The Stafford Solar Education Committee held it’s third of four presentation sessions informing citizens about what a large scale solar farm partnership means and what the affects of solar contracts, laws and opting out can mean in a farming community.
The third session was held at the Episcopal church hall in Stafford this past Thursday night again due to Stafford Town Court holding court in the Board room for a second week in a row.
Dennis Vacco, Former NYS Attorney General and Lawyer for Lippes Mathias Wexler and Friedman, spoke to the crowd on hand about solar contracts, laws and opting out.
Ten rules you should think about before signing a lease,
1. Read the lease
2. If you have questions call lawyer
3. Understand when and how much you will be paid
4. Specifically identify the area to be leased
5. Understand how taxes will be impacted and who will pay for any increase.
6. Check for land use conversion penalties.
7. Call your local tax assessor to discuss questions 5 and 6 above.
8. Define maintenance, repair and cleaning responsibilities.
9. Know what happens to equipment when the lease ends or if the solar company goes bankrupt.
10. Think about how agriculture will be impacted(reduced farm land, drainage issues, road and access issues, obstructions for farm equipment, etc)
In May of 2017, the Stafford Town Board voted in a 9 month moratorium on the establishment and operation of and halt on the submission and processing of applications for permits and approvals regarding Solar Farms and Solar Power Plants as there is the potential that such uses could be unsuitable or inappropriately located within the Town of Stafford or could be constructed without adequate safeguards in place according to Local Law 1 of 2017.
The Stafford Solar Education Committee is studying the many aspects of Solar Farms and Solar Power Plants as to their affects on the land and understanding what a partnership with a solar company would mean for landowners and the Town.
The fourth speaker session will be held on October 12, 2017 at 7:00p.m.
Derek Meister, NYSERDA Consultant, will speak about NYSERDA and Universal Solar Law.