HomeMy WebLinkAboutLC12/3/14Mansfield Light Commission Minutes
December3,2014 h„ ; _iVr iD
1'KS OFFICE
Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chair; Olivier Kozlowski, Vice Chair; Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; Doug
Annino, George Dentine; William Ross, Town Manager; Gary Babin, DnecW) li °R 3 A `� 4 i
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. The Chairman reminded everyone the meeting is
being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable.
Chairman Aptowitz explained that the process for this evening's meeting is a workshop format for
the Light Commission and is intended to assist with any questions or concerns the Commission
may have with the materials submitted by both the applicants and residents. The Chairman also
noted that Town staff is also on hand to answer any questions the Commission may have.
Chairman Aptowitz noted that Gary Babin, Director of the MMED, and his staff distributed a
binder to the Commission with a summary of the project and incorporated all of the residents'
questions with corresponding answers. The Chairman asked Mr. Babin to go through the booklet
with the hope that any questions the Commission may have will be answered.
Mr. Babin noted the binder was not only distributed to the Commission but to the applicants as
well as James Farley, representative of the residents. Mr. Babin outlined the contents of the binder
to include: Tab 1: Brief Summary of the Project Proposal (information provided to the
Commission previously), Tab 2: Attorney Valanzola's submittal of response to the residents'
questions, Tab 3: Town's submittal of response to the residents' questions and Tab 4: Sample
Purchase Power Agreement (generic in format).
Mr. Ross noted that the Town was still receiving information, questions and analysis from the
residents as late as 4:00 PM today. To the best of their ability, Town staff tried to answer all of the
late responses. Mr. Ross emphasized that the Purchase Power Agreement is a DRAFT ONLY.
Mr. Ross reported that he and Mr. Babin discussed this with Mayhew Seavey (Town's consultant
on rates/Purchase Power Agreements) strictly fiom a benefit to the electric utility basis and the
response was with a little tweaking they felt it to be beneficial to the Electric Department in terms
of rate structure and cost of power.
Chairman Aptowitz reminded everyone that this was a request of the Light Commission for
workshop purposes and there will be no participation from either the applicant or the residents
during deliberations. It was decided to review the questions contained within the binder.
Mr. Babin began reviewing Tab 3, which are the Town's responses to residents' questions /requests
(14 in total). The binder has been made a part of the record.
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With regards to question 18, Mr. Annino asked if this plan would need to go before the Planning
Board for site review. Mr. Ross stated he believed that solar installations are exempt but noted if it
is required there will be a site plan review by the Planning Board.
Mr. Babin noted there were eight additional questions submitted and that the Town was able to
address the following:
1) Will the power being distributed and transmitted into the electrical grid be controlled by an
independent power generation control center? If so, please describe, if not, please describe
how the power distribution and transmission will be controlled.
RESPONSE. Mr. Babin explained that solar facilities generate power in the form of direct
current and through a series of inverters, convert that power to an alternating current, which is
what feeds into the system. Once the AC power is generated at 480 volts it then goes through a
transformer that steps it up to 13,800 volts and that interconnects with the Town's electric
system. There is effectively two power generation control centers involved, the inverters
themselves and then there is a second device called the "recloser" that the utility installs at the
point of connection. Mr. Babin noted there are a lot of sophisticated devices located with the
two control centers such as overcurrent relays, over and under voltage relays, over and under
frequency relays that are used to monitor the power output and quality of the power to ensure
that it is utility grade.
2) Once the power has been generated at the solar plant and transmitted and distributed, which
party has liability for any negative consequences including electrical equipment damage that
may occur as a result of potential power surges or out ofphase power that could originate within
the solar plant?
RESPONSE. Mr. Babin explained that with respect to liability the Purchase Power Agreement
covers any number of liability issues that are related to the project. He noted the most important
role at Mansfield Electric is limiting any negative consequences that might take place during the
design phase. Not only is the design reviewed for compliance but there is also operational
testing done. Ultimately, the light department is responsible for the power quality to customers'
residences and has a vested interest in protecting that and the electrical system. He noted these
installations are common in the State and that the department feels comfortable with the
technology.
Mr. Ross stated that the Town does have a good sized solar installation already in place in the north
central part of the community that has a Purchase Power Agreement in place. He noted that
although that is of a smaller scale it still has given the Town experience in this field with these
systems and reported there have been no issues reported.
Chairman Aptowitz then asked Mr. Babin to go through the applicant's responses to questions
submitted by the residents (found in Tab 2 of the binder).
Mr. Babin read through the questions and answers from Tab 2.
Mr. Babin then read through the supplemental questions that his office received late this afternoon.
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1) How does the developer plan on securing the solar panels to the earth and ensure safety during
high wind conditions?
2) If the developer plans on pouring cement pylons and requires other earth moving measures for
use in anchoring, we would request an investigation as to whether the building permit would
allow such excavation. To our understanding no excavation should be allowed.
3) If the developer does not plan on anchoring the solar panels and other on -site equipment we
would request an independent study showing a worst case scenario showing the impact to local
residents and surrounding woodlands in the event of a high impact hurricane or tornado as it
relates to the potential for onsite equipment to become airborne and cause personal injury or
property damage.
RESPONSE: The design will be stamped by a registered professional structural engineer and
the mounting design will be subject to the same or higher standards as any structure for
building code and wind load compliance. The project is over engineered and designed to
withstand a factor greater than the highest wind speed rating in the area.
Mr. Babin noted the essence of the response is that all the foundations for the equipment will be
designed by professional engineers and have stamped plans for loading and wind conditions. Mr.
Ross noted they will have to meet the building code and he felt they will in fact "more than meet
the building code."
Chairman Aptowitz asked the Commissioners if they had any questions on behalf of the
applicant's responses.
Mr. Dentino is fine with both parties' questions and responses but noted that each could continue
l to provide information to bolster their case as lie felt this is not an exact science. Mr. Dentino felt
that Mr. Farley and fellow residents have truly tested the Commission. Mr. Dentino would like to
see a source for any statements made (i.e. standards, test results).
Mr. Annino felt these were good questions and presented well. Mr. Annino found the Clean
Energy Results publication by the DOER (Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources), an
independent guide, to be extremely helpfid to ensure the concerns of the residents /abutters were
not as dire as initially presented.
Mr. DelVecchio referenced Item 6 (Tax Incentives) and it was his understanding that there was a
proposed solar project at the Town's landfill that did not go forward because of a change in
incentives. He asked if that were true and if so how does that apply in this case. Mr. Ross
explained that proposals were taken and as the staff was working through the Purchase Power
Agreement, that the value of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) dropped because the volume
of RECs being generated statewide undercut prices. Mr. Ross reported at that point the developer
wanted to adjust the power price to MMED in order to take into account the lower value of the
RECs and the Commission refilsed and the project never proceeded. Mr. Ross felt this instance is
slightly different as the Town is not taking proposals on its property and the developer is taking all
of the risk that the value of the RECs will sustain the project. He also stated that the Town will
have protections built into the Purchase Power Agreement. Mr. Babin added that there is also a
30% tax credit toward capital costs of these facilities as well as the renewable energy credits that
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are generated, which are treated as a commodity and sold at an auction conducted by the State. All
of these provide the cash flow to support the debt associated with these projects.
With regards to Item 9 (Property Valuations) Mr. DelVecchio noted there is a reference to a report
which indicated there is not any study to show an impact on property values. Mr. DelVecchio felt
it would behelpfitl to contact communities with solar facilities and their experience with regards to
property values.
With regards to Items 83 — 86 (Maintenance), Mr. DelVecchio was curious as to who will be
providing the maintenance on the project. Mr. Ross noted it would be the owner at its expense.
With regards to Items 87 -89 (Tree Cutting), Mr. DelVecchio wondered if there would be any kind
of provision as to trees and visibility and working with individual property owners. Mr. Ross
mentioned that there are two agreements needed: 1) a Purchase Power Agreement which meets
MMED's needs and 2) a Development Agreement which will focus more on abutter needs.
Mr. Annino's concern is that there is no Planning Board review or approval of the project so doing
any agreement with the developer would have to include a site plan which would need to be
discussed in detail. Mr. Ross agreed.
Mr. Ross noted that an additional item that arrived late this afternoon was a financial review by
Sergio Martin, a direct abutter. This information has been provided not only to the Commission
but to the developer and Mr. Farley. Mr. Ross wanted to point out that MMED's initial
concentration on the financials really relates to the value of the power to the electric department in
terms of savings. As he mentioned earlier, contact has been made with Mayhew Seavey who felt
there to be a definite benefit to MMED in terms of capacity fi•om the project and also a financial
benefit due to the cost being lower than what MMED can purchase on the grid. Mr. Martin's
analysis is with regards to the property tax issue but nonetheless is appreciated. Mr. Ross felt it is
important to note that in terms of the continued comments of the addition of homes potentially
adding to the school's enrollment, that school enrollment is trending down by almost 800 —1,000
students compared to the Town's peak.
Mr. Kozlowski stated what he is looking at is that this is a residential area, although zoned
industrial but that it is, for the most part, residential. He noted that in the DOER report it
specifically states on page 9 that "town centers and residential areas are locations where large
ground mounted PV is not encouraged" but yet does not elaborate why that is so. Mr. Kozlowski
questioned what could ultimately go on this site if this project is not approved. He referenced the
two AULs on the property and that the Commission has yet to be able to review them and he felt
that as decision makers and even for the abutters there is still not a clear picture as to what the best
use of the site is.
Chairman Aptowitz felt as Commissioners there is a proposal before them with issues on both
sides of the fence and mentioned the possibility of something more "drastic" placed on the site
(garage, warehouse) if the solar installation is not approved. Mr. Kozlowski felt there is a lot of
speculation. Mr. Babin did ask Town Counsel to research the AULs, which has been done, and
Mr. Babin will ask that a summary be provided. Mr. Kozlowski would like the Commission as
well as the abutters to have a realistic picture. Mr. Ross noted the AULs can be referenced by
Book: 18830, Page: 20 (Campo site). Mr. Kozlowski is also concerned with the tax benefits and
felt that perhaps with another project the Town could do better. Mr. Kozlowski asked Mr. Ross if
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there were any way to compare what the rates will be in 25 years to see if this is in fact a good deal.
Mr. Ross noted that it depends on a few things. He clarified that what the Commission is looking
at is firm energy supply and that the department also purchases energy on the spot market in
quantities that vary by season Those costs vary by total demand and what generating units are
being put into operation in order to meet the need. He noted that the cost is higher in the summer
when loads are highest. Mr. Babin noted the biggest benefit to MMED with a project like this is
that it is behind the meter, which lowers the overall cost structure.
Mr. Dentino felt this to be a project with impacts both positive and negative. He focused on the
impact to the residents in terms of safety, health and aesthetics. He tries to balance the positive and
negative and measure against the effects on the neighborhood and its quality of life.
Mr. DelVecchio noted he has additional questions as he is focusing on health and safety in addition
to financial viability, which he felt to be threshold items. He asked for the developer's experience
with respect to these types of projects to which Mr. Ross noted he would need to get that
information. Mr. DelVecchio also asked for the consultant's experience. Mr. DelVecchio would
like more information with regards to opportunity costs from taxes and could the Town potentially
collect more taxes with a different project. Mr. Ross will seek an opinion from Town Counsel.
Mr. DelVecchio also wondered if there were any anecdotal information about property values and
the impact of a solar facility. W. Ross felt it would be appropriate to ask Nancy Hinote, Asst.
Town Assessor, to conduct research on that with other assessors. Mr. DelVecchio asked how
much solar power the Town can use, to which Mr. Babin noted it has to do with the physical
impact on the system and referenced the system's size. Mr. Babin also stated that it would depend
on MMED's project entitlements and he stated MMED's demand is about 39 MW in the winter
with a maximum load of 55 MW in the summer and a capacity requirement of 65 MW. Mr. Babin
noted that solar is an intermittent source that doesn't necessarily contribute to shaving the peak and
is dependent on weather and time of day and year.
Mr. DelVecchio then asked what the financial impact of the savings the Town is anticipating. Mr.
DelVecchio referenced a quote from the developer of $2 million over the 25 years which is
$80,000 a year. Mr. Babin explained they have been working through the numbers and that
seetned accurate. In terms of the green impact the developer claims, Mr. DelVecchio asked for the
basis of that information (industry standards, study). Nh•. Babin would work further to get that
information but Mr. Ross felt a lot of it came from the DOER publication, which Mr. Aptowitz
noted was an independent source. Mr. DelVecchio also requested a refined financial impact
analysis in terms of firture rates. Mr. Ross noted it would be small and that the Town constantly
looks at opportunities to provide any savings to ratepayers but world provide assumptions to Mr.
DelVecchio.
Mr. Ross felt this to be a most civil and rational discussion and thanked all parties involved.
Chairman Aptotivitz asked if the Commission would be comfortable taking a vote at next week's
meeting. Mr. DelVecchio would like to have the answers to the questions he posed this evening.
Mr. Dentine, would like another week to speak with residents and work to possibly minimize the
effect of the facility on the neighborhood. Mr. Kozlowski wanted to know what the alternate uses
are for the site and would like to have the opinion from Town Counsel on the AULs. Chairman
Aptowitz asked Mr. Babin and Mr. Ross to get the necessary information back to the Commission
from this evening's meeting. The Chairman reminded the Commission that they cannot deliberate
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on any information provided but are welcome to ask questions and follow up with Mr. Babin or
Mr. Ross. Chairman Aptowitz would like to tentatively schedule a vote at next week's meeting,
December 10th.
Chairman Aptowitz also suggested that when the Commission does vote it will be done by paper
ballot.
Mr. Dentino was under the impression that the Campo site could not be built upon as it would
require digging below the cap on the property. Mr. Ross noted that is the opinion the Town is
waiting for from Town Counsel.
3 QueshopslaiiiiCoSnYnents i ._mss_ ->
None.
Y To adjourn Light Commission Meeting at 8:38 PM (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
Signature of Clerk
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Date of Approval