Renewable Energy Working Group Meeting Minutes 8/30/23
Minutes of the Renewable Energy Working Group
Meeting Date: Thursday August 30, 2023
Meeting Opened at: 5:10pm
Members of the REWG Present: Peter Murkett, Peter Grealish, Chris Aidun, Rob Hoogs
Members of the REWG Present Remotely: None
Other individuals present: None
Call to order: 5:10pm
Agenda – Chair Peter M. stated that the purpose of the meeting was further discussion of zoning bylaw amendments related to solar power and minutes.
Minutes
Peter M described a new system for completing REWG meeting minutes that would comply with the MA Open Meeting Law. Peter M proposed to appoints Chris to prepare minutes based on the draft minutes prepared by Laurie MacArthur, the SB secretary. Melissa Noe, Town Administrator, has advised that the REWG can post these minutes on the Town website. Any changes from other REWG members to the minutes can done by amendments in a meeting of the REWG.
Peter M. moved that the REWG designate Chris to be REWG Secretary for preparation of meeting minutes and to follow the procedures described above. Peter G seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Regarding the minutes of the meeting on August 2, 2023, Rob moved to amend those minutes as filed to define LSOD as Large Solar Overlay District. Peter M. seconded and it was unanimous
There were no proposed amendments to the August 16, 2023 minutes
Planning
The REWG discussed our future meeting schedule and our goals for today and future meetings.
Peter M. then moved that the REWG meet again September 20 at 5pm at Library and over zoom. Rob seconded and it was unanimously approved.
Bylaws
Rob introduced the discussion of needed Bylaw amendments to pursue the REWG’s solar development goals. He suggested a two step process:
- This Fall at Special Town Meeting (STM), seek the approval of a Bylaw amendment that: (a) designates the Town Landfill site as a parcel where solar installation is permitted by right and (b) allows a reduction of setbacks on Gould Farm’s property for purposes of installation solar contiguous to the Town Landfill.
- A more comprehensive version of the Town’s solar Bylaw provisions would be developed and presented for approval at the annual May Town Meeting.
Discussion followed
Peter M. moved that the REWG immediately pursue step #1 proposed by Rob above and pursue step #2 later, with the objective to present step #1 at the STM to be held in the Fall. Peter G seconded. More discussion followed, after which the motion was unanimously approved.
Rob then circulated scaled-down Bylaw amendments to achieve step #1. He presented it and discussion followed. Certain changes and corrections were discussed. The approved version is attached to these minutes.
It was discussed that it was the intention of the REWG to present the proposed amendments of step #1 to the Town Planning Board at their meeting next week.
Rob moved submission of the proposed amendments to the Town Bylaws attached to these minutes to Town Planning Board. Peter M. seconded. Discussion followed and further changes were agreed in the form attached to these minutes. Thereafter the motion was unanimously approved.
Discussion followed of some of the issues for the comprehensive Solar Bylaw revision (step #2).
625pm
Chris moved that the REWG adjourn. Peter M. seconded. Call a vote: Rob-yes, Peter G.-yes, Peter M. yes, Chris- yes. Meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.
Attachment: Proposed Town Bylaw Amendments