Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutElectric Board - Minutes - 01/21/2004City Council Liaison Ray Martinez Staff Liaison Leslie Mooney 416-2703 Fort Collins Utilities Electric Board Minutes Wednesday, January 21, 2004 Electric Board Chairman Electric Board Vice Chairman Alison Mason 493-1295 Jeff Lebesch 221-0543 Roll Call: Board Present Chairperson Alison Mason, Board members Tracy Babst-Wiedenbrug, Dan Bihn, Jassen Bowman, Jeff Lebesch and Lisa Skolds Absent: Board member John Hams Staff Present Patty Bigner, Bill Bray, DeEtta Carr, Eric Dahlgren, Felix Lee, Leslie Mooney, John Phelan, Tom Rock, Mike Smith, Dennis Sumner, and Wendy Williams Meeting Convened Chairperson Alison Mason called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. Approval of Minutes Board member Tracy Babst-Wiedenbrug made a motion, seconded by Board member Dan Bihn to approve the minutes of November 20, 2003 as written. The motion passed unanimously. Introduction of New Board members Chairperson Mason asked each person in the room to introduce themselves to the new Board member Jassen Bowman. Jassen stated that he spent five years in the Navy as a nuclear power electrician, has a Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering and has just started on his master's degree in radiochemistry at Colorado State University and also serves on the Larimer County Building Code Board. Election of Officers Chairperson Mason asked for nominations for the Chairperson. Board member Dan Bihn nominated Alison Mason. Jassen Bowman seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Electric Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2004 Page 2 Chairperson Mason then asked for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Dan Bihn nominated Jeff Lebesch. Jassen Bowman seconded the motion which also passed unanimously. Enemy Conservation Code Update — Felix Lee Felix Lee, Building and Zoning Department Manager, stated that the proposed energy code update only applies to single family, two family units and townhouses; not multi family or condominiums. He stated that one of the most significant improvements to the code is the increase in R value in thermal wall insulation from R-15 to R-18 for homes over 1600 sq. ft. This change will not apply to homes that are less than 1600 square feet, which are typically affordable homes and use less energy than larger homes. He added that there are trade offs in the code which will allow more flexibility in order to accomplish the energy conservation goals. Felix explained the other major changes to the code; heat exchange and duct work, higher efficiency windows, and extended staircases for safety purposes. These requirements will apply to all size homes. Board member Tracy Babst-Wiedenbrug asked about the effective date of the ordinance. Felix responded that it will go to Council on March 2, 2004 for first reading and the changes probably won't go into effect for 90 to 180 days after the ordinance is adopted. He explained that these requirements have a steep learning curve and builders will have to learn new installation procedures. Chairperson Mason asked what the cost would be to a buyer if just the energy conservation improvements were added. Felix replied that the increase in construction costs compared to the savings in energy costs would result in a very minor increase in monthly payments. The Board was in support of the code changes but concerned about the impact it would have on the local building industry. They wanted to study the changes a little more before making a recommendation to Council. Other Business Board Retreat — The Board discussed which days they were available to meet for a team building retreat. Meetin Times imes — The Board discussed whether to change the meeting times of the regular meetings. The consensus was that 5:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month is still preferable. -2- Electric Board Meeting Minutes January 21, 2004 Page 3 Million Solar Roofs Initiative — Chairperson Mason noted that there will be a seminar regarding net metering and interconnection on January 29`h in the Poudre Room at the Service Center if anyone would like to attend. Adiournment Board member Lisa Skolds made a motion, seconded by Board member Tracy Babst- Wiedenbrug to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. `Leslie Mooney, Electric Board 45F Liaison -3-