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9. CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATION a. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Assessment Presentation. Assistant to the City Manager Beth Jacobson introduced William Haas, Director of Energy Programs at Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group, who reviewed potential energy efficiency initiatives and Shaw's recommendations. Councilors questioned various aspects of the report and received information to consider for possible future action regarding funding and projects. Mr. Haas noted that most gains were made in the cost of energy efficient equipment, with manufacturing costs decreasing while efficiency increases. City Manager Larry Arft summarized a discussion that had occurred at the staff level with the City's Sustainability Committee in regards to the funding available. He said that they wished to defer any recommendation on wind turbines until the new State regulations were in place because amendments to the Zoning Ordinance would be necessary. Manager Arft said that the first project after the design and engineering phase would be the installation of solar energy panels at City Hall, which would be funded with $110,000 in grants. The second project would be at Fire Station #1 at a cost of $15,000 cost, and the third project would be Grinnell Hall, which was in need of substantial energy upgrades. He said that the Energy Audit information had been reviewed and many of the recommendations had been completed as routine maintenance. He also noted that the Energy Block Grant and other energy grant funds would be used first before any City budget dollars. Mr. Arft said that final plans would come back to Council for approval before any bids were approved. Councilor Johns expressed caution before going forward with any expenditure, and Ms. Jacobsen noted that $75,000 in grant funding remains for sustainability projects with a deadline for use. Councilor De Forest stated that since we were an eco-municipality, we should move forward, and her comment was seconded by Councilor Haynes. President Leavy noted general consensus was to move forward, with every step of approval to come back to Council. File 8410 10. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND CITY OFFICERS a. Resolution affirming Local Support for Housing Tax Credit Application by Keystone Development for Rehabilitation of Countryside Village Apartments located at 2101 Freeman Parkway. Ms. Christensen introduced Cal Schultz and Andy Dumke, representatives from Keystone Development, who reviewed the project and showed drawings of the potential redevelopment using tax credits. They explained the proposed plans and said the support of the City is key to obtaining the necessary tax credits. Councilor De Forest moved to adopt, second by Councilor Densch. Mr. Schultz and Mr. Dumke said that the tax credits run for 15 years, which is the original compliance period and said that they intend to purchase the property once the tax credits are secured, which is only one of the contingencies proposed. They said that they have developed over 1700 units in several states, there would be an onsite manager and maintenance person, and they plan to shelter neighboring property owners from the development through berming. Several Councilors said that this appeared to be a good solution for a problem property, it was suggested to hold a neighborhood meeting to share the plans, and Ms. Christensen stated that it would occur when the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process begins. Councilor De Forest requested that sidewalks be included along Freeman Parkway. Motion carried 6-1 with Councilor Van De Bogart voting no. File 8483 b. Resolution authorizing a Temporary change in the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Ms. Christensen stated that there was more demand for rental loans and less demand for homeowner loans, and this request would make a temporary change to allow a rental housing borrower to receive two loans in a twelve month period and allow for 50% of the Community Development Block Grant funds to be allocated to rental loans. Councilor Haynes moved to adopt, second by Councilor Johns. Councilor Johns asked to amend the resolution to add wording "to cap the amount of a single rehab loan to $70,000", second by Councilor Newnham. Motion carried. Councilor De Forest moved to adopt as amended, second by Councilor Johns. Motion carried. File 7977 11. At 8:30 p.m. Councilor Johns moved to adjourn, second by Councilor De Forest. Motion carried. /1j,-, R ' becca . H use an City Clerk httip://www.ci.beloit.wi.us Date Approved by Council: 1/18/2011