The meeting began with the board addressing a special permit extension request for 540R Main Street, presented by representatives of Catalyst Energy. This project involves a 2.7-megawatt solar installation with a 2-megawatt, 4-megawatt-hour battery. The request for an extension arose due to expired permits related to utility upgrades. The initial special permit, granted on August 20, 2021, was nearing expiration, prompting the need for a 12-month extension. The board discussed the legality and limits of such extensions, ultimately determining that a one-year extension was reasonable given the ongoing complexities involving utility upgrades. The board unanimously approved the extension, emphasizing the importance of keeping the permit active while the developers worked on re-approving wetland boundaries and finalizing updated plans for site plan review.

The board then considered another permit extension for a project on Morses Lane, proposed by Distributed Solar Development LLC (DSD). Representatives from DSD highlighted the significant delays they faced with Eversource, stating the project had been stalled for three years. They expressed uncertainty about whether a one-year extension would be sufficient and requested an additional two-year extension instead. They noted ongoing supply chain issues and the complexities of coordinating project timelines with interconnection upgrades. Despite their concerns, the board decided to grant a 12-month extension with a provision for review based on good cause at the end of that period. This decision was also unanimously approved.

The discussion then shifted to the Robinson Road solar project proposed by Nexamp Inc. The board noted the installation of a permit screen and ongoing discussions regarding cash surety for vegetative screening and fencing. The Conservation Commission had previously voted on a $20,000 cash surety for screening, but there was a miscommunication regarding the vote. The board decided to seek a quote from Nexamp for the cost of the vegetative plantings around Robinson Road, which was reported to be $76,000. Additionally, the cost of the installed permit screen was stated to be $92,000. The cash surety discussed would be in place for five years, allowing the board to replace any vegetative screening or the temporary permit screen if necessary. A motion was made to continue the discussion about the Robinson Road screening surety to the next meeting. This motion was seconded and passed without dissent.

The board examined a proposed schedule from Eversource, which included a disclaimer stating that it was non-binding and subject to monthly updates as project priorities shifted. The concept of phased interconnection was introduced, allowing projects connected to already completed substations to interconnect while upgrades continued on other sites. The board expressed concerns about the uncertainty of timelines, particularly regarding the ability of projects to connect to the Wing Lane substation, expected to be completed in the fall of 2025. There was optimism but also acknowledgment of the unpredictability of the situation.

A participant requested clarification on the bylaws, indicating that permits could be extended for up to two years, but it was uncertain if further extensions would be allowed beyond that. The Town Council confirmed that permits could indeed be extended by one year, and if a reapplication were necessary, it would be for another year, allowing a maximum of two years in total. The board emphasized the need for developers to present evidence of efforts made to advance their projects within the extension timeframe.

The meeting also covered the status of economic and energy bills and their implications for various projects. It was noted that while an economic bill had passed both houses, it remained in conference committee, implying a delay in its finalization. Participants acknowledged past delays in project processing and expressed optimism about ongoing work with Eversource, where uncertainty was being gradually resolved, allowing projects to move forward.