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Report of the Committee of the Whole on Legislative Matters
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Official Text
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLEON LEGISLATIVE MATTERSThe Committee on Legislative Matters convened as a Committee of the Whole on May 12, 2010 with Vice Chairman Rebekah Gewirtz presiding and Committee Members Aldermen Bruce Desmond, Maryann Heuston, Walter Pero, Sean O?Donovan, William White and John Connolly also present and voting. Also present were Administrative Assistant Matt Dias, Environmental Programs Manager David Lutes, Executive Director of OSPCD Monica Lamboy, Rob May from OSPCD, Ian Finerson from the Department of Energy Resources, David Dalbacher and Eric Becker.189163 - Requesting approval to adopt Appendix 120.AA of the MA Building Code, known as the Stretch Energy Code, as the energy code for the City:Mr. Lutes informed the members that the deadline for filing the application to be designated a Green Community is this Friday and he explained how the Stretch Energy Code would impact development and grants received by the city. The code requires 20% greater building efficiency and if adopted, would become part of the city?s building code. Mr. Becker spoke about the benefits to the city if the item were passed now and Mr. Lutes added that there is grant money to be had by the city. Mr. Lutes told the members that business owners are concerned about the costs. Mr. Finerson spoke about energy star windows and how the new code would impact homeowners? expenses and make contractors more accountable and also discussed ductwork and lighting requirements under the new code, noting that the code would only cover new construction and substantial renovations. Increased cost to developers are subdivided by energy companies and the city can opt out of the program by a vote of the Board of Aldermen.Alderman White questioned the timing of presenting this to the committee, stating that he would have preferred to have a public hearing on the issue, adding that he has many questions about how this would impact residential renovations. Alderman Pero told those present that he was not comfortable acting so quickly on the item and asked why this item wasn?t referred to the Committee on Environment and Energy.Alderman Heuston expressed concern about the proposal?s impact on the elderly and on those who can?t afford to meet the requirements.Since there were not enough members present to vote on this item, Alderman White said that it could be dealt with at the Board of Aldermen?s meeting on Thursday. Mr. Lutes said that if the deadline is missed, there would still be another round of grants, but the city would not gain all of the possible grant funding.No papers were acted on. __________________________________ _Alderman Rebekah L. Gewirtz, Vice ChairmanCommittee on Legislative Matters