Meeting for solar array developers set for Jan. 18

Date: 1/17/2011

Jan. 17, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — The planning team for a proposed solar photovoltaic power generating facility is slated to host a meeting with prospective bidders this week.

On Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. in the Police Station meeting room, members of the planning team will meet and answer questions potential developers of the solar array may have.

The meeting is taking place approximately one month prior to the deadline for bids, which stands at Feb. 17.

"It's not our intent to have a formal presentation on our part," Selectman Mark Gold, who has been a major proponent of the solar array, said.

Gold added that it is very possible that questions asked at the meeting may not be answered immediately and may require research. All questions answered, whether at the meeting or afterward, must be added in an addenda to the request for proposal (RFP). All questions must be answered at least five days before the bidding deadline.

Town Procurement Manager Chad Thompson stated at the team's Jan. 13 meeting there are 18 individuals or groups that have expressed interest in operating such a facility on the site of the old town landfill.

Gold identified two potential votes that would be needed at May's Annual Town Meeting the approval of a long-term lease and approval for the town to finance the preparation of the site.

According to Gold, the town would have to vote to approve the borrowing of approximately $750,000 to clear the land and level it in such a way that a solar array would be effective.

Michael Wrabel, director of the Department of Public Works, explained at the meeting that for a solar array to be installed, a site must be at least flat and, ideally, slightly graded down toward the south. When the landfill was in use, its contents were pushed to the south, meaning the land is now pitched in the wrong direction.

Gold hopes to find a way to eliminate any burden on the taxpayers by taking funds from the eventual long-term lease and Power Purchase Agreements. He admitted that would mean a decrease in energy savings for the town from the array, but pointed out it would prevent any hikes in taxes related to the project.