HomeMy WebLinkAbout21- Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group Agenda - 10-28-21A.Call meeting to order
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B.Disclosures
C.Changes to the Agenda
D.Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approve the regular meeting minutes from July 22, 2021 and September 23, 2021 (Meyer)
E.Public Comment
Please state your name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record. This is the time for
individuals to comment on matters falling within the purview of the Committee. There will also be
an opportunity in conjunction with each action item for comments pertaining to that item. Please
limit your comments to three minutes.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda, please send an email to
agenda@bozeman.net prior to 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. You may also
comment by visiting the City's public comment page.
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you please be patient in helping us work through this online meeting.
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comment on, and someone will call you during the meeting to provide an opportunity to
comment. You may also send the above information via text to 406-589-6297.
F.Special Presentation
F.1 Advisory Board Consolidation Updates(Meyer)
THE BOZEMAN CLIMATE PARTNERS WORKING GROUP OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
BCPWG AGENDA
Thursday, October 28, 2021
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F.2 Climate Plan Dashboard(Meyer)
F.3 Utility Renewable Rate Option(Meyer)
F.4 Electric Supply Planning - NorthWestern Energy(Meyer)
G.FYI/Discussion
H.Adjournment
I.For more information please contact Natalie Meyer, nmeyer@bozeman.net. This board
generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:00-3:30pm.
Working group meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and
require assistance, please contact our ADA coordinator, Mike Gray at 582-3232 (TDD 582-2301).
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group
FROM:Meyer
SUBJECT:Approve the regular meeting minutes from July 22, 2021 and September 23,
2021
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:I move to approve the combined Bozeman Climate Partners minutes as
submitted.
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:None.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Working Group.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
Draft Minutes_BCP_20210722.pdf
Draft Minutes_BCP_20210923.pdf
Report compiled on: October 22, 2021
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Bozeman Climate Partners
Working Group Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2021 at 2:00pm
Via Webex
Attendees:
Natalie Meyer (staff liaison), Kathy Powell, Jay Sinnott, Deputy Mayor Cunningham (Commission liaison),
Anne Ready, Julia Kaminski, Ita Killeen
A. Call Meeting to Order
Meeting called to order at 2:03 pm
B. Disclosures
None
C. Changes to the Agenda
None
D. Public Comment
Kathy Powell Recommended NPR Science Friday featuring Argonne National Lab and different types of battery
storage applications and materials, especially flow and molten liquid batteries.
E. Special Presentations
1. Advisory Board Consolidation
Natalie Meyer
• Sustainability Advisory Board would advise on Climate Plan and absorb the duties of the
Beautification Board, and Recreation Advisory Board.
• The City Attorney is drafting resolutions with input from Sustainability, staff pointed to Climate
Plan focus areas and cross cutting themes of equity, human health & safety, and city assets.
• The City Manager would like to have the board seated by the end of the year. Application details
have not emerged.
Deputy Mayor Cunningham
• There is still Commission discussion around board size, terms, and the selection process.
• We expect an open call and we hope for applicants with expertise covering key categories. The
Commission will be as thoughtful as possible.
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• Commissioners may reach out for input and the Commission is open to suggestions.
Anne Ready asked what duties the current Recreation Advisory Board generally covers and what the
relationship might be to sustainability.
• Meyer does not know the specific duties of the Recreation Advisory Board, but will find out.
• Most boards have some connection to sustainability. The Recreation program may present
opportunities for sustainability education and there may be transportation cross points.
Natalie Meyer
• Noted that the City is in the middle of interviews for Sustainability Program Specialist. We could
have someone starting in August.
• The Specialist will add bandwidth and assistance in development review process and affordable
housing audit review, engineering design standards with an eye to the future, including building
and vehicle electrification.
• Will assist with a wide variety of projects within the Climate Plan, but will focus on the built
environment.
2. EV Site Assessments and PV Site Assessments
Natalie Meyer
• Next week visiting nine city facilities and evaluating potential uses or EVs.
• The assessments will provide numbers to include in our Capital Improvement Plan.
• New construction is easier to equip with EV Service Equipment. The new Public Safety Center
will include five locations for charging and the City has budget authority to move forward with
an installation in the current fiscal year.
• Solar PV site assessments are focused on six buildings with the most practical potential for
onsite solar. Assessments have started and we are aiming for report completion in anticipation
of the Capital Improvement Plan submittal deadline.
Kathy Powell asked which sites were included in the solar PV assessments.
• City Hall, Library, Vehicle Maintenance, Stiff Professional Building, Parking Garage, and Story
Mill Community Center. For EVs, the same facilities plus the Story Landfill and Parking Garage.
• Left out Water Reclamation Facility and Water Treatment Plant for future planning.
3. Renewable Rate Option (i.e. green tariff)
Natalie Meyer
• This project refers to the collaboration effort with NorthWestern Energy, Missoula, Helena, and
Bozeman to work with a 3rd party consultant to develop a renewable rate option.
• Planned to work together and bring a proposed rate to the Public Service Commission to allow
customers an opportunity to directly purchase clean energy.
• The project is slightly behind schedule due to scheduling challenges among stakeholders.
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• Thus far the cities have proposed a framework based on modeled cost and credits for renewable
resources.
• NorthWestern is in the process of developing a counterproposal.
Jay Sinnott: Can you describe the concept of credits? Is the tariff an investment on the part of the
customer?
• The renewable rate option would represent a series of costs and credits that are added to a
customer’s existing utility bill. A credit might include a line item for a capacity credit for the
generation, or perhaps a credit based on the price of carbon. Credits can be tied to the market
value of that generation on a $/kWh basis.
• Yes, the renewable rate option should represent an initial investment with upfront costs and the
opportunity for long-term benefits to participants.
Anne Ready: Will this result in an actual physical renewable energy project?
• Yes, ultimately the program will result in a new renewable energy project within
NorthWestern’s service territory.
Kathy Powell: Is the program for businesses or individuals? Do you have a non-official list of who you
might contact to participate? Are there additional opportunities in Missoula and Helena?
• We have agreed to design the rate to be inclusive of all rate classes, but we would primarily look
for initial commitments from commercial customers to help achieve scale.
• There is not a list, but we will reach out to businesses and organizations that have expressed
interest or have climate commitments, such as Walmart, Montana State, and ski resorts.
• Yes, there are similar opportunities for outreach in Missoula and Helena.
Anne Ready: Who is in charge of marketing, the consultant?
• The consultant is not responsible for marketing, ultimately NorthWestern will market the
program, but cities will support the marketing if we support the program.
Kathy Powell: Did the consultants just look at a program formula for credits and agreements as opposed
to a kind or particular type of project? Will municipalities participate in the renewable rate option?
• The consultants developed a cost proposal based on different costs for different types of
resources. They didn’t recommend one particular resource, but outlined where we might see
the best value from a cost perspective.
• Municipalities will participate as “anchor tenants” to the program if we believe it is a good value
to participants.
Jay Sinnott: Others need to be heavily involved with marketing besides the utility. We need to make
sure there is a net greenhouse emissions reduction across the state.
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• The program needs to have a business case that would entice people to participate, such as
cities and large customers, which will help with marketing.
• The program will not be designed to simply allocate electrons from existing renewable energy
plants to one community. Missoula, Helena, and Bozeman are helping to negotiate the rate with
NorthWestern, but any city or customers can participate and the program will result in the
addition of new renewable energy.
Kathy Powell: The Governor withdrew from the U.S. Climate Alliance. A government aid said that the
Governor believes we need the market to take care of climate change. How do you think he will respond
to the renewable rate option?
• We hope the Governor will see this program as an option in a market where people and
businesses are demanding clean energy. We are not forcing anyone to do anything. A guiding
principle is that we do no harm to non-participating customers, meaning we can’t transfer any
costs to non-participating customers.
4. Comment Period to Advance Montana’s Energy Code
Natalie Meyer:
• The Department of Labor and Industry is considering adoption of the 2021 International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).
• The 2018 IECC was adopted locally at the beginning of the year and there is typically a lag
between the national model code and Montana’s code.
• However, the MT Dept. of Labor is now proposing adoption of the nationally adopted 2021 IECC.
• DOE estimates it’s a 9.38% savings over the previous code (2018 IECC). It includes improvements
to building envelope, HVAC Systems, and Lighting.
• It includes a Zero Energy Appendix, which could potentially serve as a base code, but minimally
it’s a code reference for a stretch code.
• Staff is investigating whether to recommend eliminating past Montana energy code
amendments, especially related to Air Changes per Hour.
• There is a Solar Ready Appendix in the 2021 IECC that is also available within the 2018 IECC.
• The initial deadline to submit comment is September 1 and Bozeman’s plans to submit
comment.
Anne Ready: Does the code cover commercial? Does it cover greywater given that we will have a
drought into the future?
• Yes, there is a separate code for commercial.
• While not familiar with the building or plumbing code related to greywater, one could submit a
comment to the Water Conservation Plan survey related to greywater.
Anne Ready: Should I reach out to County about adoption of the code in Gallatin County? Who decides
and adopts the code?
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• Yes, the code applies state-wide, though outside of cities with their own Building Inspectors,
enforcement is handled by the state.
• Several entities are involved with the code adoption process. The State Code Council makes
recommendations on the rules, the Bureau of Labor of Industry makes recommendations to a
Legislative committee (possibly interim), and the Governor ultimately signs off. The Governor
appoints members to the State Codes Council.
F. FYI/Discussion
1) FY22 Budget Recommendations in Sustainability, Approved July 1
Natalie Meyer:
• Commissioning at the Library
• LEED recertification for Library and City Hall
• EV Infrastructure at the Bozeman Public Safety Center
• Community EV Roadmap Development and Code Updates
• Local Food Stakeholder Engagement Process Recommendations
• Deconstruction & Waste Diversion Resource Guides
• City Fleet & Equipment Assessment/Purchasing Policy Review
• 100% Clean Energy Legal and Regulatory Consulting
• 2020 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
Jay Sinnott: Do we have a wish list for an influx of Federal Funding? The EV network is potentially a
funding priority in future bills.
Terry Cunningham: For the statewide ARPA Funds, there were deadlines for specific categories.
Bozeman submitted applications for water transmission and water conservation, and is looking at it for
housing infrastructure. Departments and Gallatin County have had conversations about joining forces.
More partners, collaboration, and local matches are important.
2) Drought
Natalie Meyer:
• Reminder that we are still in Stage 2 Drought and water restrictions are in place. There is a
consumption Gauge available on the Water Conservation webpage.
• Extensive conservation resources on the Water Conservation website.
Kathy Powell: Recommended “Brown is the new Green” yard sides and referenced the annual Water
Conservation publication on rebates and list of drought tolerant plants.
3) Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plans
Kathy Powell: Have you put any thought into the Sustainability Advisory Board’s future work plan?
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• The advisory boards advise the Commission and the Commission will work with the boards on a
work plan.
• There are areas of outreach and education that are more effectively executed by citizen boards
than city staff. For example, we have discussed for a long time that we need to incentivize and
encourage sustainable development. A board could be involved with recognition awards for
sustainable water use, sustainable construction, sustainable subdivision, etc.
• There could even be fundraising for a financial prize to receive recognition.
• Generally, we need help with community engagement on any number of initiatives.
4) Comments from Attendees
Ita Killeen: Was late arriving, but is looking forward to minutes as it related to green tariff with
NorthWestern.
5) No Regular August Meeting
Natalie Meyer: She will be out of office for the August meeting and asked if anyone might be
interested in meeting for informal coffee or special event. She will send out survey.
G. Adjournment – 3:29pm
For more information please contact Staff Liaison, Natalie Meyer at nmeyer@bozeman.net This working group generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Committee meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact our ADA coordinator, Mike Gray at 582-3232.
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Bozeman Climate Partners
Working Group Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2021 at 2:00pm
Via Webex
Attendees:
Natalie Meyer (staff liaison), Kathy Powell, Terry Cunningham (Commission liaison), Dan Perata, Kristen
Walser, Kristin Blackler, Ita Killeen, Caroline Warren
A. Call Meeting to Order
Meeting called to order at 2:02 pm
B. Disclosures
None
C. Changes to the Agenda
None
D. Public Comment
None
E. Special Presentations
1. Sustainability Program Specialist Introductions
Natalie Meyer
Ali Chipouras started this month as a Sustainability Specialist. Prior to working in the
City’s Sustainability Division she worked in the City’s Water Conservation Division and
for Delaware North, a concessioner in Yellowstone National Park.
Since starting Ali has been learning about IECC building codes, attended a local food
forum on food systems and equity issues, reviewed Bozeman’s UDC affordable housing
assessment, read the entire climate plan, and is working on integrating sustainability
into the CATS program.
2. Citizen Advisory Board Vacancies
Natalie Meyer
The City has opened the application process for the 5 new advisory boards, including the
Sustainability Board.
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The application period is open until September 30th.
Sustainability will be integrated into all of the boards.
You need to be a resident of the City of Bozeman to apply.
Diversity is a priority.
Deputy Mayor Cunningham
The purpose of the public engagement efforts right now is to make people aware of the
advisory boards and the positions that are available.
Sent a link to Forward Montana and Sunrise Movement Group.
Asked the City Manager if he could send the information to the Climate Plan working
group (35 people).
There will be elements of sustainability woven into all boards.
Commissioner Chris Coburn and Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham will lead the review
process for the board.
Kathy Powell
Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham made an amendment to include sustainability in all
boards, this is appreciated.
Deputy Mayor Cunningham
Thanked Kathy for the suggestion to incorporate sustainability into all the boards.
1. Electric Vehicle and Solar PV Site Assessments
Natalie Meyer
The goal of the solar PV site assessment study was to have it wrapped up in time to
include in the capital improvement plan in order to expand onsite solar generation in
alignment with the Climate Plan. The Climate Plan goal is to reach 100% net clean
energy for city facilities by 2025.
Five city facilities were selected to be included in the capital plan (City Hall, Stiff
Professional Building, Story Mill Community Center, Vehicle Maintenance, and Library).
The Parking Garage was put on hold until there is more information about what will
happen with this facility.
All proposed projects will be net metered.
The study looked at City energy use combined with the estimated use of the public
safety building. It estimated that solar PV production could offset 13% of carbon based
resources with electricity. 10,038 MT CO2e can be avoided over 25 years.
With electric vehicle technology evolving quickly we are facing hesitancy on what types
of charging stations to install.
We are looking at what types of vehicles we will have in the future.
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Electrician shortages have made it difficult to get numbers for retrofit. Numbers for EV
charging are still being submitted but we are not ready to share specifics now.
Dan Perata: How are you defining electric vehicles?
Primarily talking about fleet vehicles so mostly regular conventional vehicles.
We have also looked into heavy duty equipment (forestry trucks, garbage trucks). These
vehicles require fast charging which can present capacity challenges.
Also considering e-bikes and other vehicles.
Kristin Blackler
MSU has established a location for a level 2 charging station.
They are considering a subscription based program because of changing technology.
With this they can return the charger after 5 years or so and replace it with new
equipment.
Excited to get the charging station in and see how people use it to plan for potential
fleet switches.
Deputy Mayor Cunningham: Power generated by solar would be higher into City Hall, Stiff
building, etc. because the transmission cost at places like the Sports Complex would be too
much?
Yes we are looking at facilities with existing adequate load until policies change around
solar net-metering.
It was more beneficial to stick with net metering. When we talk about the Water
Treatment Plant and Reclamation Facility there is an opportunity to look at non-export
and energy storage.
3. Utility Renewable Rate Option
Natalie Meyer
We had presented to NorthWestern Energy a proposal for a cost credit for a renewable
rate. They declined and took about three months to prepare a counter proposal that we
heard about 2 weeks ago. On the positive side they proposed something that took time,
thought, and resources to develop. We see a number of opportunities for improvement.
Now that we have a sense of what they are willing to accept we are working with a
consultant to come up with a counter to their counter proposal.
As of now, we don’t think they have proposed a product that will be appealing to cities
or communities throughout Montana. We are not giving up and the conversation is not
over. We will keep the group updated.
4. State Adoption of Energy Codes
Natalie Meyer
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The state is considering adoption of the 2021 IECC which is a nice improvement for
energy efficiency. The state seems determined to move forward.
We submitted comments to the State Department of Labor and Industry to encourage
them to adopt the 2021 IECC with solar ready and net zero appendices and to get rid of
the Montana amendments in current code.
Adoption was supported by other cities and clean energy advocates.
We will work to do more community engagement on code adoption.
They are hoping to get through this process by mid-February.
As part of outreach we have been in conversation with the Bridger View development
which is planned to be a net zero energy subdivision. It will be all electric with no natural
gas. It will include heat pump technology for HVAC, water heating, and dryers. There will
be solar installation initially but it will be solar ready and we might support a solarize
campaign later on.
We are working with NEEA, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, because they are
interested in cold climate applications of heat pump technology. We have had
conversations with NEEA about studying the project.
We are meeting at Bridger View in mid-October to record and watch them do a wall
mockup where they train crews to essentially install windows correctly and really
understand the wall configuration.
We want to build a great case study so the community knows that this is possible. It is
exciting to have an example.
Kristen Walser: Is it taking affordability into account?
Yes it is a Headwaters Community Housing Trust project and is our first example of a
housing trust. Half will be affordable and half will be sold at market rate.
By only running one utility (no gas) they are saving money. After that residents are
subject to lower utility bills. Other benefits include good air quality without gas and tight
building envelopes are beneficial to protect from wildfire smoke.
Kathy Powell: Recently heard of heat pumps that can be run off solar and has a friend who just
installed one. Can heat pumps at Bridger View be connected through solar?
b. Dan Perata: Any electric heat pump will be solar capable.
F. FYI/Discussion
Natalie Meyer
a. Got together with Helena and Missoula, the Mayor’s sent a joint letter on budget
reconciliation, the letter encouraged putting a price on carbon.
Kristen Walsner: It was on the list of possible income on the Senate side. Senator Whitehouse
says it could be real. Thank you for doing that. Is it possible to see letter that got sent?
b. Yes, it is a public document. Natalie will send it out.
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Natalie Meyer
c. Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft plan 2021 plans for resource adequacy in
the region.
d. Renewable groups are asking us to participate to help push for renewable energy. The plan
did include renewables and recognizes that climate change makes their job harder. There is
a listening session in November.
e. Yellowstone Teton Clean Cities and MT DEQ are participating in Montana National Drive
Electric Week by hosting a webinar.
f. Northern Plains Resource Council, Montana Energy Future Summit Oct 1 9AM-4:45 PM.
g. Bozeman Sustainability will be presenting at a panel at the International City/County
Management Association at the annual conference October 4th in Portland.
h. Climate Plan update to City Commission on December 7th, this is a 15 minute presentation.
i. Existing boards are set to end of November 30th. Natalie wants to host a fun event in
November to say thank you for 9 years of service to the Climate Partners Working Group. If
you have any ideas about hosting anything safe in pandemic let us know.
Dan Perata
Have you seen Solar APP+? Or had any efforts getting it used in Bozeman?
Municipalities are excepting a standard for solar applications. This gets the application
process down to minutes. Hopefully we can champion this in the City of Bozeman.
Ita Killeen
Park County got grants from federal ARPA for cost sharing on solarization in buildings,
do you know anything about this?
It included cost sharing with city government. Ita read email about this and will share
with Natalie and Deputy Mayor Cunningham.
Kristin Blackler
Meeting with MSU President Cruzato to finalize sustainability plan which will include a
carbon neutrality goal for campus.
Embarking on a joint study with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to qualify
emissions, declaring something publically in the next couple weeks.
The students are declaring a climate emergency to leverage resources and carbon
neutrality.
Currently working on STARS inventory which is how universities measure sustainability.
It is great to see the progress made.
The American Indian Hall is having grand opening on October 16th. It is designed as a net
zero building, although it is still connected to the grid as a backup. It has roof top solar,
geothermal, and passive solar. It achieved LEED platinum earning full points in
renewable energy and 17/18 in energy design. It is the first building on campus designed
around artwork to showcase Native American heritage. It will also feature indigenous
native plants which will carry throughout the rest of campus.
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G. Adjournment – 3:28pm
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group
FROM:Meyer
SUBJECT:Advisory Board Consolidation Updates
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:N/A
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A
ALTERNATIVES:N/A
FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A
Report compiled on: October 22, 2021
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group
FROM:Meyer
SUBJECT:Climate Plan Dashboard
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:N/A
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A
ALTERNATIVES:N/A
FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A
Report compiled on: October 22, 2021
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group
FROM:Meyer
SUBJECT:Utility Renewable Rate Option
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:NA
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:NA
ALTERNATIVES:NA
FISCAL EFFECTS:NA
Report compiled on: October 22, 2021
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Bozeman Climate Partners Working Group
FROM:Meyer
SUBJECT:Electric Supply Planning - NorthWestern Energy
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2021
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:NA
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:NA
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:NA
ALTERNATIVES:NA
FISCAL EFFECTS:NA
Report compiled on: October 22, 2021
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