HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-15 PARCPARC APRIL 13, 2015 4:05 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner
Citizen Members Present: LuElla Webster
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic,
Derek Dieter
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Greg Downes, Mike Schmidt,
John Murphy, Theresa Doran, Aladean DeRose, Doug Munz,
Jeff Metcalf, Phil St. Clair
Agenda: *Bill 17 -15 - Final Approval of Guaranteed Energy Savings
Contract Relating to Century Center
*Discussion on Proposed Adopt a Park Program
*Further Discussion Ash Trees
Dr. Fred Ferlic opened the PARC Committee hearing with three items on the agenda.
The first, bill 17 -15, asks the Council to approve a guaranteed energy conservation contract with
Ameresco Inc. back in August of 2014 the Council adopted a resolution outlining provisions of an
agreement with Ameresco to perform an energy audit and related savings recommendations into a
Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract. Since then Ameresco has completed the requirements necessary
to the contract.
Aladean DeRose, Chief Deputy City Attorney, led off the presentation outlining the agreements specific
requirements. She then deferred to Greg Downes, President of the Century Center Board Managers,
who described all the deferred energy saving improvements that were prescribed for Century Center.
These include new roofs, some "green roof' inclusions, new efficient HVAC, and new efficient lighting.
Greg along with City Controller John Murphy went on to say the overall project qualified for energy
conservation bond financing.
Council questions included Henry Davis advocacy for local contractors to perform the work. Ameresco
officials Doug Munz and Jeff Metcalf said local labor would be used whenever possible.
Valerie Schey's questioned the terms of the bond. John Murphy responded that the energy
conservation bond was in the amount of $4,855,000 for 15 years paid back with guaranteed savings.
John also referred to a mobilization fee reducing the actual available dollars by 10 %. Dr. David Varner
asked what a mobilization fee was. John said it was the underwriting and insurance cost, just with a
different name.
After further discussion David Varner moved to send favorably. Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded and all
supported.
The next agenda item involved discussion of the financial responsibility of the City regarding removal of
dead or dying Ash trees in tree lawns.
Phil St. Clair, Parks Director, said there were an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 Ash trees in the City. Dr. Ferlic
asked who was responsible for the cost of removal when in the tree lawn. Traditionally though in the
public right of way, tree removal has been the responsibility of the homeowner.
Karen White asked if the City encouraged planting of Ash trees in the tree lawns of which Phil estimated
there were 300 — 400. She added that the City of Elkhart absorbs the cost of removal of trees in the
public right of way.
Gavin Ferlic suggested the City charge for removal on an income based, ability to pay system.
Valerie Schey stridently maintained the trees in the tree lawn were the City's responsibility not he
homeowners.
Dr. David Varner thought the income based approach was not fair. He also proposed no more trees be
planted in tree lawns.
Dr. Ferlic wrapped up discussion saying a policy statement clarifying responsibility needed to come from
the Mayor.
The last item, the adopt -a -park, suggestion of Dr. Ferlic was continued; but not before Henry Davis said
he was philosophically opposed to asking people to pay for what they have already paid for in taxes.
Dr. Fred Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 5:05 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
PARCS Committee