Town of Eastham MA - Selectmen's Meeting Minutes 03/05/07

Fred Fenlon, citizen, gave the Selectmen the results from the 2006 energy efficiency audits. He noted that there were 215 participants, and Eastham was ranked first of the 21 cape towns.

David Scheptyck, Chair, School Committee, noted that the committee has approved the Elementary School budget with some concerns. He noted that some risk areas are lack of money for: a permanent substitute teacher, if needed; staff development; and student materials.

Susan Helman, Principal, noted that they currently have a short-term substitute, however, staff development and student materials seemed to be the only area were cuts were available, as there will now be upkeep on the new building and grounds. Ms. Helman noted that there should be a maintenance plan in place for the future to help budget for building maintenance.

Selectman McDonald questioned what the staff development entails. Ms. Helman responded that it involves training classes and conference costs. Ms. Helman noted that there are only a few areas that can be cut, and those are where the cuts are made. She also noted that the costs of caring for special needs children is increasing with increased enrollment of these students.

Brian Eastman, Chair, Energy Committee, noted that there is a group of neighbors to the project who are opposed to the turbines, and have launched a website that has misinformation. He noted that the committee posts all their studies, as well as, questions and answers, on the town website. Mr. Eastman noted that the committee is recommending the setback as 1 ½ times the height of the turbine from the nearest preexisting structure. He also noted that the permit granting authority would be able modify the bylaw as necessary. Mr. Eastman noted that there are no setback requirements for telephone poles, or cell towers.

Mr. Eastman noted that the Planning Board, as the permit granting authority would set conditions, mitigation, or anything else they deem necessary based on the permit application. He noted that the Energy Committee is still currently conducting noise and flicker studies. He also noted that there have been no property tax abatements filed because of the impact of turbines on property values.

Selectman McDonald noted that on a recent visit to the Hull turbines, he noticed that only one house in the neighborhood has a clear view of the turbine. He also noted that he did not notice any vibration, or excessive and polluting noise. Selectman McDonald also noted that there have been no bird kills or ice throw from the Hull turbines, and urged any and all concerned partied to visit the site.

Selectman Schropfer noted that the adopted by-law should benefit the town, and that the by-law should not allow the taking of property. Selectman McDonald noted that there should not be two conflicting articles on the warrant, but there does need to be a Selectman sponsored article.

Mr. Eastman noted that the petitioned article can be amended on Town Meeting floor, but it cannot be changed as printed beforehand. Gwen Pelletier, Energy Committee, noted that the petitioned article is the State model by-law, with the elimination of the noise section, and a change in the setbacks. Mr. Eastman noted that the State by-law offers more protection for the Town than the petitioned article. Mr. Eastman invited Mr. Tony Rogers, Acoustics Expert, from the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Lab to address the noise issue.

Mr. Rogers noted that most of the turbine noise comes from the blades, in the form of white noise. He also noted that as noise travels, it may be reflected or absorbed. Selectman McDonald noted that the area is heavily forested, which will affect the level of noise generated by the turbines. Mr. Rogers noted that the sound level will be affected by the amount of leaves on the trees, the atmospheric temperature, as well as home location related to the turbine location.

Paul Lothrop, citizen, questioned if the town will be taking any property for eminent domain. Selectman Burt responded no. Jack Slavin, MIS Director, noted that they have found the town to have proper title and ownership to five parcels in that area. Hank Curtis, Citizen, questioned if there has been any discussion related to the private turbines. He noted that the commercial turbines will generate money in the short-run, while the private turbines have instant savings for residents.

David Skiba, Planning Board, noted that the Planning Board would like to give the issue more time. He noted that with the 400-foot setback, there would not be enough land for the two town wells on the same land as the turbines. Fred Fenlon, citizen, suggested a turbine behind Town Hall or on the grounds of the Elementary School. He noted that these turbines will be 300 percent more efficient.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the Selectmen sponsored by-law may go forward, and the petitioned by-law must go forward as written, but can be amended on town meeting floor. The Board will hold this issue until the next meeting.

Selectman Schropfer made a motion to accept the resignation of George Katz from the Energy Committee, with regrets. The motion was seconded by Selectman Collins and so voted 5-0.

Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the location of town meeting will be the Nauset Regional High School gymnasium. She also noted that the stage will be set up slightly different this year to allow for more room.

Selectman Collins made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of February 21, 2007. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer and so voted 4-0-1, Selectman McDonald abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

Selectman Sandblom made a motion to enter into executive session, not to return to public session. The motion was seconded by Selectman McDonald. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes.