Planning Board Work Session
September 2, 2008
Minutes
Members Present: Leslie-Ann Morse-Chairman, Michael Cole-Vice Chairman, Craig Nightingale-Clerk, Debbie Abbott, Peter McDonald, Howard Sandler, Don Andersen, Tom Johnson-Alternate, Richard Morello-Alternate
Board of Selectmen Liaison Present: Martin McDonald
Staff Present: Sarah Raposa-Town Planner
Residents Present: Pam Hesse, Phil Hesse, Francie Williamson, Paul Lothrop
Chairman Leslie-Ann Morse opened the Work Session at 4:00 p.m.
Wind Turbine By-Law:
Selectmen McDonald reported statistics regarding the two (2) municipal wind turbines located in Hull, Massachusetts. One turbine is 180' to the hub with 120' blades and produces 1.8 mW. The other is 660 kW, 150' high turbine (to the hub) with 90' blades.
Leslie-Ann Morse presented to the Planning Board a draft of a bylaw based on the Town of Mashpee. She recommended using the format to support the criteria previously identified in Planning Board work sessions. Discussions included the following topics:
" Uses - allowable in all districts.
" Height - 65' and 100' (from grade to blade tip). 100' only in Industrial Zone C. Leslie-Ann Morse suggested that the DPW and Transfer Station should be rezoned from Residential A to Industrial C so that the Town could erect turbines to save municipal energy costs.
" Planning Board as Special Permit Granting Authority and under site plan review criteria.
" Concordance with Federal & State laws.
" Setbacks/Safety Zones - 120% of height acknowledge roof-mounted turbines. Don Andersen noted that wind turbines have a function that shuts the blades off when wind speeds reach 55 mph. He also noted the problem with ice forming on the blades and the danger of ice throws and how, again, the blades are automatically shut down via sensors.
" Noise - Maintenance Plan submitted annually and reported to the Planning Board (similar to water testing) whether the turbine is due for maintenance or not. Monitoring will be important.
" Abandonment and Decommissioning - removal to be required.
Resident Paul Lothrop asked about the placement of the wind turbines and resident Pam Hesse inquired about the State's model bylaw.
Mike Cole suggested having a Wednesday afternoon work session with the Board of Selectmen to go over the draft bylaw. The Town Planner will coordinate.
Leslie-Ann Morse will make the discussed edits and have the Town Planner email it to the Planning Board in preparation for the next work session, scheduled for September 30, 2008.
Other Matters:
Mike Cole thinks the Planning Board should revisit the Outdoor Display bylaw that was tabled last year.
Don Andersen reported that there will be an upcoming meeting regarding the Sign Code with some members of the Chamber of Commerce, as per their request.
A Motion to adjourn was made by Mike Cole and Seconded by Debbie Abbott.
The Vote: All in Favor.
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 pm.
Craig Nightingale, Clerk
Eastham Planning Board
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