Environmental Action Committee

Meeting date: 
Thursday, October 21, 2021

Town of Princeton

Environmental Action Committee (EAC)

Meeting Minutes

 

October 21, 2021

 

Meeting called to order at 7:03pm

 

Committee members present (in person):

Corey Burnham-Howard (CBH), Charlie Cary (CC), Claire Golding (CG), Philip Gott (PG), Forrest Iwanik (FI)

 (Arrived at 7:38p:) Chris Samoiloff (CS),

 

Committee members present via remote: Matthew Charpentier (MC)

 

Student Committee members present: Paul Fuchs (PF)

 

Student Committee members absent: Anna White (AW)

 

Associate members present via remote: Caitlan Davis (CD)

 

Also present (via remote): Helga Lyons, Advisory Committee EAC Liaison

 

Public Comment: None.

 

Review & Approve Minutes from September 16, 2021 Meeting:

  • MOTION to approve as written with suggested edits

Motion: CG; 2d: PG; Vote: 5-0

(CS not present for vote) (MC abstained as not present at 9/16/21 meeting)

 

Updates on Initiatives:

 

PMLD

  • PG provided update. (See attached notes.)
  • CC and PG reported on status of CC’s proposed energy saving tool “lending library” as partnership between EAC and PMLD. (See attached notes.)

 

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP)

  • PG provided update. (See attached notes.)

 

Public Safety Building (PSB)

  • PG provided update.  The PSB Committee has not met since last EAC meeting; nothing new to report.

 

Noise Bylaw

  • CBH provided update. CBH had previously explained that the Town Selectboard (SB) asked the Planning Board (PB) to consider a noise bylaw as the SB have fielded complaints and have concerns particularly as relates to: earth screening operations; motorcycles; chainsaws; and saw mills. The PB has agreed to consider this in its long-term planning. CBH noted that PB has “Noise Bylaw” as a long-term planning goal consideration, and that PB members were analyzing other municipal noise ordinances and considering whether a proposed noise bylaw might be best directed as a general or zoning bylaw. As per EAC vote at September 16, 2021 meeting, CBH did advise the PB that the EAC offered assistance in noise ordinance considerations, research, and drafting.
  • PG shared with members examples of various noise decibel levels for various common activities

 

Town Draft Snow and Ice Policy

  • CBH provided update. CBH has attempted to schedule a meeting with Sherry Patch (SP) and Ben Metcalf to discuss information that Princeton’s draft Snow and Ice Policy might include—such as material selection, material storage, material disposal, equipment management practices—especially so that these protocols and environmental concerns are memorialized in case of employee roll over. CBH is awaiting SP scheduling of meeting.

 

Green Communities Designation Application

  • CBH provided update.
    • As previously reported—in April 2021, Princeton was informed that it had been awarded Green Communities Designation from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), with an award of $130,869. The Town was to, within 90 days designate how those funds would be spent.  Sarah Adams from Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) was coordinating. Sarah reported that it has been difficult obtaining any bids for energy work identified in the energy audit performed on municipal buildings. Sarah drafted an application to utilize a small portion of the funding—primarily for lighting projects (that did receive bids), and money toward a hybrid police cruiser, and money to fund CMRPC management of the designation grant. Much of the core team supported the submission of Sarah’s proposed application to DOER. CBH advocated that lighting projects address light pollution and ensure Dark Sky compliance. Phil Connors recently objected to submission of the application, wanting more detailed bids for lighting projects. CBH reported that she was unsure of the status of the application, and that she would reach out to SP for information.
    • CBH also reported that she and CG had met with SP to discuss on-going EAC action items, including Green Communities and advocated for a project manager to ensure the process continues to move forward, offering EAC assistance and leadership as needed.  CBH also noted that SP was to reach out to other municipal light plant towns with Green Community designation status to see how they have successfully implemented Green Community funding projects (as there seems to be a discrepancy in ease of implementation for Investor Owned Utilities and Municipal Light Plants).
    • CBH also reported that she understood that the Town would be engaging with energy auditor—Guardian—to audit TPS. With the TPS audit, SP and Sarah hoped to attract more bids to include other municipal projects.  
    • ACTION: CBH and CG to meet with SP monthly, including to inquire on status and project management of Green Community designation funding implementation.

 

 

PFAS Information Sharing

  • MC reported that because his property is impacted by PFAS contamination, he will be submitting a Disclosure of Financial Interest form to the Selectboard (SB). Their response will determine if he will continue forward in summarizing PFAS information releases for the Town.
  • HL explained that while she had been previously concerned about PFAS runoff originating from the town center moving toward the Wachusett Reservoir, she learned that an engineer is not concerned because there are so many other sources of PFAS to the Wachusett Reservoir and because of the dilution of PFAS in runoff that flows from Princeton toward the Reservoir.
  • HL reported that the SB would be holding a Special Town Meeting on November 17, 2021 to ask the town if they will vote to fund POETS for residences with detectable PFAS readings of less than 20 ppt. HL noted that the Advisory Committee meeting on the Special Town Meeting Warrant would be on November 9 at 6p. HL noted that the AC would be voting on the Warrant articles, and that previously the majority of the AC did not support funding POETS for residences with detectable PFAS readings of less than 20ppt.

 

Environmental Speaker Series

  • For the next presentation in the EAC’s Environmental Speaker Series, the topic will be MVP.
    • PG reached out to Hillary King (EOEA) and Dani Marini (CMRPC) to present on Princeton’s MVP Planning Process on December 9. They both expressed interest and availability.
    • ACTION: CBH to follow-up with Hillary and Dani regarding details for December 9 presentation.
    • ACTION: CS to draft next Speaker Series flyer (once more information is received).
  • CBH also reported that, on behalf of the EAC, she applied to the Princeton Cultural Council for another $1,000 grant to fund another year of quarterly EAC Speaker Series events. She noted that she moved forward with this without general EAC approval since the deadline for grant application had been for before the EAC meeting. She offered to withdraw the application if it did not have EAC member support.

MOTION to authorize CBH to apply for Princeton Cultural Council Grant to fund EAC’s Environmental Speaker Series

            Motion: CG; 2d: PG; Vote: 7-0

 

Light Pollution

  • CG had asked the library to share an EAC light pollution handout at its stargazing event. The library agreed. The event was cancelled but may be reschedule to November.

 

Waste and Recycling

  • No updates provided.

 

Curbside Composting

  • No updates provided.

 

Native Plant Sales with Wachusett Garden Club

  • No updates provided.

 

 

New EAC Initiatives

  • Town Integrated Pest and Weed Management Policy.
    • CG reported that Conservation Commission is interested in being included in discussions regarding drafting of Town Integrated Pest and Weed Management Policy.
    • PG suggested that PMLD also be included in discussions.

 

 

Communications/Newsletter/Webpages

  • CS provided updates.
    • Newsletter:
      • EAC September issue was published.
        • CS sent press release to Town News; Redemption Rock News; and Council on Aging (COA) (but received no response from COA).
      • October Newsletter will be on PFAS, drafted by CBH and FI.
        • ACTION: CBH and FI to finalize newsletter with CS for publication
      • November Newsletter will discuss EAC priority action items
    • Webpage:
      • CS reported that she continues to make updates and/or works with Town Clerk to post updates to EAC webpage.
      • ACTION: All EAC members to advise CS as to website updates needed.
    • PG proposed that EAC compile and share an environmental song playlist with the public. All EAC members enthusiastically supported this idea/action.
      • ACTION: PG to create environmental song playlist

 

EAC Priority Actions Press Release

  • CG and CBH attended 9/21/21 SB meeting at which it approved the EAC’s latest priority action list. SB suggested that EAC send out press release on EAC accomplishments and priority actions. CG had drafted a press release and shared it with EAC members for review.
    • EAC members discuss draft press release and suggested minor edits.
    • MOTION to approve EAC Priority Action Press Release with incorporated minor edits:

Motion: CBH; 2d: MC; Vote: 7-0.  

 

Future Meeting Schedule/Format

  • CG noted that meetings were lengthy and involved significant work to set them up for in-person meetings. She asked members if they prefer continuing in-person/with remote option or want to go solely remote.
    • FI said that he preferred in-person meetings and noted benefits of meeting in-person. Other EAC members agreed. EAC members agreed to continue meeting in-person with remote option.

 

(CD left meeting at 8:20p.)

 

New EAC Chair

  • CG has decided to step down (at least temporarily from approximately November to May) as EAC Chair. She asked the EAC to consider appointing a new chair.
    • PG suggested CBH as new chair. CBH agreed to role but noted that she would not be able to continue as Secretary as well. MC offered to serve as Secretary. No others expressed interest in Chair role.
    • MOTION to appoint CBH as new EAC Chair.

Motion: PG; 2d: CC; Vote: 7-0

  • CBH noted that EAC would also need to elect new Vice Chair. CG nominated PG as new Vice Chair. PG agreed to accept role.
    • MOTION to appoint PG as new EAC Vice Chair.

Motion: CG; 2d: CS; Vote: 7-0.

 

Agenda Items for Next Meeting (November 18, 2021 at 7p)

  • Public Comment
  • Review and Approve Minutes of October 21, 2021
  • Updates on On-Going Initiatives: Green Communities; MVP; PMLD (including energy savings tool lending library); PSB; PFAS Information Sharing; Waste & Recycling Committee; Curbside Composting; Native Plant Sales; Snow & Ice Policy; Light Pollution; Noise Bylaw; Environmental Speaker Series
  • New Initiatives: Available Wood; Mosquito Spraying Opt-Out; Integrated Pest and Weed Management Policy
  • Communications/Newsletter/Webpage Updates and Needs
  • Agenda items for Next Meeting

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:20p.m.

                  MOTION to adjourn.

Motion: PG; 2d: CBH; Vote: 7-0.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Corey Burnham-Howard

 

 

 

 

MVP Core Team Meeting Notes

October 20, 2021

(submitted by Philip Gott)

 

Objective:

 

Following the official announcement in late September that Princeton has been designated as an MVP town, a meeting of the core team was called by Sherry Patch to get things rolling.  Hillary King, the Central Region MVP Coordinator, attended the meeting and provided pertinent information about the grant process.

 

Key Points:

 

Timing:

  1. Late Novemberish: “Expressions of Interest” will be solicited by the DOER for MVP grants.  In this process, MVP communities can submit descriptions of projects to the DOER for review and comment as to their applicability and alignment with the MVP grant program.

 

  1. March/April 2022: Formal request for grant proposals will be made.  After this request, there can be no more feedback from Hillary King or anyone else associated with the grant process on the State side.

 

Grant specifics:

  1. Matching: The town must match 25% of the total cost (grant can fund up to 75% of the total program).  The match can be made with funding, labor or other “in-kind” activity.

 

  1. Ceiling: For projects undertaken within a single town, the cap is $2 million.  For multi-town projects, the ceiling is $5 million.  However, total funds available are about $20 million per year, so the typical grant is more likely in the 5-figure range.

 

  1. Level of effort: The work must be completed within the fiscal year in which the grant is made.  From time of award it can be expected that there will be about 10 months left in the fiscal year to complete the work.  Larger projects should be broken up into 10-month “bites” to get the work done, although there is a waiver process to allow larger projects to run for two fiscal years.

 

  1. Number of projects per town: There is no limit per year, but each grant requests must be made separately from any other request ( o bundling).

 

  1. Evaluation Criteria: May change from year to year.  Hillary will send last year’s criteria as an example.  Key factors that are sought by the MVP process are:
    • Nature-based solutions are preferred:  For example: managing water runoff through a series of holding ponds and planting water absorbing trees rather than making culverts larger.
    • Number of people impacted: Projects that impact larger groups of people generally get preference.
    • Teaching projects: Projects that communicate or demonstrate good climate-change mitigation practices to the public are looked upon favorably.  Public involvement and community engagement are well received.

How to get started:

  1. Meet periodically and brainstorm ideas
  2. Read other award-winning grants (available on the MVP web site)

Links:

 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-vulnerability-preparedness-p...

https://resilientma.org/mvp/

https://www.town.princeton.ma.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4891/f/uploads/princeton_mvp_report_final2021-06-02.pdf

 

PMLD Board of Commissioners Meeting

October 13, 2021

Items of potential interest to the EAC

Items of potential interest to the EAC:

Peak shaving:

The Diesel gen set and the power use cut backs successfully shaved the peaks in May, June, July, August and September, saving about $50K in Capacity charges.

It was noted that 26 rate payers have signed up for peak power cutbacks.

PCB:

All the transformers have been tested for PCB and those with it have been removed from service and shipped to a recycler/disposer for proper disposal.

Pole treatment

Some poles along Mirick (and potentially other roads) have been treated with preservative.  This has seeped into the ground around the poles and killed vegetation at the base of the poles.  I suggested that in the future that this practice should be coordinated with the town’s efforts to have a coordinated pest management and fertilization program. Sean said he would contact ben Metcalf.

Climate Change compliance

It was agreed to move into Executive Session October 20 for the purpose of strategizing our contract negotiations with Nextera so that we can meet or beat the 2030 requirement for 50% of our power from non-carbon emitting sources.

Community Solar

Research into the old landfill site off Hubbardston Rd indicates that it will support about 1 mW of solar panels.  PMLD is interested in encouraging a private entity to design, permit, build and operate a solar farm at that site.  PMLD is not interested in taking this on itself at this time, and investment tax credits available only to non-public organizations make it financially much more attractive for them to do this rather than PMLD.

Residential solar

Bruce Jacobsen attended and we discussed what we are doing to move toward a more equitable solution with regards to residential solar installations.  The solution would likely include both payment to the customer for any power put back into the PMLD grid as well as a service to the customer for the services provided by PMLD for that customers connection to the PMLD grid.  The charge for the service should reflect some social justice aspects as not all PMLD customer can afford the same fee for the grid service even though the costs are about the same for every residence in town.

Energy Saving Tool Library

Charlie Cary discussed the idea of a tool lending library, consisting mainly of “Kill-a-Watt” meters to measure the energy consumption of household appliances as well as an infrared camera to identify heat losses in homes.  PMLD is in favor of helping out with this, but cautioned that the infrared cameras take some skill to use and it would be better for a volunteer to take the pictures for the homeowner instead of just lending out the camera.

Respectfully submitted by Philip Gott: Note that these notes reflect only his understanding of the meeting and have not been reviewed by other commissioners. Any discrepancy between these notes and the official approved minutes of the PMLD meeting is unintentional, and the official notes should prevail.