HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AEC - 12/11/2017 Meeting Minutes Alternative Energy Committee
Town Hall Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:30 p.m., 1 211 112 01 7
AEC Attendees
Mary Jo Larson, Chair
Steve Girardi, Vice Chair
Josiah Stevenson, Secretary
Marie Caristi
Patricia Gooding
Steve Wenner
Eric Seuss
Bill Fusco
Other Attendees
Louise Demas —Superintendent of Schools
Jeanne Astino— School Committee
Abigail Adams—Cohasset Mariner
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for October 2017 were approved.
Active Items:
1. Green Community Grant Application
10/17/2016: Year 2 due in February. National Grid conducted energy audit on the ECM's
identified as part of energy reduction plan. Brian Joyce awaiting results.
11/14/2016: Estimates from National Grid expected in mid-December, no update
12/14/2016: Year 2 application due February 10. Eric Seuss has reviewed the application
process and will represent AEC providing assistance to Brian Joyce. Goal of reducing 20% in
5 years as a green community—2.5% last year and with street light retrofit an additional 2%
is likely.
1/9/2017: Expecting response Wednesday, January 11. This is late in the process. Mary Jo
Larson and Steve Girardi to review.
2/13/2017: Grant application is due March 3. MJL working with Brian Joyce to determine
National Grid information. Jeanne Astino requested solar powered sign. This grant doesn't
provide new items. Suggested get in touch with Ron Menard.
3/20/2017: $1.3 M worth of projects for energy reduction —Town eligible for grant up to
$250,000 per year. Year 2 grant application submitted March 3, 2017 requests:
HVAC controls (4 projects) for Middle/High School = $148,200
HVAC controls at Deer Hill Elementary school = $41,600
Police-Fire Station (#) _ $37,960
Total: $257,600.
7/24/2017: Grant awarded: $177,400 on June 19, awarded to Diane Kennedy. Mostly for
heating and A/C controls at Deer Hill and the Middle/High School.
8/21/2017: Remainder of Town's Year 2 request for $257,600 will be funded by National Grid
($80,260)
10/23/2017: Kick off meeting with contractors, estimated completion, first week in January.
12/11/2017: Materials on order for Year 2 activities. HVAC improvements estimated
completion January 1. Started assessment for Year 3 grants.
2. MEI Database and Reporting:
7/24/2017: PG is the only one who knows how MEI works. Town applied for grant- $5,000/yr.
One staff member will take over for Pat, but AEC advises two people be trained. Town
needs to realize this is not a significant effort, it is fairly routine. DOER is offering training in
August 2017. AEC recommends two staff attend.
Specific oversight and maintenance of the Town's energy database is required for:
1. Review of data input- addressing any gaps.
2. On-going reporting re DOER target to reduce Town's reduce energy use by 20% in 5
years.
3. Valuate energy usage across departments to identify high priority opportunities for energy
efficiency initiatives and evaluate energy savings to assess return on investment.
4. Provide energy costs and any associated savings projections to inform Town Budgeting
decisions.
8/21/2017: Michelle Leary attended the state seminar on extracting the energy use data. There
were 40 "no-data" categories or "nulls" perhaps due to old equipment or old account
numbers. This highlights the need for people responsible for Departments and budgets to
identify wrong data. This requires additional clarity and understanding to be able to interpret
the information.
P. Gooding recommended using 2015 as baseline year.
9/18/2017: Michelle Leary attended training along with other towns. Chris Senior and Brian
Joyce are awaiting a report to help determine the priorities and how to organize the data to
get what we want from it. Base line year is 2014.
12/11/2017: Nothing new to report.
3. Municipal Energy Technical Assistance Grant (Patricia Gooding, Marie Caristi): Cohasset
will apply for the 2017 grant, which provides up to $12,500/yr for a technical assistant to
assist the Town with:
MassEnergylnsight data system uploads
Green Community Grant Applications
Energy Conservation Measure implementations
Commodity Contract Negotiation and Review
2/13/2017: Discussion of sharing grant with Hingham. Technical assistant is a part time job,
came out in April last year. Need to follow up with Hingham.
4/10/2017:Waiting to see if we can apply for 2017 META Grant, it may come out soon. This
is an opportunity to go through MAPC to expand to other towns.
5/15/2017: Grant awarded, will go to reporting and monitoring. Report in upcoming meeting.
PG noted that the electric vehicles add electric usage to the town energy consumption, so
there should be a way to rationalize the energy savings of not needing to reimburse personal
car use. The data is available for mileage reimbursement on one hand and the smart meters
can provide information on the electric vehicle usage, however, these costs are not the same
type of data. This will be a topic of the next meeting.
12/11/2017: In 2017, Cohasset received a grant of $5,000 and a technical assistant has been
working on the town's Green Communities Annual Report due Dec 11, 2017
4. Virtual Net Metering Credit Option —with Soltage LLC (Chris Senior, Steve Girardi)
Soltage is seeking"off-takers"for a VNMC agreement, similar to what Town was originally planning with Solar
City,for anew PV Array. Mark Miller stated following terms:
• 20% net savings;No escalation
• 20 year term;2 5 year options for renewal
• Fully loaded-includes both transmission and supply
10/17/2016:Town Manager reviewed contract sent by Soltage; not a very good price.
5. Status of Old Landfill PV Array Development :
The three-parcel merger into one Lot has been filed with the Registry of Deeds, and the closure Permit application
has been accepted.
National Grid has fully executed the Interconnect Service Agreement.
AEC met with Planning Board twice in fall. DPW now requesting above ground electrical lines due to operations
along the landfills access road. One issue settles will submit the Post-Closure Use application for DEP.
10/17/2016: Work must be substantially complete by May 8,2017. Town never received closure permit for
landfill. November 2 Planning Board hopefully will hear from DEP. If approvals come by the end of November,
then system design can begin and construction can start in January. This is a very tight schedule.
11/14/2016: Town engineer to make recommendations. Positive meeting, some concerns regarding grounding,
cap slope etc.
12/1/2016 Planning Board's final approval of the project filed Dec 1,2016.
12/14/2016: Awaiting DEP closure and post-closure permits. Expecting January start.
1/9/2017: Closure/post closure permits have been issued by the DEP. Waiting for contractors, installation to
take 2-3 weeks.
2/13/2017: Needs to be completed by May 8. National Grid needs to connect and that may take over the
summer. Security cameras, cost of monitoring in question.
3/20/2017:Approved for construction. Panels to be shipped and arrive within 2 weeks.
5/15/2017:We are generating power,just need an easement to connect. Potential roadblock: National Grid
asked for easement for poles. Town voted to grant land for easement.
7/24/2017: National Grid looking for easement for telephone poles within property lines. Facility is complete, N
Grid needs to connect to the grid, new poles required,wait for metering, then can start commissioning and
testing. Hopefully,this will be completed in 2-4 weeks.
8/21/2017: System is being tested and punch listed. Once there are 7 days of continuous operation, it will be
handed over to the town. There is a temporary permit for an easement that needs to be voted on at town meeting
for permanence.
9/18/2017: System is complete and operational!
12/11/2017: $4,400 comes back to the town every month. Agreement to push school solar
forward.
6. Streetlight Procurement and Conversion (Brian Joyce, Chris Senior, Steve Girardi)
National Grid's Purchase and Sale Agreement includes $13,000+ for all 500+ streetlights
and grants the Town a credit for the eighty eight inoperative streetlights.
Chris Senior to contact National Grid to clarify (1) credit for the off-line streetlights and (2)
when the inoperative streetlight repairs will be complete.
11/14/2016: Grant to be announced December 2016
1/9/2017: Brian Joyce in negotiation of contract, waiting to hear from Patrick Roach at MAPC
to see if there is a grant and assessment from National Grid. Steve Girardi recommends
looking at the different light color installations in Bare Cove.
2/13/2017: Cohasset owns street lights as of February 7t". 511 lights. Contract with
organization to install and maintain lights.
3/20/2017: Brian Joyce disappointed by amount of MAPC funding. $32,000 is available.
Relamping estimated at $300/ light- $1504170,000 total.
5/15/2017: Steve Girardi suggests a mock up of two light temperatures, 4,000 K and 3,000K,
either at Town Hall or in school parking lot. $32,000 grant for conversion, $170,000 cost.
There is a proposal for financing 100% of the streetlights, details being negotiated.
7/24/2017: Location likely near Art Center/ Pat's Barbershop. LEDs: • $38,404.88 DOER grant
reserved for Cohasset (managed by MAPQ
8/21/2017:Town is seeking proposals for financing beyond the grant. Intent is to set up a
survey through the town website to determine the temperature of the bulbs to choose.
9/18/2017: Pilot program will display 4 different lights for community response. 2 4,000
Kelvin and 2 at 3,000 Kelvin, of different wattages. It will take 90 days to order and install.
There are no controls on these lights because they add significant cost to each installation.
10/23/2017: LED street light display will include two options for community response via e-
survey. Decision forthcoming.
12/11/2017: LED installation in December, suggested to allow 2 survey responses per
household.
7. Presentation by Town Hall Renovation Addition Committee
Mary McGoldrick, Chair of THRAC, presented the conceptual design and overall financial
intent of a renovated and partial new town hall. Much of the discussion centered around
cost effective energy savings.
• Permeable paving: This would decrease storm water run off significantly from the site's
current impervious condition.
• High R value insulation: Along with energy efficient and well sealed windows, this is a
common sense approach to reducing energy use saving costs.
• Geothermal wells: This option should be investigated. Either by using the part of the site
that is not built, or even the Common, geothermal seems to possibly save significant energy
use.
• Solar panels: Town Hall faces southwest and the gable runs southeast. This is not ideal for
maximizing solar power generation. The longest run of panels would be along the SE facing
roof of the historic building. This may have implications with the historic groups reviewing
the project. However, this should be investigated further.
• AEC suggested three goals: 1. Preserve the historic qualities while improving the functional
design, 2. Manage capital budget and 3. Conserve energy and related costs.
8. AEC & Education:
8/21/2017: AEC/Schools are in discussion to develop a strategy for improving the curricula
regarding alterative energy issues. AEC would like to move forward with this this year
9/18/2017: There seems to be some student interest and possible attendance at meetings. AEC
participation in schools— looking for ideas for grants. Committee suggests involving
business manager to participate in possible cost savings
12/11/2017:Tonya Bodell will attend next meeting to discuss solar panels on HS roof. We
will also discuss education opportunities and enhanced energy use awareness.
12/11/2017: Programs to investigate: "Learn and Lead" for education programs in
Massachusetts. Mass Save— initiatives for saving energy; Clean Energy Collaborative, Cape
Light Compact.
9. Solar Canopy:
12/11/2017: 64 KwH from solar canopies. Duxbury is an example. Parking lots at the school
and MBTA lots were discussed. Safety and security were issues with the school parking lot.
10. Community Solar Programs
4/10/2017:Tim DiSousa from Direct Energy Solar presented a community solar program that is
underway in Hingham. Mary Jo reminded the committee that we cannot endorse a specific
vendor, we are here to understand the program potential.
A new system costs $20-30K, federal tax incentives cover up to 30% of that cost.
Purchasing solar is complex, but with a number of installations effort and cost encourages
more households joining the program.
Mass incentive will likely change in early 2018, so now is a good time to participate.
Piggy backing on to Solar Hingham is a possibility. Benefits include discounted pricing,
training of volunteers and extensive marketing support.
8/21/2017:town cannot endorse one provider over another and Direct Energy Solar has taken
itself out of the domestic market. Group needs a new approach.
12/11/2017: 350 Mass: 100% Renewable energy objective. Jan. 29 forum (last two at
Glastonbury Abbey) Organizers looking for speakers. Tanya Bodell, Scott Kaplan could be
speakers.
OTHER Energy Conservation Initiatives
Energy Audit of Water Distribution and Treatment Plant, Pumping Stations. (Brian Joyce):
National Grid(Michael Skinner) has hired JX Muir to conduct the energy audit(no cost to Town). Report due
from Michael Skinner.
10/17/2016: Report due from Michael Skinner.
11/14/2016: Nothing new to report
Demand Response Enrollment (Brian Joyce, Chris Senior, Steve Girardi 2.) Steve to contact
Tanya Bodell for an estimate of potential value to Town (AEC presentation?)
Microgrid Feasibility Study (Stephen Girardi): MA Clean Energy Center has pre-qualified
engineering firms for the feasibility study. One firm has already responded back with
proposed scope of work. Now waiting for official release of RFP. (September?)
10/17/2016: Town must pass by law so towns can aggregate. Warrant article is possible for
spring meeting, needs to be in warrant in March.
11/14/2016: Nothing new to report
5/15/2017: Need grant for study. Dense square mile of Police/Fire, Town Hall suggested. As we
are the end of the line and we lose our electricity often, we are an ideal prototype project.
COMPLETED ITEMS:
1. Green Community Year 1 Grant Implementations: Completed
With an initial grant of$141,460, estimated savings for the work below is 2.5%of Town's annual energy
consumption
i. Exterior lighting upgrade at Cohasset Middle/High School
ii. Exterior lighting upgrade at Osgood Elementary School
iii. Exterior lighting upgrade at Deer Hill Elementary School
iv. Exterior lighting upgrade at Cohasset DPW Facility
b. MassEnergylnsight (MEI) Log-in Rights Completed:
With guidance from Patricia Gooding,Town intern Angela Dahlstrom has completed input of data
uploads to MEI database system. Log-in rights(view only) include School Department, Fire Chief Silvia,
AP/AR/Finance employees and other Department Heads. Mary Snow now has"read/write"access to
upload MEI data.
10/17/2016: Intern is assisting with data input,through December 23^.
11/14/2016: On target, updates in progress
12/14/2016: Need a new intern for input data. Angela to give presentation to committee.
3/20/2017: Goal is to get more than 2-3 people to know how system works, but town is comfortable
entering numbers. PG agrees to be key person for oversight. One goal is for town departments to see
savings impact.
5. Warrant Article: Emergency Services for Buildings with Solar Energy Systems (Mary Jo
Larson, Bob Silvia) Completed: Warrant article approved at 2016 Fall Town meeting. The proposed
Bylaw establishes safety standards for commercial and residential solar energy systems based upon
latest NEC and NFPA code.
6. Electric Vehicle and Charging Station Initiative (Brian Joyce, Mary Jo Larson) Completed The
MA Electric Vehicle Incentive Program has awarded the Town of Cohasset$33,000 to lease three(3)
electric vehicles and install Level 2 dual head charging stations. Vehicles will be assigned to Public
Safety(Fire and Police Department),Elder Affairs and the School/Other Municipal employees.Lease
payments of$60-100/month offset by gas reimbursements and maintenance costs for existing vehicles.
Charging stations to be located at the Fire and Police Department,Main Library(or elder affairs)and
behind Town Hall. (2-headed)
10/17/2016: Final Pricing is imminent and we are cautiously optimistic. There were 3 bids,2 of them
the same price. TM and AEC met with the Capital Budget Committee and received unanimous approval
for this initiative.
12/14/2016: Town signed contract for 3 EV to have possession next week. Getting final costs for dual
head charging station, around $10,500+additional $2,000 for installation. Town could put in less
expensive charging stations at other sites.
1/9/2017: Charging stations have been installed,town has vehicles. Plug in station behind fire station.
2/13/2017: Foundation for dual headed charging stations delayed due to weather. DPW completed
work,waiting on electrician. By the end of the week, charging stations should be working.
3/20/2017: Great reviews from users. Elderly Affairs more happy in electric cars than vans. Currently
running all cars through Town Hall charging station.
7/24/2017: School has places to park inside.
Shawn Selha's Declaration: 12/14/2016: Working with Town Manager and BOS to develop a
proclamation recognizing Shawn Selha's contributions to Town of Cohasset at 2017 annual town meeting
May 1,2017.
3/20/2017:AEC members voted unanimously in support of Shaun Selha Proclamation to be announced at the
Annual Town Meeting.
5/15/2017: Declaration made at town meeting.
CCSCR Partnership: National Grid project in two phases: (1) Initial site visit, audit and
ECM's implementation proposal from Rise Engineering. (2) The second phase will be for
renewable energy projects. AEC may use Green Community Grant Funds for the
implementation of the ECM's or other projects. Report Due from Michael Skinner
11/14/2016: The auditor thought town would not qualify for a green communities
incentive. Limited savings with the Coastal Research Center
5/15/2017: For record, this is closed out—too small.
Next AEC meeting: January 22, 2018
PHASE 2: POTENTIAL GREEN COMMUNITY GRANT INITIATIVES
(Grant application due Feb 10, 2017)
We would like a National Grid TA to conduct a more detailed energy audit on the ECM's below
that we identified as part of our energy reduction plan. The original TA report did not really
address much on the HVAC or thermal side of the equation in terms of natural gas savings. We
plan to refine these cost and savings numbers for our 2017 Green Communities Grant
application.
Middle-High School HVAC Controls Upgrade
• Unoccupied Boiler Hot Water Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Unoccupied Space Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Boiler Combustion Controls System Tuning
• Demand Controlled Ventilation System Implementation
• • Middle-High School Lighting Controls Upgrade
• Occupancy Sensor Installation
• Photocell ("Daylight") Controllers
• Middle-High School Building Shell/Envelope Improvements
• Installation of Door/Window/Hatch/Skylight Weatherstripping
• Installation of Sealant Around Door/Window Frame Gaps
• Installation of Sealant Around Duct/Pipe Penetrations
• • Osgood Elementary School HVAC Controls Upgrade
• Unoccupied Boiler Hot Water Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Unoccupied Space Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Boiler Combustion Controls System Tuning
• Demand Controlled Ventilation System Implementation
• • Osgood Elementary School Lighting Controls Upgrade
• Occupancy Sensor Installation
• Photocell ("Daylight") Controllers
• • Osgood Elementary School Building Shell/Envelope Improvements
• Installation of Door/Window/Hatch/Skylight Weatherstripping
• Installation of Sealant Around Door/Window Frame Gaps
• Installation of Sealant Around Duct/Pipe Penetrations
• • Deer Hill Elementary School HVAC Controls Upgrade
• Unoccupied Boiler Hot Water Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Unoccupied Space Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Boiler Combustion Controls System Tuning
• Demand Controlled Ventilation System Implementation
• • Deer Hill Elementary School Lighting Controls Upgrade
• Occupancy Sensor Installation
• Photocell ("Daylight") Controllers
• • Deer Hill Elementary School Building Shell/Envelope Improvements
• Installation of Door/Window/Hatch/Skylight Weatherstripping
• Installation of Sealant Around Door/Window Frame Gaps
• Installation of Sealant Around Duct/Pipe Penetrations
• • Teen Center Interior/Exterior Lighting Retrofit
• Conversion to LED wall-packs and cobrahead fixtures.
• • Police-Fire Station HVAC Controls Upgrade
• Unoccupied Boiler Hot Water Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Unoccupied Space Temperature Setpoint Reset Implementation
• Boiler Combustion Controls System Tuning
• Demand Controlled Ventilation System Implementation
• • Police-Fire Station Building Shell/Envelope Improvements
• Installation of Door/Window/Hatch/Skylight Weatherstripping
• Installation of Sealant Around Door/Window Frame Gaps
• Installation of Sealant Around Duct/Pipe Penetrations
• Police-Fire Station Variable Frequency Drive Installation
• Police-Fire Station Premium Efficiency Motor Installation