Approved 10/19/04

COUNTY SERVICES

SPECIAL MEETING

August 24, 2004

Minutes

Members Present:         Chris Swope, Marc Thomas, Debbie DeLeon, Curtis Hertel, Mike Severino and John Nevin

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             Jerry Ambrose, Tim Traxler, Kurt Trierwieler and Christine Timmon

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 6:15 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the Ingham County Courthouse, Mason.

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment

Ms. Timmon spoke regarding government corruption and her interest in this evening’s meeting.

1.         Resolution Authorizing Installment Purchase Agreement (Energy Conservation Improvements)

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO REMOVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT FROM THE TABLE.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Severino

Mr. Ambrose stated TRANE Global Controls and Contracting, Inc. (TRANE) was selected to perform the energy conservation improvements through an RFP process.  TRANE has conducted an analyses of the County’s facilities.  TRANE has developed recommendations from their study which should result in a savings of approximately 2, 900,000 kWh and approximately 5,000 kW hours in each of the consecutive twelve month periods during the contract term.  TRANE  guarantees those savings.

Comm. DeLeon stated her previous concerns regarding this matter were addressed at the Finance meeting.

Comm. Nevin inquired as to the Veterans Memorial Courthouse and the new construction at the Grady Porter Building.  Mr. Ambrose explained the Courthouse was designed 4.5 to 5 years ago.  TRANE has made recommendations for minor upgrades to the Grady Porter Building and the Courthouse.

(Comm. Severino arrived at 6:24 p.m.)

Mr. Traxler explained that controls in those facilities will be upgraded.  The construction was designed according to a budget, not energy conservation.  Comm. Nevin expressed his concerns that the County will not realize the savings per contract with TRANE due to changes in energy costs over time.  Based on his research, alternative energy resources will escalate during the next several years. 

In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Traxler stated the union workers who will perform the retro-fittings are paid a prevailing wage.  Mr. Traxler further stated TRANE guarantees contract performance as well as savings.  Mr. Traxler explained other aspects of the contract to Comm. Nevin. Comm. Hertel explained the County bid out a total energy conservation package, not just the study. 

Chairperson Swope asked if their will be any long-term changes that the employees should know about.  Mr. Traxler stated the County would police energy usage on a daily basis.  If employees come in to work at night, the appropriate lights would turn on.  Comm. Thomas asked if there would be any disruptions to County employees while the retro-fittings are completed.  Mr. Traxler stated the work would be performed after hours or at a time negotiated with the project supervisor.

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT.  MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Nevin voting NO.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment

Ms. Timmon thanked Comm. Nevin for his questions.  She then spoke regarding her experiences as related to energy during the past week.  Ms. Timmon expressed her appreciation for tonight’s presentation.

The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff