Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 150 N. Kendall St Multi-Purpose Room Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, August 6, 2014 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Kathy Antaya, Susan Anderson, Tiffany Eichorst, Randall Champlin, Comm. Andy Helmboldt and Chris Simmons Members Absent: Ken Kohs, Christine Kosmowski, Devon Gibson and Michael Myszka Others: Vicki Houser, City Clerk Call to Order: Kathy Antaya called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Ms. Antaya noted that a quorum was present. Public Comment: There were no public comments. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Antaya asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Seeing no additions or corrections, a motion was made by Andy Helmboldt, supported by Sue Anderson, to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2014 meeting. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: Ms. Antaya recommended the Governor’s report be removed from the agenda. Old Business: 1. Solar Panels & Wind Turbines Ms. Antaya introduced Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector and Andy Harrison, Plumbing Inspector, from the Building Inspections Department and Christine Zuzga, Planning and Zoning Supervisor. Ms. Zuzga discussed some zoning regulations, noting the different requirements if the solar panels and wind turbines are attached to the residential structure or if not, as an accessory building or installation. Ms. Zuzga noted either installation would require a building permit. Mr. Wilkinson noted the building code requirements vary depending on whether the project is residential or commercial. Mr. Wilkinson noted the code addresses the structure, with wind loads against them. Mr. Wilkerson noted most residential structures were not built to withstand the load from the installations, stating some of the structure may need additional support installed. Mr. Wilkinson emphasized the importance of working with an architect to determine the structural integrity of the building. Mr. Wilkinson noted the newer technology makes the equipment lighter, cautioning there may be a need for better ventilation so as to prevent ice dams. Mr. Wilkinson also stated additional permits will be necessary as these installations are normally used to produce electricity for the home, cautioning also the potential back feed during power outages that may electrocute utility workers. Mr. Wilkinson stated the State may be developing codes for this type of technology, stating he was unsure of their progress. 1  Mr. Harrison noted extra ventilation may be needed if batteries were being used to store energy. Regarding the cost return with solar panels and wind turbines, Mr. Wilkinson stated that other than being environmentally beneficial, they do not yet seem to be cost effective given the upfront purchase and installation costs. Mr. Wilkinson recommended committee members consult with Firekeepers Casino to see if their solar panels are providing a savings benefit. Mr. Simmons asked if these installations would affect property values and property taxes. Mr. Wilkinson stated he was unsure how this would affect property taxes, stating it would be best to ask the City Assessor. Mr. Wilkinson stated they may help with the resale value of the home, depending on the potential home purchaser, noting some may not like the aesthetics of the technology, noting wind turbines are often quite loud. Mr. Wilkinson stated the City’s Planning and Zoning codes can specifically restrict or ban some items on residential properties, such as mobile awning garages or wood burners, noting they can create codes but cannot supersede State code, stating the city can put in additional restrictions, but still need to follow state building codes to install the items. Ms. Antaya asked if the City of Springfield had regulations regarding solar panels and wind turbines, referring to a property in Springfield with both. Mr. Wilkinson stated the City of Springfield should be aware of the project as permits should have been pulled for the installation, noting also that many municipalities will address how these installations look in the community. Ms. Anderson expressed her concern it may be expensive to have the installation approved by the Planning & Zoning Departments and then to get the permits from the Building Department. Mr. Wilkerson stated reputable companies that sell solar panels and wind turbines often have a staff architect or engineer to help plan for the installation of the equipment. Ms. Zuzga noted every community is allowed to determine their regulations, subject to property and zoning allowances in each municipality. Mr. Wilkinson noted that with no state codes specifically addressing energy efficient technologies, residents need to research their municipalities’ rules and regulations. Mr. Wilkinson recommended the first step is to talk to an engineer/architect to assure proper planning & design, proper use, installation and service, and then talk to the Zoning Department to determine each residential requirement, then to obtain building permits. Mr. Wilkinson noted they have had a few requests for information, stating local and national economies and interests determine the resident interest. Mr. Wilkinson recommended anyone interested in using this technology in their home call the building inspectors for guidance. Mr. Simmons offered to contact the City Assessor for information regarding Accessory structures. 2. Green Purchasing Guidebook & Policy Ms. Antaya reviewed the Committee member assignments, stating she would be open to discussion of the members’ findings. 2  Comm. Helmboldt stated Grand Rapids’ website has an accountability feature on their website, with a three branch sustainability plan, including economic, environmental and social goals, with metrics to demonstrate progress to meeting the goals. Ms. Eichorst discussed the process at the University of Michigan, noting she did not find a specific green purchasing policy for any of the universities she researched, stating most organizations left it up to each department. Ms. Anderson stated the City of Flint did not have a specific policy, stating it is up to each department to determine their level of participation in green purchasing. Ms. Antaya recommended the Committee provide City administration and staff with resources and policies available to encourage green purchasing, recommending information from MML and other organizations. Mr. Champlin discussed information he received from AT&T. 3. “15 x 15” Recommendations for Commission Ms. Antaya noted Mr. Myszka provided information suggesting the City may not meet the 15 x 15 renewable energy goal, asking if the Committee should inform the Commission of their findings and make recommendations on how to possibly achieve the goals. Mr. Champlin stated he never agreed with the goal, stating it was more of a political stance, with very little initiative to be successful. Mr. Simmons questioned whether it was a reasonable goal, noting the only steps taken were with the biomass boiler system at City Hall and the green roof on the Police Department, stating the policy did not indicate how the plan was to be implemented and measured. Comm. Helmboldt asked if the Honeywell contract contained guaranteed cost savings. Mr. Simmons recommended a report to the Commission to discuss the committee’s findings. Comm. Helmboldt noted environmental responsibility was part of the City Manager goal setting discussion, stating the Committee could incorporate results of 15 x15, offering to assist the Commission in setting new goals and ways to measure success. Comm. Helmboldt stated he would ask the City Administration if there were any reports available from Honeywell. Mr. Simmons recommended the City focus on energy consumption reduction measures, such as LED lights, stating energy usage and energy efficient building provide reduced costs and emissions, recommending the Committee look at what other cities’ goals may be. Mr. Champlin noted energy conservation mostly comes to common sense savings and performance, recommending department heads think fiscally, considering the return on investment. Comm. Helmboldt stated cost should not be the only thing considered when making changes, stating there is always room to consider sustainably responsible benefits also, such as social value, noting these are a different kind of cost. Comm. Helmboldt recommended the Committee provide suggestions they have learned from other communities plans and goals, without binding future Commissions. Ms. Anderson noted it is difficult to measure all of the benefits and negatives of the initiatives with so many variables to consider. Ms. Anderson recommended the City address climate change, asking that the City encourage participation, make recommendations for emission 3  reduction, stating they have an opportunity to really do something important, noting renewables may not have been the best goal as there are still emissions to consider. Mr. Champlin reminded the Committee of other initiatives that do not cost anything, such as the annual river clean up; noting this also promotes community participation. 4. Recycling Bin Installation Ms. Eichorst stated Waste Management indicated the first recycling bin would be installed at the parking structure by Ampco downtown soon, at McCamly and Michigan. Ms. Eichorst also noted Waste Management will allow the City to have a trial period until the current contract expires. Mr. Simmons recommended the committee participate in a media release to promote the recycling bins. New Business: 1. Governor’s Conference Report – tabled 2. Farmer’s Market Construction Plans & “Green” Elements - tabled Commission Comment Mr. Simmons informed the Committee he has recently been appointed to the Calhoun County Solid Waste Committee, along with Ken Kohs. Mr. Simmons noted the Committee had grant funding available for local municipality projects, recommending the City of Battle Creek develop a proposal for a future project, stating a match from the municipality was required. Mr. Simmons also noted a school waste to energy project as an example. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Sustainable BC Committee would be on October 1, 2014 at 4:00 pm. at the Department of Public Works Multi-purpose Room. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:44 PM. 4