HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/2009, PUBLIC COMMENT - RECAP SLO ENERGY TOWN HALL SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: PUBLIC COMMENT
MEETING DATE: February 3, 2009
SUBJECT: RECAP SLO ENERGY TOWN HALL
On December 3rd, 2008, the Sierra Club hosted a SLO Energy Town Hall meeting. City
Staff Geoffrey Chiapella presented an overview of the State greenhouse gas reduction
targets, and some policy tools that the City can avail, presented members of the
community with the City s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory from former Empower
Poly Coalition Board Chad Worth and Nancy Cole. Community members heard from
City Council members Jan Marx and John Ashbaugh on the City's role in implementing
GHG emission strategies and were engaged in an interactive community workshop.
Below are the highlights of the policies discussed:
Financing Solar through Property Tax-AB811 is a solar financing program that enables
the costs solar to be amortized over a number of years. The homeowner pays an annual
'special, tax' on their property tax. The program avoids the significant upfront costs of
solar PV.
Implement Community Choice Aggregation — AB117 is a state law that allows
communities to 'opt out' of power purchase agreements from traditional energy
providers to enable the City to purchase power from sources of their choosing. local
distributive energy production and distribution.
Outcomes and Community Recommendations:
University-City Partnership- The City should pursue multiple methods of engaging Cal
Poly students with community programs to tap into the knowledge and expertise on-
campus.
Media and Information-The City should provide community members with information
and publicize the rebates, incentives and subsidies available at the local, state and
federal level.
Implement A8811- The City should implement AB811 to augment upfront costs of solar
installations for residences..
Investigate A8117- The City should investigate the feasibility of implementing a
Community Choice Aggregation (AB 117) program.
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Investigate Smart Grid-The City should investigate the feasibility and grants available to
build Citywide smart grid infrastructure. Smart grids are electric grids that allow for two-
way electrical exchange,which is essential for distributed power production.
Install Electric Plug-in Stations- The City should invest in an electric plug-in station for
plug-in vehicles, bikes, and scooters.
Localize Food- The City should encourage and prioritize local vendors of food and
agriculture at all City events to reduce the emissions associated with transportation.
Buy-back Local Renewable Energy- The City should coordinate with the local utility
provider to enable power-purchase agreements for small-scale renewable energy
sources.
Biofuel Guidelines-The City should create standards for the quality and grade of biofuel
sellers in the City.
Interagency Coordination- The City should work with multiple local, regional and state
agencies to enable collaboration and resource sharing.
Hire Energy Expert- The City should hire or offer a voluntary position to one who is
familiar with local, state and federal energy policies to inform city officials and
community members the opportunities and grants available.
Partnership with Banks- The City should partner with a local bank to coordinate the
financing of renewable energy.
For more information,please contact:
Nancy J. Cole and Chad Worth
Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter
ncole@calpoly.edu and cworth@calpoly.edu
THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE THE TRANSCRIBED NOTES FROM THE SLO
ENERGY TOWN HALL MEETING WORKSHOP
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SLO Energy Town Hall: Part 1: 1N A COUPLE SENTENCES, DESCRIBE WHAT BROUGHT
YOU HERE?
1. 1 wanted to understand the local approaches to meeting AB 32 and, specifically,
learn what practices were successful, which ones might become successful, and
what new technologies might be needed to reach 1990 CO2 levels.
2. Concerns about the environment; energy consumption; water use and the
apparent failure of government to address these issues in a meaningful way.
3. 1 want to learn more about the issues we have to deal with in this county I would
and how I can support the progress toward "energy independence.
4. Interested in expanding clean energy use, addressing peak oil issues for the area.
Would like to see more decentralized and community based energy. Creating an
"energy descent plan."
5. Modern civilization is based on fossil fuels. These fuel, however, are lucky that
their increasing scarcity compels us to find alternatives.
6. An email invitation to a Town Hall Meeting about community involvement in
energy choices...what a concept! Too bad we had to wait 30 years! We had a
"call to arms"to address this issue by Jimmy Carter. I have seen our political and
economic leaders stand in the way of implementing real engineering solutions to
reducing our energy use. Even supportive political leaders and city planners have
played politics, or chosen easier battles than take a though stand based on
fundamental engineering principles. Anyone, anyone, involved in city or state
government, city planning, or, the private energy sector, should be ashamed of
where we are relative to the real, attainable, sustainable, efficient place we
should be. That said if you can't support these efforts by the people of your
community...get out of the way."
7. 1 am concerned that we are continuing to burn fossil fuel even though we know
CO2 is already changing the climate. I hope that I will learn that our local
government will help us transition to clean energy.
8. 1 wanted to find out how the energy survey/audit worked out?
9. I'd like to do and find out what options the city has (what powers) regarding
energy efficiency and GHG control. Le what's in AB32 and what happens if the
City falls short.
10. 1 have been involved in the green movement for quite some time. Recently, I
have developed a Green Shalom program at Congregation Beth David. I hope to
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expand this program by taking our members to environmentally friendly events.
We have already started by attending the Good Food, J. Brush and Art Ludwig
events-now tonight. I also have connections to 2 high school environmental
clubs in the county and will bring this information to them. I have also put on a
number of events. Transition Towns is an exciting new process that could work
so easily here—we have a lot of the components already functioning.
11. 1 am concerned about our collective energy usage and want to support local
government to adopt measures, legislation, and programs to facilitate energy
efficiency in all areas of our lives. (1) Promote conservation, (2) Promote respect
for the Earth, and (3) Promote programs for alternative energy sources.
12. Desire to contribute to and participate in community dialog regarding how we
can transition to more natural energy sources.
13. 1 got Hope Dance email-been interested. I attended an energy workshop a week
or so ago. I am a docent at the Botanical Garden where we have a LEED Certified
(working on this) building—so all the more interested as I have been about it.
14. Conservation, sustainable energy—all have been bantered about for a while—its
time we do something — move forward — and with the presidential election
(Hurray!) We may see this happening not just here!
15. 1 am concerned that too many in our community fail to grasp the linkages
between energy efficiency, demand reduction, and patterns of transportation
and land use, needing critical mass— density—to the centers downtowns of our
existing communities, and increasing the intensity of development along well
defined transportation corridors will go a long way toward reducing our energy
footprint.
16. 1 am here as the outreach coordinator of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility.
Any future energy plan — especially involving SLO — must take into account the
800 pound gorilla in the room —which is—what to do about Diablo Canyon, and
how to replace the jobs and revenue in phasing out Diablo Canyon.
17. To discuss the myriad of solutions that are out there to help solve and adopt to
climate change at the local (of course, this means one community at a time,
doing their pants). I am particularly interested in land use/ smart growth and
transport-related solution to mitigating climate change.
18. I'm interested in knowing how I as an individual can save energy, and what the
city as a whole can do.
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19. Elaine brought me. 1 found out at the last minute. I'm interested in reducing the
amount of energy people use.
20. The wish to build a more self-sufficient town. Producing power in sustainable
ways that fit into the current infrastructure. Also encouraging the city to develop
streamlined permit processing the fee reductions for home based (residential)
alternative power installations as well as larger commercial alternative energy
providers who have to integrate into our city unobtrusively.
21. Peak oil is upon us, or very close (relatively speaking). All locals need to begin
preparation and are already behind. I would like to see if anything is going on in
the county and see if there is something I want to get involved in.
22. I'm a construction major at Cal Poly interested in sustainability. I'm trying to get
all the information I can before I graduate. I've also considered staying in SLO
after graduation so this town in particular is important to me.
23. I'm an invited speaker! But I'd have come anyway — and I expect to learn from
this group more than I would from any similar-sized gathering of individuals. As a
Sierra Club member and activist. I consider myself responsibly well informed —
but there's so much more to absorb.
24. I'm interested in learning about what's going on in the commonly relating to
sustainability. I heard about it through Empower Poly, at Cal Poly.
25. To participate in building our clean energy future. Sierra Club announcement and
personal friends interested inviting us. Meet the new council members.
26. Learn about energy topics and to gain better understanding of how change can
happen. Consider how our household could implement power generation on
small scale. How political landscape will allow change with energy independence.
27. As a founder of Carrisa Alliance for Responsible Energy, I am interested in energy
policies countywide
28. Learn more about what things are actually being discussed. To get involved in
promoting renewable/ alternative energy and conservation. To promote my
business that support this cause questionauthorities.com
29. Quite frankly, I faced a difficult choice. As a member of the Citizens'
Transportation Advisory Committee, my first obligation was to be there rather
than here. However, since I had already attended several meetings today, under
fluorescent light (Social Services Transportation Advisory Committee) which are
extremely challenging for a person with epilepsy. I realized it would be terrible
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for my health to attend CTAC, so I gave myself permission to attend the meeting
I had wanted to attend all along knowing that the lights of the Steynburg won't
provoke and seizures.
30. We need to promote energy independence and efficiency in SLO. More solar
energy. Eliminate nuclear energy.
31.The great "energy" in the City and at the University which I want, energy 37 is at
Cal Poly,to be apart of. I NEVER THOUGHT THIS WOULD HAPPEN.
32. Expand my awareness about community concerns regarding the environment
both locally and globally. Good to hear and see the issues those who are actively
concerned confront and bring voice too. Encourage the health and happiness of
this universal body.
33. Interest in alternative energy sources and strategies. Expanding information
relative to the future economic development.
34. I'm concerned about air quality. My husband and I live on L.O.V.R. near FWY 101
and I see more traffic; trucks, cars and overhead air traffic polluting the
atmosphere. What is the future help for this problem.
35. 1 heard about the event through Chad. I'm very curious to see what the plans are
for the future of the county and state. With the newly elected officials in San Luis
and throughout the nature we have an opportunity to inform people about the
importance of energy conservation and sustainability.
36. 1 feel that I am a part of the SLO community and in light of our possible futures. I
want to be part of the solution in SLO ad beyond for a bright one.
37. Concern that our energy needs are driving our foreign policy— sometimes in a
very negative direction —good local solutions could influence natural policy. I am
here because I want to make sure I am able to contribute to my community and
that my business plan includes elements community (I live in). I want to know
the others that are actually interested in learning more. Wanting to participate in
creating solutions
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SLO Energy Town Hall: Part 2: OF THE DISCUSSION YOU HAD THIS EVENING, WHAT
NEXT STEPS SHOULD THE CITY TAKE?
o CCA
o Public transportation
o Increase the flow of information to the community — events like Focus the
Nation throughout the town
o Involve the students
o Create strict timelines—follow through
o Have-a basic level of efficiency for al new buildings—especially Cal Poly
o Solar Panels
o Elected officials should be apart of local meetings such as this
o Write letters
o Take advantage of the fact they live in town
• Go to their offices
o Improve the permitting process
o Less costly
o Faster
o Bring the public into the selection of energy discussion
o We, my spouse and I, would like to know more
o Continue efforts by the City of SLO with SLO Chamber of Commerce and SLO
County Energy concepts and planning.
o Develop much better public communication of planned steps and procedures
toward energy independence i.e. PG&E is developing 40 different energy sources
etc.
o Investigate the real benefits of moving towards environmentally sound
technology to creator energy which is efficient and reduces GHG becoming a
leader for the state of California hopefully influencing other cities and countries
to be brave and move toward Green Energy.
o Localize as many dimensions as possible (e.g, ford, transportation, education,
communications). Link up with Bob Banner's Transition Towns.
o Change all building ordinances to make them "green." Invent funds only in
Society Responsibility investments.
o Buy energy efficient, hybrid vehicles.
o Reduce taxes for solar panels
o Support high speed rail
o Comprehensive bike trails/lanes/blvd
o Allowing commutes throughout the city with minimal primary streets.
o Incentives for commercial/ residential solar arrays (i.e. Berkeley "First"
Programs)
o Require that all new parking lots be covered with solar panels, with a program to
progressively retrofit existing parking lots. Parking requirement with selling or
renting parking spaces and those who need it
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o Immediately analyze the costs vs. benefits and environmental consequences of a
wind farm in the Los Osos Valley, and if the analysis process the project feasible
and environmentally benign.
o Maintain the exemplary commitment to public transit (100% of eligible TDA —
only 2 jurisdictions on the county to do this) while creating an endowment fund
to more generously fund transit operations.
o Recognize that regional as well as municipal transit needs generous support as it
brings people here to spend money.
o Encourage City of SLO to establish an individual or committee to foster and
encourage new technologies and implementation of large scale and small scale
alternative energy methods
o Digest the ICLEI
o Prepare a Climate Action Plan
o Make CAP open source as an integral function of its preparation
o Fund within 1-2yrs CCA study
o Set as a major City goal to participate/ lead CCA Feasibility Study. Create a
Climate Action Plan per AB32
o The change will happen on the individual level. Get information out (by
brochure) to residents showing them how they can be more green and save
money! Everyone is scared about the economy.
o Raise Parking Rates
o Prioritize toward thinking programs over spending on short term fixes
o Fund/support planning for future energy needs(studies, etc)
o Aggressive funding of programs which will reduce the transportation footprint
(add bus services, carpool, bike facilities,...)
o Prioritizing the "city goals" already established with respect to energy
conservation for long term budget funds available.
o Changing from a car-centric city to a bicycle/ pedestrian mass transit centered
city
o Take any advantage of existing city infrastructure and property which is currently
underused
o Encourage people to use less energy some type of incentives to cut energy
consumption. A "low-no" energy day-use candles, ride a bike, don't use
electronics.
o Less car usage-raise parking prices (parking meters and garages) in the city.
Encourage bicycle usage. Incentives to use bikes and public transportation —
bonuses from employers, tax breaks for businesses with employees that don't
use personal cars.
o Better public transportation (bus)
o Compost lunch leftovers in City schools-worms and compost programs
o Stand up to retrograde elements of one communities who are trying to recreate
the last century rather than adapt to our current one. Look forward!
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o Land Use is Crucial!! Revise zoning ordinances to give incentives for density
where it is needed to enhance viability of pedestrian and transit-based
communities.
o Revise building codes toward carbon-neutrality.
o Order planning and zoning commissions to revisit land use, and building codes
with an eye towards mandating increased density, reducing sprawl and
specifying sustainable green building practices and material specifications for all
new and exciting construction.
o Encourage and facilitate town hall mmetings on the development of a truly
sustainable city (and eventually county)–these on an on going basis
o Agree to establish a process for a sustainability audit yearly by department.
o Al decisions of moves of city officials must depend upon the encourage
excitement of the citizens any means which can give the ordinary citizens a
positive feeling that they can make a difference to the process- so whatever can
be done to facilitate this.
o Use AB811
o Be a model for residents by making"green" decisions
o Explain what you are doing—publicize the newspaper, on the web, etc.
o Set up interactive discussions lie tonight on various topics of importance and
partner with community organizations to put them on, educate the public and
discuss solutions as well as what the problems are
o Pursue being our own electrical company
o Provide financing for renewable technology, Le solar and home energy efficiency
audits for home`
o Have more city forums/ discussions on various topics- to continue getting public
thoughts, ideas, concerns, etc.
o Create a "Sustainability Department" on the County or the City
o Join Transition Towns would love to see many city department heads and
council members that take the training on Jan. 17th and 18th. This is very
important! Hey should also attend Focus the Nation Cal Poly in Feb (?). All the
workshops–not just the night panels.
o Encourage departments to hold forums showing how green they are, what they
perceive to be effective ways the public can weave those practices into their
lives and entertain community suggestions.
o Sustainability audits should be hired to oversee departments, actions during
each year
o Hold forums for the public on a regular basis, those should be interactive and
topical. The Town Hall format worked tonight. Buy in is greatest if you involve
more people in the process.
o I'd like to see a 5-page plan from the city describing how it will reduce its own
energy consumption to below 1990 levels. What are the ten steps that will be
taken to get its own use down.
o AB32 applied to its own organization
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o AB811 sounds like terrific idea and easy/ quicker to put into place than CCA.
That suggests it should have priority and appropriate funding support.
o Move the Senior Center to Ludwig and fix it up for them, with the $150,000 to
$194,000 that would be spent on a parking lot for the one at Mitchell Park. Put a
community garden in the park.
o Enlarge bus system, with help from Cal Poly. More evening hours for students,
more routes, so seniors can get to them easily
o Provide more community gardens in the city
o Preserve the ag land surrounding our city because we're going to have to feed
ourselves in the future.
o Hold Cal Poly accountable for the transportation impact the school has on the
city. Demand: support for trip reduction and mass transit for students. Don't
back down.
o Adopt energy efficiency building standards that are based on what is the best
available technologies not what is lobbied for by the contractors and developers
o Take an active role in economic support of local energy efficiency projects. Be
creative with the local banks.
o Support local productive industry not tourism. Support the local craft persons.
Not necessarily artists, but local small businesses that produces real goods, fixes
products, grows food.
o Continue the good process, this city was an outpost of civility in one of the first
counties in the state.
o Support an economy diverse community, less tourist, and more local crafts
people.
o The city should follow SB811 and finance home energy improvements
o More community gardens
o Don't allow prime soils around city to be built on. We should produce our own
food, not import it from far away.
o Energy wise use codes
o No open doors on climate controlled buildings.
o Mandate hours of commercial lighting.
o Tax incentives for all green aspects of business conduct.
o Explore municipal utility formation—wind/solar/geothermal
o Have more input/vision public sessions at the 2yr budget plans
o Community bicycle share-subsidized bill
o City gasoline tax
o Community Gardening—classes/coops
o In regards to AB811 — City Bonds to finance low interest tax assessments for
solar:
o This model is not the lowest cost approach as you will not be eligible for
the fed 30% tax credit. Individuals with tax eligibility should take out
home equity lines of credit from local banks, and maximize tax credits.
o The city should allocate funds for direct cash rebates for private
individuals
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. o The tax assessment should be targeted to non-profit and low-income
individuals as they do not benefit from tax credits.
o The city of Fresno and the City of Lompoc provide good case studies.
o Need to identify specific actions that will result in approximately 65,000 metric
tons reductions in CO2 emissions per year by 2020.
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