Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2010
Special Session 1:30 pm
Mr. Rabuffo, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Proposed Wind Turbine on Turkey Hill
Mr. Rabuffo reported that he and Mr. Alexiades had met with officials from Cohasset today about the proposed wind turbine on Turkey Hill. He reported that Chair of the Board of Selectmen Karen Quigley said it was the practice of the Town of Cohasset to make sure that the concerns of all were heard. Ms. Burns said that she had spoken with the chair of the Cohasset Planning Board and requested that he not close the public comment period until everyone who wishes to have input has an opportunity to be heard. Ms. Burns reported that, in his view, the comment period had been adequate and that if all the technical data was in by tomorrow evening the Planning Board would close the public comment period but it would not vote tomorrow. The Hingham Selectmen requested indemnification to Hingham infrastructure be included in the permit as well consideration of the fact that Hingham would be the first responders to public safety concerns at the site. The Selectmen discussed sending a formal letter to be delivered to the Town of Cohasset tomorrow.
Steve Sloan of The Trustees of Reservations noted that climate change is threatening Massachusetts landscapes. There are more invasive species; ticks and insects that are not dying in the winter because it is not cold enough. He said that we are going to end up with a very different Whitney Thayer woods if action is not taken now. He said Turkey Hill was chosen because the site is relatively secluded, has good wind, and it will have minimal impact on neighborhoods. He also pointed out that the proposed project is located in, and surrounded by, communities that have embraced renewable energy.
Dennis Loria, an engineer representing the Trustees, advised that the project will meet all federal, state and local permitting requirements. He said the Cohasset Conservation Commission has approved the project; the delivery of equipment would be done after a route analysis performed by the state and everyone will be indemnified for any damage to infrastructure. Mr. Loria also presented pictures simulating the visibility of the turbine from various points in Hingham. He said a review of the sound studies indicated that the increase in most areas is barely significant. The turbine will operate less during summer months because there is less wind during that season.
Donald Tarzia asked if there are any pictures simulating the visibility of the turbine when the leaves are absent. He also commented that in terms of the sound it looks as if nine months of the year there will be a whooshing noise. Another neighbor called for more study on why this is needed, who wanted it and the potential effect on those closest to the property. Julie Dale of Turkey Hill Lane expressed her concern that this would alter this land forever. Mr. Sloan said that people would still be able to enjoy the property with the exception of three acres out of the entire reservation. Cynthia Heidell commented that this is conservation land and the project will affect those who walk in the woods regularly because the Trustees of Reservations are exploiting a public resource for private gain.
Joseph James, a resident and audio engineer, said that when the trees are bare there will be quite a bit of audio. When wind is blowing audio transmission is greater – so the winter will be noisier. Mr. James also said that Cohasset had eliminated three other locations due to the same issues affecting Cohasset residents. Other residents commented on the lack of due process in the Cohasset Planning Board's review of the project and the speed with which the project was moving.
Mr. Rabuffo reminded those present that the Hingham Board of Selectmen has no approval rights on the project. He said the Board has the right to make sure that issues raised are answered. The Cohasset Planning Board is the approval granting authority. The Hingham Selectmen have received assurances that the dialogue remains open.
Dr. Steven Shoemaker urged the Board to seek a little additional time for Hingham to be more involved as to quality of life issues and the impact of residents of Hingham. He raised questions concerning appropriate disclosure and whether Hingham should hire additional engineers to evaluate the project.
Al Newcomb said he lived next to Weir River Farm and, in his opinion, this proposed turbine is not a big problem. Pat Granahan expressed her hope that the process would go forward and that people would have their questions answered.
Bob Broker, a member of the Responsible Energy Action Coalition of Hingham (REACH), said the Coalition works closely with the HMLP and the Hingham Energy Action Committee and has had several public forums on wind energy at the library and Town Hall. Mr. Broker noted that energy consumption in town is continuing to escalate. He said that REACH has examined more than 11 sites for wind turbines in Hingham and none have proved feasible. The closest residential areas to the proposed site are about a half mile away. REACH endorses this proposal and encourages the Town officials to endorse the Trustees of Reservations' proposal.
Jeff Tocchio, attorney for a group of five Hingham property owners, said this not about whether you are for or against wind energy but rather is this the best place for siting the project. Mr. Tocchio said that although the minimum legal notice requirements were met, the five families that he represents knew nothing about this proposal until about ten days ago. Mr. Tocchio represented his clients before the Cohasset Planning board on December 8th. At that meeting a sound engineer explained that in addition to the G factor the fact that this was an elevated sound source was of concern. Mr. Tocchio said that the Cohasset Planning Board is planning to hear the matter tomorrow night and it is the intention to close that hearing tomorrow night. The neighbors want to be engaged and hope that the Board of Selectmen will support the residents to make sure neighbors concerns are met. The Town of Hingham is a stakeholder and there are many issues that are still to be addressed.
Mr. Sloan said the Cohasset Board tried to ascertain whether there was sufficient sound information available or if the hearing needed to be continued. He also noted that as a non-profit TTOR has all the rights of a corporation to do business with other entities. The permit from the Cohasset Planning Board is one stop along the way.
Mr. Alexiades noted that due to the possible expiration of certain tax credits there is an action that needs to be taken by December 31 in order to qualify for energy tax credits. He said that although there have been numerous reports that the energy credits will be extended, that is unclear at this time.
It was explained that there is a fall down zone around the proposed turbine site. In this project the fall down zone is all within the parcel. Another matter of concern was the delivery of major equipment. Mr. Loria said that there has been an initial study of the delivery route but an analysis will be approved by Mass DOT. Jeff Tocchio suggested that the Hingham Planning Board has the expertise to look at the important issues of access. Conservation Commission has been made aware of this through the Turkey Hill Management Committee.
The Board agreed to send a letter to Cohasset.
Voted - to send a letter to the Cohasset Planning Board requesting that the hearing not be closed until everyone has had an opportunity for input, that a condition of the permit be indemnification of the Town of Hingham for damage to roadways and that the permit contain language about Hingham's role as a first responder to public safety issues at the site. A unanimous vote.
Mr. Rabuffo suggested a separate letter be sent on the planned construction by Hingham's Town Engineer relative to an independent analysis of the potential impact on roads and residents. Mr. Rabuffo noted that the Town has been a supporter of wind but this is about making sure that a project is properly heard and the rights of our citizens are protected.
Betty Foley, Clerk
December 14, 2010
Meeting reconvened, 3:40 p.m.
The following budgets were discussed:
Treasurer/Collector. Jean Montgomery proposed a level funded budget of $340,749 with an additional request of $3,500 for a new folding machine. The old folding machine is not dependable any longer. The folding machine is also used by many other departments including the Sewer Dept., Assessors and South Shore Country Club.
Town Clerk and Elections. Eileen McCracken is proposing a level funded budget of $169,575. She mentioned that her department was the only one that took a salary cut last year and that she would like to restore the salaries this year. The Elections budget is down since there are 2 this year whereas there were 3 last year. The census and the potential redistricting would have an effect on this budget. There is a possibility that there would be a new precinct and that would require added expense for poll workers, etc. This should be resolved in the summer.
Weights and Measures. Robert Egan is requesting the same amount as last year. $11,311. He said that there may be a few more customers due to the Shipyard, but there will be little increase in revenue. In response to a question, he said there are about 400 markets, gas stations, etc and it is a self-sustaining budget.
South Shore Country Club. Jay McGrail presented the budget for the Committee. Level services budget of $1,919,861. Items of interest
• Revenue is growing every year.
• Increase in budget due to the golf simulator.
• Improvements in the new shade area at the pool are panning out.
• Getting more inquiries for the restaurant and functions than in the past.
• Made money in the pro shop on the merchandise side.
• Positive comments from the auditors for the 2nd year in a row.
• Golf revenue was down, but pool revenue was up this past summer. Winter golf is popular.
• Parties have picked up for the golf simulator and gift certificates are available.
• On target for the first year in the restaurant. Doing more advertising.
Accounting. Sue Nickerson stated that the level services budget requested is $525,468. The salaries budget has decreased due to personnel changes; IT expenses have increased due to contractual service agreements. This budget contemplates a Town Accountant and a Staff Accountant full-time. The veterans' clerk position is not filled, due in part to the new Veterans' Agent's competence in filling the role. Auditing has gone down due to a change in auditors. Although Town entities can choose their own auditor, all are using the same one with the exception of the Light Plant.
Chairman Rabuffo thanked Sue Nickerson for the work she has done.
Reserve Fund. $550.000
Debt Service/Insurance/Public Safety Utilities. Mr. Alexiades gave an overview of the debt service figures which reflects changes in the school building debt. Total debt, $7,387,903 (excluded debt is $5,736,747 and non-excluded debt is $1,651,157).
Insurance is level funded at $381,000. Waiting to hear from the Insurance Advisory Committee for any suggestions or changes. Going to do a risk assessment and come back before April. Mr. Riley asked if the $10,000,000 law suit would have any effect on insurance. It will not. Town Counsel is dealing with all aspects of the lawsuit.
Public Safety Utilities comprises street lighting and emergency water for hydrants.
FY 12 requested is $462,500.
Selectmen. A level services budget of $426,635 is proposed. This amount reflects restoring 4.5 hours to the Human Resources Director. An additional $5200 is requested for a recording secretary to take the Minutes of the Board's meetings.
Town Hall. Requested budget if $554,711 which includes an additional request of $6,200 to repair the two wheelchair lifts in located in Sanborn Auditorium and the Police Station. It is mandated by the State to have them in working order and inspected each year. The contractor will update the equipment so as to eliminate future problems as well as bring them up to code. Of the $6,200, $1,200 goes to the Commonwealth for the inspections.
Town Meeting. Level service budget is $28,592, a 1.42% increase over FY 11 due to the increase of printing more warrants. A suggestion was made to solicit bids from printers, focusing on speeding up the turnaround time for printing the warrants. The purpose of this would be to have all the Advisory Committee recommendations in the warrant prior to town meeting.
Legal. Remains the same at $225,000.
Unclassified. Recommend holding off on this budget until it was decided if the $4,000 for MAPC (South Shore Coalition) should be included.
After a brief discussion, Mr. Alexiades recommended that Keith Jermyn be appointed permanent Veterans' Agent due to his demonstrated ability as Interim to perform all aspects of the job. All members of the Board agreed with this recommendation.
Mr. Rabuffo explained the agreement with the Library union regarding Sunday openings. The Library Union would not agree unless the workers received double time for working Sundays which would make the cost $26,000. The Rhode Island Foundation will donate $16,000 and a recommendation for a Reserve Fund transfer for $10,000 will be submitted to the Advisory Committee.
The Traffic Committee will meet next week and make a recommendation on the Cushing/So. Pleasant/Main Street intersection.
Meeting Adjourned, 5:00 p.m.
Betty Tower
Clerk, pro tem