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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-29-1999 - 5eORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 21, 1999 Action Agenda Item No. S'^ E SUBJECT: Resolution on Alternative - Fueled Vehicles DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Background on Proposed Resolution 8/9/99 CFE Resolution Proposed BOCC Resolution Solar- Powered Vehicle Proposal INFORMATION CONTACT: David Stancil, ext 2590 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732 -8181 Chapel Hill 9684501 Durham 688 -7331 Mebane 336 -227 -2031 PURPOSE: To consider a resolution from the Commission for the Environment asking the County to develop a plan for reducing vehicle fleet emissions, including an evaluation of the use of alternative- fueled and a possible Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant. BACKGROUND: This is the third of a three -part action requested by the Commission for the Environment related to air quality. The first two components, an Ozone air quality action plan and a program to investigate and purchase low- emission vehicles, were approved by the Board in February and June of this year. The CFE Air Quality Committee is currently reviewing a draft ozone plan, and staff has begun work on purchasing low- emission vehicles for the County fleet. This third resolution asks the County to develop a coordinated plan for reducing emissions from the County vehicle fleet. Specifically, it asks that an evaluation be conducted of alternative - fueled (such as electric buses or compressed - natural gas (CNG)) vehicles for use in the motor fleet. The Town of Chapel Hill received a grant in 1998 for a pilot program in CNG vehicles, and has begun construction of a CNG fueling station. In developing the third resolution, the CFE asked Marty Mandell of the Electric Vehicle and Solar Energy Planning Group (EVASEP) for ways to coordinate the two efforts. The resolution has been developed with the thoughts of both groups. In addition, a proposal for a solar - powered vehicle has been submitted by EVASEP representative Marty Mandell. Staff has prepared a resolution for the Board's consideration consistent with the CFE request. The ERC Director, County Engineer, Purchasing Director and Public Works Director would be asked to expand their current work on low - emission vehicles to evaluate other alternatives for the motor vehicle fleet (including the EVASEP proposal). FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact on the County is undetermined at this time. Further research will be needed to evaluate the cost of alternative -fuel technologies, and the proposal for solar- powered vehicles. Grant funding would play an important role in any program involving alternative - fueled vehicles. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the proposed resolution, and ask staff to develop a timetable to accomplishing the needed program evaluation in a manner consistent with other BOCC goals. z Resolution on a Recommendation that Orange County Establish a Plan for Reducing the County's Vehicle Fleet Emissions by the Use of Alternative Fueled Vehicles, Improved Fleet Maintenance, and/or Reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled BACKGROUND - The Triangle region, in which Orange County is located, has elevated levels of ground -level ozone during the summer and may not be able to meet a new national ambient air quality standard ( NAAQS) for ozone established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has also established a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). A NAAQS also exists for carbon monoxide, a gas emitted by motor vehicles. Gas - fueled and diesel - fueled vehicles emit air contaminants that contribute to the degradation of air quality. Volatile organic compounds emitted from vehicles result in ozone formation. Diesel vehicles emit particles. Orange County maintains a fleet of vehicles in support of County services. The fleet includes administrative vehicles, service vehicles, maintenance vehicles, trucks, and construction equipment. The County's fleet of vehicles emit air contaminants during routine use. There are a number of technical approaches available to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, and criteria pollutants from fleets of vehicles. Source emissions may be reduced by reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled. Improved vehicle maintenance may also reduce emissions. Air quality may be improved by using vehicles that have lower emissions due to either higher mileage efficiency or improved pollution controls. Another approach is to use alternative fuel vehicles. Alternative fuel vehicles currently available include those powered by natural gas or by electricity. In selecting a technical approach for reducing emissions from a fleet of vehicles, the advantages, limitations, costs, and benefits must be evaluated based on the type and age of vehicles in the fleet, the vehicle miles traveled, distances traveled, the usage pattern, and a variety of other factors. Solar bicycles have also been suggested as an alternative means of transportation, and potential program for conversion of existing bicycles by high school classes is being considered. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources awards Mobile Source Emissions Reductions Grants each year to achieve reductions from on- and off -road mobile source related emissions. The County of Orange is eligible to apply for these grants. Applicants for the grants are expected to share the cost for implementation, which can be substantial for efforts such as purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. Commission for the Environment Resolution WHEREAS, Orange County should attempt to reduce emissions of air contaminants from its fleet of vehicles, and WHEREAS, there are a variety of alternative technical approaches available to reduce fleet emissions, which must be evaluated specifically for the Orange County fleet of vehicles, and WHEREAS, development of an effective plan for reducing vehicle emissions requires participation by a number of agencies and departments within the County, as well as interested non - governmental organizations such as the current Electric Vehicle and Solar Energy Planning Group ( EVASEP), and WHEREAS, the development of such a plan is consistent with the creation of an Ozone Air Quality Action Plan, which the Board agreed to in February, 1999, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has recently received a request from a representative of EVASEP to explore alternative- fueled vehicles; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Commission for the Environment recommends that the Orange County Board of Commissioners request that the County Manager develop a plan for reducing emissions of air contaminants from the County's motor vehicle fleet. The Commission for the Environment recommends that the plan include an evaluation of the use of alternative fuel vehicles (such as electric buses and solar vehicles), improved fleet maintenance, and other proactive or reactive actions that might impact fleet emissions. The Commission for the Environment further recommends that the County examine the feasibility of submitting a Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant during the next application period. This, the 9'h day of August, 1999. Loraine Kohorn, Chair WITNESS: Carol Crawford, CFE Assistant Board of Commissioners Resolution on Evaluation of Reducing County Vehicle Fleet Emissions and Alternative Fueled Vehicles WHEREAS, Orange County is interested in reducing emissions of air contaminants from its fleet of vehicles to help protect air quality, and WHEREAS, there are a variety of alternative technical approaches available to reduce fleet emissions, which must be evaluated specifically for the Orange County fleet of vehicles, and WHEREAS, development of an effective plan for reducing vehicle emissions requires participation by a number of agencies and departments within the County, as well as interested non- governmental organizations such as the current Electric Vehicle and Solar Energy Planning Group ( EVASEP), and WHEREAS, the development of such a plan is consistent with the creation of an Ozone Air Quality Action Plan, which the Board agreed to in February, 1999, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has recently received a request from a representative of EVASEP to explore alternative - fueled vehicles and solar bicycles; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners instruct the County Manager to develop a plan for reducing emissions of air contaminants from the County's motor vehicle fleet. The plan should include an evaluation of the use of alternative fuel vehicles (such as electric buses and solar vehicles), improved fleet maintenance, and other proactive or reactive actions that might impact fleet emissions. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board instructs the Manager to have County staff explore the feasibility of submitting a Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant during the next application period. This, the 21' day of September, 1999. Alice Gordon, Chair WITNESS: Beverly Blythe, Clerk to the Board ILI To: The Orange County Commissioners Proposal for a Solar Powered Pedal Vehicle The electric cast and solar energy planning group'pro'-,• poses a Fall, 1999 project with interested Orange High School students to convert a "re- claimed" bicycle into a solar - powered pedal vehicle, building a transportation option for the 21st century. USES: . to form an "integrated planning" after - school club of students, teachers and volunteers who are interested in re- search and development in solar energy and alternative fueled vehicles, They will design and build the vehicle. . to encourage _high-school students to ride bicycles and the solar pedal_vehicle_lnstead of cars, an economical wag to improve health and benefit the environment. . to increase interest, and future participation, in Solar BlkeRayce, USA, a competition in 4 classes open to men and women 15 years and older, with headquarters at Crowder College in Missouri. This unique competition challenges students and others interested in solar energy to use technology and muscle power to peak performance. Top USA teams have been sponsored to attend international competition in Japan, Australia, and Malaysia. . for the Orange High school Rescuroe Officer to ride and demonstrate on campus. 6 . as a basic prototype from which future designs can evolve, which offers entrepreneural business opportunities in building 3-wheeled solar powered pedal vehicles for special uses: • grocery shopping • getting around retirement centers • inter - governmental trips Participants in addition to students and teachers: .Lynne Moody, Director Of Workforce Development for Orange County Schools, will recruit the students to work on the Project, using it as a service learning opportunity. . Dam,-. Jon6p, Director of Orange County Department of Pur- chasing and Central Services, will determine the proper process for acquiring abandoned bicycles to use as parts. She will disburse funds. . Matt Hamlett, Orange High School.16acher,designer, builder, creator of re- cycled products, will direct students in designing. the vehicle and obtaining parts. . Jason Schripsema, NCSU graduate student in Mechanical Engineering and volunteer instructor for the Project, works at the NC Solar Center in the Electric Car program and is helping develop NCSU's solar car entry for the Sunrayces of 2001. . Volunteers as needed from the Carolina Tar Wheelers and the Triangle Electric Car Association. . Coordinator: Marty Mandell - 967 - 9646 Budget: 9700 Kit to be purchased through Jason Schripsema: • Battery and motor - $450.00 • Photo - voltaic -PVC- Panel - 250.00 700.00 • Orange Countp Aoarb of tburation RANDY BRIDGES, SUPERINTENDENT Jbilloborougb, ,O C 27275 ' BOARD MEMBERS 200 EAST KING STREET DELORES SIMPSON, CHAIR HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278 SUSAN DOVENBARGER, VICE CHAIR TELEPHONE: 919.732 -8128 ROBERT H. BATEMAN FAX: 919.732 -8120 KEITH COOK RICHARD KENNEDY DAVID KOLSINSKY BRENDA STEPHENS May 17, 1999 Orange County Board of Commissioners PO Box 8181 200 South Churton Street Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Dear Commissioners: It has been our pleasure to work with the electric car and solar planning team to look for alternative ways to provide a better environment for Orange County citizens. We look forward to working together with the leadership of Marty Mandell to build solar bicycles. Orange High School is committed to recruiting high school students to work on this project. We intend to use this project as a service learning opportunity for students interested in research and development in the solar energy field. We would prefer that the the project take place during the fall of 1999, but we will work with the planning team on their seasonal issues if needed. We would like to use one of the bicycles for our resource officer stationed at Orange High School to ride on campus. We think this would be the perfect opportunity to model solar bicycling use in a practical application. We believe this will be an exciting and worthwhile learning experience for our students. Sincerely, 7 Lynn P. Moody Workforce Development Director `aett/ of A v ♦��l Cato County of Orange Department of Purchasing & Central Services Pamela K. Jones, Director July 7, 1999 Electric Car & Solar Energy Planning Committee % Ms. Marti Mandel 116 Pine Street Carrboro, NC 27510 RE: Acquiring abandoned bicycles Dear Marti The folks at the Institute of Government have advised us that, in their opinion, if the County follows the prescribed notice requirements for abandoned property that the County can transfer the bikes directly to the schools. It seems to me then that you could petition the schools directly to dispose of the bikes in whatever manner they follow for surplus disposal. A second option might be that the school retains ownership of the bikes, but allows you to retrofit them with the solar powered engine. Upon completion of the retrofitting process, the bikes would be returned to the school for use by their resource officers. As you recall, this was a primary function cited as potential use for the bike. Major Truelove tells me that there are two pretty good bikes presently in custody. We will go ahead and place the property notification in the newspaper. As soon as the 30 -day mandatory notification period has been satisfied the Orange County School Scup rintendent vrill be notified that the bikes can be picked up. According to our calculations, 30 -days from the advertisement date will be August 10. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call. VTry truly yours Pamela Jones P.O. Box 81810 132 East King Street 0 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Telephones: Area Code 919 0 732 -81810 967-92510 688-73310 910-227-20310 Fax: 644 -3001 t "�•cr er e V it p'`ri taL She County of Orange Department of Purchasing & Central Services Pamela K. Jones, Director June 28, 1999 Electric Car & Solar Energy Planning Committee % Ms. Marti Mandel 116 Pine Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Re: Solar bike project Dear Marti, Per your request, I have made inquiry regarding potential uses that Orange County might have of solar powered bicycles. It appears that the most viable opportunity is with the resource officers in Orange County schools. However, we will continue to discuss the issue and explore additional ways in which they could be used by the general County staff. As it respects gaining ownership of the bikes obtained through the Sheriffs Department, the County Attorney cited the statutes to you that allow the County to make an inter - governmental transfer of County property to the School Board. However, bikes that are confiscated or abandoned and subsequently picked up by the Sheriffs Department are not County property. Based on my discussion with Geof Gledhill, the only way that the County could obtain one of these bikes is by purchase at the public auction, which we hold annually in May. I am pursuing further information from the Institute of Government and will follow up with you if it provides other options for disposal. As we discussed, I suspect whatever we find to be the case for the County will also be true for the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. You might find different disposal options from the Campus Police, however, since they are a State agency. I am also enclosing some information about the Crowder College program that we discussed. It seems that they have been working "in solar" one way or another since before I moved to North Carolina in 1985, so they might be a valuable resource. I hope that you find the information helpful. If l can provide further information or other assistance, please let me know. Thanks, Marti. Best wishes on your project. V ry truly yours Pamela Ja es CC: Major Don Truelove, Orange County Sheriffs Department P.O. Box 81810 132 East King Street 0 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Telephones: Area Code 919 0 732 -81810 967 -92510 688 -73310 910 - 227 -20310 Fax: 644 -3001 9 ,ar BikeRayce USA? http://www.sunrayce.com/BikeRayce/about—sbr.htmi Sponsored Resources Group MARET Center What is Solar BikeRayce USA? The Fifth Annual Solar BikeRayce USA is a unique competition that challenges students and others interested in solar energy to use technology and muscle power to peak performance. Scheduled to be held at Forbes Field Topeka, Kansas, May 28 -30, 1999, the event features a sprint (400 meter) and a marathon (100 km) race. Top teams from Solar BikeRayce USA will be sponsored to enter the World Solar Bike Race in Japan next July. Who can enter Solar BikeRayce USA? Solar BikeRayce USA features high school, adult, and senior categories for both men and women. Everyone 15 and older can compete. The solar bikes race in four classes: stock. modified, oven and solar vehicle. loot, c :at•1 # +t of 2 s 10 06/28/99 12:33:09