00:02A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the town’s engagement with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. A contract with PVPC, which is a standard service agreement not exceeding previous years’ financial commitments, was under scrutiny. Concerns were voiced about PVPC’s alignment with state and federal interests rather than those of Blandford, highlighting past dissatisfaction with the outcomes of PVPC’s involvement in the town’s planning. One board member cited complications arising from previous advice given by PVPC on cluster housing zoning bylaws, which mirrored issues faced by another town.

08:51The board deliberated whether to continue relying on PVPC or to seek alternative expertise. The cost of the PVPC contract, pegged at $5,000 annually, was noted, with charges incurred only when their assistance is specifically requested. However, there was a call for exploring other options, particularly in light of past issues with solar projects and outdated bylaws. The importance of having reliable legal and planning expertise was emphasized, especially for addressing issues related to solar energy and environmental regulations.

11:43Parallel to the PVPC discussion, the board also dealt with solar energy projects, which are increasingly becoming a focal point for the community. The board confirmed that peer review processes for a proposed solar field project on Huntington Road were underway. The project had faced delays due to paperwork issues, prompting the board to expedite the review. Comprehensive Environmental Incorporated (CI) was identified as the firm conducting these peer reviews, which are critical for projects like the ones on Huntington Road and Chester Road.

28:43The solar projects discussion extended to two significant ventures: a 200-megawatt project and a 50-megawatt project. The larger project, set to be presented at a future meeting, lacked a definitive timeline, while the smaller project faced delays due to site survey issues, including wetland crossings requiring consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers. The board noted the importance of making peer review documents publicly accessible to help residents understand prior issues. This transparency was seen as vital for fostering community trust and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Another topic of concern was the lack of direct voting power for residents regarding solar and battery storage projects. A special town meeting was proposed to pose non-binding questions to gauge community interest in opposing developer actions. This meeting was tentatively scheduled for September 22, dependent on providing residents with sufficient information beforehand. The board acknowledged the feelings of powerlessness among residents and emphasized the need for a structured plan to address the influx of solar project applications proactively.

24:08Finally, the board addressed the onboarding process for new members, specifically transitioning to a new email system with .gov domains. This administrative update highlighted the need for clear communication and proper setup for new members.