11-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 23, 2009 Mayor Luecke advised that Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works has placed on file with the Office of the City Clerk a copy of the Federal Grant. He stated that this appropriation request is some of the federal formula direct Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) under ARRA Federal Stimulus Program. He stated that South Bend was allocated $1,046,000 but was limited to Phase 1 of $250,000 or less to develop an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) which is due January 18, 2009. He stated that this appropriation will cover professional services to help the 50 plus member Green Ribbon Commission meet this deadline and to retain an Energy Director to have input to the plan and lead role in implementing. Mayor Luecke stated that this is funded 100% by the federal stimulus under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. He stated that the strategy is due to DOE by January 18 and then we get to appropriate and use the balance of the $1,046,000 grant. The Energy Director position will focus on reducing the $6.8 million per year we spend on energy in city government. After two years of grant funding the position will self fund out of energy savings. The program is modeled on the success in Ann Arbor and is coached by the Cities for Sustainability of which the city is a member. The EECS will address community wide energy savings, cost saving and carbon footprint reduction. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Rouse asked if the City will be looking for more Energy Conservation Grants. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if this bill would create any new jobs. Mayor Luecke stated that this grant is to reduce energy usage not create jobs. He stated that maybe the case in the future. He also indicated that they will be looking for more grants. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. ATTEST: ATTEST: _________________________ _________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Ann Puzzello, Chairperson Committee of the Whole REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building at 7:56 p.m. President Derek D. Dieter presided with eight (8) members present. BILLS – THIRD READING 7