Burnt to a Crisp

Been trying to get a better grasp of the whole energy cost savings to the town; solar farm project, wind turbines project, the solar voltaic at the WTF, proposed solar for the new school and a whole lot of everything else (I think).

I am beginning to realize we may just be getting too energy efficient for our own good.

I am imagining that many of you don't recall the finance committee meeting at which the proposed solar farm lease articles for the then special town meeting were discussed.  For those of you with a vague recollection of what transpired, think again.  It wasn't recorded.

Probably a good thing.  If it was people might have found out that I am not always the cool, calm and collected person you normally see.

Truth be told, while fin com ended up backing the project, it was not with any rousing enthusiasm.  the most telling note in the minutes for the solar project lease:

"Long discussion with strong opposition from the committee regarding certain aspects of the proposal relating to town liabilities and benefits."

That was back in October, 2009.  Town Meeting did grant the authority to enter into the lease shortly thereafter.  Some two and 1/2 years later, we are still waiting for the sun to shine (on the panels that is).

I will tell you one thing, if ever Town Meeting is faced with the need to approve again, to the extent possible (and I am not 100% it would be possible), any lease authority needs to be tied into a "drop dead" date.  

I will tell you another thing, I don't think you are going to see any blanket authority granted by Town Meeting for a long time to come.  Unfortunately there are some situations where that could create some problems.  Unfortunately it will be because of problems created from handing out the blankets in the past.

Back in December, 2011 thereabouts discussions started and/or were put into high gear about extending the time frames for "the lease".  Based on what exists to date from what I have been able to gather, assuming a further extension is not all ready in place, a further extension is needed.  

This project needs to be seriously looked at.  

If you are a follower of this blog, you have read about my personal three prong test.  Well, this project isn't meeting any one of the three.

At this time reference, we are still hearing talk about the need to get all the ducks in a row.  There are some serious issues being raised by one selectman, and others in town about the need to even line up the ducks for this project.

The power purchase provisions of this particular agreement need to be seriously questioned in light of other power purchase agreements, and the amount of power the town needs to purchase.  The fact that 2 and 1/2 years have passed and more time is still needed all by itself should raise serious concern.

The dump is in fact a great place for this type of project.  Great use of a "brown" space.  Doesn't make this particular project a good fit.

If I had to stick my three pronged fork in it, I would guess that this one has been cooking for far too long. Time to toss it on the heap, assuming "we" haven't done something that has us hog tied yet once again.