HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 16, 2003 SSCITY OF LODI
INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
"SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday,
December 16, 2003, commencing at 7:00 a.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members — Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard, Land, and Mayor Hansen
Absent: Council Members — None
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston
B. CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR UPDATE
City Clerk Blackston reviewed the weekly calendar (filed).
C. TOPIC(S)
C-1 "Discussion regarding Public Benefits Program grant for the Lodi Next Generation Home
Project
Rob Lechner, Manager of Customer Service and Programs, stated that the Lodi Next
Generation Home Project would be funded through the City's Public Benefits Program. He
introduced members of the audience including property owner Gary Buzunis, Gary Heedirik
with Energy Doctor, and J.P. Batmale with the Great Valley Center. He explained that the
concept of the project is to lease or rent a home in Lodi and retrofit it with state-of-the-art
energy efficiency products and materials, e.g. wall and attic insulation, EnergyStar
appliances and electronic products, ceiling fans, fluorescent lighting, sky lighting, dual
paned windows, solar panels and hot water heating, grey water systems, heating and air
conditioning with 18 SEER (Season Energy Efficiency Rating) or greater, low -flow toilets
and shower heads, faucet aerators, drip irrigation, and drought tolerant plants. Staff plans
on opening the home to students (fourth grade and higher), the San Joaquin Delta College
HVAC and Mechanical class, homeowners, renters, developers, and general contractors.
Mr. Lechner noted that the Public Benefits Program would not fully fund the project and in-
kind contributions will be solicited from mechanical contractors, home furnishing stores,
appliance dealers, and landscape professionals. The house at 840 South Church Street is
approximately 60 years dd, has three bedrooms, and is 1,800 square feet. One of the
bedrooms will be used as a conference room. It will be open from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday and two or three Saturdays each month from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
The rent will be $1,500 per month paid for through the Public Benefits Program budget. Of
the $125,000 from the Public Benefits Program, approximately $50,000 would be expended
during the 27 -month project from January 2004 to March 2006. He estimated the cost of
utilities, cable, and phone lines at $50,000. The contract for Energy Doctor is $20,000 and
the balance of $55,000 would be used for energy efficiency improvements. Mr. Lechner
reported that the Great Valley Center has assured Electric Utility of a $5,000 grant toward
the project.
Council Member Howard asked if residents surrounding the home had been notified of the
proposed project, to which Mr. Lechner replied that they had not. Ms. Howard and Council
Member Land emphasized the importance of notifying the neighbors aid mentioned that
there may be impacts such as school buses and parking to be considered.
Mr. Lechner replied that school buses would be parked only for a limited time to drop off
and pick up the students. He mentioned that it is planned to have the capability to charge
the two vehicles that he and Kathy Brown, Programs Coordinator with Electric Utility, utilize
for City business. He reported that after the term of the lease the property reverts back to
the owner. The home will be modified to meet all Americans with Disabilities Act
requirements.
Continued December 16, 2003
In reply to Mayor Hansen, Mr. Lechner reported that once the project term has ended all
the equipment that is not permanently affixed to the home would be removed. He hoped to
have all the energy efficiency improvements made to the home by April 1. In order for it to
be designated as a demonstration house, Mr. Lechner's office would be established at the
property.
Mayor Pro Tempore Beckman pointed out that Mr. Buzuniz would be getting a lot of
improvements cbne on his property that he would be able to keep once the project ends.
He asked whether this would be an offset to the rent payments. In addition he asked to be
provided with the specific dollar amount for the permanent improvements to the property and
how that would translate into real equity value.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
0o Mr. Buzunis described the process he went through to locate a home which met
Electric Utility's specifications. He reported that with the rent amount of $1,500, he
would lose $355 a month after taking into account the mortgage payment, taxes,
insurance, and interest rate as owner non -occupied.
Mayor Hansen also asked that Council be provided with a financial accounting of all
projected expenses, the value of permanent improvements to the home, etc.
Mr. Lechner commented that as of November 30 the Public Benefits Program had a
balance of $644,000.
00 Kathy Grant preferred that it be a long-term project and the house be purchased by the
City instead of rented. She asked whether there would be measurement of how much
the utility bill decreased each month after the improvements were made to the home, to
which Mr. Lechner answered in the affirmative. She recommended that the project also
include retrofit for storm water runoff, water meters, end landscaping engineered to be
less impervious.
In response to Mayor Hansen, Mr. Lechner reported that the proposed contract
includes a lease option on the house for one additional year. He mentioned that staff
hopes to have another piece of property lined up for a similar project in 2006.
0o Joe Pachino stated that he moved to Lodi about a year ago from Chicago where he
owned 82 rental homes. He recently retired and was formerly an architectural designer.
He mentioned that he would like to approach Council in the future regarding an elderly
assisted living project, which he believed would pay for itself through state and federal
grants. Mr. Pachino and his associates have been working on a new pop-up gutter
system that expends water over structures when a fire exists or is in close proximity.
He suggested that this be incorporated into the project Council is now considering and
he offered his services.
00 Gary Heedirik of Energy Doctor noted that education is a primary component of the
Public Benefits Program. He stated that the Program has provided rebates for various
items, though it was recently discovered to offer very little benefit. He explained that
there is an order in which improvements should be done based on the existing
condition of a house aid the consumer's need. The concept behind the House -as -a -
System Home Inspection is to identify that order for homeowners. He proposed that, if
this project proves to be successful, the City purchase a house and retrofit it every two
years.
In reference to Ms. Grant's earlier recommendation, Mr. Lechner stated that staff's
intent is to work closely with the City water conservation team to address landscaping
and associated issues, which will be included as part of the project. He also indicated
that before and after utility usage measurements will be conducted and available to
interested persons.
2
Continued December 16, 2003
Mayor Hansen suggested that a public hearing be held on this matter to allow surrounding
residents to voice their concerns and input regarding the project.
Council Member Land recommended that a specific notice be mailed to property owners
within a 300 -foot radius surrounding the project to determine interest prior to scheduling a
public hearing.
City Manager Flynn commented that it might be a good idea to present the project to the
Planning Commission before bringing it back to Council.
D. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None.
E. ADJOURNMENT
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 a.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
i
Mayor's& Council Members' Weekly Calendar
WEE( O F DEC EM BER 16, 2003
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
7:00 a.m. Shirtsleeve Session topic.
1. Discussion regarding Public Benefits Program grant forthe Lodi
Next Generation Home Project (BUD)
10:00 a.m. California Department of Water Resources, meeting to discuss
National Flood Insurance Program, Lodi City Hall - Public Works
conference room.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Howard. City of Ripon dedication of Mistlin Fountain Number
featuring a fountain light show, 1700 River Road, Ripon.
7:00 p.m. BOBSReview Committee Meeting, Lodi Parksand Recreation Annex
building, 121 North Stockton Avenue.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting.
(Note: Closed Session will begin at 6:00 p.m.)
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Noon Hansen, Howard, and Land. Lodi Area Crime Stoppers Annual
Christmas Luncheon, Harmony Wynelands, 9291 East Harney Lane.
Friday, December 19, 2003
1:00-3:00 p.m. Hansen, Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard, and Land. Employee Holiday
Reception, City Hall - Second Floor Lobby.
Saturday, December20, 2003
Sunday, December21, 2003
Monday, December 22, 2003
11:30 a.m. Hansen and Land. Lodi Police Department'sdedication ceremony
of the new police facility, 215 West Bm Street.
Disclaimer. This calendar contains only information that was provided to the City Clerk's Office.
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AGENDA ITEM CIO 0 1
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Discussion regarding Public Benefits Program grant for the Lodi Next
Generation Home Project (EUD)
MEETING DATE: December 16, 2403
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of Lodi Electric Utility is proposing a unique public
demonstration project. The NextGen Home involves numerous
elements, all of which are outlined in greater detail below:
Purpose: to provide the citizens of Lodi and surrounding communities with the first energy efficient and
new technology (often referred to as a "smart house") demonstration home in the north San Joaquin
valley. The NextGen Home will showcase the latest in energy efficient technology, as well as new and
emerging technologies, including- advanced building design techniques, high efficiency appliances and a
central heat and air system, state-of-the-art water conservation devices (products for both indoors and
outdoors), energy efficient lighting, an electric vehicle charging station(s), energy efficient home
electronics products, drought -tolerant landscaping and shade trees, as well as high speed intranet wiring
and other technologies to showcase advanced home energy management capabilities.
Target Audience: the NextGen Home will be a showcase property designed for a wide range of visitors.
The project will feature technologies for area developers and contractors to review and potentially
implement in future housing/construction projects. The NextGen Home will also afford an opportunity for
local homeowners or renters to come and learn more about the latest in energy efficient technology and
equipment. In addition, the NextGen Home will be an excellent site for students of all ages to visit, as
current plans for our project call for one entire room being devoted to hands-on learning activities,
interactive computer challenges and more.
Parfnershi /Fundin . The Electric Utility Department will be seeking to expend up to $125,000 in Public
Benefit Program funds for this endeavor. The identified Public Benefit monies will be utilized for the
home's rental costs and utilities (approximately $50,000 for the duration of the project), for the cost of
utilizing a general contractor to oversee the project (not to exceed $20,000), and for the numerous
energy efficient improvements associated with the retrofit effort. Note: Pending City Council direction,
Electric Utility staff proposes to bring the request for funding and contract approval back to the City
Council in early January 2004.
APPROVED:
n, City Manager
Page 2
In an effort to reduce the impact on our local budget, Electric Utility staff has developed a relationship
with the Great Valley Center, based in Modesto. This non-profit organization has joined our effort to
develop the NextGen Home, and has assumed the role as partner -fundraiser. Staff from the Great Valley
Center are in the process of identifying project donors, seeking both grant dollars to aid the project, as
well as in-kind contributions. The list of potential supporters reaches far and wide, and includes such
organizations as: the Home Depot Foundation, the Energy Foundation, the California Energy
Commission, the Demonstration of Energy -Efficient Developments program, the Rahus Institute, the U.S.
Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Partnership for Alternative Technology in Housing
program, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Many of these organizations have grant funding available
to support projects such as the Lodi Next Generation Home. It is our goal to secure as much grant
funding as possible, thus reducing the total expenditure from the Lodi Public Benefits Program budget.
While seeking possible grants is a key element in our process, Electric Utility staff in conjunction with the
Great Valley Center, will also aggressively pursue local mechanical contractors, construction firms and
Lodi/area vendors for in-kind support for the project retrofit stage, as well as products and materials
featured inside/outside the NextGen Home.
Note: in addition to their donated staff time to our project, the Great Valley Center has committed a
$5, 000 grant to the Lodi Next Generation Home Project, with the funds specifically earmarked for
customer outreach, general communications and marketing, and contractor/developer training.
Home Rental/Lease Agreement: Electric Utility staff, working in concert with Lodi's Community
Development Department, have been able to identify a location for the proposed NextGen Home. The
property is located at 840 S. Church Street in Lodi. The property is owned by Mr. Gary Buzunis of Lodi.
Mr. Buzunis is offering the property to the City of Lodi for a rentalllease period of twenty-seven (27)
months, commencing January 2004, at a cost of $1,500/month, and a $1.00 deposit to consummate the
lease. Mr. Buzunis has also agreed to allow the Electric Utility Department to retrofit accordingly for the
purposes of making the home a showplace of energy technology.
Project Timeline: Pending Lodi City Council approval, the City of Lodi Electric Utility would assume
responsibility of the aforementioned rental property in January 2004. All efforts would be made to
complete the NextGen Home retrofit by March 30, 2004, with a ribbon -cutting ceremony targeted for mid-
April 2004.
Staffin Marketin To best demonstrate the NextGen Home Project, the Electric Utility intends to "staff'
the home during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:OOpm), and a minimum of
two designated/set Saturday's per month (8:00am to I I.00am). It is anticipated that Rob Lechner,
Manager of Customer Service & Programs, and Kathy Brown, Programs Coordinator, of the Electric
Utility Department will serve in this staffing role. It is possible that Mr. Gary Heedirik, Energy Doctor,
Incorporated, will also maintain an office inside the NextGen Home, and assist in conducting tours and/or
training opportunities.
As mentioned above, a piece of the external communications, marketing and customer outreach will be
performed by the Great Valley Center, in conjunction with Electric Utility staff. A key element of the
"marketing" will be the creation and placement of technology signage and sponsor support throughout the
NextGen Home. All other community outreach and communications will be coordinated through the
Electric Utility.
Other.- It is also important to note, that the Lodi Next Generation Horne Project will meet all local, state
and/or federal regulations, as it pertains to building codes, inspections, certificates of compliance, as well
as meeting all requirements and regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Page 3
Energy Doctor Contract.- the Electric Utility Department is recommending contracting with Mr. Gary
Heedirik, owner of the Energy Doctor, to serve as the project's general contractor. Mr. Heedirik, who
maintains a General Contractor's license through the state of California, will be responsible for ensuring
that all sub -contractors utilized during the project retrofit phase are licensed and capable of completing
the tasks that they are contracted to perform. This contract with the Energy Doctor will be in the amount
of $20,000 (not to exceed figure), and be in place from January 1, 2004, until the NextGen home is
completely retrofitted (targeted retrofit completion date is March 30, 2004).
(Note: the Energy Doctor, Incorporated has been utilized for other projects, including the House -ASA -
System Inspection Program, by Electric Utility staff. The Energy Doctor, Incorporated is a Lodi -based
organization, with over twenty years of electric utility, energy efficiencyttechnology, and general
contracting experience. Because of this organizations experience, existing relationship with the City of
Lodi, and a working knowledge of the Lodi community, the City of Lodi Electric Utility has selected the
Energy Doctor, Incorporated to serve as the projects general contractor, and will respectfully request at a
future City Council meeting that Council dispense with going out to bid pursuant to Lodi Municipal Code
3.20.070.)
Conclusion: this first -of -its -kind demonstration home will showcase the latest in energy efficiency, as well
as new and emerging energy/telecommunications technologies. The Lodi Next Generation Home Project
will serve as a learning station for homeowners, renters, developers, building contractors, product
installers, teachers, and students of all ages. The NextGen Home will be open for a minimum of two
years, featuring state-of-the-art technology, for this wide and varied audience. Project staff is eager to
form creative partnerships before, during, and after the retrofit of the home is complete.
All
Alan N. Vallow
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED BY: Rob Lochner, Manager of Customer Service and Programs
ANWRLIIst