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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> the 18% expected rate increase requested by Ameren, but to also have the PSC <br /> examine closely the 5M rate in comparison to the 6M rate. We also hope to get <br /> maintenance records of the 5M street lights and mapping data to be able to perform <br /> a cost/benefit analysis on whether the purchase of the lights is in the short and long <br /> term interests of the City. University City is taking the lead amongst at least 12 <br /> cities, including St. Louis City and St. Louis County in looking at how to reduce <br /> energy consumption and costs. If the City were to purchase the 5M street lights, <br /> looking at alternative means of maintenance would be considered including <br /> contracting with a private contractor or other city (such as the City of St. Louis or <br /> Kirkwood). The consortium will also be looking at how to retrofit these street lights <br /> for energy efficiency and what lighting standards should be used to obtain optimal <br /> lighting. <br /> <br /> Currently, under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant the City <br /> has allocated $10,000 towards this component and no additional funds are <br /> required at this time. However, the rate case funding needs are not yet <br /> determined. <br /> <br /> Adoption of a Sustainable Zoning and Building Code <br /> <br /> As the City addresses its own "house", it is the desire of the Green Practices <br /> Committee to begin the process of prompting the private sector into more energy <br /> efficient and green buildings and land use. While the City encourages citizens, <br /> businesses and institutions to be more green, the Green Practices Committee wants <br /> to begin institutionalizing green practices into its zoning and building codes. <br /> Whether that means requiring new buildings to be LEED certified, Energy Star <br /> rated, or comply with an overall energy rating (like Title 24 in California) or meeting <br /> some other energy standard is the direction many cities are heading to insure <br /> reduced energy use in the private sector. Through enactment of an energy code, as <br /> part of the building code, existing buildings can begin to be more efficient. A green <br /> building code can also address stormwater run off by requiring pervious surfaces <br /> for parking lots and driveways. Likewise, through density of land use and stricter <br /> parking requirements in the zoning code, use of alternative means of transportation <br /> is more likely. Because of the complexities of a zoning code and building code <br /> change, work must begin as soon as possible to insure change in the private sector <br /> quickly. <br /> <br /> Currently, there is a zoning code revision planned for enactment in <br /> January/February 2010. The City's Comprehensive Plan is also scheduled for <br /> revision at the end of FY 2010. Because the committee process in changing these <br /> major community development documents is extremely time consuming, to add a <br /> comprehensive change to the Building Code simultaneously, additional planning <br /> staff would be required. Without additional staff, the Community Development <br /> Department would not be able to tackle a building code revision until FY 2012. This <br /> is not an evaluative measure, but a key component the Green Practices feels will be in <br /> the Sustainability Plan and feels strongly must begin now. <br /> 11 <br />