9/23/2013 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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4 Board of Selectmen Minutes September 2 , 2013 PP N APPOINTMENTS HEARINGS: INSTAR—Orchard Toad Substation: Representatives from INSTAR Electric were before the Board to review hnprovernents proposed at the substation located at 21 Orchard Road, Mashpe . It was noted that NSTAR Electric has met with the Design Review Committee on two occasions to review the upgrade and expansion project proposal. In July, NSTAR net with the Design Review to continue their dialogue and to comment n questions raised at the June meeting. David Velez,Project Manager for NSTAR indicated the Design Review Committee requested that improvements be made to the proposed site entrance to eliminate dirt and mud tracking onto Orchard Road. To address this-concern, STAR has proposed to construct a 20' paved apron at the end of the gravel driveway. The paving would conform to the Town's standard for curb cuts. In response to the question regarding the noise level, it was disclosed that a sound impact study is being conducted to document current and proposed conditions. Mr. Velez indicated the current trwsforamer has been situated at the Orchard Road site location since the 1970's. There is a need for a second ransforrner to modernize some of the switch gear and existing equipment. The new transformer would meet all IP and broadband requirements which would result in an overall noise reduction from the site location. Ineludd in the Selectmen's,informational packet were photo's showing the overlay of the proposed station expansion and a photo simulation depicting current and proposed site conditions and potential visual mitigation options. It is the intimfion of NSTAR to obtain an exemption from the Department o Public Utilities(DPU) for this project. The filing under Chapter 40A, §3'would seek relief to bypass zoning regulations as the structures of the pole vill b approximately 6o' in height. Mr. Velez stated that construction although not continuous is expected to last up to twelve rhonths. The exact sequence has not been determined since permitting has not been secured. The Board of Selectmen opened the matter to solicit public comment.