Selectman’s Corner

By Matt Riiska

Solar

In August 2019, the Norfolk Energy Committee started discussing plans to install solar panels at the transfer station, our former landfill site. We then met with Kirt Mayland, a solar consultant and solar developer who is also a lawyer and a faculty member at UCONN Law School teaching renewable energy law. With Mayland’s guidance, we secured an interconnection agreement with Eversource giving Norfolk the opportunity to produce up to 5 megawatts (MW) of energy. With our interconnection agreement in place, Mayland solicited bids from solar companies to install and manage a facility on the Norfolk site. Fifteen companies expressed interest, and we chose Lodestar Energy of Avon.

Original plans focused on the 10-acre transfer/landfill site. The original plan would have yielded approximately 3.5 MWs. To take full advantage of the 5 MWs allowed in the Eversource agreement, the plan was expanded to add an additional three and a half acres in another area of town property known as the Town Farm site.

Working with Mayland, the town hired the law firm Kurien Ouellette in West Hartford to draw up a contract with Lodestar Energy. We are getting close to finalizing the contract.

Lodestar Energy has met with the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Norfolk Wetlands Agency, and the Norfolk Conservation Commission. Because of the size of the solar system (5 MWs), these town groups need to either accept the project or register their concerns. Input from local organizations will be presented to the Connecticut Siting Council and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) during their review of the project.

What’s in it for Norfolk? The Town of Norfolk will receive $40,802 from Lodestar in the first year of the 20-year contract. This figure will increase 1.5 percent per year. Over the 20-year period, the town will receive $943,501. In addition, low- to moderate-income residents, small businesses and the town will be eligible to receive a reduction in their electric bills from Eversource. When we get more information on this, we will make it available.

What’s next? We hope to have the information for the siting council and DEEP put together by mid-June. When the contract is ready, we will have a town meeting to review the project and to vote on whether the town should engage with Lodestar Energy. The town meeting is planned for late June or early July.

ARPA Funds

At the end of April, the EDC and the American Rescue Plan Act Committee, a subcommittee of the EDC and Board of Finance, sent out letters to Norfolk businesses informing them of available funds and asking them to complete an application if interested. Applications should be returned by Friday, June 17. 

Textiles at the Transfer Station

New bins for textile recycling have been delivered to the transfer station. We are working with Baystate Textiles to recycle textiles such as clothing, linens and footwear. We will receive $100 per ton what we collect. Another plus is that we will be taking a ton of waste out of our municipal solid waste stream, saving us $111 per ton. That is a $211 net gain. Baystate will sort the items collected, distributing those items that can be used again. Those items that cannot be used will be repurposed. I encourage you to check out Baystate’s website, or consult the town website for the list of items that can be dropped off.

Sewer District 

Other than discussing some of my favorite topics, such as garbage, recycling and invasive plants, one of my favorite items to discuss is our sewer system. The Norfolk Sewer District asks residents to not flush disinfecting wipes or baby wipes. These items do not break down and will clog sewer lines. This can become costly if sewer lines need to be power flushed or dug up and repaired. Search out YouTube for videos related to this issue and you will understand what I’m talking about.

News Fees for Tobey Pond and the Transfer Station

Unfortunately, the fees for the transfer station and Tobey Pond will increase this year.

Tobey Pond passes will be $85 per vehicle and $60 for seniors. Transfer station fees will be $90 per vehicle for the first pass and $75 for a second vehicle. Bulky waste passes will be $40 each, and tire disposal will cost $5 each.

Finally, summer is here, and it’s going to get busy. Back by popular demand is Friday Nights on the Green. The first event will be a pet parade June 17. WIN weekend will be Aug. 5-7. Tobey Pond will be open by June 11, weather permitting. As we ask every year, please obey the rules. I remind everyone that when the gate is closed, Tobey Pond is closed.

The Yale Summer School of Music will be back, so check out their schedule and enjoy a concert. There are too many things to list, so consult the events calendar on the website and enjoy your summer. 

Take care & stay healthy.