2008-01-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dr. Brown said he agrees with Mr. Huja and applauds staff’s recommendation. He said it is important that neighborhoods want the historic designation, but said that he is concerned about demolition requests in Fifeville and feels a tool is needed to protect those properties. He said he thinks the idea of a 75 year marker makes sense. Mr. Norris said he is hearing that there is a consensus on Council that supports moving forward with staff recommendations with two changes: more research on 75 versus 100 years for individual designation and look at other localities regarding BAR pay. Mr. Huja said he would also support looking at buildings that are not 75 years old that are important. REPORT : ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Mr. Norris said that the Environmental Sustainability Committee was appointed a year ago and has met quarterly. He said that chairs of the subcommittees will be presenting recommendations. Mr. John Semmelhack, Chairman of the Green Building and Development subcommittee, presented the recommendation for an energy efficient property tax incentive. Mr. Jason Halbert, Chairman of the Material Management subcommittee, presented the recommendation that the City pursue an increased recycling rate for 2008 with annual increases (with a goal of 50%) and an expanded public education campaign. He said that a recycling coordinator would pay for themselves. Mr. Lynn Shoppa recommended an anti-idling proposal expanded beyond City vehicles which would require State enabling legislation; an energy efficiency public campaign, including a compact fluorescent light bulb giveaway and energy audit raffle; and promotion of alternate ways of generating electricity. Mr. Taliaferro applauded the light bulb giveaway and said he would like to expand it. Mr. Huja suggested aiming for giving away 5,000 light bulbs and finding creative ways to distribute them to people who need them. He suggested that the Housing Authority also replace their light bulbs. He suggested starting with 20 energy audits and exploring training City staff to do the energy audits. Ms. Edwards suggested that information about safety issues with compact fluorescent light bulbs be provided as well. She noted that certain neighborhoods do not do as much recycling as others, and asked if it is possible to do outreach in those neighborhoods. She said she would like to see more of those efforts before someone is hired, but noted that if someone is hired, she would like them to come from those neighborhoods. Dr. Brown said he likes the bold recycling goal. He suggested also involving the schools. Mr. Huja made a motion to accept the proposals 1, 2, 3 and 5 as submitted, and amending proposal 4 by adding give away at least 5,000 light bulbs; use of the light bulbs at the Housing Authority; and conduct 20 home inspections, training two City employees to do one or 2 inspectors per week. Mr. Taliaferro seconded the motion. Dr. Brown asked if training inspectors to do energy audits would result in fewer house inspections, and asked for feedback from staff on the implications of this proposal before a decision is made. Mr. O’Connell suggested asking staff to explore the possibility.