I'm gonna start the quarum. So, here we are. This is the meeting of um December 3rd. We have a quorum consisting of myself, Katherine Hilton, Arlene Reed, and Garrett Simonson. First order of business as always is the um the
minutes. >> I did send out, right? >> Yeah. I'll move to approve. Uh >> second here. >> Okay. on uh here. Let me just make a a note. Okay. And all in favor? Garrett?
>> Yes. >> Arlene, >> yes. >> Cat, yes. So, that's the minutes. The other the other piece of actual business we have is to approve a disposal works construction permit for repair, a cptic system repair on Montigue Road number
38. Um, Mike has reviewed the uh the plan. He says we can go ahead and issue it. The only thing I'm waiting for is the check from them. And I expect that when I go up to town hall tomorrow, it's going to be in the mailbox. >> And Katherine, just for clarification,
you said 38, but is it 83? >> I believe it is 83. >> The minutes the minutes I mean not the minutes, but the agenda says 83. Okay, >> let me just check on that. >> I'm not sure I got it right. >> Okay. >> Um
would be from >> It's 38 actually. >> Oh dear. Okay. >> Right. I've been writing 38 on everything where, you know, making notes to myself, but I didn't put the right number there.
Since there is not anything controversial here, even though it hasn't been put correctly in the in the posted agenda, I to go ahead and vote on it just because we're getting into the
difficult >> season for um installation and I know that they've had to pump several times. Well, I multiple times. I don't know how many, but I know that there's been more than one pump out. It's been coming
back. They need this repair. We can consider it unanticipated business. That is, we did not anticipate that it was actually at number 38. >> Right. >> And I think that we can go ahead and
vote on it if somebody wants to to uh move that. I think it's a reasonable typo and I'll move to approve. >> Second. >> Okay, same deal. Um, all in favor?
>> Arlene, >> yes. >> Garrett, >> yes. >> Cat, yes. Okay. Well, too bad it didn't happen before the snow and we're going to have a really breeze tomorrow, but um
I I can't help that. So I think that the only thing unless you guys have anything to tell any reporting or information or gossip whatever. >> No, no public health gossip here.
>> Oh shoot. Um, Garrett, I wonder if you had a chance to look at the um at the webinar that Arlene sent around. >> Yeah, I did I did watch that this afternoon. Yeah,
>> that was pretty interesting actually. Um, and it it did kind of clarify some things and that also it also suggested to me that no matter what we do, what kind of bylaw we have or don't have or regulation we have or don't have, nobody
is ever going to apply in shoots the to put one of these things up. We just don't have the infrastructure that they would need. I mean, we have a substation down at the bottom of Crack Corner Road, but presumably all the interconnectivity
of that station is taken up with the solar um installation up the road from them. I don't think there's another one around. The only the only thing I can imagine is that there might be small ones that are basically
residential or commercial. I mean, the school might have one if they had they don't do they have any solar stuff. >> I don't think at the school. >> No, the um the new library has a full a
roof full of solar panels, >> right? Yeah. It may be that they would want to have something like this and u >> Yeah. Um so so the idea of having a big freestanding one that is for the purpose
of of maintaining a lot of of power within the within the grid, you know, in and out of the grid seems to be pretty unlikely, but we probably just need to to do it anyway. Although it kind of
takes some of the urgency out of it. the um the the model zoning bylaw for for these I found instructive in a few ways. Um primarily in this um establishing of the
different tiers of um what do they call it anyway of capacity of total yes total capacity of them. And it seems to me that that well tier one seems to be the
kind of thing that we're talking about that somebody might want to have it for their home or for their business, for the library, for a town building or something like that. >> Um, and we could certainly establish some guidelines for that. Mhm.
>> Two happens to be the level of the um the solar installation on Pratt Corner Road. I am told that they have a battery energy storage system for that and it is
um the capacity of it is four megawatt hours. >> Okay. So that right tier two. So that's already in place. >> You're saying? >> Yes. It's been there for five years. >> Okay.
>> And so far, no problems. So I would think that that part of what we could do is establish these tiers. I mean, this is just a model zoning bylaw. So, it it kind of doesn't I mean, it doesn't meet our needs in many ways. It was just
basically for information that we could establish in our regulation these two tiers >> that it seems reasonable that we might possibly have a use for and just not have anything more than what tier two
ends at what anybody have >> 10 megawatt hours, >> right? So maybe we >> Oh, excuse me. It's Yes, it's between 250 kilowatt hours and 10 megawatt hours. Yeah. >> Right. So possibly we could we could limit it to 10 megawatt hours. Not not
um not have anything larger than that. Not that I think anybody's going to propose anything larger than that because where in hell are they gonna >> So any regulation that we might um create
would retroactively apply to this installation on Pratt Corner Road, I assume. Is that right? >> I don't think so. I think it since it already exists, it would be grandfathered. That's my assumption. including
>> none of the um the uh emergency response plans and um I do they have a such a plan on file or do we know
>> I would I don't know the answer to that. >> I could guess that they do and we should find out more about that and the person who would know about it would be Michael. Um >> right. >> Um but >> I mean I understand that we would not we would uh grandfather them in in terms of
like things like setbacks and uh you know the sighting essentially. >> Yeah. >> But things that are still changeable like an emergency response plan um it might might come to bear in this
situation. Right. Well, if >> they don't already have a plan, then they need to create one for us. >> I'd be surprised if there is one. If they had to have one at that time going right
>> if if we're going back five years, >> right? >> Okay. I mean even for even for residential batteries uh when we did ours two years ago, two three years ago. >> Mhm.
>> Uh the state rags were only just about to begin. Uh, and you know, Shootsbury Fire did inspections of our battery system in
advance of that and were basing their inspections off of what were going to be the state rags. So, >> okay. >> I I'd be surprised if there's an emergency plan for that. >> Okay. >> So, >> um, yeah, I'm not sure. Well, we'll have
to find out. I mean, first of all, we'll have to find out what they have in place and secondly, what kind of what kind of um intervention we can make after the fact. >> Yeah. I mean, voluntary compliance, I
suppose, >> right? Okay. Well, that's something to find out. Um, what's the capacity of your system, Derek? Good question. I don't know. You know, it's residential capacity, so it's not
>> right. >> Not anything similar. >> Most likely tier one. Yeah. >> Maybe even less than a tier one. I don't know if there's less for >> negative one, >> right? Five.
Um, let me let me see what they say about >> Yeah, I don't know about residential how that compares Yeah. I don't know. It says tier one installations include systems with an aggregate energy capacity of less than 250 kilwatt hours.
Um, at this point it's just about the fire code and the electrical code. >> But um, yeah, we should find out some more some more about that. I wonder I wonder how many other
residential systems there are where people have these battery arrays, >> right? >> I have no idea. Um, but I could probably ask Lenny,
>> right? Because >> would Lenny necessarily know about every one of them that's in town? Well, if he's supposed to inspect them for the fire code, he might. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And we had to do a permit. So, um,
>> who gave the permit? >> I think it was twofold. I think uh for COG did I think there was in part for Cog this was all done through the solar company. So, >> um, so I don't truly remember
So I think in part it was forcog and the fire department. >> So and and by FCOG you mean the the um in com cooperativection >> basically? >> Yeah I think they they issued the permit
for installation and then the fire department came out and did the final inspection. >> Okay. So basically it was building permit I think. >> Yep. >> Okay. Okay. Is it does it have its own little building or how does it how's it set up?
>> So, because it's interior, it had to have it had to have So, there's two ways that you can do it. So, if it's if it's exterior, then it at least at the time did not need to have, you know, a separate enclosure.
>> But interior, it has to have its own, you know, closet, uh, smoke detector. um a ventilation component to the closet.
>> Um and it can't on interior it can't be installed in any space that's considered living space. >> Okay. So you >> for for residential. >> So you can have it like in your basement, >> right? Basement. But it can't be a
finished basement, >> right? Or you know garage or Yeah. >> Uhhuh. Okay. And do you know what kind of batteries are in it? >> Uh I assume lithium ion
>> because >> I don't know that for sure. >> Yeah. Yeah. That would be that would be interesting to find out because um we saw in that webinar that there is the sort of next generation of batteries is
quite a bit safer. >> And I think that we would be justified in demanding that level of battery safety or greater right as those others. I mean, it was pretty clear that there was the one that's pretty dangerous is the one
that's commonly used now and is less dangerous and then there are some other ones coming along that are not really commercially available. And I don't know if there's some way to
write into a regulation that we kind of want the safest possible battery that is in fact commercially available.
>> Well, and and the challenge with all of this is obviously evolving technology. So, you know, part of what the regulation may need to stipulate is routine review to ensure that the regulation's consistent with where the technology is.
So, >> right. >> Um, >> by which you mean routine review of the >> the regulation itself, >> the regulation, right? >> Making sure it's consistent with where where things are with the technology.
So, Okay. Uh, let me make a note or two. So, we want to know if there's an emergency plan for the Pratt Corner Road
installation. and and we want to know how to adapt to evolving technology in within the context of the rag. Is there something else that we want to
find out that I have already forgotten? We'd given um um the the question about that that we don't know the answer to about how many battery storage systems are already in place you know at a tier one for instance a residential
>> um uh system would we at any point wish to ask people to dis to ch you know speak up and disclose what their systems are. Um, and make sure that they are all
compliant with the kinds of um, things that you've just described, Garrett, you know, the ventilation and the um, them being outside of a living space and um, or would we
let slide what all what is already in place? for and part of what drives me to ask this is I know of a place in town that's got bunch of solar panels. It's a it's a private home and there's um it's hooked
up to essentially a couple of car batteries. >> Um so there's some sort of and and it's been that way for I don't know a long time. I I don't know how long, but um so it's kind of a homemade like almost looks like a
homemade kind of system. >> Yeah, it definitely sounds homemade. I can't imagine that the solar company, for example, the one that set up Garrett system would >> Yeah. >> put in a couple of car batteries. >> I mean, any professional installation is
going to go through permitting, >> right? Right. But this sounds like it's not a professional installation and possibly didn't go through permitting, >> right? >> And and though the situation that you
describe, Arlene, I think maybe poses less concern. Mhm. >> I mean, it's not a >> hopefully they've done it hopefully they've done it correctly, but you know, in terms of the potential for,
>> you know, significant fire or >> especially like if you're we're talking about lithium lithium ion batteries um is a little bit different. But again, hopefully they've done their
research and Well, this property has changed hands at least twice since the original whoever installed it put it in there. >> Yeah. >> So, >> yeah. And it may no longer be there. The last I knew was a few years ago, but Yeah.
>> Uhhuh. >> Are the are the owners known to you personally? >> Not the current ones. The just prior one. >> Okay. >> Yes. But it has been sold and I don't know what the current owner is doing.
Yeah. >> Oh, well that's that's a bit concerning, but >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um >> but you know if um if a call were put out to the community to please for your
own safety and that of everyone around you please let us know if you've got battery backup to your solar system and we want to make sure that it's safe. I know, you know, some people who wish to fly under
the radar would not disclose that, but >> that's another thing we could talk to Lenny about. Mhm. >> Um um how how he sees the danger of it if
it's something that is um a violation of the fire code and should be should be anonymously reported to him. M >> um >> so I'll put that on the list to ask
Lenny about Okay. Are there any other thoughts about this? I realize we're moving slowly, but >> my god, it's so overwhelming. >> No. Yeah. It's educating ourselves.
>> Yeah. >> This Yeah. >> Right. Yeah. Frequently find my eyes rolling back into my head. It's >> not deeply fascinating. >> So, all right. So,
we want to find out about Crack Corner Road. Arlene, would you be willing to get in touch with Michael Deara and ask him >> about that if they have an emergency
response plan and um just basically what he knows about it? Because I think he I think I have an idea that he basically knows everything about it. He's made it his business to do so. Yes, I'm right. I'm taking notes right now. >> Okay.
>> Um about that. >> And I'll talk with Lenny or email with them or whatever and see if I can find out about what's already out there on the ground. Mhm.
>> Okay. >> All right. Is there anything else that is important to talk about right now? >> I have been asked a a completely different subject. Okay.
I have been asked at least a couple of times in the last month or so about what is happening with the fire damaged property on Wendo Road. Um, >> okay. I'll tell you I'll tell you where
that is as far as I know. I went in and I sat down in Haley's office and I said, "Haley, I would really like to take this off my shoulders and put it on yours because >> you said this to whom?" >> Haley, the new >> Haley. Okay. Yes. Um, and uh, I said that I thought I felt
that we had come to the end of what we could usefully do as the board of health and we're just out of options. >> And, uh, she said she would she asked me to come by and talk to her in person about the situation and what had been done and blah blah. Um, and she said she
would bring it up to the select board. And it does seem to me that the select board at this point is the right entity for dealing with that since I mean we did what we could. >> Okay. So Haley has the sort of the list
of stuff that we've already done, the communications that we've already had and the responses we've gotten. I outlined it, but I didn't give her detailed, you know, detailed chronology, but I give her
>> Yeah, >> I gave her the big picture. >> That's kind of what I've been saying to people, saying essentially. I think we have reached the end of our um resources about what we can do on this and it's kind of beyond us at this
point. Can we share the the notices that were sent with to ha share those with Haley? >> I I have not done that, but I certainly can. >> Yeah. I mean, because that that's part of the paper trail. >> Right. Yeah. I'll assemble those and uh
and send them off to her. Mhm. >> You know, I remember last time when John Thompson came in, he was talking about noncriminal dispositions where you could find people. Um, and
we don't have that, but we could. It's something that is voted at town meeting, I believe. I wonder if we should look into that and see if it's something that makes sense because because as a board we really don't have any teeth.
>> So, >> so I will see. I was hoping that the new health agent might come tonight, but um he seems to have gotten right right into the spirit
of the district, which is basically non-communication. >> Okay, remind me of his name, please. >> His name is David Gillis. >> Thank you. >> And I'll send you I'll send you his contact. Well, actually his his email on
the email that I sent out tonight link >> I sent that to him. >> Okay. So, you've got his email there. Um, >> uh, a while back he sent >> he sent out an email to me and to Kathy Bridges of Northfield and said, "Let me
know what your your board of health schedule is so that I can come and present myself and meet you and whatnot." And so, I sent back a fairly detailed email saying we happen to have the same meeting schedule. So, we're both meeting on the 3rd and the 17th.
And uh I don't have a preference, but Kathy might. So >> Mhm. >> And uh so I you know said our meetings are by Zoom. You can come anytime. Blah blah blah blah. I did not hear a single word back from him. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, thank you. I wish that that
the collaborative had moved sooner to um to start organizing a a sort of buy into the collaborative services um that initiative that Norin was talking
about last time because it really kind of came too late for us and if that had been available I would have quit the the um the district in a heartbeat with your approval. Of course, I can't do it all by myself. Um but uh but it seems like
at least for the next year, we're stuck with this. And maybe it'll work out well. And if it doesn't, and I hate to to really sabotage the the district because at last count, we were paying
43% of the the budget. you know, if we drop out, it would just change everything. >> Um, at one point there was talk about Ashefield, >> I think it was Ashefield joining the district, which is it's already kind of all over the place. >> Yeah.
>> But if they if they did that, they could probably, you know, kind of reorganize in a way that would work financially. >> Okay. But
I don't know. Anyway, there it is. >> All right. >> So, between now and the next meeting, we're going to find out about the the situation on Pratt Corner Road, >> and I'm going to find out with what Lenny knows. >> Okay. Okay.
>> Is there anything else that has to happen between now and then that you can think of? Not that I know of. >> All right. >> And Garrett, I was telling Cat that um two weeks from tonight, we are we are
traveling to Denver that day. We get we're supposed to p into Denver at 4:30ish local time. Local time. Yeah. So, um maybe >> Oh, I think it was 2:30 4:30 Eastern
time, right? Okay. and I anticipate being able to be here, but you know, unforeseen delays sometimes, >> right? I will I assume that Norin will be back with us and probably possibly when
>> Okay. I will keep you all posted though. >> Okay. >> I'm envious of your Denver trip. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> You staying around here, Garrett? >> Yeah. Okay. >> I'm not envious of your Devon for trip.
If you were going someplace warm and sunny, I might be envious of that because Wow. >> is often warm and sunny >> sometimes. Sometimes >> and just wait the next day and then it's >> Right. >> Right. >> When they get snow, they don't even plow
the residential streets because it's typically gone within a day or so. The first time I went out to Denver for Christmas after my sister moved there, we just beat an enormous snowstorm, a
huge snowstorm that was like it was like kneedeep everywhere like all over the streets and it did not it did not just >> go well. >> Yeah. Well, it did not evaporate overnight. No. >> I've been there for one of those.
>> Yeah. All right. >> All righty. Well, rather than ask for a vote, I'm just going to invoke uh executive privilege here, and I'm going to adjourn the meeting right now. >> Okay. >> Break my heart. >> Yeah.
Said I'm adjourning the meeting or that you don't get to vote on it. >> Both. >> Well, consider it broken. >> Okay. >> So, thanks you guys. >> Yep. Thank you. Have a good night. in a couple of weeks. >> All righty. >> Take care.
>> Byebye now.