HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20130805
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 05, 2013
5:00 PM, City Council Chambers
MEETING AGENDA
I. Pro Cycle Challenge Update - oral report
II. Core-Remp funding and Grants; Energy Smart Program
III. Galena Plaza Design Review
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: CORE - Community Office for Resource Efficiency
Mona Newton, Executive Director
THRU: David Hornbacher, Director of Utilities & Environmental
Initiatives
DATE OF MEMO: August 1, 2013
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2013
RE: 2013/2014 Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (Remp) Funding
Discussion Including 2013 Green Key Grants And 2013/2014
Programs
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff requests Council discussion and direction concerning the
attached DRAFT Resolution, as forwarded by the Community Office for Resource Efficiency
(CORE) Board of Directors, which recommends the expenditure of funds generated through the
Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) for identified 2013/2014 projects and programs.
The CORE Board of Directors includes: George Newman (Pitkin County), Cindy Houben
(Pitkin County), Steve Casey (Holy Cross Energy), Steve Skadron (Aspen), Dave Hornbacher
(Aspen), Chris Jacobson (Snowmass Village), Stacey Patch Bernot (Carbondale), Karin Teague
(Basalt) and Bill Stirling (Energy 2000 Committee).
BACKGROUND: In January 2000 the Pitkin County Commissioners and the Aspen City
Council adopted the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) as a component of the
Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code. The program gives property owners the choice of
mitigating excessive energy use through the installation of on-site renewable energy systems, or
by paying an optional impact fee. CORE administers funds collected through REMP, providing
programs and incentives designed to address the impacts of excessive energy consumption.
Among a variety of other CORE initiatives, REMP revenues are used to fund the annual Green
Key Grant Program. Green Key Grants support government, non-profit, commercial and
residential projects located within the Roaring Fork Valley, which deliver tangible results in
energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.
According to the REMP ordinance, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) is
responsible for developing proposals for spending funds collected through REMP. Those
proposals must be reviewed and approved by the CORE Board. Final approval of proposed
REMP expenditures is required to be by Resolution of the Pitkin County Board of County
Commissioners and the Aspen City Council.
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DISCUSSION: The projects and programs recommended for funding contribute to preserving a
vibrant, healthy, and sustainable community by improving energy efficiency or generating
energy using renewable resources, thereby resulting in significant reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions. For example, total annual energy savings upon completion of the recommended
2013/2014 Green Key Grant projects are estimated to exceed 1,157,435 kWh, eliminating or
avoiding approximately 691,000 lbs. of CO2e emissions per year.
REMP funding procedures require approval by both the Aspen City Council and Pitkin County
Commissioners. The attached Resolution details the projects and programs recommended for
REMP funding by the CORE Board of Directors for a combined total of $1,037,285 in
2013/2014 expenditures. The recommended 2013/2014 Green Key Grant expenditures total
approximately $472,000. In addition, the CORE Board recommends approval of $400,000 in
REMP funds to accomplish the following programming: Community Grants ($50,000), Design
Assistance Grants ($50,000), Low-to-Moderate Income Grant Program ($100,000) the Big
Buildings Efficiency Challenge ($200,000) and $165,285 to support the program delivery costs
for Green Key Grants, Community Grants and Design Assistance Grants.
2013 Green Key Grants
The Green Key Grant requests were first reviewed and evaluated by the Citizens Grant Review
Committee, using a set of criteria adopted by the CORE Board of Directors. The Committee’s
recommendations were then forwarded to the CORE Board of Directors who discussed and
concurred with most of the recommendations and revised some. Please refer to the attached
DRAFT Resolution for detailed descriptions of the 2013 Green Key Grant projects
recommended for funding from the REMP Fund. Furthermore, the 2013 Green Key Grant
applications can be viewed in full at the following link: http://aspencore.org/2013-green-key-
grant-submittals/ (Access Password: GreenKey).
2013/2014 REMP Programs
CORE has been surveying the landscape of programs available to increase adoption of energy
efficiency and renewable energy across all sectors. CORE and our partners serve the residential
market and small commercial market with rebates and technical assistance through a variety of
programs. For 2013/2014, CORE’s Appliance and Solar Rebate Programs are proposed to be
funded and administered under the Energy Smart Program, which is presented for consideration
under a separate discussion item on this work session agenda.
In addition to continuing to offer Community Grants and Design Assistance Grants, one new
program would expand Energy Smart to serve low-to-moderate income homeowners while
another would address the challenges and opportunities in improving energy efficiency in larger
commercial and residential buildings, both public and private. CORE has staff with the technical
capability to deliver these programs, and the capacity to add the two new programs.
• Community Grants (existing program)
Community Grants aim to support a broad spectrum of environmental and energy projects
with tangible results for the Roaring Fork Valley. The aims of Community Grants are to
reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, offset greenhouse
gases, promote the use of renewable energy, educate the community on energy issues, and
develop more sustainable energy technologies. Community Grants range from $1,000 –
$10,000 and are awarded at the discretion of CORE’s Executive Director.
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• Design Assistance Grants (existing program)
The Design Assistance Grant is made available to aid commercial and institutional
development projects in implementing integrative efficient design. This grant serves the
purpose of promoting new technology and innovation during the design phase of new
building construction. These grants are also awarded on the approval of CORE’s Executive
Director. Energy Design Assistance grants range from $1,000 - $15,000.
• Low-to-Moderate Income Grant Program (proposed new program)
We have received input from the Pitkin County Health and Human Services Department that
while rebates incent many to implement energy efficiency, there are also many homeowners
who can’t afford do any efficiency work on their homes. To serve those households, we
propose to create a grant program that will be offered to households whose incomes are
above 200% of poverty, and lower than the median income. The grant will provide up to
$2,500 in energy efficiency work to a homeowner. Our request for this program is a total of
$100,000.
CORE staff will develop the program and be responsible for implementing it; it will mimic
the state weatherization program offered to families 200% of poverty or lower. Staff will
coordinate assessments that will be performed by the trained analysts, work will be
performed by trained contractors and overseen and inspected by CORE staff. CORE would
pay contractors directly for the work performed on each home. The homeowner would
receive education from CORE staff about home energy management, as education combined
with measures will achieve the greatest savings. Energy consumption and savings would be
tracked by CORE and reported to the homeowner and the CORE Board annually. As this is a
new program, we will report back to the CORE Board after six months of implementation
about the success and challenges of this program.
• Big Buildings Efficiency Challenge (proposed new program)
Typically, the commercial sector represents approximately 50% of the energy consumption
in buildings. While CORE offers incentives to the commercial sector, we see an opportunity
to leverage the impact of our resources by offering rebates to owners of larger buildings,
which include public and private buildings and multifamily complexes. This program would
enable CORE to work directly with building owners and operators to help them move ahead
with efficiency projects. Our request for this program is $200,000. President Obama
announced the Better Buildings Challenge focusing on helping American commercial and
industrial buildings become 20% more energy efficient by 2020 and we will strive to attain
the goal with this program. He has also announced the intention to expand the program to
multifamily housing, which is what CORE is proposing to do as part of the big buildings
program.
For each of the new programs we are recommending, specific guidelines and eligibility standards
are yet to be determined. CORE staff will work closely with our partners to establish program
parameters that will allow us to reach targets with the greatest need and the greatest opportunity
for improvement.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: Funds collected through REMP will be used to fund the
projects and programs, which will have no financial impact on the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: CORE will return to Council on August 26 with an updated
memo and resolution based on today’s discussion for approval.
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ALTERNATIVES: If Council chooses not to approve the resolution the REMP funds would
stay in the account and would be available for future renewable energy projects.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: DRAFT Resolution #__ 2013 - A Resolution of the City of Aspen City
Council Authorizing the Expenditure of Funds Generated Through the Renewable Energy
Mitigation Program
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DRAFT
RESOLUTION NO. ___
Series of 2013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS GENERATED THROUGH THE RENEWABLE ENERGY
MITIGATION PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, on December 13, 1999, City Council approved Ordinance No. 55
Adopting the Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code, and
WHEREAS, the Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code allows that funds collected through
the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) be spent in accordance with a resolution
passed by the Aspen City Council and the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners,
and
WHEREAS, at its meeting on July 11, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Community Office
for Resource Efficiency (CORE) approved the REMP spending proposals described herein,
and
WHEREAS, the spending proposals meet the screening criteria of addressing affordable
housing, cost-effectiveness, public visibility and education, environmental benefits, energy
efficiency, leverage, unique opportunity, new technologies and green design.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO that the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) is
authorized to negotiate and secure contracts and manage the installation and/or
implementation of the following projects and programs:
I. Projects supported by CORE Board of Directors for funding from REMP
Recommended 2013 Green Key Grant Project Funding
1. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies $9,818
2. Aspen Skiing Company $10,000
3. City of Aspen - ARC $50,000
4. City of Aspen - Burlingame $150,000
5. City of Aspen – Cozy Point Ranch $62,891
6. Colorado Rocky Mountain School $10,357
7. First Methodist Church - Insulation $19,500
8. First Methodist Church – Solar PV $18,000
9. GarCo Public Library District – Carbondale Solar PV $25,000
10. Mountain Rescue Aspen $75,000
11. Roaring Fork Conservancy $15,000
12. Sopris Elememtary/Mtn. Valley Dev. Services $7,211
13. We-Cycle $19,330
Total: $472,107
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1. ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ACES) – LED
LIGHTING
ACES is a non-profit environmental education organization. Their request proposes an
LED lighting retrofit for the Hallam Lake Visitor Center in Aspen. The retrofit is
estimated to achieve an 11% reduction in the facility’s total electrical load. ACES’
programming will incorporate lessons highlighting the retrofit project and expose the
Center’s 28,000 yearly visitors to the lighting technologies in use. Motion sensors and
day-lighting controls will maximize efficient use of the proposed upgrades.
Annual Energy Savings: 6,153 kWh Annual CO2e Savings: 12,060 lbs. (HCE
carbon factor of 1.96 lb)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $6,153 (10 yr project life, energy cost $.10/kWh)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.24 (10 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $19,636.13 Amount requested: $14,636.13
Approved Funding: $9,818.00
2. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY – LIMELIGHT IN-ROOM CONTROLS
The Aspen Skiing Company is a for-profit privately held corporation that owns and
operates the Limelight Hotel. Their request is to support an in-room energy management
system (smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, integrated controls) throughout the 126-
room Limelight. The project will allow room temperatures to be controlled in response to
occupancy status, outdoor temperatures, and other variables, in order to maximize system
efficiency. Upgrades are estimated to achieve a 43% reduction in the facility’s
heating/cooling energy load.
Annual Energy Savings: 27,344 kWh and 15,332 Therms (equiv. to 449,336 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 199,071 lbs. (COA carbon factor.72 lb and natural gas carbon
factor 11.7 lb)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $306,133 (20 yr project life, energy cost of $.10/kWh and
$.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.006 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $52,613.19 Amount requested: $52,613.19
Approved Funding: $10,000.00
3. CITY OF ASPEN – ASPEN RECREATION CENTER (ARC)
The Aspen Recreation Center is owned and operated by the City of Aspen. This request
would support the purchase and installation of 1,150 LED and 45 induction light bulbs in
fixtures throughout the facility. The upgrades are estimated to achieve a 59% reduction in
the lighting system’s energy consumption.
Annual Energy Savings: 145,269 kWh Annual CO2e Savings: 104,594 lbs. (COA
carbon factor .72 lb)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $145,269 (10 yr project life, $.10/kWh)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.034 (10 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $103,594.90 Amount requested: $50,000
Approved Funding: $50,000.00
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4. CITY OF ASPEN – SOLAR THERMAL BURLINGAME PHASE IIA(i)
Burlingame Phase IIA(i) is a 48-unit for-sale deed restricted affordable housing project of
the City of Aspen. The request would support the installation of solar hot water pre-heat
systems for these units. The project is expected to reduce natural gas consumption within
this phase by 50%.
Annual Energy Savings: 4,698 Therms (equivalent to 275,314 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 54,967 lbs. (natural gas carbon factor of 11.7 lb)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $77,047 (20 yr project life and $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.027 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $300,000 Amount requested: $150,000
Approved Funding: $150,000
5. CITY OF ASPEN – COZY POINT RANCH, LLC
Cozy Point Ranch, LLC is a private for-profit corporation, which holds a lease to operate
the 168-acre Cozy Point Ranch, an equestrian/agricultural/open space and recreation
property owned by the City of Aspen. The request would support the implementation of
key recommendations from a 2011 commissioning report. The project includes lighting
upgrades in the indoor riding arena and stables - conversion of numerous 400W and 150W
Metal Halides and T-12 Fluorescents to LED and T-8 fixtures, along with the addition of
daylighting sensors and system controls. Replacing the indoor riding arena’s forced air
heating system (currently controlled by a single manual thermostat) with two-stage infra-
red natural gas tube heaters controlled by a programmable thermostat is also proposed.
The energy and emissions reductions resulting from proposed heating upgrades are
estimated using the average potential savings defined in the commissioning report.
Annual Energy Savings: 55,318 kWh (light) and 1,649 Therms (heat – eq. 48,316 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 127,716 lbs. (HCE carbon factor of 1.96 lbs., nat gas carbon
factor of 11.7 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $82,362 (10 yr life lighting, 20 yr life heating, $.10/kWh
& $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.04 (15 yr. combined proj. life)
Total Project Cost: $134,580 Amount requested: $62,891
Approved Funding: $62,891
6. COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL (CRMS)
CRMS is an independent non-profit college preparatory school located in Carbondale.
This request would support the installation of an 8-panel solar hot water system on the
school’s North Dormitory. The system will provide energy for 75% of the building’s
domestic hot water needs and up to 50% of the heating needs. The project is expected to
reduce CO2 emissions by 81,088 lbs.
Annual Energy Savings: 90,000,000 BTU’s (eq. to 899 Therms, or 26,362 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 10,518 lbs. (natural gas carbon factor of 11.7 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $14,744 (20 yr project life and $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.02 (20 yr project life)
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Total Project Cost: $32,857 Amount requested: $10,357
Approved Funding: $10,357
7. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS - INSULATION
The First Methodist Church of Glenwood Springs is a religious institution. This request
would support the installation of rigid roof insulation on the church’s sanctuary roof, in
order to bring it up to a code-standard R-49. The Church is currently investigating the
structural capacity of their roof – relative to the additional insulation (and the solar system
proposed in #8 below). Design and cost estimating is very preliminary at this time.
Added insulation is estimated to reduce annual CO2e emissions by 8,190 lbs.
Annual Energy Savings: 700 Therms (equivalent to 20,515 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 8,190 lbs. (natural gas carbon factor of 11.7 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $11,480 (20 yr project life and $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.047 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $39,000 Amount requested: $19,500
Approved Funding: $19,500
8. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS – SOLAR PV
The First Methodist Church of Glenwood Springs is a religious institution. This request
would support the installation of a 12kW solar photovoltaic system. The Church is
currently investigating the structural capacity of their roof – relative to a solar installation
(and the added insulation proposed in #7 above). Design and cost estimating is very
preliminary at this time.
Annual Energy Savings: 17,623 kWh (Source: PV Watts)
Annual CO2e Savings: 34,364 lbs. (Glenwood Springs Electric carbon factor of 1.95
lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $35,246 (20 yr project life and $.10/kWh)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.05 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $36,000 Amount requested: $18,000
Approved Funding: $18,000
9. GARFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT (GCPLD) – 30KW PV
SYSTEM
The GCPLD is a special district operating six library branch locations across Garfield
County. Their request is to support the design, purchase and installation of a 30kW
photovoltaic system on the solar-ready roof of the new Carbondale Branch Library. The
project is conceived in partnership with Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC’s) Integrated
Energy Department, and contemplates a cost-sharing arrangement including GCPLD,
CMC, CORE, the Town of Carbondale and private donors. The project will engage CMC
students in the system design and installation process. The Carbondale Branch Library
saw nearly 100,000 visitors in 2012. With energy modeling projecting a total demand of
48kW to power the new building, a 30kW system would provide more than 60% of total
annual electrical use.
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Annual Energy Savings: 44,056 kWh (Source: PVWatts)
Annual CO2e Savings: 77,098 lbs. (Xcel Energy carbon factor 1.75 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $88,112 (20 yr project life and $.10/kWh)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.028 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $125,000 Amount requested: $25,000
Approved Funding: $25,000
10. MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASPEN
Mountain Rescue Aspen is a non-profit volunteer organization providing backcountry
search and rescue and mountain safety education services. This request would support
components of the new $4.9m MRA Headquarters building in Aspen. Specifically,
funding is requested to install a 7.7 kW solar photovoltaic system, a 32 square foot solar
hot water system (11,680,000 BTU/yr), a KalWall (translucent daylighting wall
assembly), LED lighting, and DDC HVAC system controls. Approved funding is to
support the renewable energy generation systems only (i.e., solar PV and solar hot water).
The grant shall be conditioned upon MRA agreeing to install a BTU meter on the solar hot
water system. MRA shall also agree to install the DDC controls and LED lighting,
although REMP funding is not being awarded to support those project elements.
Annual Energy Savings: Solar PV: 11,308 kWh/yr (Source: PV Watts), Solar Thermal:
11,680,000 BTU/yr (eq. to 117 Therms/yr or 3,421 kWh/yr)
Annual CO2e Savings: 23,532 lbs. for renewables only (HCE carbon factor 1.96 lbs., nat
gas carbon factor of 11.7 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $24,535 (renewables only, 20 yr project life, $.10/kWh
and $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh eq) Saved: $0.29 (renewables only, 20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $152,800 Amount requested: $152,800
Approved Funding: $75,000
11. ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY
The Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) is an independent non-profit organization with a
mission to inspire people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed. This
request is to support inclusion of an automated building energy management system in the
Conservancy’s future River Center building. Funding requested is an estimate of 20% of
the total HVAC system cost, and is not based on a specific design or cost proposal.
System controls are an essential component for achieving building efficiency goals, in
combination with the high efficiency boilers and solar thermal elements (both supported in
prior years with Green Key Grants totaling a combined $60,000). The grant shall be
conditioned to require RFC to commission the building upon completion and to conduct
performance monitoring every two years in order to verify system performance over time.
Annual Energy Savings: TBD Annual CO2e Savings: TBD Lifecycle
Utility Cost Savings: TBD
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: TBD
Total Project Cost: $30,000 Amount requested: $30,000
Approved Funding: $15,000 (not to exceed 50% of actual system cost)
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12. SOPRIS ELEMENTARY/MOUNTAIN VALLEY DEV. SERVICES – SOLAR
THERMAL GREENHOUSE
Sopris Elementary School, located in Glenwood Springs and part of the Roaring Fork
School District, has partnered in this proposal with the non-profit Mountain Valley
Developmental Services, which serves developmentally disabled children and adults.
Their proposal is to install a 5-panel evacuated tube solar thermal array already owned
(and in storage) by the school. The school expects to reduce the greenhouse’s natural gas
consumption by 20-25% (by reducing demand on existing natural gas greenhouse heaters),
which is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 37,746 lbs. per year.
Annual Energy Savings: 3,500 Therms (equivalent to 25,000 kWh)
Annual CO2e Savings: 40,950 lbs. (natural gas carbon factor of 11.7 lbs.)
Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $57,400 (20 yr project life, $.82/Therm)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.014 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $10,500 Amount requested: $7,211.55
Approved Funding: $7,211.45
13. WE-CYCLE – SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAI CS
We-Cycle is a non-profit organization that operates a bike-sharing program for the City of
Aspen. We-Cycle has installed 13 self-service bike sharing stations throughout the city,
providing up to 100 bicycles for public use. Their grant proposal would support the
installation of photovoltaic solar collectors on all 13 stations. With a 110 W system
proposed at each station, the project contemplates a total of 1.43 kW installed.
Energy Savings: 2,100 kWh Annual CO2e Savings: 1,512 lbs. (COA carbon factor .72
lb) Lifecycle Utility Cost Savings: $4,200 (20 yr project life, $.10/kWh)
Grant cost per kWh (or kWh equivalent) Saved: $0.46 (20 yr project life)
Total Project Cost: $19,330 (Renewables only. Total Project: $599,744)
Amount requested: $19,330 Approved Funding: $19,330
II. Programs supported by CORE Board of Directors for funding from REMP:
1. Community Grants - $50,000: These grants support smaller projects (ranging from $1,000-
$10,000) throughout the year for community-based resource and energy saving projects in
lieu of the annual Green Key Grants, which typically fund larger projects.
2. Design Assistance Grants - $50,000: These funds support innovation and integrative energy
efficient design for new construction projects.
3. Low-to-Moderate Income Grant Program - $100,000: These funds will be used to improve
the energy efficiency of homes owned by families whose incomes exceed the qualifications
for the state’s weatherization program, but are below 400% of poverty level. Qualifying
homeowners will be eligible for a grant up to $2,500 for energy assessments, insulation, and
high-efficiency refrigerators, hot water heaters, furnaces and/or boilers.
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4. Big Buildings Efficiency Challenge – $200,000: Public- and private-sector buildings, and
multi-family complexes will be targeted with this program to provide technical assistance
and rebates to upgrade the efficiency of these buildings. CORE will also work with the
building industry to provide incentives to conduct deep retrofits of buildings during
remodeling.
III. Administrative and overhead expenses supported by CORE Board of Directors for funding
from REMP:
1. Administrative and program delivery - $165,285: These funds are to support the
program delivery costs for Green Key Grants ($136,730), Community Grants
($17,115) and Design Assistance Grants ($11,440).
INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Aspen on the
_____ day of _________, 2013.
__________________________
Steve Skadron, Mayor
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing
is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of
Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held on the day hereinabove stated.
__________________________
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: CORE – Community office for Resource Efficiency
Mona Newton, Executive Director
THRU: David Hornbacher, Director of Utilities & Environmental
Initiatives
DATE OF MEMO: July 29, 2013
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2013
RE: Energy Smart Program funding
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff requests Council’s discussion and direction to redirect
unspent Green Key Grant funds and re-allocate them to the Energy Smart Program and rebates.
BACKGROUND: Over the past six months CORE staff undertook a comprehensive review
of all Green Key Grants awarded since 2000 that had a balance of unspent funds. CORE staff
communicated with all awardees to determine if funds had been spent or were going to be
spent and as of May 1, 2013, a deadline established by the CORE Board of Trustees, a total
of $959,000 will remain unspent. CORE is proposing to re-allocate those funds to continue
the services and rebates within the Energy Smart Program, and the rebates offered with
REMP funds.
As you may recall, Pitkin, Eagle and Gunnison counties were awarded a joint grant from the
Department of Energy Better Buildings Program in 2010 and the Energy Smart Program
was developed and has been implemented since January 2011. The program goal is to
reach 10% of the homes and reduce energy costs by 15% with retrofits. In addition to
meeting energy efficiency goals of the program, numerous health and safety issues have
been identified and remedied through the program – roughly 20% of home audits through
the program identity some level of health and safety issue.
Energy Smart accomplishments to date in the city of Aspen:
• 257 home energy assessments, 89 Sample energy assessments in Multi-family
residences, with 40 additional assessments before the end of August.
• 684 home energy retrofits.
• 2,297,000 Annual Carbon saving
• These retrofits represent an investment of $1,019,000 in Aspen with an annual
estimated savings of $140,000.
• The total amount of rebates paid out is $183,968.73 for a leverage of the rebate of
7:1.
• Trained pool of local contractors, and energy efficiency professionals.
• Documented savings of 7% in energy costs from assessments and installation of
quick fix items.
• Documented savings of up to 15% when retrofits are completed.
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The grant funds were also used to develop lasting assets for the program which include: a
strong recognized brand and marketing materials, trained contractors and staff, a revolving
loan program and a customized Salesforce Data Management System to track participants,
measures and savings.
DISCUSSION: To continue to reduce energy consumption and thereby carbon emissions in
Pitkin County in an effective manner, CORE’s Board of Trustees supports re-allocation of
$959,000, originally allocated REMP funds that will remain unspent to the Energy Smart
Program to continue this successful program for the remainder of 2013, 2014 and 2015,
and recommends approval of the attached draft resolution. The Energy Smart team is also
proposing to expand the partnership with Holy Cross Energy and to SourceGas. If these
proposals are accepted, the funds available to residents and businesses would be
expanded.
CORE staff is poised to continue this program with our experienced and dedicated team
and program assets and is requesting that the County Commissioners to authorize re-
appropriating the unspent grant funds to continue this program after August 11, 2013
when the program’s DOE grant funds will all be expended. The program has recently been
awarded a no cost extension of the program through November 2014, which will allow an
additional $15,000 to be utilized by the Pitkin County Energy Smart team through October
2013.
To reduce confusion in the marketplace about rebates and programs, CORE would use the
Energy Smart brand to promote residential and commercial rebates for energy efficiency
and renewable energy improvements. The rebates that CORE has offered in past years
would be modified to align with those currently offered by Energy Smart, and would
include air sealing and insulation, water heaters, boiler, furnace and window replacement
rebates. Rebates would be offered to homeowners and businesses for energy assessments
when they install a measure.
Beginning in 2014 rebates for appliances would only be available for refrigerators. Based
on CORE staff analysis, most appliances available for purchase today are very energy
efficient and incentives are not needed. When new appliance standards are released, a
review will be performed to determine whether it is necessary to incent consumers to
purchase the higher efficiency models.
There is still, however, a need for a market push for homeowners to make the investment
in energy efficiency retrofits. Energy efficiency is widely recognized as the simplest, fastest,
least expensive and lowest risk way to meet growing energy demand and achieve desired
environmental outcomes and reach community goals. Energy users will more likely
investment in efficiency with the coaching support and rebates offered by programs such
as Energy Smart. Continuation of the program is also important to create consistency in
the market place for consumers, and service providers and the economic benefits derived
from the program.
Funds, if approved by the City council and County Commissioners, would support CORE's
rebates for both the residential and commercial sectors, as well as the cost of program
delivery. Program delivery includes: technical assistance to homeowners once the
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assessment of a home is completed to understand the recommendations, any safety issues
discovered, and financing options including rebates and the loan program. Staff also assists
homeowners in identifying contractors and understanding bids they receive. Staff
promotes the rebates through the media and marketing and CORE is responsible for
processing the rebates and analyzing data and sharing that with utility partners.
Aspen Utilities, Holy Cross Energy and SourceGas have been partners in the program,
helping to reduce assessment costs, and providing rebates to homeowners and businesses.
City of Aspen Utilities will continue to be a partner in the program and we have submitted a
proposal to Holy Cross Energy for continued and expanded support for this program. We
will also seek continued support from SourceGas for the program.
Our aim is to continue the program with even greater success.
The program and rebates recommended for funding contribute to preserving a vibrant, healthy,
and sustainable, community by reducing carbon, improving energy efficiency, creating jobs, and
reducing costs for residents and business owners.
Re-allocating funding the unspent Green Key Grant funds to the Energy Smart Program and
rebates will continue to support this impactful program and complements the other programs that
CORE offers and is proposing to offer to low-to-moderate income homeowners, occupants of big
buildings so that there are a broad spectrum of services for all buildings.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: Unspent Green Key Grant funds would be re-allocated to
continue the Energy Smart Program and fund rebates to both the residential and commercial
sectors, which will have no financial impact on the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: CORE staff will return to the City Council meeting on August
26 with an amended memo and resolution based on today’s discussion.
ALTERNATIVES: If Council chooses not to approve this resolution re-allocating the REMP
funds rebates would be eliminated and the services of Energy Smart Program would be limited to
any funding received from other partners.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: DRAFT Resolution #__ 2013 - A Resolution of the City of Aspen City
Council Authorizing re-allocation of unspent Green Key Grant funds to Energy Smart Program
and rebates.
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DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. ___
Series of 2013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
APPROVING RE-ALLOCATION OF UNSPENT GREEN KEY GRANT FUNDS TO
THE ENERGY SMART PROGRAM AND REBATES FROM SEPTERMBER 1, 2013
TO DECEMBER 31, 2015.
WHEREAS, on December 13, 1999, City Council approved Ordinance No. 55
Adopting the Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code, and
WHEREAS, the Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code allows that the funds be
spent in accordance with a joint resolution by the Aspen City Council and the Pitkin
County Board of County Commissioners, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, the Board of Trustees for the
Community Office for Resource Efficiency approved this spending proposal, and
WHEREAS, proposals that met the screening criteria of housing, cost-
effectiveness, public visibility and education, environmental benefits, energy efficiency,
leverage, unique opportunity, new technologies and green design and were awarded
funding, but will not spend the funding as allocated,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
ASPEN, COLORADO:
That $959,000.12 of unspent Green Key Grant Funds shall be re-allocated from the
previously awarded grants to continue the Energy Smart Program to be offered to
residents and businesses in CORE’s service area from September 1, 2013-2015.
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The re-allocated funds will be used to provide rebate monies to the commercial
and residential sectors, for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems.
These funds will also be used to support the program delivery services provided by the
Energy Smart staff to ensure that the rebates are utilized. The funds will support
advertising, education and program outreach, rebate administration, energy and carbon
savings analysis, technical assistance and coaching to homeowners and business owners.
That the City Council of Aspen hereby approves this Resolution and does hereby
authorize the Mayor of City Manager to execute this resolution on behalf of Aspen.
This resolution is conditioned upon the approval of a similar resolution by the
Pitkin County Commissioners.
INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of
Aspen on the _____ day of _________, 2013.
__________________________
Steven Skadron, Mayor
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the
foregoing is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the
City of Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held on the day hereinabove stated.
__________________________
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
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MEMORANDUM:
__________________________________________
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: John Laatsch –Project Manager, Capital Asset
Scott Chism – Planning and Construction Operations Manager, Parks
THRU: Randy Ready – Assistant City Manager
Scott Miller – Capital Asset Director
Jeff Woods – Manager of Parks and Recreation
DATE OF MEMO: August 1, 2013
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2013
RE: Galena Plaza Site Plan Design Review
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: City Council approval of the Galena Plaza Site Plan and authorization of
the completion of 100% Detail Design is being requested.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The last Council action specific to Galena Plaza occurred on
April 16, 2013, when Council provided approval on the configuration / design of the proposed Site Plan
relative to configuration of Law Enforcement Parking and authorized continued development of Detail
Design.
On March 19, 2013 Council provided clear direction on the configuration for the Law Enforcement
Parking, modifications for the consideration of a future Library Expansion, more green space and
reduced paving areas for the plaza.
Council has also reviewed the Galena Plaza design at a September 18, 2012 work session and identified
project priorities from each Council member including:
• More/better utilization of the space;
• Create a strong connectivity between Rio Grande Park and the Aspen Downtown Core;
• Simplify and provide flexibility--Open Park Plan;
• Enhance Pedestrian Experience;
• Humble and Organic in its creation; “Less is More”;
BACKGROUND: The design process to determine a replacement public space to Galena Plaza in
association with the required parking garage roof repair started in earnest in January 2010. At that time,
a staff and stakeholder group established Galena Plaza Program Requirements and Galena Plaza Design
Objectives which were intended to guide the comprehensive project design effort and test various design
proposals. Staff has checked in with Council multiple times over the last three (3) years to review
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aspects of the garage roof replacement and plaza redevelopment project. Each discussion with Council
has generated adjustments to the project design.
DISCUSSION: Since the April 16, 2013 Council work session, the Design Team has been further
developing the plaza and surrounding area Site Plan design that Council approved for continued
development at the April 16th work session. The result of that design development effort will be
presented to Council at the August 5th work session.
Staff and the Design Team believe that the presented Galena Plaza Site Plan (Attachment A) achieves
the design balance that Council has requested to date, achieves Council priorities for quality public
space, achieves the Law Enforcement parking requirements and achieves Library needs for a future
expansion.
On July 16, 2013 during the attendance at a BOCC meeting, staff learned that the Library was interested
in moving forward with the construction of a Library Expansion with an RFP for Design-Build services
to be offered in August 2013 with a possible construction start in the summer of 2014. The Design
Team has not yet reflected this new proposed Library expansion direction into the project scheduling,
however additional considerations to the garage roof and plaza design effort to facilitate this revised
direction will be made.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: A comprehensive project budget range of $4.0- $4.4 million for
the proposed Criteria Design was established in 2011 and approved by Council. The budget range for
the proposed Criteria Design was discussed during the July 19, 2011 and October 25, 2011 Council work
sessions.
Costs for a 100% Detail Design will be presented to City Council in an upcoming work session. Funding
partnerships still must be finalized with Pitkin County Library, Sanitation District and a review of our
funding partner’s needs to take place. Cost projections for each component of the construction will then
be presented to City Council at the appropriate time for approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The environmental impacts are generally positive.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that Council approve the submitted Galena Plaza
Site Plan (Attachment A) and authorize the completion of 100% Detail Design.
ALTERNATIVES: City Council could choose not to approve the recommended Galena Plaza Site Plan
and a continuation of the project’s Detail Design effort. City Council could choose to provide other
direction to staff than the requested recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Galena Plaza Site Plan
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