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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-14 Bozeman Climate Partners Communications Working Group MinutesBozeman Climate Partners Communications Working Group Meeting Minutes January 15, 2014, 9:00am-10:30am, 121 N. Rouse Ave., Bozeman City Hall, Madison Room Members Attending: Kristen Walser, Kathy Powell, Jay Sinnott, Cyndy Andrus (Commission Liaison) Natalie Meyer (Staff Liaison) 1) Call to Order -9:00am 2) Changes to the Agenda-None 3) Public Comment – a) Thaddeus Orosz of Bozeman is an employee at a local small manufacturing business in the laser industry. He has monitored his own home energy efficiency and has successfully reduced his own energy use. He would like to help address climate change and says there are thousands of small manufacturers in the state that could reduce their energy use. He would like to find out more about opportunities to help residents and businesses. b) Bozeman Climate Partners co-sponsored a lecture by Dr. John Perlin, “Let It Shine! The 6,000 Year Story of Solar Energy” at the Museum of the Rockies on January 8. The turnout was strong with an estimated 150 people in attendance. 4) Approval of Minutes – Minutes from 11-20-13 and 12-18-13 approved. 5) Non-Action Items a) Bozeman Business Energy Program i) Setting up a coordinating meeting with NorthWestern Energy to ensure a smooth application process for businesses, identify roles, & outline process. ii) Planning to bring a proposed revision to the Business Energy Program resolution that would increase the Incentive Fund cap to $2,500. This is the maximum amount the Economic Development Coordinator believes is acceptable. Meyer attended a Montana Renewable Energy Association meeting where several installers of renewable energy systems told NorthWestern Energy that having small incentives for everyone is better than larger incentives for a few because, a) people delay projects if they believe they can hold out for a larger incentive, b) a set, smaller incentive makes project costing more predictable, c) it is more fair. The group confirmed that $2,500 is the maximum award amount we should request at this time. The amount could always be revised down the road. iii) NorthWestern Energy Carbon Offset Plan RFP- (1) NorthWestern is starting a new carbon offset program in which they are seeking to fund cost-effective energy efficiency projects. The maximum amount available it $146,000 this year. Next year, the amount will be based on a percentage of NWE’s revenue from their new coal fire power plant, the Dave Gates generating facility. (a) Suggested projects from the group: Schools, hospital, mall parking lot, Oracle, Wal-Mart parking lot, Costco parking lot (b) Meyer is looking at feasibility of a Swim Center project or Parking Garage iv) ICLEI’s Green Business Challenge (1) ICLEI is offering a $20,000 grant to local governments interested in launching a green business challenge. Grant provides technical assistance, funding for events, software for tracking the competition, and funds for awards. Applications are due February 7th. (a) Meyer would like to partner with Yellowstone Business Partnership on an application. (b) Asked group to look at software and program and determine if it is compatible with the Bozeman Business Energy Program, comments should be sent to Meyer by the 21st. Kathy and Jay indicated they would look closely at the software and send comments. (c) Kathy provided extensive comments about how to integrate the two programs. v) Energy Conservation Technician Update (1) Position will be posted by next week b) Energy Smackdown i) Website is being updated and fixed by marketing firm, Kendra Callantine & Co. They anticipate the work will be completed by January 24th and then launch the outreach campaign (1) Jay noted it could be clearer which month’s utility bill to enter in each line ii) Door hangers-Plans to get these distributed soon. (1) Kathy suggested we work through INC about distributing hangers; they meet monthly (2) Meyer is going to check with MSU Office of Community Involvement. (3) Kristen would still like thinks it would be a great opportunity for community involvement and was hoping to plan an event around it, but notice is getting too short iii) Newsletter Feature-Newsletter will go out as part of marketing push for Smackdown. iv) Calendar-Considering developing a community calendar with key events. Calendar would feature electric box art from around town. c) FYI/Discussion i) Investment Grade Audit (1) Contract approved and building plans under review. There will be a series of launch meetings with city departments over the next few weeks. The final plan is due the beginning of March. ii) Idle Free (1) Kristen reported that the outreach event at Bridger Bowl was challenging with few people interested in stopping to review materials at a table. She did have some success handing out materials directly. iii) NEW’s Hydroelectric Acquisition Proposal (1) Meyer reported that NWE is submitting an application to the PSC to purchase the hydro assets in Montana. A handout of the proposal was provided. If successful, the hydro in combination with NWE’s wind generation would make up 48% of their energy mix. This would significantly help the city attain its carbon reduction goal. iv) 4-H Climate & Environmental Summit (1) City and MSU Extension collaborating on grant applications to send four, high- school female youth to the Rutgers 4-H Climate and Environmental Summit. The youth would then return to Montana and put on a similar event under the annual Montana 4-H congress held at MSU. They successfully received a STEM grant, funding from CSAC and 4-H. They have started the application process to identify to more youth to participate in the Summit in New Jersey in March. (2) Meyer will be giving a special presentation to the Commission on the results of the LED pilot study on January 27th. v) Next Regular Meeting February 19th vi) Meeting adjourned at 10:20.