Three Meetings Tuesday

Random image: Rose hips.

Those who follow city issues will have to choose among three meetings Tuesday.

Among items on the Historic Preservation Commission's agenda is the subject of solar panel installation in historic districts. Although PSE&G's Solar4All program was announced in February and received Board of Public Utilities approvals in July, the first some historic district residents knew of it was over the Thanksgiving weekend, when they noticed the panels already installed on utility poles.

The program calls for installation of 200,000 solar panels statewide. Solar power from the panels goes back to the grid to aid a PSE&G goal of 30 percent renewable energy. As described by company representative Eileen Leahey at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting, PSE&G inspected 2,800 of Plainfield's 6,500 poles and identified 100 that are suitable for the 5 by 2 1/2 foot panels. Leahey said all customers will benefit from the program.

It is unclear whether the HPC has any jurisdiction over utilities or whether PSE&G can make any accommodations to historic districts. Some residents have complained that the panels are unsightly, while others approve the goal of renewable energy.

The HPC meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.

Also on Tuesday, the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority meets at 7 p.m. at 127 Roosevelt Avenue. A citizen action group that arose this year is investigating how the authority spends money collected from ratepayers. Click here for a flyer on the meeting. The DumpPMUA group has already won concessions on various fines and rules that members found oppressive.

Over at 1200 Myrtle Avenue, the Board of Education will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday. A new member will be sworn in to replace Bridget Rivers, who resigned from the presidency and will resign from the board Tuesday due to her election to the Fourth Ward City Council seat.

The 45-page agenda for the meeting is available at the Plainfield Public Library or may be viewed online at the district web site. The board and district are currently embroiled in several controversies over personnel and salary issues while awaiting resolution of new contract terms for members of the Plainfield Education Association, which represents teachers and support staff.

--Bernice Paglia