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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Climate Action Plan Implementation Work Session.pdf1 Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Natalie Meyer, Grants & Climate Protection Coordinator Anna Rosenberry, Finance Director Chris Kukulski, City Manager SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Plan Implementation MEETING DATE: August 8, 2011 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Policy Discussion RECOMMENDATION: Discuss potential Community Climate Action Plan priorities and direct staff to return with action items for implementation. BACKGROUND: The Process to Date - In 2006, the Bozeman City Commission signed the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA). The MCPA is an agreement, initiated in 2005 by Seattle's Mayor Nickels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To begin fulfilling our obligations under Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, the City of Bozeman appointed a temporary Municipal Climate Task Force in 2007. The Task Force was charged with completing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and developing recommendations to help the City of Bozeman reduce emissions within government operations. The Task Force reviewed items such as building operations, vehicle fleets, traffic lights, water treatment, and water reclamation. After a year of study, in August 2008, the City adopted the Municipal Climate Action Plan. As the City of Bozeman continued to implement the Municipal Climate Action Plan, we initiated the planning process to fulfill the second part of the Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement— taking action in the community. In January 2009, the City received a two-year grant from New Priorities Foundation to hire a consultant to lead a citizen task force to identify opportunities for the community to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City hired Hattie Baker of Sustainable Planning Solutions to complete a community emissions inventory and organize the community planning process. As a result, the Mayor's Community Climate Task Force (MCCTF) was appointed as a temporary Task Force in October 2009. 190 2 The Mayor's Community Climate Task Force was a 15-member community group, which included representatives from the Inter-neighborhood Council, Bozeman Public Schools, Montana State University, HRDC's Streamline and Galavan, NorthWestern Energy, Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, Gallatin County Commission, Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Green Building Council Green Schools Committee, Montana Public Service Commission, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, and two citizens-at-large. The Community Climate Task Force held public meeting each month from November 2009 to February 2011, as well as numerous Work Session meetings from February to May 2010. During the planning process, the Community Climate Task Force reviewed draft recommendations with the City Commission during two public meetings on November 29, 2010 and January 18, 2011. The Mayor's Community Climate Task Force released the final draft of the Community Climate Action Plan on February 28, 2011 and the Commission adopted this Plan on March 28, 2011. Implementation Proposal – The Community Climate Action Plan is a planning document that establishes goals and identifies potential actions to meet those goals. It is meant to serve as a guideline and tool for the community. It is the second part of a two-part plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Bozeman (the first part being the Municipal Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2008). Adoption of the plan was not intended to result in immediate requirements or mandates. Many of the recommendations included in the Community Climate Action Plan require Commission approval separate from the Plan's adoption. Following adoption, the Climate Protection Coordinator met with the City Sustainability Team, Directors, the City Manager, and interested Climate Task Force members to draft an implementation proposal. The proposal includes: 1) A summary table of potential implementation activities for the current fiscal year 2012 through fiscal year 2015. 2) A narrative detailing the potential activities for FY12, along with a brief description of activities to be integrated into future Commission Work Plans. The Staff proposal represents one possible implementation scenario. While preparing this proposal, Staff considered several factors such as, the emissions reduction potential, cost, perceived public support, and staff capacity to undertake the recommendation. This is a plan we believe could be successful, but we look to the Commission to provide further guidance. The first recommendation for FY12 is to appoint a permanent Conservation Advisory Board to oversee implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan. The Commission may determine that the Conservation Advisory Board should be responsible for outlining the implementation schedule. This is a sound approach; however, any high-priority projects that may require funding in FY12 should be considered prior to final budget adoption. 191 3 FISCAL EFFECTS: Although implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan may ultimately have financial implications for the organization and the community, this step in the process has no immediate fiscal effect. ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission Attachments: Staff Recommendation for Community Climate Action Plan Implementation Report compiled on: July 28, 2011 192 CommunityClimate Action Plan Implementation:Staff RecommendationAugust 8, 201111CEI6e  through the hbor tion ClXXXRec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledCommunity Engagement and ImplementationCEI1Create a Community Coordinator Position for Climate ActionPlanning 2011? ?CEI2Appoint a Permanent Conservation Advisory Board2011 XCEI3Participate in the Yellowstone Business Partnership's FramewSustainable Development Pilot Project*ork for 2011X X XCEI4Participate in the Southwest Montana Building Industry AssoAnnual Homeshow*ciation 2012XXXXCEI5Promote Existing Northwestern Energy Rebate Programs*On‐goingXXXXCEI6Promote Programs through the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs*PromotProgramsNeighoodConserva ubs*XXXResidential and Commercial BuildingRCB1Require Benchmarking at the Point of Sale for Commercial Band Encourage Residential When Metrics Availableuildings 2012A. Voluntary Recognition ProgramX XB. Mandatory ProgramXXRCB2Require Commissioning for All New Commercial Construction2013A. Develop Guidelines & EducationXB. Implement Mandatory ProgramX*Planning or implementation activities underwayCommunityClimate Action Plan Implementation:Staff RecommendationAugust 8, 2011193 22RCB6               SRec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledRCB3Launch a 10 Percent Energy Reduction Challenge for ResidenCommercial Buildingstial and 2012A. Planning and FundraisingXB. Kick‐off EventXRCB4Adopt a Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO & CECO)A. Planning and Education2011XB. Adopt2013XRCB5Require Building Energy Performance Analysis for Municipally Funded ProjectsA. Planning & Education2011XB. Adopt2014XRCB6E Pi Sl Di  h Pli (Di) SEncourage PassiveSolarDesignatthePlanning (Design) tage2011A. Planning XXB. Implement Outreach ProgramX XRCB7Support Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Bond Legislation 2015A. Plan Draft Legislation*XB. Take to LegislatureX*Planning or implementation activities underway194 33 XRec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledRCB8Support Architecture 14x Stimulus Legislation2015A. Assess FeasibilityXTransportationTSP1Expand & Improve Multi‐Modal Infrastructure*On‐goingXXXXTSP2Allocate the Equivalent of 1‐Mill Levy for Streamline Directly2012X X XTSP3Promote the Installation of Pay Electric Charging StationsA. Scope and Plan*X X XB. Install2015XTSP4Adopt an Anti‐Idling OrdinanceA. Education*2012X XB AdtB. Adopt2014XTSP5Re‐Examine Bikes and Showers in Lieu of Parking Spaces*2014X XTSP6Interconnect and Enhance Sidewalk Network*On‐goingXXXXTSP7Support the Adoption of Local Option Gas Tax2011A. Discuss with Gallatin CountyXTSP9Reform Taxi Permitting Process to Remove Current Barrier foFleet Servicesr Clean 2011A. Plan Draft Legislation*XB. Take to LegislatureX*Planning or implementation activities underway195 44 EducationXXRec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledTSP8Examine Emissions from  Gallatin Field AirportA. Discuss with Gallatin Field AirportXWaste, Water, & RecyclingWWR1Conduct a Full Waste Facility Study*2012  WWR2Expand / Require Current Composting Program to Include Coand Separation of Organics Along with Existing Pick‐Upllection 2012A. Scoping and Research*X XWWR3Promote Recycling*2011XXXXWWR4Adopt a 5 Cent Fee on Paper and Plastic Bags2011A. Prepare ProposalXB. EducationB.XXC. AdoptXWWR5Support an Increase in Tipping Fees to Encourage Waste ReductionA. Evaluate2011X X XB. Adopt2014XWWR6Support an Opt‐Out Policy for the Delivery of Phone Books*A. Educate Public on Existing OptionsXXXX*Planning or implementation activities underway196 55EP  E P   iRec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledEnergy ProductionEP1Develop Alternative Energy PlanA. Scoping and Planning2011XB. AdoptXEP2Develop Solar Hot Water ProgramA. Plan & Evaluate 2011X XB. Implement2015XEP3Solicit Third Party Solar Photo Voltaic Lease ProgramA. Plan 2011X XB. Implement2015XEP4El Rbl E P Ph At OtiExploreRenewable nergy owerPurchaseAgreementOpt onsA. Plan2011X XB. ImplementXEP5Create Regional Energy TeamA. Plan2011XB. Form PartnershipsX*Planning or implementation activities underway197 66Rec. No.Project DescriptionRecoYearmmen in CCded  APFY12 FY13FY14 FY15 UnscheduledEP6Develop Incentives for Commercial Solar Photo Voltaic Program2011A. PlanXB. ImplementXEP7Support Incentives for Current Net‐Metering Legislation2011A. Plan Draft LegislationXB. Take to LegislatureXEP8Hydro Generation Capability Must be Included in the Considea New Damration of TBDXEP9Develop Alternative Energy Potential at City Facilities*2011A. Scope Opportunities at Police & Court FacilityXB. Scope Opportunities at the Swim CenterXC. Re‐examine Cogeneration at the Water Reclamation FacilityXEP10Examine Potential of Methane Capture from Logan LandfillA. Encourage Feasibility Study2011XB. ImplementX*Planning or implementation activities underway198 1 Community Climate Action Plan Implementation FY12 Proposed Activities (July 2011 to June 2012): Appoint A Permanent Conservation Advisory Board-CE12 Description: Form a permanent Conservation Advisory Board made up of key community stakeholder groups to oversee implementation of the Municipal and Community Climate Action Plans. At a minimum, the board would meet quarterly to review staff progress and discuss challenges, ideas, and opportunities. Goals: To engage the community, build partnerships, increase communication, and foster a culture of sustainability. Challenges: Managing a board will require additional staff time; however, the Climate Protection Coordinator would be available to coordinate these meetings. Needs: Commission direction to form and manage a new advisory board. Short Term Goals: Outline board structure, prepare mission statement, receive Commission approval, identify board volunteers, and initiate meetings by October 2011. Participate in the Southwest Montana Building Industry Annual Home Show-CE14 Description: Partner with the City Building Division to host a table at the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association’s Annual Home Show to share information about the Climate Action Plan. Goals: To engage a new audience, increase visibility, and communicate the content of the Climate Action Plan with members of the public. Challenges: Outreach materials must be updated and a registration fee is required. Needs: Approximately $350 to register and develop materials. Short Term Goals: Develop materials and register for the Home Show in spring 2012. 199 2 Promote Existing Northwestern Energy’s Demand Side Management Energy Efficiency and Rebate Programs-CEI5 Description: Partner with Northwestern Energy to promote energy rebates by offering literature in public buildings, on the City’s website, on Channel 20, at special events, and by distributing the information to the Neighborhood Associations and the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs. Goals: Increase awareness about the availability of NorthWestern Energy rebates, as well as current State and Federal rebates that provide incentives for energy efficiency. Challenges: There are several low-cost strategies to promote the rebates, but mailings are often most effective. The Neighborhood Coordinator and Climate Protection Coordinator do not have advertising budgets for this effort. Needs: A modest annual budget may be requested in FY13; however, we can pursue no-cost advertising strategies in the current fiscal year. Short Term Goals: Improve web link visibility and visual appeal; improve access to paper resources at the Public Library, City Hall, and the Professional Building; and engage NorthWestern Energy in the 2012 Gallatin Earth Celebration to provide rebate information at events throughout the week. Require Benchmarking at the Point of Sale for Commercial Buildings and Encourage Residential when Metrics are Available-RCB1 Description: Develop a voluntary benchmarking program for commercial buildings using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This free tool provides a standardized method for comparing the energy performance of similar buildings. Participants would receive an ENERGY STAR Statement of Energy Performance, a certificate from the City of Bozeman, and recognition on the City website. If successful, the Commission may evaluate the merits of making this a mandatory program for all commercial buildings by FY14. A similar program could be established for residential buildings once a free metric becomes widely available. Goals: To help inform building owners about the relative energy performance of their building; to encourage future investment into energy efficiency; and to recognize businesses that are taking steps to manage energy use. Challenges: The program would be overseen by the Climate Protection Coordinator with assistance from community partners and potentially an MSU intern. It will require Staff time to effectively communicate the program to commercial building owners, to validate the Statement of Energy 200 3 Performance, to maintain the data, and distribute the certificates to owners. Needs: $600 to develop and distribute promotional materials and certificates. Short Term Goals: Develop outreach materials to post on the website and to distribute to all commercial building owners seeking a permit from the Building Division. Encourage Passive Solar Design at the Planning (Design) Stage-RCB6 Description: Passive House design is a systematic approach to super-efficient construction that reduces space heating and cooling loads by approximately 90%. This approach is widely used in Europe and is gradually becoming more prevalent in the U.S. The City of Bozeman could encourage architects, designers, and builders to learn more about the principles of Passive House design by hosting a one-day workshop led by a Passive House Institute certified professional. The knowledge gained from this workshop would assist the City of Bozeman Building Division in evaluating the possibility of offering incentives (at a future date) to builders and developers who use Passive House Institute design techniques. Goals: To offer architects, builders, planners, and community leaders with the opportunity to participate in an in-depth workshop on Passive House design; to encourage people in the green building industry to apply the principles of Passive House design; and to encourage super-efficient new construction in the Bozeman community. Challenges: The program would be overseen by the Climate Protection Coordinator with assistance from community partners and potentially an MSU intern. It will require Staff time to organize and advertise the workshop. Needs: A $500 budget to host and administer the workshop. The total cost of advertising and hosting the event will total approximately $1700, but we would seek business sponsorship and consider charging participants a small fee. Short Term Goals: Find and recruit a Passive House Institute certified professional to teach the workshop; identify a date to host the event; and develop outreach materials to advertise throughout the state. Support Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Bond Legislation-RCB7 Description: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a strategy to overcome the financing challenges associated with energy efficiency and retrofit investments. PACE is modeled after “land secured financing districts”, such as street, tree, and lighting assessments. The benefits of PACE financing 201 4 extend to homeowners and existing lenders, while creating job growth. Legislation must be authorized at the state-level and has already been adopted by 16 states. Recent concerns raised by mortgage lenders and the housing industry about PACE financing have largely been overcome where States have adopted a set of best practices for responsible PACE lending. The City of Bozeman promoted PACE legislation during the 2011 Montana State Legislative Session, and may attempt to do so again in 2013. Goals: To give local governments in Montana the authority to administer PACE financing assessments; and to remove the capital barriers to homeowners, allowing for more rapid investment into energy retrofits and renewable energy. Challenges: Building sufficient support throughout Montana to enable passage of PACE Bond Legislation in 2013; and, if the bill is successful, administering a new assessment program through the Finance Department. Needs: Strong support and advocacy on the part of the Bozeman City Commission during the Legislative Session to find a bill sponsor, providing testimony, and finding additional support for the bill. Short Term Goals: Staff must complete a thorough review of successful PACE programs throughout the U.S. and build a strong coalition of supporters willing to testify to the job creation- and energy conservation-related benefits associated with PACE financing. Potential advocates may include NorthWestern Energy, Gallatin County, the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, the League of Cities, the Montana Renewable Energy Association, and the Alternative Energy Resource Organization. Expand and Improve Multi-Modal Infrastructure-TSP1 Description: The Community Climate Action Plan advocates for an interconnected network of trails, bike lanes, safe street crossings, transit infrastructure and a grid system as part of all new development and street construction. Such objectives are also supported in the Bozeman Community Plan, PROST Plan and the Bozeman Area Transportation Plan of 2007. The City will continue to pursue every opportunity to integrate multi-modal transit opportunities, as demonstrated by the recently approved bike lane on Peach Street and completion of the College-Huffine Path. Future Community Transportation Enhancement Project (CTEP) funds will likely be used to support a bike path on Oak Street in an effort to enhance transportation options within the existing street network. City Staff will continue to search for transportation opportunities to help fund such projects. 202 5 Goals: To give residents and visitors safe, low-emissions transportation alternatives. Challenges: Altering existing streets to incorporate complete street design principles requires a great deal of time and resources. The transformation of our street network will be gradual. Needs: Ongoing support from the City Commission as grants and other opportunities arise to improve multi-modal transit. Short Term Goals: Apply for a Department of Transportation TIGER grant to support a project that will enhance multi-modal transit options in Bozeman. Promote the Installation of Pay Electric Charging Stations-TSP3 Description: Staff will review existing electric charging station infrastructure throughout the U.S. and collect pricing information for a pilot program. Beginning in FY13, we can pursue a conversation with NorthWestern Energy and other potential partners about financing a pilot program. Goals: To give residents low-emissions transportation alternatives. Challenges: Current demand for electric charging stations is not significant in Bozeman; however, the availability of charging stations would likely encourage residents to consider replacing a gas combustion engine vehicle with an electric vehicle. Needs: Ongoing support from the City Commission in building a partnership with NorthWestern Energy; and letters of support should a grant funding opportunity arise. Short Term Goals: Discuss infrastructure and pricing with a sales representative and explore existing charging station technology and financing strategies. Adopt an Anti Idling Ordinance-TSP4 Description: Idling gets us nowhere and there is a great deal of misinformation surrounding the issue of idling. Reducing the idling time of vehicles saves fuel and money, protects public health and the environment, and increases U.S. energy security. Reducing idle-time by 15 minutes a day would save the average light-duty vehicle owner $110 per year in fuel costs alone. The City of Bozeman can help increase idling awareness among residents and tourists by initiating a public education campaign. In partnership with the Streets, Sign, & Signal Division, local non-profits, and interested businesses, we can produce idle-free educational signage and distribute pamphlets at strategic locations. There are numerous examples of successful anti-idling education campaigns throughout the region and 203 6 Bozeman could readily initiate a similar outreach effort. The Streets Superintendent and Climate Protection Coordinator have already communicated with the non-profit Yellowstone Teton Clean Energy Coalition about potentially partnering on this project and we have an intern working to compile an in-depth education campaign proposal. Goals: To help residents and tourists make informed decisions about idling their vehicles; to help improve local air quality and public health; and to help reduce emissions. Challenges: With assistance from the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition, this program could be implemented with relative ease and with a reasonable probability of success. Needs: One proposal we reviewed estimates that an aggressive idle-free education campaign would cost $29,300 (cash & in-kind services). This would include project management, design, signage, media outreach, and educational materials. The City would be asked to provide a $6,000 cash contribution and an $8,500 in-kind contribution for signs. The balance would be raised through grants and partnerships. Short Term Goals: Complete the idle-free educational campaign proposal and identify community partners, present a complete plan and timeline to the City Commission. Allow Businesses to Install Showers and Bike Parking in Lieu of Vehicle Parking Spaces-TSP5 Description: A code amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance would be necessary to give developers the ability to substitute shower facilities and bike parking for vehicle parking spaces. The Planning Department prepared such a proposal in June 2009, but it was declined by the Commission. The text read: “Property owners have the option of requesting the deletion of up to 10 percent of the required parking spaces for non-residential uses if: a. In addition to the minimum otherwise required by this chapter, two covered bicycle parking spaces are provided for each automobile space not provided; and b. For each ten or fraction of ten automobile parking stalls deleted a non-residential shower, changing area, and five clothing lockers are provided on-site.” This or a similar proposal could be again presented to the Commission. Goals: To offer an incentive rather than a mandate to build less parking; to allow developers to trade the cost of developing motor vehicle parking for the hopefully less expensive cost of developing bike facilities; and to offer employers the opportunity to help make bicycle commuting a convenient and healthy alternative to driving to work and to reduce vehicle miles traveled. 204 7 Challenges: No code amendments will be scheduled until after codification is completed this fall 2011. Thereafter, the Planning Department could review this amendment with the Zoning Commission and City Commission. Needs: Sustainability related code revisions may be bundled into a single item in the Commission Work Plan. Short Term Goals: Solicit feedback and support for this code amendment. Interconnect and Enhance the Sidewalk Network-TSP6 Description: The Community Climate Action Plan advocates for interconnecting the existing sidewalk network to encourage people to drive less and walk more. Recognizing the challenges associated with the Sidewalk Program, the Plan calls for strategic implementation. To this end, the City recently completed missing sidewalk sections on N. 7th Avenue and near Bogert Park. The next high-priority sidewalk in-fill project will be identified by the Commission. Goals: To give residents and visitors safe, low-emissions transportation alternatives. Challenges: Budget constraints necessitate that in-fill projects will have to be addressed gradually over time. Needs: Ongoing support from the City Commission as grants and other opportunities arise to improve sidewalk connectivity. Short Term Goals: Identify funding opportunities that will help support this goal. Expand / Require Composting Program to Include Collection and Separation of Organics Along with Existing Pick-Up-WWR2 Description: This first step in developing a composting program is education. Separation of organic material requires a considerable behavioral change; therefore, it is valuable to begin with hands-on education before implementing a full composting program. In partnership with the Solid Waste Division, Parks Department, Climate Protection Coordinator, MSU Facility Services, 1000 New Gardens, the Gallatin Zero Waste Coalition, and Full Circle Recycling, we constructed a demonstration bokashi cold-composting bin at the Westlake community garden in May 2011. The system is still under development, but the goal is to demonstrate that year-round home composting is feasible, helps divert waste from the landfill, and generates a valuable end-product for gardeners. In August 2011, MSU will host a larger composting demonstration to launch the Food Service bokashi composting pilot program. With continued interest, City Staff would consider assisting 205 8 with a second composting demonstration at the community gardens next spring 2012. In addition, we will continue to monitor opportunities to expand the current composting program at the Story Landfill or Logan Landfill. This recommendation is related to WWR1 (Conduct a Full Waste Facility Study). Goals: To beneficially divert and re-use organic materials from the waste stream; to reduce the number of trips to the landfill; to reduce future production of methane gas at the landfill; and to improve local soil quality and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, which requires significant energy to produce and transport. Challenges: Identifying a feasible city-wide model for composting is the first issue that must be addressed before we can fully implement this recommendation. Needs: Ongoing support from the City Commission as composting education and grant opportunities arise. Short Term Goals: Continue to develop the composting program at the Westlake community garden, assist MSU with their composting pilot program, and research viable composting models throughout the U.S. Promote Recycling-WWR3 Description: The City is working to promote recycling in the public schools. This program is still under development and will remain a priority in the upcoming year. In support of this recommendation, the Downtown Bozeman Association also recently installed recycling bins on Main Street. Future City efforts to promote recycling may be focused on the common tourist stops along the I- 90 corridor. Goals: To encourage recycling in public spaces where significant opportunities to recover recycled materials may be missed; to beneficially recycle materials and divert waste from the landfill. Challenges: Currently, the City Curbside Recycling Program cannot expand service to new customers without purchasing a new truck. We anticipate the Solid Waste Rate Study that is currently underway will assist in identifying a rate structure to help the Curbside Recycling Program expand capacity. Needs: To be determined following completion of the Solid Waste Rate Study. Short Term Goals: Finalize the recycling education materials for the public schools. 206 9 Support an Opt-Out Policy for the Delivery of Phone Books in the Area-WWR6 Description: In response to growing public pressure, several phone book companies have recently established systems to allow their customers to opt-out of phone book delivery. Some companies have chosen an on-line forum where people can sign-up to pass on phone book delivery, while others have begun sending post cards to customers informing them that they can pick up their new phone book at one of several locations. These industry-led solutions may be effective ways to avoid excessive phone book waste. Using free advertising techniques, The City of Bozeman Solid Waste Division and Climate Protection Coordinator can help inform residents that they have the ability to opt-out of phone book delivery from the major phone book companies. Goals: To increase awareness and help reduce unnecessary paper waste; to conserve forests that serve to sequester carbon; and to conserve energy needed to transport, mill, pulp, and make phone books. Challenges: Not all phone book companies are participating in an opt-out program, so the City may need to encourage certain companies to develop a program that will allow customers to opt-out of phone book delivery. Needs: Commission support to encourage phone book companies to offer an opt- out option for customers. Short Term Goals: Synthesize all the available opt-out programs and develop outreach materials to be posted on the City website and Channel 20. Develop a Solar Hot Water Program-EP2 Description: Installing a solar hot water system can be a cost-effective strategy for homes and businesses to displace fossil fuel-based electricity and natural gas with renewable energy. The City of Bozeman can begin to examine existing solar hot water rebate programs throughout the U.S. A review of participation levels, the size of the rebate, and funding sources would help us determine if such a program should be undertaken in Bozeman. In addition, other electric systems, such as on-demand hot water heaters could potentially have a greater return on investments; therefore, with support from the Engineering and Finance Departments, City Staff would provide a review of comparative systems and financing mechanisms for the Commission to evaluate. Goals: To overcome the barriers to installation of solar hot water; to help residents reduce their energy bill; and to reduce consumption of non- renewable fossil fuels. 207 10 Challenges: Funding a rebate program and administering the program over time will require additional resources. Needs: Commission direction to evaluate the feasibility of a Solar Hot Water Program. Short Term Goals: Survey existing programs, gather technical data, and review financing mechanisms. Develop Alternative Energy Potential at City Facilities-EP9 Description: The City of Bozeman continues to search for opportunities to integrate renewable energy at City facilities. With support from our Superintendent of Facilities, the City currently has solar arrays at the Library and City Hall, as well as ground source heat pumps at Fire Station No. 3. Within the last six months we have requested that our contracted engineers for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) evaluate small-scale hydro for the WTP and to re-examine two different cogeneration technologies at the WRF. None of these technologies proved to be economically viable. Once we identify a proven and reliable renewable energy technology with a favorable return on investment, the City will identify a source of funding. Potential upcoming opportunities to incorporate renewable energy may be found within the proposed Police and Court Facility, as well as the Swim Center. The City Manager and appropriate department heads will work together to identify and assess these potential opportunities. In subsequent years, the City can begin to evaluate large- scale solar, wind, and geo-thermal potential at City facilities. Goals: Demonstrate leadership in adopting renewable energy technologies; reduce consumption of fossil fuels; and increase our energy security. Challenges: Identifying cost-effective and reliable renewable energy technology that is available at the appropriate scale for Bozeman. Needs: Ongoing Commission support to complete feasibility studies. Short Term Goals: Evaluate potential opportunities for renewable energy at the Police & Court Facility and the Swim Center. 208 11 FY13 Prospective Activities (July 2012 – June 2013) Create a Community Coordinator Position for Climate Action Planning-CEI1 The need to hire a full-time Community CAP Coordinator is largely driven by the projects the City Commission wishes to undertake. With assistance from the City Sustainability Team, the City Manager and Directors, along with some contracted work, we believe the majority of the projects recommended within the Community CAP could be substantially implemented over the next five years. However, the following activities in the Energy Production chapter may be difficult to undertake with current staffing levels and expertise: Develop Alternative Energy Plan-EP1 Explore Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement-EP4 Create Regional Energy Team-EP5 If the Commission has a desire to develop a detailed and professional Alternative Energy Plan and pursue a power purchase agreement, it is recommended we hire a contractor or employee with an extensive working knowledge of alternative energy technologies and energy development in Montana. Barring these exceptions, the majority of the recommendations in the Community CAP fall within the purview of existing staff. Given the financial support, the additional work could be integrated into the Work Plan. If the City Commission is dissatisfied with the pace of implementation after FY12, the Commission may wish to consider budgeting for a second employee to either oversee the Community CAP or an employee to assist with direct implementation of the CAP. For instance, an Energy Development Coordinator, Bike & Pedestrian Coordinator, or a Building Division Energy Efficiency Specialist all would increase our capacity to implement the CAP and would offer valuable expertise. In consideration of any new FTE for the Community CAP, the City should pursue community partnerships to assist with funding the position. This will ensure a greater degree of community participation and buy-in. Participate in the Yellowstone Business Partnership’s Greater Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development Pilot Project-CEI3 The City of Bozeman may consider participating in the Greater Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development as a pilot community in FY13. Without grant assistance, the registration fee is $3,000 and will require considerable assistance from the Planning Department and Climate Protection Coordinator. 209 12 Promote Programs through the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs-CEI6 Through the Neighborhoods Program, the City of Bozeman put forth a strong effort to introduce and promote the Neighborhood Conservation Club (NCC) concept. The City hosted workshops, lecture series, and provided resources to community member to help facilitate the NCCs. A few neighborhoods have established NCCs, but it has been observed that participation is limited without strong initiative from club leaders in the community. Currently, efforts are underway to increase participation in the core of the Neighborhood Program—the Neighborhood Associations. It is important to realize that Neighborhood Associations can readily be used as a forum to promote conservation. There is value in reassessing the role of NCCs next year, but the Neighborhood Coordinator may conclude that there are other conservation-oriented activities that should be prioritized. Require Commissioning for All New Commercial Construction-RCB2 With guidance from the Building Division and the newly established Conservation Advisory Board, we can begin to develop model guidelines for commercial construction commissioning, as well as educational materials describing the benefits of commissioning. Education should be ongoing through FY13 and FY14, thereafter, we may consider implementing a mandatory program through the Building Division. Launch a 10 Percent Energy Reduction Challenge for Residential and Commercial Buildings- RCB3 To be successful, the 10 Percent Energy Reduction Challenge will require a strong community outreach campaign and should be carefully planned in partnership with the Conservation Advisory Board. Prizes and incentives will be an important piece to encourage participation. With assistance from a contractor, the timeline for this activity could be accelerated with planning and kick-off in FY13. However, there is merit to planning and undertaking one primary outreach campaign at a time to ensure that each educational campaign is done well and that we do not exhaust the pool of potential volunteers, donors, and participants with several competing campaigns. Adopt a Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO & CECO)-RCB4 The newly established Conservation Advisory Board could assist with developing the guidelines for the Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance. Educational materials would be developed to help residents understand the RECO requirements, the potential energy and water savings that could be achieved, and a description of any rebates that would assist households and businesses in meeting the RECO requirements. Efforts will be made to find incentives for voluntary participation during the educational period. Data collected from voluntary participants would help determine if the cost of complying with the RECO meets Staff and Commission expectations. 210 13 Allocate the Equivalent of 1-Mill Levy for Streamline Directly-TSP2 The FY12 budget includes a recommendation for a half-mill levy for Streamline Transportation. The Commission may wish to consider a 1-mill levy in FY13 or, perhaps, advocate that the voters adopt a mill levy for the region served by Streamline Transportation. A voter-approved mill levy would provide a more consistent and sustainable source of funding for Streamline Transportation each year. Support the Adoption of a Local Option Gas Tax-TSP7 This City Manager could begin discussing the possibility of a Local Option Gas Tax with Gallatin County representatives next year. Examine Emissions from Gallatin Field Airport-TSP8 The City Manager and Climate Protection Coordinator could initiate conversations and pursue a partnership beginning next year. Reform Taxi Permitting Process to Remove Current Barriers for Clean Fleet Services-TSP9 The City supported draft legislation to reform taxi permitting in Montana during the 2011 Legislative Session, but this measure failed. The potential impact of this recommendation is relatively low compared to the issue of PACE financing, so staff recommends that we focus on PACE financing during the 2013 Legislative Session and begin planning and building support for taxi permitting reform in 2014 and seek a bill sponsor for the 2015 Legislative Session. Adopt a 5 Cent Fee on Paper and Plastic Bags-WWR4 With Commission direction and support from the Conservation Advisory Board, staff can begin preparing a proposal to implement a 5 cent fee for disposable grocery bags. This proposal would require the involvement of several employees, including the City Attorney, the Economic Development Coordinator, the Finance Director, and the Climate Protection Coordinator. It would be valuable to consider distributing an opinion survey among Bozeman retailers on the costs and benefits of imposing a fee on disposable bags. The proposal should include a review of all legal considerations, a discussion of how the fee would be administered, and a set of proposed alternatives describing how the revenue would be used. It would be challenging to address this initiative in the current fiscal year because it will require broad staff involvement and each department has already established a Work Plan for FY12. However, once a proposal has been approved by the City Commission in FY13, implementation can begin gradually or rapidly according to the Commission’s discretion. 211 14 Support an Increase in Tipping Fees to Encourage Waste Reduction-WWR5 Following receipt of the Solid Waste Rate Study, this recommendation should be carefully evaluated by the Public Works Director and incoming Solid Waste Superintendent. City Staff will then be in a better position to evaluate our circumstances and determine if increasing tipping fees at the Logan Landfill would have the intended consequence of reducing waste. This is a recommendation that should be re-evaluated every few years. Develop Alternative Energy Plan-EP1 If the Commission wishes to pursue development of a comprehensive Alternative Energy Plan for the community, the City Manager can re-assess staff resources in FY13 and recommend to the Commission whether coordination of such a plan would require a new employee, an outside contractor, or if it could be facilitated with in-house resources. If directed, staff could initiate efforts to identify community stakeholder groups to assist in the development of the Alternative Energy Plan. Create a Regional Energy Team-EP5 Similar to EP1 (Develop Alternative Energy Plan), the City Manager can assess the available resources next year and make a recommendation to the Commission on the formation of a Regional Energy Team. Develop Incentives for Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Program-EP6 There are a wide variety of potential incentives to be considered under this program. With assistance from the Conservation Advisory Board, we can review incentive programs around the U.S. and identify a package of incentives that are likely to influence commercial building owners as they consider installing solar photovoltaics on their building. If necessary, staff can begin reviewing potential financing mechanisms for this program. 212 15 FY14 Prospective Activities (July 2013 to June 2014) Require Building Energy Performance Analysis for Municipally Funded Projects-RCB5 This recommendation suggests that each building construction applicant for municipal loan monies should include documentation on planned water, energy use, and waste output as well as any possible mitigation they may contemplate within the scope of the project. Given the low frequency of municipal loans for construction projects and other competing priorities, staff would suggest that we undertake planning and education for this recommendation in FY14 and adopt a resolution no later than FY15. Conduct a Full Waste Facility Study-WWR1 This recommendation should be considered after we implement the recommendations from the Solid Waste Rate Study and have an opportunity to analyze the results of the new rate structure. Such a study is important, but it is expensive and this activity must be weighed against other emissions reduction strategies. As outlined in the Community CAP, Solid Waste related emissions make up approximately two percent of total community emissions, thus we might be better served by prioritizing other recommendations. Solicit Third Party Solar Photovoltaic Lease Program-EP3 Third Party Solar Photovoltaic Lease Programs are an effective financing strategy in many states. Investors often approach the building owner in situations where energy prices and renewable energy incentives work in combination to create a desirable investment opportunity. Building owners in Bozeman may begin to see proposals from third party investors after we successfully implement EP6 (Develop Incentives for Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Program). The Regional Energy Team could help guide implementation of this recommendation. Explore Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement Options-EP4 If directed by the City Commission, the City Manager’s Office could begin exploring the potential for a Power Purchase Agreement. Successful negotiation will depend upon achieving an affordable pricing structure for utility-based clean energy. If established, the Regional Energy Team and/or Energy Development Coordinator could help provide the technical expertise needed to undertake these negotiations. Support Incentives for Current Net-Metering Legislation-EP7 Based on events observed during the 2009 and 2011 Legislative Sessions, we can expect strong opposition to legislation in support of more progressive net-metering. Under the current circumstances, it would be more strategic to pursue PACE financing during the 2013 Legislative Session. Beginning in 2014, we should re-evaluate the situation and consider pursuing net- metering during the 2015 Legislative Session. 213 16 Examine Potential of Methane Capture from Logan Landfill-EP10 The Logan Landfill District Manager has indicated that they test semi-annually for Landfill Gas (LFG), but they have not observed gas in any monitoring wells or vents on and off site. The scarcity of LFG is related to the lack of precipitation and semi-arid climate at the Logan Landfill. In consideration of these limitations, there may be potential for a methane capture system if organics are separated at collection and isolated into a separate landfill cell. As a member of the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District, the City of Bozeman could encourage the District to undertake a study to explore alternatives for handling compostable organics and utilizing the waste methane gas. This recommendation could potentially be combined with WWRI (Conduct a Full Waste Facility Study). FY15 Prospective Activities (July 2014 to June 2015) Support Architecture 14x Stimulus Legislation-RCB8 To date, the Architecture 14x Stimulus Program has not been implemented in the U.S. This recommendation suggests that the City use Recovery Act money to buy-down mortgages in an effort to help residents finance energy retrofits. The City does not have a prospective funding source for this project and the Finance Department does not have the capacity to become a mortgage lender. We can fully ascertain the feasibility of this recommendation at a later date. Unscheduled Hydro Generation Capacity Must be Included when Considering the Construction of a New Dam-EP8 This recommendation will be scheduled if we enter the design phase for a new dam. 214