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7 <br /> <br /> Mr. Lance Stewart, Facilities Maintenance Manager, said that an energy audit of <br />most City and School buildings is nearing completion. He said as a result, lighting, water <br />systems and major mechanical systems are being upgraded. He said traffic signals are <br />also being converted to LED. He said the payback for the cost of improvements reducing <br />carbon dioxide emissions is nine years. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja and Mr. Taliaferro supported moving forward with improvements. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if there is a way to document generalities learned that could be <br />made available to local businesses and other members of the planning district. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Norris, Mr. Stewart said that an incentive <br />package was set up with each City school giving them half of their savings as a result of <br />energy conservation. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION <br />: $750,000 – STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS FROM FY 07 <br />SURPLUS <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he has concerns about the consulting fees and said he would <br />support moving at least $75,000 to actual drainage improvements. <br /> <br /> Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, said that the committee facilitator is <br />estimated to cost at least $15,000 to $20,000 and the rest of the funds are earmarked for <br />setting up a billing system. She said the RFP is out now and the actual cost will be <br />known in April. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said that while he understands Mr. Huja’s concerns, staff has <br />recommended that expertise is needed, and he feels Council is getting into <br />micromanaging. <br /> <br /> On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the $750,000 appropriation <br />for stormwater improvements from FY 07 surplus was offered and carried over to the <br />next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br /> There were no matters by the public. <br /> <br />OTHER BUSINESS <br /> <br />RESOLUTION <br />: AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked that Council consider the resolution tonight because of the need <br />to act on it while the General Assembly is in session. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that Senator Deeds and Delegate Toscano agreed to introduce <br />bills regarding requiring affordable housing with special use permits. He said the local <br />homebuilders are supportive of the proposal and will not oppose it. He said the state <br />homebuilders have said they will not oppose the legislation if the local homebuilders do <br />not oppose it. He said the homebuilders association has asked that the City work to <br />reduce the front end cost by speeding up the permitting process. He said the resolution <br />says that Council will not adopt changes to the zoning ordinance to enact such legislation <br />until an expedited process is developed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he thinks it is a step in the right direction. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked what the practical difference would be in the process. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that that when a site plan for a special use permit or rezoning <br />comes in it would be reviewed administratively rather than by the Planning Commission <br /> <br />