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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 10/20/2009 41111 City of Glendale cr c Council Sustainability Committee J I Minutes October 20, 2009 10:30 a.m. to Noon Council Chambers Conference Room B-2 MEETING ATTENDEES COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Present were Chairperson/Councilmember David Goulet (Ocotillo District), Councilmember Steve Frate (Sahuaro District), and Councilmember Yvonne Knaack (Barrel District). CITY STAFF Ken Reedy, Deborah Mazoyer, Roger Bailey, Rebecca Benna, Larry Broyles, Jon Froke, Stuart Kent, Doug Kukino,Jo Miller, Bob Manginell, and Marilyn Clark. I. Approval of Minutes Chairperson Goulet Called for Approval of the September 15, 2009 minutes. Councilmember Knaack Made a Motion to Approve the minutes as presented. Councilmember Frate Seconded the Motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved. II. Revised Mission Statement After reviewing the proposed Mission Statement, the committee decided to modify the statement to include the city as a stakeholder in the process resulting in a more unified approach to sustainability. Stuart Kent will incorporate the wording into the document and present it to the committee at the November 17, 2009 meeting. III. Ranked Potential Topics from Sub-Committee The results of the potential topics were presented to the committee in ranking order by Ken Reedy. The highest ranking topics were; #1 Education and Public Awareness Plan, #2 Comprehensive Energy Conservation Plan, and tied at #3 Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan and the Glendale General Plan. These topics will be used as a tool to develop programs, plans, projects, and best practices for the committee. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that the Education and Public Awareness Plan would be addressed at the November 17, 2009 meeting. October 20, 2009 Council Sustainability Committee Minutes Page 2 IV. Green Building and Solar White Paper PowerPoint Presentation Doug Kukino presented this agenda item. The committee was provided with copies of the Green Building and Solar White Paper at the meeting. The purpose of the White Paper is to share information, discuss ideas, and consider possible options for future action. Mr. Kukino stated that Green Buildings are defined as the practice of increasing efficiency of buildings in their use of energy, water, and materials, while reducing negative environmental impacts of the built environment on humans and the natural environment. Examples he included were siting of buildings, low water use fixtures, highly efficient air conditioning systems, proper insulation, and windows for natural lighting. Mr. Kukino stated that there are no federal or Arizona requirements for cities to have a green building program. He went on to say that cities are doing so because there is a business case for such a program; cities want to demonstrate leadership in their environmental commitment and lower operating and maintenance costs; commercial builders want to distinguish their buildings in the marketplace, improve occupancy rates, and get higher rents; and building owners/tenants want to polish their corporate image, and lower their operational and maintenance costs. Mr. Kukino pointed out that a potential obstacle for green buildings is the increased design and construction costs, especially when achieving the highest standards. He said that since green buildings are fairly new, they should be studied over the long-haul. Mr. Kukino discussed the five green building rating systems that were identified during the White Paper research. The LEED system (U.S. Green Building Council) was the most recognized and designed for the top 25% of the construction market. The Green Globe, which is an alternative to LEED, emphasizes energy efficiency. The National Association of Home Builders Green Program, which is mainly for residential development,the Energy Star for buildings and manufacturing plants, and the Environments for Living (EFL) Certified Green system were the five rating systems mentioned. Green Building Programs from six major Phoenix area cities were reviewed, including Glendale, to determine policy commitment for municipal buildings and for green building incentives and recognition in the private sector. All of the commitments were written to be flexible, subject to budget limitations. A municipal building can be built to a lesser LEED standard or to simply include green building features and no certification if appropriate. Some of misconceptions of Solar Power and Energy were also outlined in the presentation. Buildings that use solar are often perceived to be a green building regardless of actual certification. Mr. Kukino stated that solar is gaining in popularity, but it is still very small in terms of energy produced. October 20, 2009 Council Sustainability Committee Minutes Page 3 The presentation explored some of the solar technologies and applications along with various energy incentives available through federal, state, and utility company programs. Mr. Kukino stated that when looking at solar policies and programs in other cities, there was not much in terms of solar power policies. No city was providing monetary incentives to private developers or homeowners for use of solar power. Some considerations for future studies consisted of the implementation of a Sustainability Education and Outreach Program, which would include Green Buildings; the adoption of a resolution to commit to build to LEED standards; the creation of an award and recognition program for private development, and the establishment of incentives and programs for LEED certification. Other possibilities included the evaluation of building codes and planning standards, and to update codes when necessary. For solar power considerations, he suggested that solar technology and application be evaluated on a case by case basis. The development of an award and recognition program for private development was recommended as well as establishing incentives and programs for use of Solar Power. Mr. Kukino also recommended that other alternative energy sources and energy conservation options be evaluated. Mr. Kukino stated that solar technology is constantly changing and the city should continue to keep on top of the changes and look for opportunities. Council member Knaack asked whether the white paper would be available on the city's website. Mr. Kukino stated that it was not currently on the website, however, it is a good idea to do so. V. Federal Energy Grants Update Stuart Kent presented the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Fund Submittals to the committee. The committee received a summary of the grants in the form of a memo prior to the meeting. Mr. Kent stated that under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, Glendale would be receiving $2,324,000 in block grant funds. The amount of grant funds is established based on population. Staff anticipates the grant will be awarded by the end of the 2009 calendar year. He said that the funds are meant to improve energy efficiency to stimulate the economy through job creation and spending in the local communities. Upon receiving notification of the grant amount, staff developed a list of projects in accordance with the grant guidelines. Those projects would be completed using contractors, not city staff. Mr. Kent stated that the city would have 36 months from the date of the award to expend the funds provided and complete the necessary paperwork. City departments were solicited on ideas for possible grant awards and nine submissions were accepted to fit within the amount awarded. He said that many of these projects would also be eligible for energy rebates from Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project. Staff is anticipating in excess of $300,000 in rebates. October 20, 2009 Council Sustainability Committee Minutes Page 4 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:46 a.m. NEXT MEETING: November 17, 2009 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Council Chambers Conference Room B-2 Respectfully Submitted, Marilyn L. Clark, Recording Secretary