The SABIS International Charter School
160 Joan Street
Springfield, MA 01129
Board of Trustees
Minutes of SABIS Board of Trustees Meeting – October 7, 2014
In Attendance: Linda Condino, Nick Massa, Anthony Thomas, Nancy Anderson, Joyce Barbieri, Ellen McDonald, Giselle Rose-Burroughs, Joe Miller, Sal Calvanese
Guests: Karen Reuter, Fred Unger (BCC), Steve Bissonnette
Not Present: Patrick Roach, Anne Kandilis, Tracye Whitfield
I. Meeting called to order at 6:03 p.m.
II. Roof Engineer
Joe Miller reported. The roof engineer received three bids; they will be reviewed for qualifications (not cost). Out of those three bidders, can then ask to resubmit bid for costs. Expecting to review this week and then have two-week turnaround for cost proposals. Engineer will monitor replacement of the roofs.
III. Solar Project
Westport Solar solicited three bids and feels BCC/Sunbug will meet needs of the school especially with the educational portion of the solar program.
Fred Unger provided some background on BCC. They design, build, finance, own, operate, and maintain solar facilities on others’ properties and sell to host property. 3rd party PPA. Not many other firms are working on this scale. BCC’s parent company is a mission-driven non-profit. BCC has worked with five different solar contractors on various projects. Noted Sunbug is very reputable, but this would be first time partnering. Contract would be subsidiary of BCC. BCC would hire Sunbug and take care of long-term operation and maintenance. Internet-based monitoring system so that provider can go out and fix. Examples of issues are inverters; monitoring system, racks, panels, outside switch, monitoring system problems are usually minor. Advantage of PPA is that you don’t have to pay for repairs. What liabilities do we have? Biggest would be doing the work on an older roof. What about things can’t be controlled like tornadoes, fires? $5M insurance coverage on their part/school also has insurance. School should review insurance coverage. Current proposal is ballasted system; has to be confirmed that roof will support. The system is designed for wind and snow load for the area per code. Require installer (Sunbug) to have engineer do full analysis which gets reviewed independently by their engineer (known as forensic engineer). Other potential liability is that it leaves narrow access area on roof. OSHA is strict about fall protection; as part of roof engineer review have someone design railing system, budgeted up to $50K toward that expense if necessary. Develop agreement on best way with roof engineer.
Term of lease and agreement is 20 years with option at year ten to buy system at fair market value, expect to be attractive option (will make sense to own it at that time). Include language in contract per state requirements/that state is not held liable per terms of the contract. Need DOE permission.
If you are generating more than you use it is net metered.
There is no charge for installation of system. Rate is .07 plus half the difference of the net metering rate (based on WMECO transmission and distribution charges). Savings – school will always end up paying less than what it is paying WMECO. Price will always be lower than retail. The .07/kwh rate stays fixed for 20 years + half the difference of the net metering rate.
Expect high in winter/low in summer. Bigger picture/expecting new gas lines to be brought into US which will alleviate gas restraints and reduce electricity costs; governors want transmission lines which will reduce constraints on electrical supply. Expect approximately 15K savings per year, to begin.
Currently paying .08 + .06 approx (but .06 is subject to increases)
PR – hold ribbon cutting/contact news/board can participate.
Ability to educate – example of screens. Can also refer curriculum resources. Kiosk will be available but teachers can access URL.
Contracts should be signed soon. Release December/January for construction and be ready to begin in March.
Linda Condino moved to approve and accept BCC’s proposal subject to review of the contract terms by the governance committee and possible DESE approval. Seconded by Nancy Anderson and approved by roll call vote, all YES: Linda Condino, Nick Massa, Anthony Thomas, Nancy Anderson, Joyce Barbieri, Ellen McDonald, Giselle Rose-Burroughs, Joe Miller , Sal Calvanese.
Anthony Thomas moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Giselle Rose-Burroughs. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Barbieri, Secretary
SABIS Board of Trustees
List of handouts
Minutes of previous meetings