ORDINANCE No. 177125

Contract with Multnomah County, Division of Community Programs and Partnerships for $109,000 to provide services for the Block-By-Block Weatherization Program. (Ordinance)

The City of Portland ordains:

Section 1. The Council finds:

1.  The Sustainable City Principles direct City elected officials and staff to “use resources efficiently and reduce demand for natural resources, like energy . . .” and “act locally to reduce adverse global impacts of . . . ozone depletion and global warming, and support and implement innovative programs that maintain and promote Portland’s leadership as a sustainable city.”

2.  The City of Portland’s Local Action Plan on Global Warming (Resolution No. 35995) establishes a goal of reducing local emissions of greenhouse gases by 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2010, exceeding the seven percent reduction target identified for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol.

3.  The “Energy Efficiency in Buildings” element of the Local Action Plan on Global Warming establishes a goal of weatherizing 125 homes a year occupied by low-income households.

4.  A task force, made up of citizens and representatives from Pacific Power and Light, Portland General Electric, Northwest Natural, the Oregon Department of Energy, the Portland Office of Neighborhood Associations, the Multnomah County Community Action, and the Portland Energy Office, developed the Block-By-Block (BBB) Weatherization Program to offer basic weatherization services at no cost to lower-income residents.

5.  To date, about 2,500 low-income homes have been weatherized through the Block-By-Block Weatherization Program. Each year, individual low-income households save $100 on their winter heating bills. Combined savings reach $250,000 per year.

6.  Three neighborhood Fix-It Fairs will be held this winter featuring energy workshops and free do-it-yourself materials, home repair, home security, water efficiency, recycling, fire safety and other services offered by City bureaus and non-profit community groups. The three Fix-It Fairs will be attended by about 2,000 residents. Lower-income households will be enrolled in BBB for weatherization services under this contract.

7.  The adopted 2002-03 budget includes a special appropriation from the General Fund for the continued implementation of the Block-By-Block Program.

8.  Under this agreement, Multnomah County’s Division of Community Programs and Partnerships will complete about 150 energy audits, insulate 110-125 low-income homes, and complete 110-125 quality control inspections. The city avoids duplication of staff and services by utilizing energy auditors from the county who specify the work to be done, manage the contractor installation and inspect completed work. Licensed contractors, or county sponsored job training crews will install either attic, wall or under-floor insulation.

9.  The work performed will leverage $25,000 in state and utility company rebates.

10.  Contracting with Multnomah County will give Block-By-Block access to competitive pricing for weatherization services, saving the city an additional $15,000.

11.  It is necessary to formalize an agreement between the City of Portland and Multnomah County in order to complete energy audits, insulate homes and avoid unnecessary duplication of services.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:

a.  The Commissioner of Public Affairs and Auditor are authorized to execute a contract with Multnomah County, Division of Community Programs and Partnerships for $109,000 to provide services for the Block-By-Block Weatherization Program

b.  The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver warrants chargeable to Block-By-Block center code #40133001 when demand is presented and approved by the proper authority.

Passed by the Council:   DEC 11 2002      Gary Blackmer

December 4, 2002          Auditor of the City of Portland

C. Collopy            BY /S/ Susan Parsons

             Deputy  

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 1430, 1467-2002

ACTION TAKEN:

DEC 04 2002 PASSED TO SECOND READING DEC 11 2002 9:30 A.M.

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 177125