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,i <br />• Annual inspection of weather stripping and caulking on exterior doors and <br />windows <br />• Use of digital controls and energy management systems where available <br />to control building temperatures and set backs, lighting, etc. <br />• Installation of two outdoor LED flood lights for trial analysis (Historic <br />Courthouse) <br />Utilities and Data Management <br />The Public Works department manages most utility accounts for County buildings <br />and facilities (electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil and water/sewer). In <br />addition to paying the monthly invoices, the department maintains a database of <br />detailed information from each monthly invoice, including cost, usage, and days <br />in billing period. <br />These data serve as the basis for reports that are run to compare current energy <br />usage (electricity and natural gas) with previous years' billings (baseline period). <br />In order to allow "apples-to-apples" comparisons, data are also obtained for <br />degree days for comparable time periods. Thus, while more actual energy may <br />be consumed at a building this year, for example, it may be due to higher <br />average temperatures. The use of degree days in the equation ensures that <br />year-to-year comparisons are valid. <br />Report ends here. <br />Wayne Fenton said that the Employee Energy Conservation Fair will be held on <br />November 2nd at the Moose Lodge in Hillsborough from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There are <br />flyers and brochures about the event. Several vendors will be attending the event with their <br />wares, and there will be several workshops scheduled where vendors will be presenting on <br />energy conservation. <br />Regarding the Energy Usage Report, in general, looking at 2006 compared to 2005, <br />there have been some good reductions in energy use at most locations. <br />Commissioner Nelson said that the energy reductions are good, but he would like them <br />lower. He would like a 20-25% energy reduction in all buildings. <br />Laura Blackmon introduced all members of the Energy Conservation Team. <br />Chair Carey said that during budget discussions the Board discussed moving forward <br />with the Energy Team, hiring someone to do this, or empowering the employees themselves to <br />try and save energy. <br />b. Agricultural Drought Situation <br />The Board received a report on the preliminary effects of the drought on Orange <br />County agricultural producers and efforts to assist farmers. <br />Cooperative Extension Director Fletcher Barber and Karen McAdams made this <br />presentation. Fletcher Barber said that the last extended time of no rain was in 2005. He <br />thanked the County Commissioners for providing water-saving devices at that time. These will <br />be made available to the public again. <br />Karen McAdams, Livestock and Crops Agent with Cooperative Extension, said that she <br />has been here since 1983 and this is by far the worst drought she has ever seen. She said <br />that the farmers are having a really hard time. There was a dry spring and a freeze at Easter, <br />which damaged some crops. There was poor corn, wheat, and soybean crops. The livestock <br />producers have been particularly hard hit. She said that farmers have been feeding hay since <br />July since there is no grass in the pastures. There are over 20 livestock farms that have run <br />