MINUTES

Special TOWN MEETING

September 23, 2013

Emmitsburg Town Office

 

 

Present:  Mayor Donald Briggs; Commissioners Clifford Sweeney, Christopher Staiger, and Tim O’Donnell, President. 

Staff present were Vickie Felix and Dave Haller, Town Manager.

Absent:  Commissioner Hoover and Patrick Joy with prior notice

_________________________________________________________________________

I.         Call to Order

Commissioner Tim O’Donnell, President of the Board of Commissioners, called the September 23, 2013 Special Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

II.        Agenda Items

 

Solar Project Contract, Land Lease and Power Purchase Agreement

This meeting is a follow-up from a tabled item from the September 16, 2013 town meeting relating to the UGI Development Co. and the 1.109 MW solar project which will potentially be sited on the wastewater treatment plant property of the Town of Emmitsburg.  Those present were Mr. Fred Ugast of U.S. Photovoltaics, Attorney Matthew Pirnot, and representatives of Standard Solar.  Attorney Prinot distributed a summary sheet to the Board and went over the highlights of the contracts for the Retail Electricity Agreement – UGI Energy Services, Inc. and the Lease – UGI Development Company.  The contract term is for 20 years with an option of a 5-year extension.  UGI retains the SRECs (solar renewable energy credits).  The price will be 7.9 cents/kWh increasing 2% annually.  The key obligations of the Town are to “Provide land for the solar project, pay for power, and don’t interfere with the solar project.”  There was some discussion on the consequences of a breach in the contract between either party. 

Public Comments: Alan Knott, 100 Creamery Road, Gettysburg Glass – Commented on the Solar system his company has purchased.  System already has generated all that they need in one year.  Good investment to consider doing.  Mayor Briggs commented the potential is to save a million dollars.  Mr. Haller commented they have been working with Standard Solar for over a year; this is a very solid contract, good for the town and a sound product as far as the money that can be saved and it is good for the environment.  Commissioner O’Donnell stated there is a need for this but also sees the risk.  Commissioner Sweeney commented this would be a benefit to the town.

Motion:   to accept the Lease by and between the Town of Emmitsburg as Landlord and UGI Development Company as Tenant for the 1.109 MW Solar Project and to accept the Power Purchase Agreement with UGI Energy Services, LLC. 

Motion by Commissioner Sweeney, second by Commissioner O’Donnell. 

                                               Vote: 2-1 in favor

                                              Commissioner Staiger opposed

 

Other

At this time the Mayor announced that Christ Community Church would like to show movies in the park after hours.  Mr. Haller reported that they are requesting to use the park this coming Saturday and the first week end of October.  He would like to give them permission to use it this weekend with approval from the Board.  He will bring back a text amendment for the next meeting.  There was unanimous consent from the Board.  Commissioner Sweeney suggested taking out the horseshoe pits for safety reasons.   

 

III.      SIGN APPROVED DOCUMENTS

 

IV.       Adjournment