TOWN OF RUTLAND
PLANNING BOARD
Public Hearing Minutes 9/12/17
Continuation - Wachusett Solar LLC Site Plan approval
Location: Town Hall Annex 246 Main Street
Present: Norman Anderson, chairman; Dick Williams; Shawn Moore; Marilyn Sidoti; Jeff Bagg, Town Planner
Guests: Alan Clapp and Lesley Wilson
Public Hearing Continuation – Wachusett Solar LLC for Site Plan approval to construct a ground mounted solar array at 67 Wachusett Street
Opened: 8:51 pm
Alan Clapp is from Nexamp and Lesley Wilson is from Andrews Survey and Engineering. She is the Project Engineer. They presented a revised plan based on the recommendations of Quinn Engineering and the Planning Board. One issue was the tree clearing up by the driveway. They moved the access road so that fewer trees would need to be cleared. A catch basin was added from the original plans. The basins are shallow. They are only about 2 feet deep.
A letter from Quinn dated 8/18/17 was referenced with responses from the applicant on 9/12/17 and handed out for review.
There was discussion about the fence surrounding the arrays. Norm still needs to forward the pictures of the fence he proposed for use on this project to the applicant. This is the stock fence used on Glenwood Court. The applicant is not opposed to changing the type of fence as long as it is as durable and cost efficient. Norm asked they consider it, but it is not a requirement. The applicant agreed to consider the fence and to let the board know why or why not they will use it after review. It will not be a condition of approval, but rather the final decision on type of fencing will be up to the applicant.
The applicant asked for approval of the project with a condition of approval that Quinn Engineering is satisfied with the revisions to the technical issues. Jeff was in agreement as long it was stated that any future revisions would need to be subject to planning board approval.
The decommissioning amount was discussed. Dick made a motion to charge $10,000 per MW for the decommissioning. Marilyn 2nd, all in favor.
Jeff discussed the findings. One had to do with the appearance and having minimal impact on the scenic and historic resources in town. It was discussed that the location of the panels up over a hill top make it difficult to see from the road and therefore will have a minimal impact on the scenery.
Shawn made the motion to close the public hearing. Dick 2nd, all in favor.
Closed: 9:20pm
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Becker, Secretary
Minutes approved on 9/26/17
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