The main proposal involves setting up EV charging stations on school property, with a particular focus on Kingston Elementary School and surrounding areas. Annovis Energy representatives outlined a business model wherein a third-party investor would absorb the installation and maintenance costs, relieving the municipality of these responsibilities. In return, the municipality would receive a share of the profits—20% from a single site and 30% if the sites were combined.

The commission deliberated on the growing trend of EV adoption, noting a significant rise in EV sales from approximately 100,000 units in 2013 to around 350,000 in 2018. Though this growth has stabilized recently, advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, were emphasized as factors that could drive future adoption.

Significant concerns were raised about the compatibility of the proposed charging stations with various vehicle manufacturers, especially Tesla. The presenter clarified that the stations would include dual ports to accommodate both the CCS standard and Tesla’s proprietary standard. Safety was a recurring theme, with one participant questioning the impact of increased traffic on school grounds and the potential risks of unfamiliar individuals waiting for their vehicles to charge near school facilities. Two potential locations were suggested: the senior parking lot and near the administrative building, with a preference for the latter due to traffic considerations.

An example from Franklin, where similar installations reportedly increased EV adoption without safety issues, was cited to alleviate some concerns. Additionally, the financial liability for any damage to the charging stations would fall on the third party, who would be responsible for insuring the equipment.

Permitting and zoning issues were also addressed. A zoning officer had initially raised concerns about the commercial use of the charging stations, but it was clarified that the use would be permissible as long as the stations served school personnel and students. The potential for adjusting the number of charging stations post-installation was discussed, with considerations for appropriately sizing the power transformer based on the approved number of stations. The requirement for public access to the stations for at least 12 hours a day raised further safety questions, particularly during school hours.

Financial implications of the charging stations were another focal point. The discussion referenced Franklin High School’s experience, which reportedly sees about 33 charging sessions per week, generating revenue between $1,500 and $117,000, depending on the profit-sharing structure. The potential for increased revenue if the profit share rose to 40% was also discussed. Questions about the tax implications of this income clarified that it would be taxed as 1099 income.

The conversation included the practicality of managing charging times alongside academic schedules, with one participant noting the difficulty for students and faculty to leave classes to move their fully charged vehicles. A system involving fobs to restrict access to authorized users was suggested.

The meeting also touched on the importance of securing permits quickly, as approvals from Eversource could take up to six months. The risk of missing critical deadlines was highlighted, with one participant emphasizing the urgency by stating, “the downside is if we miss the window, we miss the window.”

Concerns about public access to school facilities were reiterated, particularly regarding whether members of the public could use the school track during the day. It was confirmed that public use was restricted, leading to discussions about installing cameras for added security around the charging stations. The commission showed cautious optimism about moving forward with the application while ensuring all safety and logistical concerns were adequately addressed.

In addition to the EV charging stations, other topics at the meeting included updates on various school initiatives and financial discussions. The principal provided updates on new staff members, successful opening assemblies, and budget cuts affecting the freshman orientation program. Donation requests for building materials, a vehicle for the automotive program, and books for the school library were approved.

Further, a proposal for an out-of-state field trip for the choir and band to perform at Carnegie Hall was discussed, with a cost of $1,800 per student and fundraising efforts to offset costs. The Silver Lake Hall of Fame committee also proposed fundraising for a memorial for a late coach, and updates to the program of studies were approved, including the addition of French honors courses.

Safety concerns at a local intersection were addressed, with commendations for the Highway Superintendent’s efforts to improve visibility. Discussions about a potential roundabout and the transfer of land for drainage improvements were also notable.

The meeting concluded with a focus on scheduling adjustments for future gatherings and the proposal to adjourn to an executive session for strategy discussions related to negotiations and the approval of past executive session minutes.