City debates energy ideas

SANDPOINT — Increase energy efficiency or lose grant money — that was the challenge the administrative committee faced at Thursday’s meeting.

Planning director Jeremy Grimm’s concerns about the future of projected efficiency projects received the most committee attention during the evening.

With $290,000 in grant money to improve energy efficiency in government buildings at the city’s disposal, Grimm had ordered a study into a woody biomass system to heat and potentially power government buildings. The effort yielded good news and bad news. Although the system could save the city as much as $16,000 a year, it could also require additional expensive equipment and would need to qualify for additional permits. A failure to acquire those permits would mean wasted time and money.

If the committee chooses not to pursue the biomass project, Grimm suggested a few possible alternatives, including solar panels, insulation and more efficient lighting. 

The city could purchase between $250,000 and $300,000 in solar panels to mount on top of city hall. The investment would yield a savings of $5,000 a year. Committee members and residents alike weren’t thrilled with the cost-to-savings ratio.

“Spending that much money for an extra $5,000 a year just doesn’t seem worthwhile,” Councilman Stephen Snedden said.

Grimm also suggested using the money for general efficiency upgrades like improved insulation and lighting. Finally, he said they could simply return the remaining grant funding.

“But I really wouldn’t advise that option,” he added.

The committee decided to open the matter to wider discourse by inviting suggestions from the public. To that end, they set the matter for workshop discussion on Jan. 12.

“Whatever we decide to do, we’ll have to have a plan that we can act on fairly quickly,” Grimm said. “These grants don’t allow us a lot of time.”