Minutes
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
Work Session
Location: Eastham Town Hall – Earle Mountain Room
Present: Linda S. Burt, Chair
Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair
David W. Schropfer, Clerk
Kenelm N. Collins
Carol F. Martin
Also: Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Selectman Linda Burt called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
Discussion with Ad-Hoc Committee to Develop a Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-law
Tom Reilly, Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee to Develop a Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-law, designated Andrew Wells as spokesman for the committee.
Selectman Martin McDonald questioned why the group used 5dba opposed to 10dba above ambient noise level. Selectman McDonald also questioned why the noise level is measured at the property line rather than at the residence. Mr. Wells responded that the international standard is 5dba. Mr. Wells also noted that as there may be excessive noise in the residence or no residence on the property, therefore it was felt that the property line is more appropriate to measure ambient noise. Mr. Wells also informed the Board that turbine noise is very different in frequency and pressure waves than other forms of noise.
Selectman David Schropfer questioned the use of the large wind turbines and suggested using an increased number of smaller turbines. Selectman Schropfer also noted concern with some of the data provided, including inconsistent data locations, data from outside the United States and data outside Massachusetts. He also added that he does not want to see the technology ruled out due to stringent regulations. Selectman McDonald suggested adding a clause for a waiver process.
Selectman Carol Martin reminded members that by-laws are not permanent and can be changed at Town Meeting. Mr. Wells noted that this by-law is the best compromise for the development and the protection of residents. He added that the provision on noise offers many different ways to measure the noise, while trying to ensure the most accurate method to measure noise and wind speed. Mr. Wells informed the Board that the section on the flicker study is based on a German standard, which has been commonly accepted.
Selectman Schropfer noted that the turbine(s) can be turned off during times of high flicker. He also noted that the Planning Board should have more freedom to make permitting decisions. Leslie Ann Morse, a member of the Ad-Hoc Committee to Develop a Commercial Wind Turbine Zoning By-law, noted that there are other proposed by-law changes that will allow the Planning Board to hire experts to aid them with their decisions.
Russ French, an Eastham resident, commended the work the committee has done but added that an issue that has not been raised in the report is the revenue wind turbines will generate for the Town. Selectman Martin noted that the only source of revenue for the Town would be from the lease of the land rather than selling power to the grid.
Other Business
Sheila Vanderhoef informed the Board that she has spoken with Sue Helman, Principal of Eastham Elementary School, and Mike Gradone, Superintendent of Schools, noting that the Nauset Regional School Committee is willing to meet with the Board on the same day that the Elementary School does. The date for this meeting is set for January 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
Selectman Kenelm Collins made a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of litigation and not to return to Public Session at 4:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Selectman Schropfer. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes; Selectman Schropfer, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Martin, yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krystal M. Boyd
| 
