Town realizes energy savings following audit

As a result of a past town meeting bond authorization, the town is starting to realize a “guaranteed” $63,000 in annual energy savings for all municipal buildings through a performance contracting plan. In addition, NStar has paid the town $21,443 because it has invested in new lighting equipment.

Voters at a past town meeting had authorized the town to issue nearly $858,000 in bonds over 20 years to pay for the energy equipment. Johnson Controls performed an audit of 17 town buildings (excluding the schools) and through the audit recommended new equipment and energy saving programs for all of the buildings. The equipment was purchased and installed by Johnson Controls.

Jim Cotton, area general manager of Johnson Controls, said the town will save at least $63,000 every year, and if the savings are not realized, the company will issue a check to the town every year to make up the difference.

Town Administrator Bill Friel said the cost of the program will be paid out of the energy savings each year. Outside of the bond cost, there are no other costs for the town. Cotton commended the town for pursuing the contract and declared Canton a “leader in energy efficiency in Massachusetts.” Canton is one of 40 communities around the state that has implemented the program.

In other news:

* Friel reported that the gas company will begin working on a new replacement line from Cobb’s Corner to High Street beginning June 4. Work will be done weekdays (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for a few weeks, and will continue later in the summer from Sherman to Chapman Street. Selectmen Chairman Bob Burr reported that the board is “at the mercy of the utility companies” and the best opportunity to negotiate is when the work is done.

* Girl Scout Ambassador Samantha Rizzo presented a recycling report to selectmen and said that while many residents participate in household recycling, little is done to recycle bottles and cans at Canton’s sports fields. In a research report done for her Gold Award, she presented various options for equipment ranging in cost from $177 for containers constructed by the Mass. Correctional Facility to solar compactors costing $2,700 each. Selectmen will ask Allied Waste, the town’s recycling service provider, what the company can contribute and also ask youth sports organizations if they want to be involved with the recycling effort. Rizzo said she has already received a $1,000 donation.

* Selectman Avril Elkort reported that three houses of worship in Canton are raising funds for a ShelterBox Program. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Temple Beth David of the South Shore, and the United Church of Christ are raising money to help families displaced by natural disasters. On Sunday, June 10, a pancake breakfast will be held at the temple from 9-11 a.m.; a “Family Fun Fair” will be held at the UCC from 1-4 p.m.; and a car wash will be held at the UU Church from 1-4 p.m. ShelterBox is an international charity that delivers emergency shelter. Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while displaced or homeless. The cost for one box is $1,000, which includes all materials, packing, storage and distribution. To volunteer or to donate, contact Molly Notkin at restingtree@verizon.net or call 781-828-1734.

* Friel reported that town counsel has approved a compromise between the town, the Blue Hill Golf Course, and the Norfolk County Commissioners regarding a Pecunit Street easement agreement. The issue has arisen because the golf course is interested in developing three house lots on their land. If a future Board of Selectmen and the town pursue the straightening of Pecunit Street by the golf course, the agreement outlines the responsibilities of the town and the new residents regarding utility services. * Burr said that those interested in obtaining a copy of the audit concerning the Canton Travel Basketball program and the Recreation Department should contact the selectmen’s office.

* Burr reported that the Canton Association of Business and Industry raised more than $51,000 in 2011, which has been given in donations to many municipal departments.

* Selectmen appointed Janet Walrod as a member of the Council on Aging to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Doris Goodman.

* Selectmen will next meet on Tuesday, June 12, at 7 p.m.

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Posted by Mike Berger on May 30 2012. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.