Town of Scituate

1. Town of Scituate
Patricia A. Vinchesi
Town Administrator
April 24, 2013

2. 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

3. 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

4. — 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. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. To find out more
www.town.scituate.ma.us
pvinchesi@town.scituate.ma.us
abangert@town.scituate.ma.us
THANK YOU!