MEC’s ATM articles

The Medfield Energy Committee has provided the following explanation of its two annual town meeting (ATM) warrant articles, that if passed will allow Medfield to become a green community under the Green Communities Act –

Medfield Energy Committee

Recommends a YES vote on

Article #34

“.. .add new Section 19, Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Overlay District (PVOD)…”

• Solar Photovoltaic is a very safe, proven, economical way of generating non-carbon, renewable energy
• The purpose of this Section is to promote and regulate the use of commercial and municipal solar photovoltaic facilities within the Town of Medfield and encourage their location and use in a manner which minimizes negative visual and environmental impacts on scenic, natural and historic resources and to the residents of Medfield.
• The purpose is also to provide adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such installations. 
• The by-right overlay district will be the IE district (the industrial area North of West Street)
• Over 50 Massachusetts communities have passed by-right Solar Bylaws, including Sherborn, Medway, Dedham & Ashland
• 30 Communities have reduced their energy costs by installing large-scale Solar generation on town land
• Passage of this article puts Medfield one step closer to becoming a Green Community which would qualify the Town for a $148,000 grant
• Passage of this Bylaw will facilitate Town interest in solar energy generation to further reduce Town energy bills. Estimated return on solar investment is 9 to 12%
• Energy Committee & Town are studying Solar for Waste Water treatment plant, Town Garage and other locations.
• Article #34 passed unanimously by the Planning Board and supported by the Board of Selectmen.

Vote YES on Article #34

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Medfield Energy Committee

Recommends a YES vote on

Article #35

“…enact…“Stretch Energy Code”, for the purpose of regulating the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy…”

• Stretch energy code promotes energy efficient buildings. Over 70% of Medfield energy use is for buildings
• Added cost of construction is paid off by reduced energy bills.

Examples:

Large Home 4,462 sq. ft.

o       Added construction cost to meet code   $6,462

o       Energy savings                                         $1,455/yr

o       Return on investment                                22%

o       Increase in 30 yr. mortgage                     $471/yr

o       Annual net savings                                    $984/yr

Small home renovation 1706 sq. ft.

o       Added construction cost to meet code   $4,162

o       Energy savings                                         $583/yr

o       Return on investment                                14%

o       Increase in 30 yr. mortgage                     $302/yr

o       Annual Net Savings                                   $281/yr

• Stretch energy codes eventually become State building codes. Current Stretch Code to be adopted as State code in July 2014.
• Passage of this article on Stretch Energy Code puts Medfield one step closer to becoming a Green Community and qualifying the Town for a $148,000 grant
• A no vote means NO $148,000 but the Stretch Code becomes law in July anyway.
• Future editions of Stretch Code will continue energy and dollar savings balance.
• This article saves money for homeowners, but builders and developers may not like that it adds cost to construction.
• Article #35 supported by Board of Selectmen. Building Commissioner stands ready to enforce Stretch Energy Code

Vote YES on Article #35