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Friday's Internet Edition, September 10, 2010.
Meredith to seek adoption of energy program concept
Council to vote at Oct. 21 meeting
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Galt Mayor Andrew Meredith will ask the Galt City Council to adopt his energy sustainability plan concept for the city at the Oct. 21 meeting of council.
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Galt Mayor Andrew Meredith will attempt to move his energy sustainability plan for the city one step further down the line to becoming policy at the Oct. 21 regular meeting of the Galt City Council.
Meredith announced that, while anticipated changes in state law for energy efficient retrofitting and new construction funding, will prevent the plan from being finalized for up to 12 months from now, he will be asking council to adopt the program concept.
Meredith has proposed a plan that calls for the city to increase the use of clean and reliable power-generating technologies, such as solar or photovoltaic power, in the building of homes and businesses in Galt, including the city, in a growing number of municipalities that now mandate use of certain technology where possible in new construction, and finance retrofitting in existing homes.
“In order to facilitate the widespread growth of the clean energy movement, legislation is needed to help homeowners and landowners alike clear the obstacle of initial cost,” said Meredith in his proposal to the city.
Meredith is proposing a program, similar to one created in the city of Berkeley, to assist homeowners in financing solar energy upgrades on existing homes, financing of permanent energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes, and that 20 percent of all future developments be built to SMUD Solar Smart home standards.
“It is clear that creating a program that allows homeowners to finance permanent energy efficiency upgrades to their homes is in the public’s best interest,” said Meredith. “Aside from the benefits that homeowners reap by participating in such a program (lower, stable utility bills and added comfort), the city of Galt would also benefit by reducing its carbon footprint.”
Meredith said the financing component of the plan is “still a work in progress” with much to be decided by state level proposals in the creation of financing districts, or community facilities districts, that will have an immediate impact on how Galt institutes a sustainable energy program.
As a result, Meredith has proposed a 2010 implementation date for a program in Galt, allowing for adequate time to “fine tune” the specifics of the plan for the city.
Similar to Berkeley’s plan, Meredith’s plan would seek willing land and homeowners to apply for program funding. Initial funding for the program would come through bond funding, which would be paid back through a property tax assessment on each home participating, with a repayment rate set on the total amount financed, but not to exceed a maximum of 20 years.
“It is important to note that all of the components of this plan are open for council discussion and direction,” said Meredith. “We would also like to hear from the public on this plan if they are interested or have questions.”
The City of Galt Energy Sustainability Plan will be reviewed and discussed in full detail at the Oct. 21 meeting of council being held in Council Chamber at 380 Civic Drive in Galt, beginning at 7 p.m.
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