12-15-2010 ECC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Energy City Commission Minutes December 1 i, 2010 5. Phase II Proiect Conserve Update Chair Zehringer noted that approximately 311 residents have signed up for Phase II. Ross Pomeroy commented that he has been getting requests for late entries so word is getting out and more people want to participate. Unfortunately, the program is half way over so it would be difficult to get more people in now. Chair Zehringer discussed the audits and Level 1, 2 and 3 energy audit checklists. He sent a sample around for the commissioners to review. Nine people are trained to do the audits with eight being certified by the State. The level 1 audits are supposed to take 1.5 hours, but they have been taking 2 hours. Level 2 audits involve the homeowner more and level 3 audits include a flue gas analyzer (determines CO [carbon monoxide] levels) and furnace efficiency analysis. He added that he feels it is good experience for the auditors because they are receiving some cross-training between fields. Building inspectors know building envelopes but don't necessarily understand the electrical aspects and the Utilities personnel have the opposite experience so they are all learning something new. Next year, the focus is intended to be on commercial businesses and rental housing. Ross Pomeroy reported that the City and Energy City websites have been updated for Project Conserve and the Energy Expo. He is sending out newsletters weekly to the Project Conserve participants. He read an a-mail message received from a Project Conserve participant following an energy audit that detailed the changes she has implemented. People involved in the project are receptive and taking action. Chair Zehringer stated that air vents have been discovered to be a problem. Many are plugged. This includes not only the dryer vents ,(lint) but also the fresh air intake vents. The general public are seeing a lot of positives with this program. Ms. Haug stated that organizations such as the Sierra Club and other cities in Minnesota are calling and asking questions about Project Conserve so it is getting recognition. She added that she is thankful for all the support received so far. Chair Zehringer responded to a question about flue gas efficiency testing by describing the process. 6. Upcoming Business Recycling Event Mr. Pomeroy noted that the first Business Recycling event on Sept. 30th was well attended. The second event has been re-scheduled for January 27, 2011. Ms. Deckert created a postcard for the event with the tagline "TRIM YOUR WASTE LINE" that will be sent out soon. Ms. Deckert stated that next year, there will be a series of events sponsored by the EDA and Environmental Department. 7. Waste Water and GRE Partnership -Tim Steinbeck