April 23, 2015
Body:
MARCH 11, 2015 SPECIAL MEETING
A Special meeting of the Town of Hartland, County of Niagara, State of New York, was held on the above date at the Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport convening at 6:00 p.m.
Members present:
Mr. Dave Chojnowski, Sales Consultant for United Wind, a firm which constructs wind turbines, gave a presentation on the different types of windmills that they offer. United Wind has been in business for 3 years; however, it is the combination of 2 companies which have been constructing windmills for 20 years. They service personal small wind turbines as well as larger, commercial ones.
They offer different plans on how to finance these projects.
The 20 year program is 20 years of insurance, repair and installation. The upfront cost is $0, with a production guarantee and fixed rate for the 20 years.
The prepaid option is also for a 20 year term, at a cost of $115,000.00. During the 20 years, there would not be a payment to United Wind for any costs. When the 20 year term was up the windmill could remain our property, however, the Town would then pay for maintenance and repairs. The other option would be for United Wind to take the windmill off the property, all costs belonging to United Wind.
United Wind is backed by several large investors, so if the company were to dissolve, the investors would guarantee the maintenance and honor the contract.
Councilman Snyder stated that he believes that personal turbines would be an asset to business' as well as to homeowners, which would encourage families to stay. Snyder also feels that the turbine program would be good for the taxpayers of the Town.
Chris Craft, who owns land in Hartland, Somerset and Orleans County, stated that he is opposed to the large industrial turbines. He feels that as a property owner, it would make his properties hard to sell. The windmills change the natural appeal of the landscape, the noise from the engines, as well as the danger of the fall zone are all concerns. He is favorable to the smaller turbines and is interested in how one can store the unused energy.
The life expectancy of the small turbine with 11 foot blades has a life expectancy of 35-40 years, whereas the larger turbines 32 foot blades last approximately 25-30 years. They stand 140 feet tall.
United Wind has conducted a full study of the energy usage for all the buildings on the Town property. They have projected the savings and have included the Fire Company as well. If the Town purchased the larger turbine there would be enough energy savings to include the Fire Hall.
Meeting ended at 7:00 p.m. with Mr. Chojnowski answering questions from private individuals who were interested in wind energy for their personal properties.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia S. Boyler
Town Clerk
MARCH 11, 2015 SPECIAL MEETING
A Special meeting of the Town of Hartland, County of Niagara, State of New York, was held on the above date at the Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport convening at 6:00 p.m.
Members present:
| Supervisor |
|
| Councilman |
|
They offer different plans on how to finance these projects.
The 20 year program is 20 years of insurance, repair and installation. The upfront cost is $0, with a production guarantee and fixed rate for the 20 years.
The prepaid option is also for a 20 year term, at a cost of $115,000.00. During the 20 years, there would not be a payment to United Wind for any costs. When the 20 year term was up the windmill could remain our property, however, the Town would then pay for maintenance and repairs. The other option would be for United Wind to take the windmill off the property, all costs belonging to United Wind.
United Wind is backed by several large investors, so if the company were to dissolve, the investors would guarantee the maintenance and honor the contract.
Councilman Snyder stated that he believes that personal turbines would be an asset to business' as well as to homeowners, which would encourage families to stay. Snyder also feels that the turbine program would be good for the taxpayers of the Town.
Chris Craft, who owns land in Hartland, Somerset and Orleans County, stated that he is opposed to the large industrial turbines. He feels that as a property owner, it would make his properties hard to sell. The windmills change the natural appeal of the landscape, the noise from the engines, as well as the danger of the fall zone are all concerns. He is favorable to the smaller turbines and is interested in how one can store the unused energy.
The life expectancy of the small turbine with 11 foot blades has a life expectancy of 35-40 years, whereas the larger turbines 32 foot blades last approximately 25-30 years. They stand 140 feet tall.
United Wind has conducted a full study of the energy usage for all the buildings on the Town property. They have projected the savings and have included the Fire Company as well. If the Town purchased the larger turbine there would be enough energy savings to include the Fire Hall.
Meeting ended at 7:00 p.m. with Mr. Chojnowski answering questions from private individuals who were interested in wind energy for their personal properties.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia S. Boyler
Town Clerk