HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-12-2010 Economic Development Report - Energy CodeCommittee on Economic Development and Planning
October 6, 2010
Meeting Minutes
The Committee on Economic Development and Planning met on Wednesday, October 6,
2010, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Present at the meeting were Councilors Corbett
(chair), and Donohue. Also present were Councilor Piccirilli, Steve Magoon, Director of
Planning, Ken Thompson, the Building Inspector, Raeleen Parsons, Director of Purchasing, and
four members of the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee; Burt Greenberg, Peter
Brooks, Howie Turkenkopf, and Doug Denny -Brown. The purpose of the meeting was to
continue our consideration of the Stretch Energy code.
Councilor Corbett indicated that at our last meeting there were a number of technical
questions and concerns raised and it was decided to contact the State Green Communities
program for input and to invite the Building Inspector to the next meeting. The State contact
wasn't available on the date of our meeting and therefore, Steve Magoon and Councilor
Corbett met with that individual, Joanne Bissetta, on Monday, October 4th. Ms. Bisetta
indicated that there are presently 35 communities that have been designated Green
Communities under the program. There are approximately 24 new communities, including
Watertown, that are currently pursuing the program. She estimated that if Watertown was
successful it would be eligible for a grant in the range of $150,000 to $180,000. Also, she
confirmed that it is anticipated that the stretch code will be adopted as the base building code
in 2012.
In terms of more technical questions regarding the stretch code, Ms. Bissetta noted the
following:
1. The estimated fee for the HERS Rater for a medium size single family house in this
area is $900. If the builder is pursuing the Energy Star certification then
approximately $600 would be rebated. It is permissible for the HERS Rater to be a
part of the project design team.
2. The additional cost of construction for a medium size, single family home that meets
the stretch code, over and above the base building code, is estimated at $2,950.
This would represent an approximately 1% increase in the construction costs,
however, many of the improvements would be eligible for a variety of rebates.
Regardless of rebates, the immediate and ongoing energy cost savings would result
in positive cash flow for the homeowner (see attached analysis). It was noted that
the stretch code is really not that much more stringent than the base code that was
just updated this past July.
3. With respect to windows and doors, it was noted that most of the commonly use
manufacturers' makes and models are already compliant with the stretch code. This
was also corroborated by Councilor Corbett and members of the Environmental and
Energy Efficiency Committee.
4. Ms. Bissetta indicated the reroofing and residing projects would not trigger a
requirement to insulate. This was confirmed by the building inspector, Ken
Thompson.
5. It was also stated that a frequently utilized sheathing, called the Zip System, would
be compatible with the Stretch code requirements.
Ken Thompson described his interpretation of the new code as regards basement
insulation. With respect to construction costs he cautioned that the average
homeowner will move prior to recouping their additional investment. He also stated
that the newest, high efficiency furnaces can be expensive. He does not foresee a
problem with enforcing the new code, if adopted, and he does agree that it will be
adopted as the base code in 2012.
Steve Magoon indicated that he supports the Town adopting the stretch code.
He noted however that one of the other green communities' criteria, adoption of a 20%
energy reduction plan will require some capital investment to implement. It is hoped
that the ESCO will be of assistance in this area.
Doug Deny -Brown indicated that being designated a green community would
reap benefits to the town in terms of reputation and marketability. Peter Brooks noted
that he had done quite a bit of research on the stretch code and was very supportive of
the town adopting it.
After further discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend to the
Council that the Town adopt the stretch code, which would be voluntary on January 1,
2011, and mandatory on July 1, 2011. This recommendation is contingent on the Town
qualifying as a Green Community as of the November 19, 2010 deadline. It is
anticipated that the stretch code proposal will be formally presented to the Council on
October 12, 2010, and a public hearing and vote will take place at the Council meeting
on November 9, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Corbett