11-23-09 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee

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~~~ \~~~~PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE November 23, 2009 David Varner, Chairperson, Public Works and Property Vacation Committee called the meeting to order at 3:25 p.m. Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Timothy Rouse, Henry Davis, Jerry Niezgodski, Citizen Member Other Councilmember's Present: Oliver Davis, Ann Puzzello, AI "Buddy" Kirsits Other's Present: Gary Gilot, Gregg Zientara, Mayor Luecke, Rita Kopala, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, John Voorde Agenda: Bill No. 89-09 -Appropriation -Office of Energy Committee Chairperson David Varner began the hearing by recognizing the Mayor for a presentation. Mayor Luecke explained the city had received a federal grant for energy efficiency in the amount of $1,046,000. Phase I of the strategy developed to meet federal criteria has a deadline of January 18, 2010. An initial $250,000 appropriation is meant to cover the cost of an energy director and to fund the costs of the 50+ member Green Commission. Together they would develop an energy savings plan for the city which would hopefully lower the $6.8 million the City spends annually on energy. The Mayor stated the goal was to make the office of energy self-funded by energy savings realized in two years. Committee Members LaFountain and Rouse questioned the future viability of the office should self-funding fall short. Henry Davis asked if there were performance benchmarks or if out comes were to be stated and measured. Jerry Niezgodski, Citizen Member asked if the energy director be required to report regularly to Council. Rita Kopala asked if other cities were doing this. The Mayor said the model was Ann Arbor, Michigan, where substantial energy reduction was seen. Councilmember Rouse asked about the particulars in the city's application to the federal government. Chairperson Varner suggested the actual application be filed in the Clerk's Office. Chairperson Varner then recognized Councilmember Rouse's motion and LaFountain's second which was supported by all to send to Council favorably. Before adjourning AI "Buddy" Kirsits registered complaints about the tree trimming in power line easements being excessive. Gary Gilot, City Engineer, promised to look in the claims. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson Varner adjourned the meeting at 3:54 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, ~--~ David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee