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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-EC-1983-02-17 S CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 17, 1983 CITY HALL COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBER PRESENT: Doug Dylla, Benjamin Nichols, Ernest Bury, D. Randall Lacey, Gerard- Messmer.---_ Nancy Potter, Harold Jones, Carolyn Peterson, Jeanne Fudala, Lindy Elkins, Council Liaison Elva Holman, Staff-Liaison -John--C. Clyne—s-, and William Szabo. The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p. m. by Doug Dylla. CORRECTION/APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Page 1 , Correspondence: incorrect information in last half of last sentence-- there ARE enough copies of PASNY report on hydropower study for commission members. Page 4, Vs. paragraph 4: Ms Holman does not remember promising to contact Public Works Superintendent regarding boilers/controls "in general" but only regarding Southside, which was done. The minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE: None ANNOUNCEMENTS: Doug Dylla reported that 105 people attended the Super Insulation Tour--testimony to the interest in energy saving. More tours are planned for June, after completion. COMMITTEE REPORTS: TargetApplications: William Szabo reported that he has spent most of his time (since devoting full-time to energy) compiling data on billing and has come up with energy utilization forms for better tracking. If anything goes wrong, hopefully it should be spotted and be wrong for only one month--reference was made to the gas leak at Water Garage-- a leak after the meter. He stated the bid is out for exterior glass, triple-track windows for Southside. Mr. Szabo reported that Fred Molter of Personius, Wadsworth & Molter Engineering Firm had come to look at Streets and Facilities Garage on changing from electric to gas service. Mr. Szabo reported on Southside dual water heaters--one has been turned off, the other turned down, and that changing thermostats which are in `awkward position, has been looked into. Also, a plumber was brought in to look at the steam boiler system. It should be possible to save some money by turning off individual radiators and by redirecting heat in the gym area. Mr. Szabo reported that a new door has been installed at Streets and Facilities Garage. Mr. Fred Molter also looked at the City Hall heating system according* to Mr. Szabo. He stated one problem is bringing in fresh air and that possibly the heating system should be split up into better zoning so that some rooms are not colder than others. But because there is only one duct system that goes back to the furnaces there are certain problems and no easy solution. Mr. Szabo reported that the Buildings and Parks Garage is now shut off. Mr. Szabo announced he will be attending a boiler seminar in March. Mr. Szabo stated that a combustion analyzing system is being looked into so that boilers can be checked out to determine how they are faring. Doug Dylla commended Bill Szabo for his efforts and commented that the Energy Com- mission has appreciated the consumption figures. Discussion followed on the 1981-82 consumption figures for G. I. A. C. and the delamping of City Hall . Elva Holman commented that her Council colleagues have a problem with the present lighting in Council Chamber. A motion was made by Ernest Bury and seconded by Carolyn Peterson to recommend that a combustion gas analyzer be purchased and that $800 be set aside for that purpose. Discussion followed on the purpose of the analyzer and that training should be included also. Motion carried. Randy Lacey suggested that as a follow-up on the consumption figures that it might . be useful to have a monthly notice of summarized feedback from Energy Commission to building managers to let them know where they stand on energy use. Residents/occupants/building managers were discussed. . Incentives: Nancy Potter reported that follow-up workshops are needed and that more posters could be used. Also, a program for some type of competition between buildings was to be put together. Discussion followed on such a program; it was suggested that a sponsor should be found to supply some sort of a prize as money from the -General --- _ Fund cannot be used as an award. Also discussed were ways to generate interest and awareness in saving energy (City newsletter or mailings,, bulletin boards, and-pay check attachments). The Employee Suggestion Program is in the hopper according to Nancy Potter and Doug Dylla asked the Commission to express their feeling about the program in general . The consensus was that the program should be tied to individuals and that everyone in the buildings should have a chance to compete, and that there should be firm guidelines. Publicity was discussed and reward and guidelines are to be reviewed. Doug Dylla donated lunch at Chef Peking as first prize (lunch for one individual ). Street Lighting: Seneca Street Garage Lighting: Ernest Bury praised those responsible for getting the lights up so quickly. Mr Bury presented the figures of the proposal to install 73 fluorescent lights to replace the 150 MVL now costing $20,000 per year; an alternate proposal is to install fluorescent lights using fixtures form Green Street Ramp and putting new ballasts and new lamps--fluorescent proposal would cost $9,500 + per year. Seventy-three low pressure sodium lights would cost $3,500 per year. Mr. Bury reported that the Street Lighting Committee was divided, 3 in favor of LPS and 2 in favor of fluorescent. Mr. Nichols commented on present unattractive state of the Garage; that a paint job on the ceiling and maybe also the walls would be beneficial in maximizing lighting. Discussion followed on painting one bay as an experiment, that Council as a group should view the ramp at night and make some decision, and that the Energy Commission should have some recommendation ready for Wednesday's Board of Public Works meeting. Ernie Bury made a motion seconded by Harold Jones that low pressure sodium lights be installed as per Brook's plan in Seneca Street Garage and that in addition the ceiling ands alls be painted. During the discussion that followed, Mr. Messmer warned that the 1-footcandle has to be clarified _because savings will be cut in half by going to SQX o Also discussed were which areas were lit 24 hours, rewiring, and that Mr. Bury should prepare something in writing for the Board. Mr. Messmer reminded the Commission that payback figures were only esti- mates. Motion carried, 8 to 1 . -- 2 -- Street Lighting (continued) Ibis report on street lighting, Mr. Bury discussed the topics of design criteria of the sixties, that the State has no mandate on street lights, tree shading, and a community forum on street lighting on WHCU radio Public Hearing, hosted by Barbara Mink. Messrs. Dylla, Barber and Bury participated on t e program; there was no one there from NYSEG. The debate arrived at no resolution of any problem discussed. Hydro ower Mr. Nichols reported on the progress of the Hydropower Commission's joint meeting with Superintendent Kinsella and the Board of Public Works at which was discussed the Six Mile Creek area and a proposal jointly worked out between the City and Honey- well to do a feasibility study on two phases for what sites might be used, their energy possibilities, and what the finanacial cost would ,be. The major concern of BPW is preserving the integrity of the water supply system coming from Six Mile Creek. In any event, mutual agreement was reached on what the next steps will be in terms of exactly what studies should be made by consultants and communication between consultants and Superintendent and other consultants who have been studying the water supply system. . .the result is that a recommendation has been made to the Planning and Development Committee which is presumably going to pass it on to Common Council that a contract be signed, at least for the first phase of such a study and that was agreed upon unanimously. One condition before that is, namely, that the City receive the permit from the Federal Regulatory Commission which would give us the initial rights for hydropower development in Six Mile Creek. If the City gets the permit, they will have the rights to go through all the procedures leading to a license application. The City would have sole rights in whole Six Mile Creek area; then Synergics would be out of it for eighteen months. PASNY Carolyn Peterson reported on': her meeting �wi.th the County Planning Board. Ener Task Force Mr. C ynes announced that the next workshop would be on fleet maintenance. It is a State program and Bruce John is involving the County, Cornell and maybe NYSEG fleet people. Doug Dylla stated that he and Jack Clynes were to meet with Mayor Shaw to discuss further publicity on energy conservation. OLD BUSINESS: Elva Holman noted that Southside funding had been approved and that the bid was out for triple-track aluminum storm windows. Ms. Holman stated that she had read in the Fire Commissioners' minutes that the request for interior magnetic windows had been turned down. The Fire Commissioners are developing an alternate request for windows and Ms. Holman thought that Randy Lacey should talk to the Commissioners so that the alternate would not also be turned down. NEW BUSINESS: Doug Dylla pointed out that the terms of some Energy Commission members would be expiring May 31 , 1983. Mr. Dylla stated that he thought that the Commission should wrap up some projects and decide what direction the Energy Commission would take. The Commission should consider the broad purposes of energy conservation. Carolyn Peterson commented that they should continue to focus on the City. Lindy Elkins agreed and that workshops for city residents were needed. Harold Jones thought that other items should be started up for when the impetus on the City is phased out. Gerald Messmer stated that if the Commission would be getting into the commercial sector that then they should;be represented in the membership; the primary role should move into private sector. Ernie Bury stated that he would like to see an "Energy Plan". 3 -- NEW BUSINESS: (continued) Mr. Dylla stated he would like to have some specific ideas for brainstorming session, and he stated that he would encourage anyone interested in coninuing as a member of the Energy Commission to contact him. Randy Lacey commented that it was the time for the Energy Commission to move, but slowly. Ben Nichols suggested that there be focus on landlords and transportation. Nancy Potter declared herself in favor of keeping City projects moving and starting others. Doug Dylla noted the next Energy Commission meeting would be held March 17, 1983. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. -- 4 --