08/11/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Henry introduced Gretchen Miller, chairperson of the Energy Conser- vation Policy Board, and Greg Page, Technology Coordinator, City Manager's office, to provide background information. e Ms. Miller stated that the memo describes the recommendations of the Board. She noted that Camilla Pratt and Adrienne Lannom, Planning Com- missioners, and members of the Energy Conservation Policy Board, are available to answer questions. As the proposals come back to the council in October, they will need to anticipate how the Northwest Regional Power Bill will affect Eugene. If it fails, it is unknown what will happen with -EWEB's loan program to implement weatherization. Mr. Page stated that in the past six months the Energy Conservation Policy Board has developed a series of proposals. The board should be given credit for imagination and ability to adapt. When the work first began, there was large participation by the banks and community in the State's 6-1/2 percent loan program. With rising interest costs, this is no longer so available. If EWEB is successful through the test case in the court, and the bond sale, this would provide $20 to $40 million to this area without requiring Federal or State assistance. These would be matching grants, and the loans would be deferred for payment until the time of sale of the residence. Weatherization requirements in existing residences will be effective January 1, 1985. Prior to that time, strong educat ional programs wi 11 be developed by the City and EWEB, emphas i zing economic reasons for voluntary implementation of weatherization and what the consequences will be if they are not implemented. By 1990, most residences would be weatherized, which is when load shortages are pro- jected. Eugene's proposal is different from Portland's in the following e ways: a) it does not affect the sale of the property; b) the proposal will include financing without appeal to State or Federal governments; c) it will apply only to residential residences up to four-plexes; and d) there is utility certification. There is also an appeals process for on-site variances or through the City's appeals process. The cost for enforcement would be incurred by EWEB, not the City. On the emergency fuel energy shortage contingency planning, they are working with the Federal Department of Transportation and Department of Energy. They are also developing a solar efficiency manual. They are sending out information in the Parks Department Fall Leisure Schedule and received permission from Garry Trudeau to use some of the Doonesbury cartoons as part of this information. Ms. Miller stated that she would like to make it clear that these ideas are being referred to the Planning Commission and Planning Department and that they are being referred with a high priority. Mr. Obie noted that these are just referrals at this time for the public to properly respond. It will be more effective to get proposals back from the attorneys and then get public input. Ms. Smith noted that it is easy to refer, but the council has no way of knowing when these would come back; she asked if it would be this year. Mr. Farah responded that many items are coming in as high priority, and he could give them a definite time in about a week. Ms. Smith asked if this is perceived as a high priority with the Planning Department. Mr. Farah responded that it is high priority with both the Planning Commission and the Planning Department. . 8/11/80--8