road will be a single story metal fabricated building at about 12'6"
at its highest point. The conductors inside the station will be about 16' high. Mr. Rice showed
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various views of the structure and the property and explained where they would be in relation to
the surrounding property and National Grid structures. The existing National Grid transmission
structures are about 80' high with another 20' static wire at the top. MMED's structure would be
significantly lower. Mr. Rice also emphasized the thought that has gone into incorporating high
function and minimal impact on the footprint. Due to the scale of the equipment and the space
limitations it will not be feasible to have the facility resemble a house as had been previously
discussed.
Mr. Rice also addressed EMF and tried to place the structure as far away from property lines as
possible. Historically, the Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) has required less
than 85mG at the edge of the transmission line right-of-way. Calculations indicate that the
magnetic field would increase from existing levels by less than 0.3mG at any of the abutting
residential property lines. With superimposed .3mG onto the field measurements would still be
less than 1 mG at the nearest residential property line. MMED is significantly below the
threshold that EFSB have set.
Mr. Rice then addressed the audio impact on the neighborhood. Power transformers will hum at
120 cycles and what is being proposed is to purchase transformers that are 10db below standard
noise level. Every 3db of noise reduction reduces 50% decrease in noise. If MMED purchases
transformers 10 db less than standard it will decrease noise by about 90% on the surrounding
residents. There are also plans to install an internal sound barrier wall which will also help to
mitigate the sound. In addition there are also plans to have a perimeter wall that will have sound
dampening qualities.
Mr. Rice continued to describe how the impact of the facility and its construction would be done
to lessen the impact on the neighborhood and surrounding wetlands. The air conditioner units
for the substation equipment housing would be programmed not to run during the evenings. The
construction work hours would be limited to times to not cause a disturbance. The oil
containment system would be designed to hold the entire volume of oil held in one transformer
in the event of a catastrophic fault. No change of topography within 25' of the wetland to the
rear would be done and also an underground storm water runoff management system would be
installed that would be similar to a leaching system. He also stated compliance MMED would
comply with the Mansfield Conservation Commission Order of Conditions.
Security and lighting was also addressed with a non-scalable perimeter wall or fence, motion
sensing lights, and monitoring the building through use ofthe existing SCADA system. The
SCADA system can both monitor and record any information. The lights would be downward,
low level, and partially screened by the perimeter wall to avoid disruption to the residences, but
also bright enough to allow secure access for the personnel. That concluded the presentation
from Mr. Rice.
Next was Cheri Ruane, the landscape architecture, from Westin & Sampson. Her role is to help
develop a visual and noise mitigation plan for the substation. Some of the critical that she
wanted to address were the deer tolerance for plantings, height of plantings and also the National
Grid requirements ofMMED. The structure needs to be non-scalable, non-flammable, and
secure. These topics were discussed at the meetings with the three abutters.
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The adjacent wetlands are critical and prohibit pushing back too far into the overall parcel.
W &S will be coordinating with the Conservation Commission to adhere to their requirements
regarding non-invasive native species in the 100 foot buffer zone.
Ms. Ruane explained that no vegetation can exceed the height of the perimeter wall for both
safety and security. A 12' wall was what seemed agreeable in the meeting with the abutters. So
at mature height nothing adjacent to the wall can be above 12'. The further you get from the
wall the taller the plant material can get. Ms. Ruane had various drawings of the planned
substation and its proposed plant material. There were lots of Spruce, Juniper, native species
including witch hazel, bayberry, etc. The wall is proposed as a solid concrete wall with a cement
fence at the top. The wall and fence would both serve as security, safety, and sound attenuating.
It is also very low maintenance and breaking it up without giving it the prison fence look. The
wall/fence would surround the entire substation with very low (1-2') plantings on the right side
of the driveway to stabilize the slope and also hug the rest of the development. Ms. Ruane stated
that W &8 is also working with the developer of Stanley Circle to come up with effective
plantings. Along with the MMED plantings there will be planting on the abutters properties as
well. Visual impact and blending in with existing species were also a concern for W&8.
Ms. Ruane then went though more drawings of proposed planting views from different angles
and views, including from the angle of a second story window of an abutters home. These
drawings were also future scale drawings to show the plant growth. This concluded Ms. Ruane's
presentation.
Chairman Baldwin then opened for questions at the podium.
The resident at 11 Allen Way questioned the elevation drop rate of a particular side. Ms. Ruane
answered 4' due to the nature of the future Stanley Circle subdivision. He then asked how far
above the water table is that 4'. Ms. Ruane said that it was not too much deeper to the ground
water, given the surrounding wetlands. Mr. Rice then added that there will be some cutting into
the banking along the front edge of the site and filling on the rear to make it close to a 206' final
elevation for the station. Mr. Rice also added that Bird Rd. itself is around 208-210' elevation
and standing water of the wetlands is 198' or so. Ground water comes up slightly under the site
but he stated not to assume that we are not on top of ground water at 206'.
Mr. Rice then addressed the driveway and transformer removal and/or installation. There would
be special low trailers with 32 wheels to maneuver in and out. The driveway has minimal pitch
with the Bird Rd. end at 208' and the substation at approximately 206'. He said it is quite
manageable. A secondary concern is MMED vehicles getting stuck during a winter snowstorm
because they can get in, but not back out again. This situation lends itself to the 4' cutting of the
bank about 40' back so that the substation yard remain as level as possible. If the yard were to
be depressed you might get the opposite effect from a higher view. It would be more like
looking down and into a stadium instead of looking up and across. The resident from 50 I Bird
Rd. also had a question regarding the actual height of the substation and the various views. Ms.
Ruane then said that the roof is actually 8" above Bird Rd. from a drive/pedestrian point of view.
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The resident at 24 Bird Rd. then asked how the construction would actually affect Bird Rd. and
the existing poles and the potential hazard of underground lines. Director Babin chose to address
this concern. The poles will not be removed due to the other existing utilities on the poles. The
underground cables for MMED to leave the station would be in an underground duct under the
paved part of Bird Rd. Director Babin then asked Mr. Rice to address the EMF issue. Mr. Rice
said that although the lines are closer there is a more direct cancellation of the magnetic field, but
he did not have a definite answer because he did not have the analysis he had performed with
him.
The resident stated that there are quite a few children in that area and also voiced concern over
access to the lines with the recent stories of electrocutions in Boston. Mr. Rice said that every
300-400' there would be a manhole for access; a pre-cast underground structure with a metal
cover. These metal covers and everything within the manhole would be grounded. Mr. Rice
then explained that during damp conditions, a large amount of conductors, as in large cities with
a robust underground network, the equipment cannot detect a short circuit because of the way
that it works. In MMED's case all of the cables will have a relay that will automatically detect a
very small level of fault current and immediately turn off the circuit. Director Babin simply put
it that MMED's equipment is going to be brand new, typically those situations happen in large,
urban areas with older equipment that cannot detect the low voltage issue.
Director Babin then proceeded to address the EMF issue. The EFSB standard is 8SmG at the
edge of the right of way. With the analysis that was done, only ImG was detected at the edge of
the road, which he felt was quite minimal. He stated you get more with a hair dryer next to your
head. The resident requested that analysis info and Director Babin said that he would forward it
to her. The same resident then asked for plans regarding the construction, the timeline and if the
road was going to be torn up and patched or re-paved and if there will be more traffic. Director
Babin said that yes, the traffic will increase due to the construction vehicles working in the road
and at the substation. He assured her that Mansfield will perform a good repair job on the road
and if the trench cut is clean that the road will certainly be as good, if not better than before the
construction starts.
The resident from 512 Bird Rd. then came to the podium and asked about the plantings. Who
will be responsible in the case of a storm? Director Babin answered that MMED would be
responsible for the plantings immediately adjacent to the substation; he was not sure about the
plantings on private property. The same resident then asked if there was a similar substation
nearby that could be driven by to check out the sound levels. Director Babin then said yes, in
Raynham, off ofRt. 44. However, that one has more of the penitentiary look to it. Vice
Chairman Aptowitz then said that he had been out to the Raynham substation and it sounded like
a central air conditioner fan. Once he walked 20-30' away he could barely hear it at all, but the
area is a little different, it is not residential - it's behind a shopping plaza. It's not the same, but
you would certainly get a feel for what to expect. It's in Raynham and we could get you the
location. Chairman Baldwin verified Director Babin had the residents name and contact
information to get him the Raynham substation info.
The next resident was from 12 Colonial Dr. He was concerned about the elevations of the
building and the aesthetics of the building. Director Babin recalled that a gabled roof was
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mentioned at one point, but nothing like that is available for the structure that MMED is
considering and the criteria that it needs to meet. From the road that should not be a factor.
Director Babin then indicated that if someone were at an elevation and looking down that it
might become an issue. Once the plantings grow that view should be lessened as Ms. Ruane had
stated.
Both the resident from 12 Colonial and VC Aptowitz showed concern over seeing what the
substation structure will look like. Mr. Rice then said it is more of an enclosure than a building.
VC Aptowitz recalled Raynham's being like a big mobile home mad of metal. Commissioner
Dentino also added it looked like a rectangular steel box. Director Babin then pointed out that
the wall and the plantings will all shield and/or take away the view of the substation building.
Mr. Rice then reiterated that the structure will not be openly visible. It will have a 12' wall
around it and from Bird Rd. or one of the residences and will be below the elevation of Bird
Road so in a sense you will be looking either up or straight at the structure. If the structure is
altered or added to in any way it will make it both bigger and more expensive. The resident then
asked if there was any structure that could fit the function and the fa<;ade that was presented to
the abutters. Director Babin questioned the resident as to his previous remark about MMED
having made a promise for specific things and not delivering. The resident then chose to
rephrase that it was mentioned at the original hearing that he thought there would be an attempt
to make the building fit in. Chairman Baldwin then stepped in and said that yes, all five of them
agreed to work with the residents and now the resident feels as though the decisions have been
made and the accommodations have ceased. Clerk Moran then pointed out efforts that are being
made to minimize the visibility by means ofplantings, a 12-foot stained cast concrete wall that
has a stone field look to it with a fence on the top of that.
Director Babin then addressed the "house" look suggested for the substation exterior. The
"house" that the residents saw on the internet site for Mississauga Canada was a shell that was
set up on the land for an entirely underground substation. The substation itself had a completely
underground structure where the entrance and exit for all equipment is underground. Director
Babin pointed out that this is an entirely overhead substation and the fa<;ade look did not seem
appropriate. He also stated that if National Grid had specific requirements for MMED to follow
with respect to construction, MMED will have to adhere to that.
The same resident then let Director Babin know that with all of the things that are being done to
shield this structure why can't a more appealing siding or roof be found for this. He still feels
that his residence will have a view of the actual metal structure behind the wall and plantings.
Commissioner Dentino did say that yes, the wall will not go all the way around the structure. He
assumes that there will be a fence with a gate at some point so there is access for the vehicles and
equipment to enter and exit the premises. Commissioner Dentino questioned where that gate
will be in relation to Bird Rd.
Ms. Ruane let Commissioner. Dentino know that the gate would be alongside the National Grid
easement. Director Babin added that it is perpendicular to the Transmission Tower side, facing
the right-of-way. Commissioner Dentino said that it faces one abutter and that was a problem,
and he also added that he did not like the stamped brick concrete wall. The brick looked like a
penitentiary to Commissioner Dentino.
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Commissioner Dentino thinks the aesthetics should be placed on the wall, not the structure
inside. He inquired as to what is being planned for around the wall area. Ms. Ruane said that
those plans are still being developed but right now the concept design has shrubs that will grow
to about 12' at mature height so nothing can be climbed or fall over into the substation in a
hazardous manner. Ms. Ruane also said that the further away you get from the wall (including
towards the new development) the taller the trees get. At mature height it will create a sort of a
canopy to help with the downward view too. Ms. Ruane then stated there will be 16-20' trees, on
adjacent properties but not against the wall, those will only reach 12' max.
Commissioner Dentino then questioned the gate being a heavy wrought iron gate. Mr. Rice then
answered that the plan is for a motorized sliding gate; a black tube and chain link. It will have
something to make it solid to block the view and remain not climbable. The gate could possibly
be up to 12' high.
Commissioner Levine then had a question for the resident from 12 Colonial Dr. Commissioner
Levine wanted to verify if the resident had more of a problem with the trailer itself, or the color
of it. He stated that the trailer is the problem. Commissioner Levine then added that if the color
had been the issue for him that it could probably be changed to help blend with the surroundings.
The resident then said color was not an issue for him; he didn't care if it was "brown, green, or
red". The resident simply stated the trailer was his issue. Commissioner Levine then addressed
the same resident and said that even thought the trailer was not his first choice, but if that was not
an optional issue to change, that maybe the color could be changed to help abate some of the
dislike of the trailer itself. Ms. Ruane pointed out that if the structure color changes to
something other than gray (to match the surrounding equipment and the concrete pad it sits on)
another color may cause an immediate contrast with the surrounding colors.
VC Aptowitz adds that if anyone does go to Raynham that they mayor may not like the wall, but
if they are just driving by you cannot see anything other than the gate. He says that if the gate or
fence is black it will not be seen from Bird Rd. Chairman Baldwin than asked if seeing it from
the road is even the issue or if seeing it from a second level is the issue. Mr. Rice stated that for
an alternate look a larger building would be needed and it would also be increasing the volume
of the equipment inside. Clerk Moran added that you might see something other than the gray
box, but you would still see the gray concrete pad that the structure is on, you will still see the
transformers, you are going to see a lot of industrial looking things if you have a view over that
wall.
The resident from 501 Bird Rd. again approached the podium and asked when decisions on wall
material, the gate, etc. are going to be made. Chairman Baldwin responded that they would be
made at the Site Plan Review. Commissioner Dentino added that this was done at a Planning
Board meeting. Director Babin said that MMED is going to recommend that the fence design
look more like what the abutters agreed on.
The same resident then questioned the audible volume from the equipment. Mr. Rice says that
there is an audible sound level next to the equipment but he also pointed out that it trails off
quickly as you begin to go further from the structure. Commissioner Dentino added that at 100'
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he could not hear the Raynham facility. Vice Chairman Aptowitz added that if you wait until
there is no traffic then 30' should suffice to not hear the equipment. Commissioner Dentino
added that it is on Richmond St. off ofRt. 44.The resident thanked the Board and asked where
the April 29th meeting will be held, who would be notified of dates, times, and locations, and also
if it will be for the whole neighborhood.
Director Babin said that the whole neighborhood will be notified as it had been for this meeting.
He also mentioned it was going to in the same room that this meeting was in. Chairman Baldwin
mentioned that the 29th is a Wednesday, a regular Selectman's meeting day and that the Board
could incorporate something with the Planning Board.
The resident from 61 Bird Rd. wanted to verify that the meeting on the 29th is when the final
decisions on the plantings will be made. Director Babin answered yes. The plans will be
prepared and submitted before that date, but the goal would to get approval that night. Director
Babin also reassured the abutters that they will see the final design proposal before it is
submitted. According to Director Babin these are the pictorial renderings, which were not ready
for this meeting.
Chairman Baldwin asked if anyone knows if the majority of the trees on Mr. Zola's property are
coming down. One man in the audience said that he thinks most of the trees are coming down.
Chairman Baldwin was trying to get a better perspective of their view. Director Babin said that
MMED is going to try and tie in the grading and then the retaining wall may not be necessary for
Stanley Circle. Once the plantings on the resident's properties begin to take hold and grow there
should be a significant alleviation on the view.
The resident from 19 Mary D Lane had questions regarding the safety of the gate, and also
which safety features will be in place since there are lots of kids in the neighborhood that will be
tempted to go out and check out the new facility. Mr. Rice addressed this issue by letting him
know that the gate will be quite substantial, and well sealed to prevent any squeezing through.
There will be secure locks on the gate and the building with an alarm system. The alarm system
will be implemented to work with the SCADA to record all authorized and un-authorized entries.
Vice Chairman Aptowitz asked if it would have a card swipe system and Director Babin said it is
being considered, but not implemented anywhere. The resident asked if the mention of a chain
link fence was injest due to the climbing opportunities. Director Babin said that they might be
limited with their options for this rolling gate, but options will be considered. Ms. Ruane
mentioned the possibility of a steel picket fence.
The resident then let Director Babin know that there were not enough copies of the presentation
for everyone and asked if extras could be brought to the April 29th meeting or even put on the
website. He also requested the proposed plans be put online before they are submitted so that the
residents have a chance to go over the info and be able too understand. Director Babin said he
want sure if it could be done but would try to accommodate the request. Chairman Baldwin
asked if the site plan could be sent out with the letter of the meeting. Director Babin said he was
not sure how large that packet would be. The resident then said that it why he was requesting
something on the website. Vice Chairman Aptowitz mentioned the possibility of having them
available at the Light Dept. on High St. Vice Chairman Aptowitz also asked if the entire
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neighborhood could be included in the next notification. Director Babin pointed out that due to
the number of residences involved that Room 3AIB would definitely be needed for the meeting
on the 29th.
The resident then proceeded to ask a question regarding how the possible National Grid
substation in Foxboro would affect MMED's proposed structure. Director Babin then explained
that we would be bringing a transmission line up from Easton and MMED is going to make
provisions so that National Grid could take it out of the station and continue it down into
Foxboro. If the line actually extends to West Walpole, NStar will then be involved. The more
involvement with NStar the longer it will take. Director Babin projects that within 5 years the
extension will be built. Mr. Rice explained that the equipment required to do the extension will
be part of the original build so things will not have to be modified to construct it. The resident
asked if this will then affect all the EMF testing results.
Mr. Rice explained that the line originates in Bridgewater, goes to the National Grid Substation
in Eason where they tap off of it, and then it comes to us. He presumes from an electrical
standpoint that Mansfield will be the half way point once it is decided to extend the line to
Foxboro and eventually to West Walpole. Since it is a National Grid transmission line MMED
cannot control that and it will be running parallel to the existing lines.
Commissioner Levine then asked Ms. Ruane about the plantings and the height ratio. Ms. Ruane
explained that the further you get from the wall the taller the plantings will be. Some species
even reach 50-60'. And, it might be something like evergreens and birch to give it some
diversity yet keep the buffer year round.
The resident from 161 Bird Rd had the next request. She wanted to know if it would be possible
to get an agreement to do periodic EMF testing from the resident's houses. She suggested semi-
annually or annually, just having an agreement in place. Director Babin said that something
should be able to be worked out. Commissioner Dentino recommended once a year in the
summer when the EMF will be at its peak.
Clerk Moran wanted assurance that that these mitigation steps (i.e. wall plantings, everything)
has been factored into the cost analysis. It is just as important as the engineering.
Vice Chairman Aptowitz then asked Director Babin if the situation with National Grid and the
cost of the easement has been rectified. Director Babin replied that National Grid had given
MMED a figure of almost $250,000 for the cost of the easement. The methodology of figuring
this cost was based on the appraisal industry standards. Director Babin said that MMED is
waiting for the draft easement agreement from National Grid. National Grid had given the
indication that MMED will be able to obtain the land from them and it is basically a price
negotiation in developing the final legal easement agreement.
Ms Ruane was asked about the stamp of the concrete wall by Commissioner Dentino. She said it
is the Fieldstone stamp. It is a cast-in-place concrete base with piers so that it won't look
manufactured. The Fieldstone stamp is at the Mansfield Mall if anyone wants to go and have a
better idea of what is being proposed. Commissioner Levine questioned the type of maintenance
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this wall will need. Ms. Ruane said that it is very minimal. Refreshing the color if needed or
repair any damages if it's hit by a vehicle. Otherwise it is there to fade and blend in with the
surroundings and be a backdrop to the plant surroundings. Director Babin also pointed out that
the ground covering will need to be maintained. He said MMED would keep the ground cover
cleaned up regularly.
A resident brought up that deer can jump extremely high. Ms. Ruane agreed but pointed out that
it is almost always for a food source. Since they can run completely around the wall but they
will be very unlikely to try to jump over the wall to get into the substation area.
Chairman Baldwin asked if there were any further questions. Director Babin wanted to get a
sense ofthe Board with respect to the project after hearing the presentations. Commissioner
Levine said that the schedule makes sense and appreciated all the thought and considerations that
are going into this project.
Clerk Moran would like actual samples of the fence material and get everything necessary in
place to be ready for the Site Plan meeting on April 29th.
Chairman Baldwin asked if Director Babin was looking for a vote. Director Babin simply stated
he came to seek approval of the design concept but not an official vote.
There was one more request from a resident to get a more detailed timeline of events. Director
Babin indicated that he had a very detailed schedule from the last meeting that he could provide.
Chairman Baldwin again asked if Director Babin was looking for a stamp of approval and
Director Babin said he was looking more for a sense that the Board considers things on track and
able to move ahead. Based on Board feedback, the sense of the Board is that MMED had
covered the important issues and that the staff can move forward.
Commissioner Levine made a recommendation that does not require a vote; it is simply stating it
is OK for MMED to proceed.
Motion: To adjourn the Light Commissioners Meeting at approx 10:40 PM
(Aptowitz) Passes 5/0
Respectfully submitted: Jamie Kelley 6-8-09
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Signature of Clerk
e/F/01
Date of Approval
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