Being a parent I’m often reminded by my daughter when I’m being inconsistent in establishing her parameters. For instance if I let her use the computer after school on a Monday, she expects to use it every day thereafter for the rest of her life. The same goes for sleepovers, as she now expects regular weekend visits by her friends to culminate in slumber parties, and they often do I’m happy to say. Of course then she sometimes perceives that I seem to be stricter with her than I am with her friends and so she has asked why the rules seem to change from day to day, person to person. After stuttering a bit I tell her that I’m not perfect and that I try to make the appropriate decisions that seem to be right at the moment. Right. She generally doesn’t buy it and I have to say that if I were more consistent with my parenting choices that she and I would save the energy we spend debating our home’s domestic policies and would likely disagree less because we would each know what to expect from the other. We wouldn’t have to spend our personal resources debating such things as computer usage and television time if there were clear boundaries and ground rules established that our family could agree on. Easier said than done however.
A similar principle holds true for the setting of Northampton’s public policies. If our leaders are inconsistent and change the rules as they go, people notice and raise questions. Mayor Higgins’ energy policies strike me this way and I’ve learned to expect inconsistencies. For instance Higgins recently voted to expand the Interstate 91 Exit 19 Interchange at a public cost of about $20 million while at the same time she is imploring us to seek alternate modes of transportation. She also plans to walk from Northampton to Boston to raise energy awareness issues. Huh? Higgins voting to expand traffic access through eminent domain land takings in Northampton’s floodplain and surrounding areas to service the sprawl threatening Hadley does not match well her otherwise green actions. Many people feel the planning process for the Interchange proposal has been less then forthcoming and find Higgins actions puzzling and I am one of those persons.
So now I’m asking why Northampton’s Sustainability plan, which was supposed to be completed in the fall of 2006, will not be finished until June of this year? I ask this because I’m still waiting for Higgins to appoint an Energy Commission as mandated by a 1980 City Ordinance that she has unilaterally chosen to ignore because, as she’s explained, the Sustainability Plan should be completed before she fulfills this mayoral obligation. As a participant in the Clean Energy Choice program, I’m asking why the mayor is now planning to expend program funds raised from Northampton electricity ratepayers to hire an energy officer BEFORE the Sustainability Plan is complete and BEFORE she appoints the mandated volunteer Energy Commission that would cost city taxpayers nothing and whose members should rightfully play a role in any hiring of this nature. I find this all very puzzling and inappropriate behavior on behalf of Mayor Higgins as she’s circumventing the law and the authority of the future Energy Resources Commission members.
The following is an excerpt from Higgins’ recent email distribution of March 9, 2007, ”Because of Northampton’s current (Clean Energy Choice) signups, we receive approximately $3,500 per month for clean energy projects. This funding will very shortly enable the City to hire an Energy Officer to help Northampton upgrade the efficiency of our buildings, implement renewable energy projects, and ensure better resource sustainability for the future of our City.”
Sounds good, but where did the authority for this annual $42,000 allocation come from and if the funds are spent on payroll expenses, will that not limit what is available for implementing actual energy improvements? This is similar to the city allocating a significant portion of our Community Development Block Grant funds for Planning Department staff wages instead of directly to the people who need them most. I checked the Sustainability material as included below, and can find no mention of the hiring of an energy officer. Who knows why but apparently Higgins has decided to hire someone who will answer directly to her thereby avoiding the cumbersome chore of the more democratic committee process. Someone should tell Clare that forming deliberative public policies takes time and patience and that the circumvention of such deliberation is dubious. In addition, since this will be a type of grant-funded position, will this new hire be considered a city employee and be allowed access to the city’s taxpayer supported health and pension plans even though the funding source is not guaranteed to be permanent? What happens to this energy officer should grant allocations diminish in the future?
From the Sustainable Northampton Focus Groups, Summary of Common Themes from Public Comments, June 2006: Energy & Environment: Integrate energy conservation and awareness-City set an example/leadership, develop climate protection plan, renewable energy sources for city, solar panels and energy conservation for city buildings, use of methane from landfill, restart Northampton Energy Resource Commission, energy building standards. Protect open/green space and wildlife corridors-Create more conservation land, balance conservation and development, urban green/pocket parks, tree planting.
And from the Revised DRAFT Goals of Sustainable Northampton, September 21, 2006:Strategies & Actions: Reconstitute and revitalize a new Northampton Energy Resources Commission. This commission should have the ability to collect data, proactively examine alternative, renewable, and sustainable energy options (i.e. solar power, vegetable oil and biodiesel options, methane digester power, and hydropower from the Connecticut and Mill Rivers), implement the energy goals of this plan and, coordinate community education efforts.
Here’s the text from the City’s Code clearly outlining the charge, that is, the rules and regulations of the Energy Commission that Higgins has refused to appoint:
ARTICLE IX Energy Resources Commission [Adopted as Ch. 2, Art. XXVII, of the 1977 Code]
22-52. Establishment; membership; terms. [Amended 10-2-1980; 8-16-1990]
Under the authority conferred by MGL c. 40, 8I, there is hereby established an Energy Resources Commission, the voting members of which shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the confirmation of the City Council, and which shall consist of not more than seven members. The voting members shall serve without compensation. Members are appointed on a rotating basis, with three members appointed to a three-year term, three to a two-year term and one for a one-year term, and so arranged that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the members will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years each. There may also be appointed nonvoting associate members, who shall serve without compensation. Any member of the Commission may, after a public hearing, if requested, be removed for cause by the Mayor.
22-53. Filling of vacancies.
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
22-54. Powers, duties and functions.
|
A. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to promote and develop the energy resources of the City. |
|
B. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to develop programs relating to energy conservation, nonrenewable energy supply and resource development, recycling and energy information. |
|
C. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to advise, assist and cooperate with state, regional and federal agencies on developing appropriate programs and policies relating to energy planning and regulation in the commonwealth, including assistance and advice in the preparation of loan or grant applications with respect to energy programs for local agencies. |
|
D. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to develop local energy data and information management capabilities to aid energy planning and decisionmaking. |
|
E. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to promote the development of sound local energy education programs. |
|
F. |
With the approval, support and assistance of the City of Northampton, the Energy Resources Commission has the power to apply for, receive, expend, represent and act on behalf of the City in connection with federal grants, grant programs or reimbursements, or private grants, keep accounts, records, personal data, enter into contracts and adjust claims. |
|
G. |
With the approval, support and assistance of the City of Northampton, the Energy Resources Commission has the power to accept gifts, grants, bequests, and devises, whether real or personal, from any source, whether public or private, for the purpose of assisting the Commission in the discharge of its duties. |
|
H. |
The Energy Resources Commission shall have the power, subject to appropriation, to acquire real or personal property. |
|
I. |
The Energy Resources Commission shall have the power to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out their statutory responsibilities. |
|
J. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to seek to coordinate the activities of governmental or unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and the Commission may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its work, and it shall keep an index of all energy resources within the City with the objective of obtaining information pertinent to proper utilization of such resources. |
|
K. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to appoint a member of the Commission to serve as a principal member of the Strategic Planning Cabinet as set up under 89-8 of the Code. Editor’s Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I). |
|
L. |
It shall be the duty of the Energy Resources Commission to keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and to file an annual City report. The Commission may, subject to appropriation, appoint such clerk and other employees as it may from time to time require. |
|
M. |
The powers, functions and duties of the Energy Resources Commission shall be set forth in the MGL c. 40, 8I, as amended. |
22-55. Meetings.
The Energy Resources Commission shall select a regular meeting date, at least biweekly, and shall designate the time and place thereof, and shall so inform the City Clerk.
I’ve reviewed the Gazette archives for some other source materials and here’s what I found:
Excerpts from an article from the Gazette’s Dan Crowley dated February 28, 2006 Energy panel’s dormancy stirs concern:
But the Energy Resources Commission, a volunteer panel that once guided city leaders on important energy use decisions, will remain dormant until Northampton’s sustainability initiative is completed later this year, according to Mayor Clare Higgins.
The commission’s members are appointed by the mayor and have not met in session for about two years.
I’d like to see the commission have a clear charge, and I’m not sure this one does,’ said Higgins, in a phone interview last week.
The Northampton Energy Resources Commission, known as NERC, was established as a seven-member panel in 1980 by city ordinance. The commission is charged with promoting and developing energy resources for the city, including energy conservation programs and plans, applying for grants, and promoting energy education programs locally, among other duties.
But about three years ago, NERC began disintegrating, and nobody seems to have a clear answer why. At the time, the commission had been working alongside less official groups with common interests such as Northampton Citizens for Climate Protection.
Outside planning experts say there should be a future for the commission, according to a 61-page report released by the American Institute of Architects’ Center for Communities by Design earlier this month. The report, titled ‘Northampton SDAT: Building Economic Land Use and Sustainability,’ recommends the city reconstitute NERC so that it ‘could once again become a catalyst for, and basis of, all of Northampton’s sustainable energy efforts.’
‘It was a valuable commission,’ said Alex D. Ghiselin, a former city councilor, who said he remains puzzled by its demise. ‘You had talented people. People with skills,’ he said.
When some vacancies arose through attrition, Higgins said the time had come to take a closer look at NERC’s mission, which is partly why she stopped appointing members.
She said NERC is not unlike some other city boards and commissions that have fallen by the wayside over the years. She cited the city’s Consumer Advisory Commission as one example.
The mayor said she wants to focus on energy policy and resources as part of the city’s next comprehensive plan, but needs the backing of city residents first.
‘I need a commitment from the community that energy is a place where they want us to put their money,’ Higgins said. ‘I don’t necessarily have that commitment right now.’
In the past, NERC had been staffed by a part-time energy consultant, a post eliminated in budget cuts several years ago.
Jennifer Hartley wrote in part in a Letter to the Editor on March 8, 2006:
As a new resident of Northampton and one who is interested in energy issues, I am just beginning to learn about the city’s energy plans, or perhaps lack of them. Frankly, I am amazed that the commission was allowed to languish.
It is time to take a good look at the elephant in the living room. It is becoming increasingly clear that we are facing a global energy crisis, centered on increasing demand for and diminishing supply of oil. The March 1, 2006 New York Times article on the cover of the Business section talks about ”a global picture of razor-thin margins of supply” and how energy issues should be central to any talk of the future. This is only one of many reputable reports that are sounding the alarm.
The time to address these issues is now. The city of Northampton should step up to the plate and critically assess how prepared we are for a scenario of ever-decreasing access to conventional sources of energy. Other cities and towns are doing this. For example, the city of Willits, California is working on building a sustainable way of life through the Willits Economic Localization Project. The town of Kinsale, Ireland has prepared an ”Energy Descent Action Plan,” which can be viewed on the Internet. Why can’t Northampton follow the example of these progressive communities, communities that are unafraid of looking at the big picture?
One reason I moved to this area is because I believed its citizens were committed to principles of energy conservation and sustainability. Let’s tackle these energy challenges head on.
And Timothy Jones on March 11, 2006:
On Feb. 28, the Gazette reported that the mayor would decide whether to revitalize the now defunct Northampton Energy Resource Commission after the long-range planning process has been completed.
The mayor contends that she will not know until then whether energy is a place where the community wants us to put its money The mayor’s rationale unfortunately lacks merit.
First, the planning process with AIA revealed that the community is seriously interested in energy conservation. Second, the mayor has a continuing obligation to conserve and prudently manage the city’s fiscal resources. To that end, she could revitalize the all-volunteer NERC at no cost to the city in order to investigate and recommend ways in which the city could spend less on energy costs. The city would thus only stand to gain from a revitalized NERC.
The mayor also reportedly stated that NERC did not have a clear charge. Any ambiguity in NERC’s charge came directly from the mayor’s office, which left it floundering by failing to appoint members and recognize it as a worthy commission. NERC previously had at least one clear charge: investigate and recommend ways in which the city could reduce its fiscal expenditures on energy. To that end, there are numerous opportunities for NERC to explore.
Sometimes there is truth to the adage that time is money. Unfortunately, the years that NERC has been rendered rudderless may have cost the city missed opportunities in energy savings.
From a Gazette editorial on March 13, 2006
The Northampton Energy Resources Commission has been dormant for about two years after 20 years of service to the city. It is time to revive it.
The Sustainable Design Assessment Team in its report last month recommended that the commission be brought back to ”once again become a catalyst for, and basis of, all of Northampton’s sustainable energy efforts.”
Mayor Clare Higgins said the commission will remain dormant until the completion of the master plan later this year. We urge the mayor to start the process of reviving the commission sooner rather than later.
Knowledgeable members of a city energy commission should be playing a role right now in the comprehensive master plan process. Energy conservation as a source of sustainability is one of the six key facets of the plan to be developed. Why delay in appointing a group of people who can begin focusing now on the recommendations in the report? There are already official groups on housing, transportation, land use and the central business district. Why not on energy conservation?
The Northampton Energy Resources Commission was once a very active group that tapped state grants to pay for a number of city improvements. There are many ways in which a revitalized commission could assist city officials right now.
The methane project at the city landfill was stalled for months because of a contract problem and is just now getting back on track. A city energy commission could assist the Public Works Department in monitoring the project, which could become an important source for alternative energy as well as revenue for Northampton.
An energy commission could help ensure that the new senior center be designed as a ”green” building incorporating the latest energy efficient designs, promote biodiesel-use in municipal vehicles, investigate light rail rapid transit, plan for photo-voltaic cells on municipal buildings when funding becomes available, and explore the use and financial feasibility of other renewable energy sources.
Mayor Higgins can always adjust the official charge to the energy commission after completion of the comprehensive plan. Adjustments may be necessary for many commissions once the future direction of the city is determined. But that is no reason for failing to appoint citizens to work now in conjunction with the planning process. An official group of knowledgeable citizens, such as those who once served on the Northampton Energy Resources Commission, can only enhance the planning process.
Then in a March 20, 2006 article,” Mayor addresses dormant energy panel-Higgins says committee needs new charge” by Dan Crowley:
Responding to public outcry that the city needs to reconstitute its Energy Resources Commission, Mayor Clare Higgins acknowledged last week that she stopped appointing people to the panel after taking office.
I accept the criticism, and it’s true I did not appoint people, Higgins said at the close of Thursday’s City Council meeting.
She was responding to a question from Ward 6 City Councilor Marianne L. LaBarge.
‘The committee had kind of fallen apart by the time I came to office,’ the mayor said. ‘People came and went, and it really didn’t hold together.’
The former Northampton Energy Resources Commission, known as NERC, was established as a seven-member panel in 1980 by city ordinance.
The commission is charged with promoting and developing energy resources for the city, including energy conservation programs and plans, applying for grants, and promoting energy education programs, among other duties.
Despite concerns from some city residents who would like to the see the commission reconstituted sooner than later, Higgins said she wants a new charge for the commission to develop out of the city’s ongoing sustainability planning process.
The sustainability initiative is expected to culminate later this fall with the city’s first comprehensive plan in more than 30 years. Higgins said the structure of NERC needs to be reviewed, and might even call for an ordinance change.
The volunteer panel was for a longtime staffed with a part-time energy consultant, but the position was eliminated in budget cuts years ago. The panel needs a staff member to effectively carry out its work, according to the mayor.
‘I worry about that for the energy committee,’ said Higgins, noting that the lack of a staff person for the city’s Transportation and Parking Commission is that commission’s biggest flaw.
Despite the dormant energy committee, Higgins said the city has been looking at energy use in creative and useful ways, and incorporated much of the work NERC once did into the daily practices of city departments.
For example, she said the city is looking at installing a geo-thermal heating system in the soon-to-be-built senior center on Conz Street. She also reminded city councilors that they voted a year ago to convert the city’s green and red traffic signals to a more energy efficient technology – a move designed to save the city $14,000 annually.
Outside planning experts say there should be a future for the energy resources commission, according to a 61-page report released last month. The report, titled ‘Northampton SDAT: Building Economic Land Use and Sustainability,’ recommends the city reconstitute NERC so that it ‘could once again become a catalyst for, and basis of, all of Northampton’s sustainable energy efforts.’
‘It really should be coming out of the sustainability process,’ Higgins said.
A March 30 Letter to the Editor from former NERC member Bob Rundquist:
This is silly. While we debate how and when to reconstitute Northampton’s Energy Resources Commission, we could be saving a lot of energy and money for the city.
I chaired the commission for maybe eight years, and there were many successes. We had a great part-time consultant, Tom Leue, and dedicated members. City leaders were supportive while properly cautious.
The streetlighting upgrade had a positive cash flow from day one and now saves the city perhaps $200,000 a year (with better light a bonus). School renovations included energy upgrades with less than a year payback on the city’s money. Many other projects resulted in improved lighting and equipment, using much less energy.
Why not just name a temporary energy committee (with a consultant), start saving money, and worry about the details later?
And finally from Lilly Lombard on June 24, 2006
The Gazette (June 21) erroneously stated in its recent headline ”Housing, parking lead city residents’ concerns – Surveyed for Sustainable Northampton.” Of all topics in the 2006 Sustainable Northampton Survey, the most agreed upon issue _receiving 95 percent agreement – is that Northampton should invest in energy efficiency.
Having attended last fall’s numerous Sustainable Northampton public forums, as well as the focus groups this spring, I have heard many well-informed community members reiterate this hard truth: the age of ”easy energy” is over, and our carbon-addicted lifestyles and infrastructure threaten our planet’s climate and security, our health, our local economy, and our natural habitat. This reality subsumes all other issues regarding sustainability. Why isn’t this getting fair coverage?
Too few parking spaces? Please, Northampton, let us interpret this as a mandate to make our town more walkable and bikeable, and to lobby for better public transit. Affordability gap in Northampton’s housing? Absolutely, and it will only worsen as construction costs rise alongside energy costs, and if we succumb to sprawl development, making walking and biking nearly impossible.
