SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ENERGY
MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Rogowsky (Chair), M. Kaplowitz, U. Lamotte, V. Pinto, B. Ryan
BOARD STAFF: S. Vanderberg, Secretary
OTHERS: B. Randolph, CE’s Office
R. Vrana, Parks
A. Zabinski, DEF
D. Rosenblum, Pace Law School Energy Project
E. Sussman, Director FCWC
With a quorum present, this meeting of the Special Committee on Energy was called at 9:40 a.m.
Housekeeping
On the motion of Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mr. Pinto, the following rules of the special committee were established:
· A minimum of three members would constitute a quorum
· A minimum of 3 votes will be necessary to act on an item.
· Committee will meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
County’s Energy Policy
Mr. Rogowsky said he was interested in the County’s overall Energy Policy, specifically with regards to oil usage and efforts to improve electric energy efficiency.
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In response to, what Mr. Rogowsky considered the confusing nature of 2 memos circulated by the Administration as to his responsibilities concerning the County’s energy policy, Mr. Vrana said he continues to operate according to the duties outlined in the July 2001 memo which encompasses those outlined in Commissioner Landi’s May 2002 memo. He said he has been in contact with key department heads within the County and is moving forward with several programs. Mr. Rogowsky requested a list of the contact people for each department.
Mr. Vrana said his title is Director of Environmental Projects for the Parks Department, adding he was unsure if there were any plans to formalize the County Executive’s informal designation, as per his memo. The initial focus is intra-county coordination. Mr. Randolph said the possibility of the Administration entering into a shared energy and resource plan with various organizations, municipalities and school districts in the future should not be discounted.
Mr. Kaplowitz suggested a resolution be drafted, encouraging the County Executive to appoint an “Energy Tsar”, who would function outside all other departments. This person would be responsible for seeking grants and coordinating conservation efforts and options and the like. This would expand the County’s role in energy policy and help to encourage Westchester based company’s to follow be more energy conscious.
Mr. Vrana said among the County’s plans going forward is the near completed implementation of the “computer monitor sleep” program, which puts your monitor into idle mode when not in use for a predetermined amount of time. This saves the County approximately $100,000 dollars a year. This software was developed with the help of NYSERDA. The County’s Planning Department has been mentioned to acquire a role in developing best management practices for energy efficiency conservation. There are 21 potential energy efficiency projects on the table for Environmental Facilities. Using the NYS standard for building structures, DPW has revamped their bit
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specs allowing for the most energy efficient equipment, installations and building construction materials on the market.
Due to his temporary transfer to the Department of Emergency Services, Mr. Vrana said he has only completed parts of the duties outlined as “phase 1” in the County executive’s memo which were to include: the survey of all departments, evaluating existing efforts and preparing an assessment for the County Executive.
Mr. Rogowsky asked if the committee could receive a copy of the department assessments. Mr. Kaplowitz said the problem, as stated in the memo, was the fact that the direct responsibility for energy related issues remained within each department.
Referring to a memo from WCC that stated due to cost concerns during the design phase of its new library, DPW opted to install the less costly electric chiller because it did not want to incur the additional cost for gas. This will result in a higher utility bill and an increased operating budget.
Mr. Kaplowitz suggested the County Board develop an energy questionnaire to be answered anytime legislation is approved, especially DPW projects. It could question the kinds of fuel/utilities to be used, what alternatives were explored at what cost savings. One could also be requested of each department, as applicable, prior to approving the capital budget or bonding.
Mr. Rogowsky asked if the County has taken advantage of the $3 million dollars per year NYPA was contractually committed to provide since 1995. Mr. Vrana said he didn’t believe the County had taken advantage of any of the $21 million dollars accrued over the last 7b years.
Mr. Kaplowitz said plans should be made now to deal with the inevitable jump in the County’s utility rates at the end of the existing
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subsidized rate contract with NYPA.
Mr. Vrana said unfortunately, NYPA does not pay the system benefit charge (which helps to fund NYSERDA’s grant programs) therefore the County is ineligible for their grants.
Mrs. LaMotte said since this is the case; it would be in the County’s best interest to join a pilot program (through the County Association)
that could enlighten businesses considering moving to Westchester that money maybe available to them to retrofit for greater energy efficiency.
Mr. Rogowsky said the committee, going forward, would be extending an invitation to representatives from NYSERDA.
Currently on the A&C Agenda is the Administration’s proposed 5-year agreement with NYPA to provide for the study of several energy efficiency projects. Mr. Vrana said there is $3 million dollars per year available under similar agreements. The first project, a feasibility study (at no cost to the County) of the 21 projects DEF has identified. If found sound; design specifications will be drafted, and a project specific agreement (to be approved by A&C), will be followed by construction and construction management. The only anticipated costs to the County will be the direct cost of the design phase, the payback during construction and a reasonable period afterwards. Payments can be made either by a lump sum or a surcharge on the monthly utility bill.
Mr. Zabinski said the plan is to begin with the most economically viable of the proposed plans. Mr. Kaplowitz requested a copy of this list be provided for member review. In order to determine potential savings, the projects will have to be considered individually. In the instance of the first proposed project, the initial cost of $200,000 will paid by the Ossining Sewer District. The County only becomes fiscally responsible in the event it stops a project before completion.
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The first project will analyze the costs of converting Ossining’s aeration system to the compressor system in use throughout the County, partly by conducting a study on the costs of running the plant with its present system. The second project, will determine the viability of installing a more efficient solid waste handling system at the Younkers Joint Treatment Plant as opposed to keeping the current one.
Also on the proposed project list were plans to investigate fuel cells, micro-turbines and more advanced technologies as well as the retrofitting of County facilities with variable frequency drives. Mr. Vrana was unsure how actively other departments were pursuing securing some of funding offered by NYPA to conduct their own projects.
Mr. Kaplowitz stressed the need not only for an Energy Commissioner, but possibly an entire department. Mr. Ryan agreed this was necessary in order to secure all potential avenues of funding were explored.
Mr. Rogowsky suggested more attention be paid to the Administration’s tendency to pay outsiders for energy policy
consultations.
Mr. Vrana agreed to provide a copy of the available deliverables for member review, and said he would be reviewing all DPW projects from this point on.
The next meeting dates were set for 10/8/02 and 10/22/02.
With no further business to discuss, this meeting of the Special Committee on Energy was adjourned at 11:19 a.m.