02-27-12 Personnel & Finance Committee

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Bill No. 12 -17 — Initiatives for Fuel Efficiency This bill recommends stepped -up initiatives to implement more "best practices" emphasizing more fuel- efficient sustainable programs. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., was the primary initiator of this resolution and was given first opportunity to explain its intent. Henry started by giving credit to Councilmember Oliver Davis for his willingness to co- sponsor the bill. Councilmember Henry Davis then said in light of rising fuel prices the city should be open to new, different, and innovative ways of deriving increased fuel efficiency mindful of both the environment and the budgeted bottom line. Oliver Davis, who is the Council appointment to the TRANSPO Board of Directors, said similar initiatives were being explored by TRANSPO. He suggested inter - agency fuel cooperatives be explored to see if fuel cots might be lowered. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic interjected by asking Henry if he had spoken with the city's energy director, Jon Burke, about the issue. Henry stated he had not, but wondered why the Energy Commission established by ordinance in 1982 now defunct should be reinstated. Councilmember White noted that the more recently constituted Green Energy Commission be the appropriate group to take up this needed discussion. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic observed that the bill in its present form calls for reinstating the 1982 Energy Commission. Henry responded saying it did not, but relied upon the city's "energy czar" Jon Burke be the focus. Both Gary Gilot and Jon Burke agreed that productive work had been recently done under Burke's direction. This audit report they stated was near final draft stage and would be sent to Council forthwith. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic continued to express discomfort with specific language in the bill as did Councilmember Schey who had reservations about the efficacy of promoting ethanol as a positive carbon footprint alternative. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand agreed to work on acceptable amendatory language before the evening meeting. With that Councilmember David Varner motioned favorably. Councilmember Henry Davis added a second which was affirmed by all. Under miscellaneous Chairperson White announced a budget workshop would be scheduled for March 14 from 4 -6 to help familiarize everyone with the budget process.