Minutes 02-04-2020 Business Meeting

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14 Commissioner Bedford referred to the solar rooftop portion, and asked if Duke Energy is involved in the funding. Brennan Bouma said there is currently a rooftop solar rebate, which is available to residents, businesses, governments and non-profits. He said, in the last two years, there has been money left over in the governments and non-profits section. He said for any one system there is up to $75,000 incentive from Duke Energy, depending on the size of the array. Commissioner Bedford asked if staff will know about this funding rebate prior to starting a project. Brennan Bouma said he needs to learn more about how the timing works, and those bidding on the projects would be very familiar with that process. Commissioner Bedford asked if rebates are guaranteed, or part of a lottery system for the year. Brennan Bouma said he believes it is first come first served, but as he mentioned, there have been unused grant funds in recent years so the odds of being awarded grants funds are likely. Commissioner Bedford said it would be more efficient if County tax dollars could be used in combination with grant funding. Commissioner Bedford said she is very interested in the hydropower feasibility study, and asked if staff would bring back information. She thanked staff for all its work, and looks forward to further conversations. Commissioner Price asked of staff could include information on who this would really impact. Brennan Bouma asked if Commissioner Price is interested in the impacts on power output. Commissioner Price said yes, when everything is in tip-top-shape, what are the benefits. Brennan Bouma said that is one of the questions that would be answered in the feasibility assessment. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Bedford for the Board to approve funding for the recommended Climate Action Tax projects below for FY 19- 20: Supplemental Weatherization for Low Income Households 1 $150,000 Countywide LED Campaign 2 $19,272 Commissioner Dorosin asked if funds can be reallocated if the schools are not prepared to move forward this year. Chair Rich said yes. Commissioner Marcoplos said he has spoken before about a school in Union County that has screens in the hallways displaying energy use readouts within 4 zones, and the zones compete with each other for efficiency. He said this was an amazing educational opportunity that he would like to discuss with the school districts as well. He said he will send information to the Manager to forward to the schools prior to the upcoming meeting. Commissioner Price said she has a surplus of LED lights from Duke Energy, and asked if anyone else use them.