HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4497 Creation of the Bozeman Business Energy Program V�
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COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 4497
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, CREATING THE BOZEMAN BUSINESS ENERGY PROGRAM AND THE
BOZEMAN BUSINESS INCENTIVE FUND FOR BUSINESSES LOCATED IN THE
CITY OF BOZEMAN, COUNTY OF +GALLATIN, STATE OF MONTANA, TO
PROMOTE COST SAVINGS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
WHEREAS,, the City of Bozeman and its citizens support efforts to strengthen the
economic vitality of Bozeman and the surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, the City of Boze an's Economic Development Plan prioritizes leveraging
"local, state and federal economic development resources to enhance economic growth in
Bozeman"; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman's Economic Development Plan calls for utilizing
incentives or inducements to encourage business investment and development in desired areas;
and
WHEREAS, the Bozeman. City Commission identified economic development and
sustainability as high priorities; and
WHEREAS, the Bozeman.. Business Energy Prograrrr represents the nexus between
economic development and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, in November 2006, the Bozeman City Commission signed the Mayor's
Climate Protection Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
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WHEREAS, the Bozeman City Commission has adopted a Municipal Climate Action
Plan and Community Climate Action Plan to guide our greenhouse gas emissions reduction
efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Community Climate Action Plan supports the utilization of
NorthWestern Energy's rebate program; and
WHEREAS, on August 11, 2008, the Bozeman City Commission capitalized $60,000
of the Big Sky Energy Revolving Loan Fund using funds obtained through the City of
Bozeman's Development Impacts Fund (Big Box Fund); and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2008, the Bozeman City Commission approved a funding
agreement with the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council
to administer the Big Sky Energy Revolving Loan Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Big Sky Energy Revolving Loan Fund has been underutilized with
one loan completed since inception, which has been re-paid in full; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation & Development
Council is dissolving and is returning the Big Sky Energy Revolving Loan Fund balance of
$56,300 to the City of Bozeman; and
WHEREAS, the Big Sky Energy Revolving Loan Fund will be dissolved and replaced
with the Bozeman Business Incentive fund incentivizing energy efficiency, energy conservation,
and renewable energy and increasing local business competitiveness by reducing energy costs,
and supporting robust infill and redevelopment policies.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT' RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, that:
Section 1
The Big S Energy Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and the associated program is
hercky dissolved.
Section 2
To satisfy the original intent of the "Big Sky Energy RLF" to help finance energy
efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy production among businesses located
within the City of Bozeman, the Bozeman Business Energy Program is hereby established and
the Bozeman Business Incentive Fund is hereby created. The Bozeman Business Energy Program
offers public recognition of energy conservation efforts and educational opportunities. As part of
the Bozeman Business Energy Program, the Bozeman Business Incentive Fund will provide
financial assistance to businesses seeking to complete energy efficiency and renewable energy
projects.
Applicants participating in the Bozeman Business Energy Program will pay a $50 per
year membership fee in support of ongoing programming and marketing of the Program.
Applicants must own or lease a commercial building and complete a NorthWestern Energy
Appraisal or have an energy audit completed by a pre-approved energy auditor. Only projects
recommended in the NorthWestern. Energy appraisal or independent audit will be approved for
funding. Funds are restricted to qualified purchases and services, including: equipment, energy
conservation measures, and installation costs. A one-time incentive in the amount of $500 to
$1,500 will be available to businesses or non-profit organizations that own or rent commercial
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buildings in districts zoned for commercial uses. To encourage local investment, all applicants
will be required to contribute 66 percent of the total project cost (2:1 match requirement).
Incentives will be provided to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis
until the Bozeman, Business Incentive Fund is depleted. The Bozeman Business Energy Program
will continue to offer ongoing programming and marketing for member businesses, The
Incentive is a grant, not a loan. There is no obligation to repay the Incentive.
An application form will be developed by the City Manager's Office and the program
marketed to local businesses. The City Manager, or designee, will have authority to approve
incentive applications. The approved expenditures will be included in the Expenditure Approval
List ("EAL") on Consent Agendas of the Bozeman City Commission. Businesses will be
reimbursed after submitting invoices and a statement of completion signed by the applicant and
contractor. Additionally, the City reserves the right to complete a visual inspection of the
finished project.
Businesses are required to adhere to the quote requirements outlined in the
"Documentation and Selection of Vendors" section of the City of Bozeman's Purchasing Policy
and projects must be completed by licensed, insured, and bonded contractors.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman,
Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the 16th day of December, 2013.
SEAN A. BECKER
Mayor�n
ATTEST:
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STACY LKI �VI�
City Cler
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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G G LLIVAN
City Attorney
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