patricia vinchesi 2013 masccc
DESCRIPTION
Town of ScituateTRANSCRIPT
Town of Scituate
Patricia A. Vinchesi Town Administrator
April 24, 2013
About Scituate � 18,000 population; 30,000 in
summer; 26 miles from Boston
� Historic community celebrated 375th anniversary 2012
� Five beaches, three golf courses, active harbor with commercial and sport fishing
� Five member BOS with Town Administrator
� $70,000,000 budget
� 220 municipal employees
� Active board and committee involvement
� 96% residential with limited commercial development
How it started 2004- Selectmen created Renewable Energy Committee
2009 (FY 11)- Selectmen adopted priority goal of becoming leading community in Commonwealth for green initiatives
RESULTED IN:
� 1.5 MW wind turbine (commissioned 3/12)
Meets 50% of town’s electrical needs) 8.9 cents kWh, anticipated $3.6 million in savings over 15 years
� Designated Green Community in 2011
adopted stretch code, photovoltaic (PV) bylaw
� 3.0 MW DC photovoltaic solar array under construction on Town’s capped landfill
Meets 50% of town’s electrical needs 8.4 cents kWh, anticipated $4.8 million in savings over 20 years
� $5.9 Energy Savings Contract for all town and school facilities
� Pilot community for Solarize Scituate
� Designated Green Community in 2011
Adopted stretch code, photovoltaic (PV) bylaw
� 3.0 MW DC photovoltaic solar array under construction on Town’s capped landfill
Meets 50% of town’s electrical needs 8.4 cents kWh, anticipated $4.8 million in savings over 20 years
How it has evolved Sustainable Scituate: www.sustainablescituate.org
GOAL: grass roots advocate organization for promoting energy conservation, protecting the environment and leading sustainable lives
RESULTED IN:
� Recycling Education
� Community and school gardens
� Assistance with Solarize Scituate pilot program
� Community wide education on sustainable living
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
� Farmer’s Market established in 2010
� South Shore Fish Exchange (SOSEXI), established in 2012 (CSF)
� Ship Shape Day
How it Continues Community Preservation Act
� Adopted 2007
� @ 3%
GOAL: support the creation or expansion of, walking and biking trails
RESULTED IN:
� $1,775,000.00 spent since in six years (six projects)
� $500,000 approved April 9, 2013 for bike trail
� $350,000 for Phase III of Harborwalk trail
And… Water Quality Improvement and Conservation
� Irrigation restrictions implemented in 2011
� Herring in Herring Brook for first time in 15 years (NOAA grant received to restore in Bound Brook)
AWARDS:
Lead by Example Award 2013
Gulf of Maine Council Award 2012
North South River Water Association Annual Award 2012
Mass Energy Consumer Alliance Leadership Award 2012
Things to Consider � Support of local officials/stakeholders
� Exploratory and implementation costs
� Good Planning: siting and selection processes, operation and maintenance
� Band width: staffing, administrative and legal expertise
� Partnering with state agencies (EOER,DEP)
� Commitment
� Other factors: Renewable energy credit market/investment tax credits
Private vs. municipal ownership
Late to the dance?
Will still have issues, problems and challenges
Small Steps lead to Big Things…
� Each project relatively small but builds on prior efforts/progress
� Not a lot of town General Fund dollars used
� Celebrate small accomplishments
� Recognize there will be obstacles and insure there is continuity and consensus among officials on goals
