Minutes: Public Benefits Committee: April 2007

Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC BENEFITS COMMITTEE
EVANSVILLE INITIATIVE
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2007
VILLAGE SQUARE RESTAURANT



In attendance: Georgia Duerst-Lahti, Heidi Carvin, Steve Carlson. Also: Ed Francois, Sandy Decker.

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 a.m.

Minutes of the February 23, 2007 meeting were approved.

Ed Francois discussed window and door replacement project for 250 East Main Street. Building is older two-story house being rented by single family. This rental property has been approved by Project Home, which has conducted an energy audit and replaced the furnace and water heater. Owner has done foundation repair, replaced electrical panel, replaced appliances and is replacing the roof this year.
22 windows and 3 doors need to be replaced; lowest bid is just under $8,000. Renter is responsible for utilities.

Committee members requested commitment letter from Project Home (requires property to be used for low income for certain time period), energy audit results showing energy savings from installation of new windows and doors, and project bids. Paperwork will be dropped off at City Hall; it will then be distributed to committee members. Members will recommend low income weatherization assistance at 80% of project provided that window/door project payback is sufficient. Heidi Carvin will attend April Water and Light committee meeting with recommendation if materials are submitted and payback is sufficient.

The committee discussed establishing policies for consideration of LI weatherization assistance, such as energy savings data, assistance limits per housing unit and documentation regarding renter qualification for assistance and renter payment of utilities. Committee members are pleased that qualified projects are coming forward after years of no applications.

The Energy Fair will be expanded this year. Eco Energy (wind turbines), WPPI and North Prairie will be exhibiters and there will be a bike ride. The committee would like to follow up with a public forum on wind power. There was discussion of expanding on “green” efforts in the community. Steve Carlson will get sample of solar shingles and information about green buildings (such as LEEDS program) to City Administrator for use by Traditional Neighborhood Development/Residential Design Guidelines Committee.

Decker reported on the politicizing of climate change in Washington, D.C. Important federal energy initiatives are unlikely in the near term.

The Public Benefits committee will be formalized with Common Council action. Five members with staggered three year terms are being suggested.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. at Village Square Restaurant.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.