The Monhegan Energy Task Force (METF) has engaged in the following process to determine what to include in a Community Benefit Agreement with Maine Aqua Ventus (MAV). The schedule is approximate and has been updated since the community meeting in April in order to allow for more time to answer questions and have additional dialogue.
March 2016 Survey of Community Members
The Monhegan Energy Task Force conducted a second survey (Survey #2) of Monhegan year-round and summer residents in order to determine the community’s opinion regarding the two community benefit options being discussed with MAV. Survey #2 was mailed in hard copy on March 4, 2016 to 127 MPPD ratepayers and non-ratepayers on record who are property owners on Monhegan. The Survey was also made available on-line using Survey Monkey and the link was e-mailed on March 6 to a list of 77 Monhegan community members provided by METF. The Survey was also made available on www.MonheganEnergy.info and METF’s Facebook page. In total, an estimated 204 people received either a hard copy or link to the survey. A total of 56 people responded to the METF Survey #2 (55 on-line and 1 via mail). There were 5 additional comments received via e-mail. In total, 61 people provided input. Survey results and the notes from the community meeting (below) can be found here: METF Community Views Report and Appendix.
April 5, 2016 Community Meeting
A facilitated community meeting was held to discuss potential Community Benefits for Monhegan and provide METF with a sense of what to put in the DRAFT Community Benefits Agreement with MAV (which will determine the Articles to be considered at a special town meeting). There were 35 people who attended the meeting in person and 10 people via Zoom. A list of questions was generated for follow-up by MAV and METF. Click here to view the list of questions.
April 18, 2016 METF Meeting
METF met to discuss results of the community outreach and determine next steps for process. It was decided that the next step is for METF to provide answers to the questions generated by the community at the community meeting and in the survey.
May 4, 2016 METF Meeting
METF plans to meet to review answers to the questions raised by the community and plan a follow-up community meeting.
Late May Survey of Community Members
Another survey is planned to solicit input by Monhegan residents about the potential Community Benefits Agreement.
June Community Meeting
A facilitated community meeting is planned to discuss the Community Benefits Agreement.
Late June METF Meeting
METF plans to meet to draft recommended language for the Community Benefits Agreement to be reviewed by the Monhegan Assessors for Articles
July Special Town Meeting
A Community Benefits Agreement between Monhegan and MAV will require a special town meeting and vote among residents on town articles. METF will make recommendations on the wording of those articles based on the outcome of their community outreach efforts. Their recommendations will be given to the Assessors who will decide the final article wording, sign the warrant and post the date of a special town meeting. The registered voters of Monhegan will make the final decision about what if any community benefit agreement would be pursued.
