Renewable Energy Working Group Minutes 2/1/23
Renewable Energy Working Group
Minutes of the meeting 2/1/23
Meeting Date: Wednesday February 1, 2023
Meeting Opened at 6:00 pm
Rnewable Energy Working Group members present: Peter Murkett, Peter Grealish, Rob Hoogs
Renewable Energy Working Group members present remotely: Chris Aidun, John Prusinski
Also present remotely: Dennis Lynch, Allan Tellio,
Meeting opened at: 6:01pm
Agenda items to be discussed:
1. Welcome guest Allan Telio
Allan emailed the Renewable Energy Working group regarding electricity rates in Monterey. Allan formerly worked with NexAmp and is familiar with many of the issues the Renewable Energy Working group has been discussing.
2. Grant opportunity, Dennis Lynch
Dennis submitted a short preliminary narrative for an application he is intending to submit once published. Dennis reported that he completed an EOI, which offers a description of a project to a group and funding agency. This application is being submitted to the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP), who will review and comment on the narrative. Dennis discussed some of the concepts and information that should be included to help strengthen the application being submitted to the MVP and requested feedback. The Renewable Energy Working Group discussed the narrative and provided Dennis with feedback and suggestions. The Renewable Energy Working Group discussed the need to work with the Fire Company in the event solar panels were to be placed on the roof of the firehouse and pavilion. They also discussed utilizing renewable energy at the town ice rink. Allan said that we are building resiliency with batteries thus offsetting the carbon footprint.
Peter M. moved to accept the draft EOI for the grant as written by Dennis, with the deletion of “Fire Company vehicles” and “Microgrid”. Rob seconded. Call a vote:
The Renewable Energy Working Group, Dennis, and Allan continued their discussion pertaining to funding for the projects and a variety of considerations that would need to be researched so they can have a more well-rounded view of the entire project and associated costs. The Renewable Energy Working Group discussed the need to work with the Fire Company in the event solar panels were to be placed on the roofs of the firehouse and pavilion. They discussed utilizing the ARPA funds for the feasibility study and then they could continue their discussion regarding funding upon receiving the results. Allan discussed permitting and final design with the Renewable Energy Working Group and spoke about different models for ownership. Allan will send the Renewable Energy Working Group some information pertaining to individuals they may like to speak with to gather additional information. Rob asked about using renewable energy with the DPW and the salt shed. Allan provided feedback and the Renewable Energy Working Group discussed the feasibility of considering the use of renewable energy with these two structures.
Peter called a vote to approve the draft EOI for the grant as written by Dennis with the amendments as discussed. John-yes, Peter M.- yes, Peter G.-yes, Rob-yes, Chris- yes. Motion carries.
3. Town of Monterey invoices from national grid
This item was not discussed during the meeting.
4. Review proposals in response to Scope of Services
Beacon and Solar Design Associates are the two groups that the Renewable Energy Working Group received proposals from, and two other outfits declined proposals. Peter M. recommended having a thorough discussion after reviewing each of the proposals. Chris and Rob provided feedback on what each of them had read in the proposals. Peter M. presented the idea of soliciting proposals from installers and discussed the best way to utilize the $15,000 from the ARPA funds. Allan recommended gathering additional information on various municipalities and their cutoffs. Chris reported that Beth had assessed her hours for the project at 90 hours, and he was inquiring if they were able to reduce the hours would they be able to pay for an engineering assessment. The Renewable Energy Working Group members and Allan discussed ideas to move forward with the process of installing solar in Monterey. Chris reminded the members of a prior discussion with the Town attorney, under the Uniform Procurement Act, stating if the project is more than $50,000 you have to put out a RFP. Chris was wondering if they needed technical specifications, meaning that a feasibility study would be necessary. If they wanted to have discussions with the installers currently, they would need to have an RFI.
Peter M moved that they take Allan up on his willingness to have a conversation with Beth and that both Chris and Rob participate in that conversation as soon as possible. Chris seconded the motion. Rob discussed updating the Select Board about the process to ensure they are meeting requirements. Peter M offered to be a stand in in the event Chris was unable to make the call with Beth. Call a vote: John-yes, Peter M.- yes, Peter G.-yes, Rob-yes, Chris- yes. Motion carries.
5. Select professional consultant
The Renewable Energy Working Group decided to work with Beacon and have a conversation with Beth after which they will have a contract to present to the Select Board two weeks from today. After the Select Board approves the contract then the money for consultation can be assigned.
Peter suggested bringing any Annual Town Meeting warrant article based on discussions with Beacon to the Select Board by a target date of March 15th, 2023.
6. Next steps, UMass Clean Energy Extension
Chris reported that the two students have done a report on the town and a broad feasibility study of installing solar in various ways. They provided a draft to Chris, and Peter and reported that the students would like to attend a meeting where they can issue and present their report. The second part, which entails the students completing a survey of the town will occur this semester.
7. Other
Rob and Chris will be speaking with MassEnergize on Friday about creating a residential solar advocacy program.
8. Review, amend as needed, approve minutes
Peter M. moved to accept the draft minutes from January 5th, 2023 as written. Chris seconded the motion. Call a vote: John-yes, Peter M.- yes, Peter G.-yes, Rob-yes, Chris- yes. Motion carries.
Peter M. made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30. Chris seconded. Call a vote: John-yes, Peter M.- yes, Peter G.-yes, Rob-yes, Chris- yes. Motion carries.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Murkett, Chairperson
Renewable Energy Working Group
with Laurie McArthu