ORDINANCE NO. 179865

Authorize an Intergovernmental Agreement with Multnomah County for up to $170,462 to provide energy efficiency services to low-income multifamily properties (Ordinance)

The City of Portland ordains:

Section 1 the Council finds that:

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 facilitating the installation of energy-conservation measures in 3,500 residential multifamily units.

4.  The Office of Sustainable Development has operated the Multifamily Weatherization Assistance Program since 1987 through grants from Bonneville Power Administration and contracts with the Oregon Office of Energy, Portland General Electric, Pacific Power the Climate Trust, Ecos Consulting, and Conservation Services Group, Inc. Approximately 32,000 units have been weatherized.

5.  Through this grant, the Office of Sustainable Development will continue offering financial incentives directly to owners of low-income multifamily apartments for the installation of energy efficient appliances, insulation, and high performance windows.

6.  This program targets apartments in Portland and Multnomah County with households of income at or below 60 percent of median and properties with need of major energy conservation upgrades.

7.  This program grants funds to owners who agree to implement cost effective energy improvements. The financial incentives granted under this pilot will leverage owner contributions at approximately 25 percent of cost, with IGA funds contributing about 75 percent.

8.  Approximately, $130,000 of this Agreement’s budget is dedicated to low-income apartment owners participating in the program. A Multifamily Weatherization Grant Agreement determines the conditions and requirements for issuing the grant.

9.  No City match is required.

NOW THEREFORE, The Council directs:

a.  The Mayor is authorized to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with Multnomah County for $170,462 to provide energy efficiency grants and services to low-income multifamily properties.

b.  The Director of the Office of Sustainable Development is authorized to release low-income weatherization grants to cover up to 65 percent of the energy efficiency project cost, when cost-effective and a Multifamily Weatherization Grant Agreement is signed.

c.  The Mayor and Auditor are authorized to draw and deliver warrants chargeable to the Office of Sustainable Development.

d.  The Director of the Office of Sustainable Development is authorized to increase the funds accepted by this Intergovernmental Agreement to $250,000 and extend the date until December 2007.

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 17 41-2006

ACTION TAKEN:

JANUARY 04, 2006 PASSED TO SECOND READING JANUARY 11, 2006 9:30 AM

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 179865