MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 25, 2009
PRESENT: Chair Patricia Halpin, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
ABSENT: John Baker
OTHERS PRESENT: Jenna Beatty
Ms. Halpin called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED WIND TURBINE BYLAW
The Board, having been approached by the West Boylston Water District and the Municipal Light Plant regarding possible siting of wind turbines to generate electricity, revisited the question of a wind turbine bylaw for the town. Ms. Paré reviewed a number of bylaws that have been adopted by other Massachusetts towns recently. Ashburnham adopted two bylaws in the fall: one for large wind energy facilities and one for small wind energy systems. The Town of Harwich has 2 existing bylaws to provide for small scale projects (under 25 kilowatts) in residential and commercial zones. Harwich is proposing an additional bylaw for Large Scale Wind Generation this coming May. It was noted that Princeton, despite previous reports, does not have a bylaw for wind energy generation systems.
The bylaws in Harwich and Ashburnham are similar and seem to be based on the model bylaw provided by the state. They vary in several ways: the definition of small-scale systems (25kW versus 60kW), the height above existing grade for the tower (from 80 to 400 feet in different applications), lot sizes, set back requirements, etc. There are provisions for noise issues, access control and the relationship to utility companies. The state recommends that wind energy systems be allowed in all zoning districts in the town or by setting up an overlay district. Ashburnham sets up an overlay district that covers the town with the exception of specific parcels. Harwich allows wind systems throughout the town, but requires specific conditions to be met for a Special Permit to be granted.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust, working with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Northeast Utilities Service Company has provided a map for the state of Massachusetts that illustrates mean wind speeds at 70 meters above
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grade. This map can be used to determine the best locations for siting possible wind energy systems. According to this study, West Boylston does not have significant wind resources at the height of 70 meters. Ms. Paré remarked that while the current technology of wind turbines with blades on tall monopoles might not provide a good cost/benefit ratio for wind energy systems in town, there are newer technologies on the horizon that offer benefits with smaller installations and investments. She believes that the board should continue to work on a proposed bylaw. Mr. Vignaly agreed and described wind turbines that are configured more like spinning cylinders and smaller propeller-styled turbines that can be mounted on light poles. He noted that the DCR has been doing some studies to determine
the localized wind conditions around the reservoir, which can be significantly different than the wind conditions reported at the Worcester airport at the same time. As the technology advances, more locations may be deemed suitable for wind energy systems. Ms. Paré noted that viewing the map described above, emphasizes that West Boylston has power transmission lines running through the town and so, while large scale projects seem unlikely at this point, that may change in the future. The board agreed that any bylaw should do its best to cover future development.
The board discussed whether small scale residential systems would be allowed. These systems would be used to supplement the energy uses on the lot on which the system is located. It was agreed that these systems should be supported, but there may be restrictions on the size of the lots on which towers can be constructed. The height of the tower is a significant issue. The reviewed documentation describes towers from 80 feet and up. Mr. Vignaly noted that an 80-foot tower would be very apparent in a residential area. The current wireless communication services bylaw allows towers up to 100 feet and the Zoning Board has granted a variance to 110 feet in one instance. These towers are visible to the neighbors. Besides the windmill blade systems, roof-mounted wind generating systems are available
that might be used in residential or commercial situations and the proposed bylaw should address future versions if possible.
Small-scale commercial systems were also discussed. These systems would also be used to supplement the power use on the lot where they were located. Ms. Paré questioned whether two or more businesses might want to share a small-scale system, as this is not allowed in the bylaws that were being reviewed. Mr. Vignaly suggested that this sharing might be useful to residential users too, but that since WBMLP needs to supply the power to users, having multiple owners use a common generator would not likely meet this requirement.
Mr. Salate expressed concerns regarding “piggy-backing” of towers. If the town allows for wind towers of greater heights, would the wireless companies attempt to site antennae on these towers. He also questioned whether someone could mount solar panels on one of these towers. How would those types of use of towers affect neighboring parcel?
The question of whether we should restrict the siting of wind towers to municipally owned or leased land was discussed. The board generally agreed that any large-scale project should be controlled by a municipal entity, probably the Municipal Light Board. It was noted that since the town has a municipal light plant, it is required by law that only the MLP can provide power to users in the town. And it was posited that any excess energy generated in the town could only be sold back to “the grid” through the MLP.
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Ms. Paré will draft one or more bylaw outlines for future discussion.
VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS: SIGN CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
The Board signed the Certificate of Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for Verizon Communications that was voted at the meeting on February 11, 2009. This special permit allows for a co-location on the existing tower on Beaman Street on property owned by the West Boylston Water District.
FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION OF STREET ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES
After the last meeting, Ms. Halpin sent the draft of the Street Acceptance Procedures to Mr. Gaumond and requested that he distribute it to Town Counsel and the Board of Selectmen for their review. Ms. McKnight from Kopelman & Paige responded with several comments and clarifications on the draft. Mr. Vignaly incorporated these requested changes into the document and distributed it to the board. The board is satisfied with the document as a guide to developers. Ms. Paré will re-format the document and send it to Ms. Halpin. The document will be sent to the Board of Selectmen and posted on the town’s web site.
HONEY DEW DONUTS: REQUEST TO EXTEND APPROVAL
Mr. Salate motioned to extend the Site Plan Approval for Honey Dew Donuts on West Boylston Street until March 25, 2010. This date is one year after the approval of the Amended Site Plan. Ms. Paré seconded the motion and the board voted to approve.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
The Town Wide Planning Committee has not yet met in February, as they are conducting the town-wide SWOT seminar on Saturday, February 28.
The Community Preservation Committee has met, but Mr. Salate was unable to attend. Ms. Halpin noted that the Housing Partnership has not met since the last meeting.
Mr. Vignaly reported that the final draft of the Open Space Plan has been completed, incorporating the comments from the Division of Conservation Services (DCS). The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) will be meeting next Thursday and will most likely submit this version of the plan to DCS for final approval.
Mr. Vignaly also noted that the OSAC is opposed to the land-swap proposed by the Division of Conservation and Recreation and the Board of Selectmen. He reported that the Board of Selectmen has set up the Agricultural Commission as recommended by the OSAC and a couple of members have been appointed. He stated that the Agricultural Commission will be working to get large parcels of undeveloped land in town put into protection under Chapter 61. However, the Assessors have shown opposition to this process since it removes land from the tax base.
MINUTES/BILLS
Upon a motion by Ms. Paré and a second by Mr. Salate, the minute of the Planning Board meeting of February 11, 2009 were approved as amended.
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The minutes of the Planning Board Public Hearing on Verizon Communications on February 11, 2009 were approved as amended after a motion by Ms. Paré and a second by Mr. Salate.
No bills were paid.
Upon a motion by Mr. Salate and a second by Ms. Paré, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Date Accepted: __________ By: ___________________________
Karen Fenerty Paré, Clerk
Submitted By: ________________________
Karen Fenerty Paré
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