September 28, 2010
Special Council Meeting

The Special Meeting of the Evesham Township Council was called to order by Mayor Brown at 4:00p.m.  The meeting was held in the Meeting Room of the Evesham Township Municipal Complex at 984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton, NJ 08053.

Flag Salute.

Mayor Brown announced that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Notice was sent to The Central Record and The Burlington County Times, posted on the Bulletin Board and sent to those who requested notification.

Mayor Brown thanked Township Manager Czerniecki for organizing the special meeting to discuss current energy consumption strategies and a coordinated energy plan with members of the Evesham Township Council, Evesham Township School District, Lenape Regional High School District, Evesham Township Fire District and the Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority.

Township Manager Czerniecki welcomed members of all boards and stated that the meeting was an opportunity for each entity to report on what they have been working on in the area of energy improvements and what challenges they face. 

He stated that he invited the group BioGen to speak on biodiesel fuel solutions, as well as Greg Sullivan of Remington Vernick to speak on the current Township solar project and energy audits.

Deputy Mayor Howarth thanked Tom and encouraged that this format be further addressed regionally.

Township Manager Czerniecki reviewed the Township initiatives in energy strategies, including the installation of solar panels, a joint fueling station at the Elmwood Sewer Plant, a regionalized trash collection service and the potential of purchasing smaller and more fuel efficient police vehicles.

Jim Hager, Business Administrator for the Lenape Regional High School District, discussed recent renovations at district schools, including energy efficient roofing.  He stated that the district had considered a solar panel referendum; however state aid cuts and the budget crisis caused it to be put on hold.

Discussion followed on “white roof” efficiency.

Joe Tobens, representing the Evesham Township School District, outlined Evesham Schools’ energy saving projects including energy audits, boiler replacement, and energy metering.

Joe Rizzuto, Executive Director of the MUA, stated that the MUA is undertaking an energy audit and will install recommendations based on the report.  He discussed reductions in the operating budget as a result of energy efficient changes, as well as plans to investigate hybrid vehicles, software devices and employee education.

Paul Thomas, Business Manager for the Evesham Fire District outlined the recommendations made as a result of their energy audit and a potential solar energy power purchase agreement.

Township Manager Czerniecki thanked all spokesmen and introduced representatives from BioGen Fuel Solutions to speak on biodiesel options.

Gerard Ferro presented information on biodiesel as an alternative fuel solution and outlined the benefits, including cleaner air and cost effectiveness.  He further explained the process of utilizing used cooking oil to convert to biodiesel and the potential of creating a collection program within the municipality.

Discussion followed on elements of biodiesel purchase, use and incentives.

Township Manager Czerniecki introduced Greg Sullivan, P.E. representing Remington & Vernick Engineers. 

Mr. Sullivan reviewed LEED Certification and the process of energy audits.  He provided information regarding the Township’s current solar panel project, including rebates and long term savings.

Discussion followed with respect to solar farms on vacant land and solar financing.

Township Manager Czerniecki thanked everyone for attending and invited all representatives to further consider working together on a Cooperative Pricing Program.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  None

Meeting adjourned at 5:27p.m.

__________________________________    ____________________________
Carmela Bonfrisco, Township Clerk      Randy Brown, Mayor

___________________________________
Lori A. Friddell, Deputy Township Clerk/Recording Secretary

Submitted:  October 20, 2010

Approved :  _____________