Saturday, February 21, 2009
used cars selling well
Kathy Roberts,a paralegal from Plymouth, Mich., was skeptical of a recent postcard she received from her local car dealer. It offered to put her in a new vehicle for $26,000, the same price she paid for her one-year-old Dodge Journey that she'd already driven 14,000 miles. Despite her doubts, Roberts's husband called the dealer and was told that they would offer her a brand new version of the same model, in the same color, with only 29 miles—all for the same monthly payment. With incentives and rebates, she actually came out $700 ahead. "I was thrilled. A new car without any more money!"
Customers like Roberts are finding that their high-quality used cars are a coveted and rare commodity these days. While GM and Chrysler hit the federal government up for bailout money and new car sales have been notoriously slow in the last few months, the demand for used vehicles is up. According to Auto Data Corp., sales of certified pre-owned cars in January 2009 were up 10 percent from the same time last year. The average consumer trades in a vehicle after two or three years, providing steady supply of low-mileage used cars. But as household budgets and credit remain tight, drivers are hanging onto their cars longer and returning them to dealers when they're essentially junk.
That's why Roberts's dealer, Michael Schwab of Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth, Mich., is sending out those cards—to give car owners more incentives to get their high-quality vehicles back into dealer showrooms. The mailing effort has brought "a lot of success" from buyers eager to get a new car for the price of a used one, he said. It also helps move new cars, as buyers trade up when they bring in those used cars.
Dick Scott isn't the only dealership to employ that trade-in tactic. Adam Simms, general manager of ToyotaSunnyvale in Sunnyvale, Calif., has had up to three members of his staff focused exclusively on calling owners of high-quality used cars, often visiting them at their home or office. "We got 15 to 30 cars a month in that way," he said. Norm Olson, sales operations manager for Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, said dealers go to great lengths, contacting sellers from Web sites like craigslist and AutoTrader.com, even visiting them at home and writing them a check on the spot for their car. Once the cars get to the lot, they don't stay there long, often selling within two weeks, Olson said. While new car sales for Toyota fell 50,000 from last year, it saw its best-ever January for certified used vehicles, up 4,000 from last January.
Mike Jackson, director of North American Vehicle Forecasts for CSM Worldwide in Northville, Mich., said economic uncertainty has "caused a flight to quality," with consumers looking to purchase reliable, slightly used cars instead of new. That situation will undoubtedly lead to hikes in the prices of premium used cars, at least in the near term. They'll "pay a little more for a fair vehicle when they expected to pay more for a higher quality vehicle," said Jon Linkov, managing editor of autos for Consumer Reports.
Geoff Pohanka, president of Pohanka Automotive Group in Marlow Heights, Md., says dealers are paying as much as $2,000 more for used cars at the wholesale level, an increase that undoubtedly will be passed onto consumers. In his dealership, he saw a 20 percent increase in used car sales between Christmas and mid-January.
Steve Jardine, vice president of Johnstons Toyota in New Hampton, N.Y., is offering to pay over book value for used cars. And the growing demand is reflected in his price, too. A Toyota 2006 4Runner SUV that sold for $14,000 last November is now going for $19,000, he said. If that sounds like a lot, he notes that it's still well under the $30,000 price for a comparable new 4Runner. And, as auto companies curb production, new cars will be even harder to come by in the spring. With fewer new cars to sell, the market for premium used cars "will go even higher" within the next six months, he said.
And others, like Kathy Roberts, who have high-quality used cars to trade, will continue to benefit from this situation. "Sometimes," she said, "things really are what they seem."
Customers like Roberts are finding that their high-quality used cars are a coveted and rare commodity these days. While GM and Chrysler hit the federal government up for bailout money and new car sales have been notoriously slow in the last few months, the demand for used vehicles is up. According to Auto Data Corp., sales of certified pre-owned cars in January 2009 were up 10 percent from the same time last year. The average consumer trades in a vehicle after two or three years, providing steady supply of low-mileage used cars. But as household budgets and credit remain tight, drivers are hanging onto their cars longer and returning them to dealers when they're essentially junk.
That's why Roberts's dealer, Michael Schwab of Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth, Mich., is sending out those cards—to give car owners more incentives to get their high-quality vehicles back into dealer showrooms. The mailing effort has brought "a lot of success" from buyers eager to get a new car for the price of a used one, he said. It also helps move new cars, as buyers trade up when they bring in those used cars.
Dick Scott isn't the only dealership to employ that trade-in tactic. Adam Simms, general manager of ToyotaSunnyvale in Sunnyvale, Calif., has had up to three members of his staff focused exclusively on calling owners of high-quality used cars, often visiting them at their home or office. "We got 15 to 30 cars a month in that way," he said. Norm Olson, sales operations manager for Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, said dealers go to great lengths, contacting sellers from Web sites like craigslist and AutoTrader.com, even visiting them at home and writing them a check on the spot for their car. Once the cars get to the lot, they don't stay there long, often selling within two weeks, Olson said. While new car sales for Toyota fell 50,000 from last year, it saw its best-ever January for certified used vehicles, up 4,000 from last January.
Mike Jackson, director of North American Vehicle Forecasts for CSM Worldwide in Northville, Mich., said economic uncertainty has "caused a flight to quality," with consumers looking to purchase reliable, slightly used cars instead of new. That situation will undoubtedly lead to hikes in the prices of premium used cars, at least in the near term. They'll "pay a little more for a fair vehicle when they expected to pay more for a higher quality vehicle," said Jon Linkov, managing editor of autos for Consumer Reports.
Geoff Pohanka, president of Pohanka Automotive Group in Marlow Heights, Md., says dealers are paying as much as $2,000 more for used cars at the wholesale level, an increase that undoubtedly will be passed onto consumers. In his dealership, he saw a 20 percent increase in used car sales between Christmas and mid-January.
Steve Jardine, vice president of Johnstons Toyota in New Hampton, N.Y., is offering to pay over book value for used cars. And the growing demand is reflected in his price, too. A Toyota 2006 4Runner SUV that sold for $14,000 last November is now going for $19,000, he said. If that sounds like a lot, he notes that it's still well under the $30,000 price for a comparable new 4Runner. And, as auto companies curb production, new cars will be even harder to come by in the spring. With fewer new cars to sell, the market for premium used cars "will go even higher" within the next six months, he said.
And others, like Kathy Roberts, who have high-quality used cars to trade, will continue to benefit from this situation. "Sometimes," she said, "things really are what they seem."
yard signs surface
Can anybody confirm a rumor that a bunch of opposition yard signs somehow mysteriously grew legs and wound up in the front yard of Garcias ex-campaign manager? Is it also true that those signs were seen in the ex-managers car prior to the amazing discovery in his front yard? Can it be that Mr. Garcia is AGAIN acting in his role as a public servant and zoning inspector to remove those signs he finds to be personally objectionable? Is ANYONE surprised to find that Garcias ex-campaign manager, a nice but limited and handicapped young man, involved in this latest caper? Does ANYONE believe that Garcia's ex-campagn manager scooped up those signs on his own initiative? Is THAT possible? Are we truly expected to believe that a group of kids scoffed up all the signs and decided to leave them in the ex-managers car, without the ex-manager's or Garcia's knowledge?? Or decided to dump them all in the ex-managers front yard? That would be hard for me, if not impossible, to believe. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
"Money is no object" slate out
Rumor is that the entire "Money is immaterial", and "Costs are irrelevent" slate was out today working the Bird section- Youngs, Bain, Best, Garcia and maybe Espino. I know of NOBODY who believes that their costs are irrelevent or immaterial. Do you think they would feel that way if it was THEIR money disappearing? No way. Since its OUR tax monies going down the drain- NO PROBLEM. No problem for them- BIG problem for us taxpayers! Dr. Mel P. Johnson
clarification
Let me clarify my last post. I DO believe these projects were completed at considerably less than was claimed, but the difference between what is actually cost and the amount claimed, DISAPPEARED, somehow. When we know that usual and customary costs for new construction in S Fla is $125 a square foot, and they admit to charging us at least $375 for the bathrooms and $600 a square foot for the CC, where did that extra money go? We KNOW it didnt cost that much to build it, so where did that money go? We are talking 280k on the bathrooms, over and above the actual costs of building it, and at least 300k on the CC enclosure. We could USE that money now. Perhaps they wouldnt have to raise our taxes and fees if that money had not disappeared. How do you spell R I P O F F ? Dr. Mel Johnson
I am the first to admit that my construction knowledge and experience is modest- I can 3-4-5 a corner- but, fortunately for me, I have some friends who have over 20 years in the construction business. I rely on them to give me accurate facts and figures on construction projects. While its true that numbers coming from the City are frequently suspect, if anything, I believe that the numbers I received in the FOIs are underestimates of how much was spent on these construction projects. I doubt seriously that the work was completed for less, and that for some reason, they are reporting it cost more. To the contrary, it is probably the opposite. While I am not a construction expert, I AM pretty good at spotting psychological symptoms, which IS my area of expertise. For instance, I can spot denial pretty easily- like a denial that the deepening recession will have any substantial effect on us here in MS. Its either complete and total denial, or stupidity beyond belief, or corruption. You choose. Maybe some of each. Have a nice day. Dr. Mel Johnson
Friday, February 20, 2009
Geothermal heating in Boise
Boise, ID, heats 366 buildings with geothermal energy
The Achievement
Boise, ID, uses geothermal resources underlying the downtown area to heat a total of 366 homes, businesses, and public buildings using four geothermal systems. Boise also has the only state capitol building in the U.S. that is heated by geothermal water.
The Achievement
Boise, ID, uses geothermal resources underlying the downtown area to heat a total of 366 homes, businesses, and public buildings using four geothermal systems. Boise also has the only state capitol building in the U.S. that is heated by geothermal water.
new Mexico Sky Blue Program
Albuquerque, NM, uses wind energy for 20% of its government operations
The Achievement
In Albuquerque, NM, 20% of the electricity used by the city government comes from wind farms located in New Mexico through the Sky Blue Program. This totals 18 million kilowatt hours each year
The Achievement
In Albuquerque, NM, 20% of the electricity used by the city government comes from wind farms located in New Mexico through the Sky Blue Program. This totals 18 million kilowatt hours each year
Landfill methane brings 30k in annually
Greensboro, NC, produces $30,000 worth of landfill methane per year
The Achievement
In 1995, the City of Greensboro, NC, entered into an agreement with Duke Energy to develop a renewable energy recovery system. This system collects and transports methane gas that is created by the decomposition of organic materials found in the landfill. The gas is collected from the landfill through a series of pipes that have been placed below the surface of the waste. The gas is then transported to the program’s industrial partner, Cone Mills, by way of a three-mile pipeline. The gas is burned in boilers to generate steam in order to operate machinery in the Cone Mills’ textile plant. The methane is sold to Cone Mills at a lower cost than other natural gases, thereby lowering their utility costs.
The Benefit
Historically, the City of Greensboro has received around $30,000 annually from the sale of the landfill gas
The Achievement
In 1995, the City of Greensboro, NC, entered into an agreement with Duke Energy to develop a renewable energy recovery system. This system collects and transports methane gas that is created by the decomposition of organic materials found in the landfill. The gas is collected from the landfill through a series of pipes that have been placed below the surface of the waste. The gas is then transported to the program’s industrial partner, Cone Mills, by way of a three-mile pipeline. The gas is burned in boilers to generate steam in order to operate machinery in the Cone Mills’ textile plant. The methane is sold to Cone Mills at a lower cost than other natural gases, thereby lowering their utility costs.
The Benefit
Historically, the City of Greensboro has received around $30,000 annually from the sale of the landfill gas
Houston Uses Wind power For 25% of Its Operations
Houston, TX powers a quarter of its operations with wind energy
August 2008
The Achievement
The City of Houston now powers 25% of its operations with wind energy from Texas wind farms. The city purchases more than 350 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, making it the No. 1 ranked municipal purchaser of green power in the nation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (as of July 2008).
The city expects to use as much as 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy (solar and wind) in the next five years. This is equivalent to the amount of kilowatt-hours needed to power 28,000 homes each year.
The Key Step
The city negotiated a five-year wind energy contract at a fixed price of 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, insulating itself from rising energy prices and saving taxpayer dollars. The city’s plan is to continue to purchase wind power in 10-megawatt increments for five-year terms at competitive wholesale prices.
The Benefits
Besides the sizeable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the city will save millions. In 2004, the City of Houston’s spent approximately $150 million on electricity ($30 million over budget) at a rate of roughly 9.1 cents per kilowatt-hour
August 2008
The Achievement
The City of Houston now powers 25% of its operations with wind energy from Texas wind farms. The city purchases more than 350 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, making it the No. 1 ranked municipal purchaser of green power in the nation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (as of July 2008).
The city expects to use as much as 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy (solar and wind) in the next five years. This is equivalent to the amount of kilowatt-hours needed to power 28,000 homes each year.
The Key Step
The city negotiated a five-year wind energy contract at a fixed price of 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, insulating itself from rising energy prices and saving taxpayer dollars. The city’s plan is to continue to purchase wind power in 10-megawatt increments for five-year terms at competitive wholesale prices.
The Benefits
Besides the sizeable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the city will save millions. In 2004, the City of Houston’s spent approximately $150 million on electricity ($30 million over budget) at a rate of roughly 9.1 cents per kilowatt-hour
Frisco installs solar
San Francisco, Calif., installing 7.8 megawatts of solar power on City facilities
August 2008
The Achievement
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has now installed solar photovoltaic systems on the following City facilities:
Moscone Convention Center
Pier 96
Wastewater treatment Plants (Southeast, Northpoint)
San Francisco International Airport
The City is also planning solar projects at the following sites:
Sunset Reservoir
Muni facilities
Libraries
City Hall
The Benefits
These completed solar systems now produce 2 megawatts, 2,620 megawatt-hours per year, and save 867 tons of C02 per year.
The planned solar systems will produce 5.8 megawatts, 7,297 megawatt-hours per year, and save 2,415 tons of C02 per year.
Totals: 7.8 megawatts, 9,918 megawatt-hours per year, and 3,282 tons CO2 per year saved
[Source: August 5, 2008 Summary Report: San Francisco Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
August 2008
The Achievement
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has now installed solar photovoltaic systems on the following City facilities:
Moscone Convention Center
Pier 96
Wastewater treatment Plants (Southeast, Northpoint)
San Francisco International Airport
The City is also planning solar projects at the following sites:
Sunset Reservoir
Muni facilities
Libraries
City Hall
The Benefits
These completed solar systems now produce 2 megawatts, 2,620 megawatt-hours per year, and save 867 tons of C02 per year.
The planned solar systems will produce 5.8 megawatts, 7,297 megawatt-hours per year, and save 2,415 tons of C02 per year.
Totals: 7.8 megawatts, 9,918 megawatt-hours per year, and 3,282 tons CO2 per year saved
[Source: August 5, 2008 Summary Report: San Francisco Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Boulder To Become Worlds First Smart Grid City
February 10, 2009
Boulder Aims To Become World’s First Smart Grid City
Boulder, Colorado is aiming to become the world’s first smart grid city by year’s end. The city has partnered with Xcel Energy on the $100 million effort, AP reports (via the Examiner.com)
Minneapolis-based Xcel, Colorado’s largest electric utility, has installed about 14,000 “smart” meters that provide information to the utility and to customers. Xcel and its contractors have strung more than 100 miles of cable over power lines for broadband transmission and hooked up a handful of homes to program and monitor energy use.
Full build-out is expected by June, and most of the city’s 45,000 meters will be capable of two-way communication and Internet access so customers can actively control how and when they use energy.
Other partners in the project include the city of Boulder, the University of Colorado, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Renewable Laboratory.
Xcel expects to cover at least 15 percent of the project’s cost with its partners providing the rest in funding or in-kind services.
Austin is also pioneering a smart electric grid initiative called the Pecan Street Project. Previously, congressional aids talked about spending $10 billion over two years on smart grid technology.
Boulder Aims To Become World’s First Smart Grid City
Boulder, Colorado is aiming to become the world’s first smart grid city by year’s end. The city has partnered with Xcel Energy on the $100 million effort, AP reports (via the Examiner.com)
Minneapolis-based Xcel, Colorado’s largest electric utility, has installed about 14,000 “smart” meters that provide information to the utility and to customers. Xcel and its contractors have strung more than 100 miles of cable over power lines for broadband transmission and hooked up a handful of homes to program and monitor energy use.
Full build-out is expected by June, and most of the city’s 45,000 meters will be capable of two-way communication and Internet access so customers can actively control how and when they use energy.
Other partners in the project include the city of Boulder, the University of Colorado, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Renewable Laboratory.
Xcel expects to cover at least 15 percent of the project’s cost with its partners providing the rest in funding or in-kind services.
Austin is also pioneering a smart electric grid initiative called the Pecan Street Project. Previously, congressional aids talked about spending $10 billion over two years on smart grid technology.
Boston Globe
Home / News / Education / K-12
Wind turbine is alternative energy source in Medford
By Martin Finucane
Globe Staff / January 31, 2009
Anyone who commutes to Boston from the north on Interstate 93 knows that there are a few days every year when winds roar across the road and cause you to grip your steering wheel a bit tighter.
Medford officials are hoping for a lot of those days in the future. That's because the city is in the process of commissioning a wind turbine at the John J. McGlynn Sr. Elementary and Middle School.
The site is just along the highway and the Mystic River near the Route 16 exit and visible to thousands of people using the road.
The turbine's hub is 131 feet high and its three blades are 34 feet long. It was made by Northern Power of Barre, Vt., and is expected to generate 170,000 kilowatt hours, or about $25,000 worth of electricity per year. That's about 10 percent of the school's electricity bill, said Patty Barry, director of the city's energy and environment office.
Barry and Mayor Michael J. McGlynn showed the turbine to a reporter yesterday, a day after the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Barry said the project was just one of a number of environmental initiatives the city has undertaken during the mayor's tenure, including the installation of a solar power system on City Hall, solar lighting at Hormel Stadium, and the use of town vehicles powered by alternative fuels.
One project led to the next, McGlynn said. "The one thing about the environment, it's addictive . . . because the more you do the more you want to do," he said.
One of the key reasons for installing the turbine was to create awareness of alternative energy among the children at the schools, he said.
Another benefit of the project, McGlynn said, will be to get more name recognition for the city.
"Part of the thought process was that we wanted to build a landmark here in the city. So pretty soon, you'll be hearing on the radio that 'Traffic is backed up to the turbine in Medford,' " he said.
Maureen McCracken, director of marketing at Northern Power, said the company's turbines can spin and make electricity in winds as slow as 6 mph and as fast as 56 miles per hour.
The Medford turbine has already put some power onto the grid, though it hasn't been cleared for unattended operation. It's expected to be fully operational at the end of next week.
The Globe reported Thursday that Governor Deval Patrick's lofty goals of making the state a leader in energy and environmental policy may be endangered by the stumbling economy, which has produced massive budget deficits.
To reach the state's goal of 2,000 megawatts produced by wind power by 2020, the state would have to increase generating capacity more than 300 times.
But the $644,000 Medford project, which benefited from a number of major grants, has made it under the wire.
Wind turbine is alternative energy source in Medford
By Martin Finucane
Globe Staff / January 31, 2009
Anyone who commutes to Boston from the north on Interstate 93 knows that there are a few days every year when winds roar across the road and cause you to grip your steering wheel a bit tighter.
Medford officials are hoping for a lot of those days in the future. That's because the city is in the process of commissioning a wind turbine at the John J. McGlynn Sr. Elementary and Middle School.
The site is just along the highway and the Mystic River near the Route 16 exit and visible to thousands of people using the road.
The turbine's hub is 131 feet high and its three blades are 34 feet long. It was made by Northern Power of Barre, Vt., and is expected to generate 170,000 kilowatt hours, or about $25,000 worth of electricity per year. That's about 10 percent of the school's electricity bill, said Patty Barry, director of the city's energy and environment office.
Barry and Mayor Michael J. McGlynn showed the turbine to a reporter yesterday, a day after the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Barry said the project was just one of a number of environmental initiatives the city has undertaken during the mayor's tenure, including the installation of a solar power system on City Hall, solar lighting at Hormel Stadium, and the use of town vehicles powered by alternative fuels.
One project led to the next, McGlynn said. "The one thing about the environment, it's addictive . . . because the more you do the more you want to do," he said.
One of the key reasons for installing the turbine was to create awareness of alternative energy among the children at the schools, he said.
Another benefit of the project, McGlynn said, will be to get more name recognition for the city.
"Part of the thought process was that we wanted to build a landmark here in the city. So pretty soon, you'll be hearing on the radio that 'Traffic is backed up to the turbine in Medford,' " he said.
Maureen McCracken, director of marketing at Northern Power, said the company's turbines can spin and make electricity in winds as slow as 6 mph and as fast as 56 miles per hour.
The Medford turbine has already put some power onto the grid, though it hasn't been cleared for unattended operation. It's expected to be fully operational at the end of next week.
The Globe reported Thursday that Governor Deval Patrick's lofty goals of making the state a leader in energy and environmental policy may be endangered by the stumbling economy, which has produced massive budget deficits.
To reach the state's goal of 2,000 megawatts produced by wind power by 2020, the state would have to increase generating capacity more than 300 times.
But the $644,000 Medford project, which benefited from a number of major grants, has made it under the wire.
Houston, Tx to retrofit 271 buildings
Houston, TX, Mayor Announces Green Retrofits for 271 City Buildings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2008
CONTACT: Jedediah Greenfield, 832-393-0993,Jedediah.greenfield@cityofhouston.net
Mayor Bill White has announced that the City of Houston has embarked on a project expected to significantly improve the energy efficiency of 271 City buildings. Mayor White and the Houston City Council have signed a contract with Siemens and T.A.C. committing these 271 City facilities, totaling approximately 11 million square feet, to the Clinton Climate Initiative’s (CCI) Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program.
“Energy efficiency building retrofits provide cities with an opportunity to address the catastrophic effects of climate change in practical and significant ways, which is a key goal of the Clinton Climate Initiative” said President Clinton. “I am pleased to work with Mayor White and the City of Houston in this large-scale retrofit of the City’s municipal buildings. Houston is not only positioning itself as a leader in energy efficiency and urban CO2 reductions, but is helping to raise the benchmark for cities around the world, and is setting a practical example for other cities working with CCI.”
CCI’s Building Retrofit Program brings together many of the world’s largest energy service companies, financial institutions, and cities in a landmark effort to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings across the municipal, private, commercial, educational, and public housing sectors.
Houston is a member of the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an association of large cities around the world that have pledged to accelerate their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; CCI serves as the exclusive implementing partner of the C40. The City of Houston’s building retrofit program is currently the largest-scale project among the participating cities, and Houston is the first North American city to sign contracts and begin work on its City facilities.
“We’re committed to making these changes and institutionalizing best sustainability practices in the way we manage our city” said Mayor White. “It will improve our quality of life, protect the environment, save us money, and it’s simply the right thing to do.”
The following types of City facilities will be included in this project:
• 100 fire stations totaling 926,000 square feet
• 81 police stations totaling 2.4 million square feet
• 34 health facilities totaling 1 million square feet
• 5 Convention and Entertainment facilities totaling 3.9 million square feet
• 40 libraries totaling 1 million square feet
• 1 Municipal Courts facility totaling 104,000 square feet
• 10 general office facilities (e.g. City Hall, City Hall Annex, 611 Walker, etc.) totaling 1.6 million square feet
Such retrofit components and applications may include: lighting, space heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, building envelopes, heat recovery, energy and water management systems, environmental system controls, motors, domestic water heating, fuel switching, air distribution systems, water distribution/metering or other energy/water related improvements; e.g., utility rate improvements and renewable energy, to name a few.
The City anticipates a greater than 20 percent reduction in annual utility and operating costs through the implementation of this energy efficiency and utility conservation retrofit program. This is a multi-year contract that is expected to result in millions of dollars in savings over several years and eliminate 68,000 tons of CO2 from our air annually.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2008
CONTACT: Jedediah Greenfield, 832-393-0993,Jedediah.greenfield@cityofhouston.net
Mayor Bill White has announced that the City of Houston has embarked on a project expected to significantly improve the energy efficiency of 271 City buildings. Mayor White and the Houston City Council have signed a contract with Siemens and T.A.C. committing these 271 City facilities, totaling approximately 11 million square feet, to the Clinton Climate Initiative’s (CCI) Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program.
“Energy efficiency building retrofits provide cities with an opportunity to address the catastrophic effects of climate change in practical and significant ways, which is a key goal of the Clinton Climate Initiative” said President Clinton. “I am pleased to work with Mayor White and the City of Houston in this large-scale retrofit of the City’s municipal buildings. Houston is not only positioning itself as a leader in energy efficiency and urban CO2 reductions, but is helping to raise the benchmark for cities around the world, and is setting a practical example for other cities working with CCI.”
CCI’s Building Retrofit Program brings together many of the world’s largest energy service companies, financial institutions, and cities in a landmark effort to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings across the municipal, private, commercial, educational, and public housing sectors.
Houston is a member of the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an association of large cities around the world that have pledged to accelerate their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; CCI serves as the exclusive implementing partner of the C40. The City of Houston’s building retrofit program is currently the largest-scale project among the participating cities, and Houston is the first North American city to sign contracts and begin work on its City facilities.
“We’re committed to making these changes and institutionalizing best sustainability practices in the way we manage our city” said Mayor White. “It will improve our quality of life, protect the environment, save us money, and it’s simply the right thing to do.”
The following types of City facilities will be included in this project:
• 100 fire stations totaling 926,000 square feet
• 81 police stations totaling 2.4 million square feet
• 34 health facilities totaling 1 million square feet
• 5 Convention and Entertainment facilities totaling 3.9 million square feet
• 40 libraries totaling 1 million square feet
• 1 Municipal Courts facility totaling 104,000 square feet
• 10 general office facilities (e.g. City Hall, City Hall Annex, 611 Walker, etc.) totaling 1.6 million square feet
Such retrofit components and applications may include: lighting, space heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, building envelopes, heat recovery, energy and water management systems, environmental system controls, motors, domestic water heating, fuel switching, air distribution systems, water distribution/metering or other energy/water related improvements; e.g., utility rate improvements and renewable energy, to name a few.
The City anticipates a greater than 20 percent reduction in annual utility and operating costs through the implementation of this energy efficiency and utility conservation retrofit program. This is a multi-year contract that is expected to result in millions of dollars in savings over several years and eliminate 68,000 tons of CO2 from our air annually.
construction gouging
At the CC there was no demo as it was a simple enclosure of the two walls that were already there. There was nothing to demo. With the bathrooms the numbers come out close to $375 a square foot, almost exactly TRIPLE what it should have cost. Both projects took over TWO YEARS to complete! Absurd. My contractor friend said that 20-25% profit is usual and customary here in S Fla., not 300%, or more. Making a 25%profit is capitalism- a 300% profit is gouging, or worse. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
requested numbers
The numbers I quote are the result of Freedom of Information requests from the City. They are available to anyone who wants them. The bathroom numbers are 414k+ and come from the same source. The bathrooms were 558 square feet EACH. Do the math- 1116 square feet that cost 414k+ dollars. Dont believe my figures- go and find out for yourself. You wanted simple straightforward answers- you got them. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
construction costs outrageous
The contractors on the Citys construction projects are in the public domain. Gym told me himself in his office that the actual "hard construction costs" to enclose two walls at the CC (two walls were already there), was "Three hundred and change". That number turned out to be 315k+, to enclose TWO walls in a 520 square foot room. That turns out to be $600 a square foot. When I just shook my head in wonder and asked him how he could justify those expenses he just shook his head repeatedly and kept saying that I didnt understand. When I asked exactly what it was that I didnt understand he had NO ANSWER, just kept shaking his head and saying I didnt understand. Six hundred dollars per square fot is outrageous, and anybody with ANY construction experience knows that. At the usual and customary fees of $125 a square foot that enclosure shouldnt have cost more than $65,000. To pay 315k for that little enclosure was a ripoff of our tax dollars. Plain and simple. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
campaign comments
You can believe that Dr. Johnson is running and it WONT be on a " Vote for me, Im a gringo" platform to counter Garcias "Vote for me, Im Latin" nonsense! He will run on the issues. The residents do not care where anybody comes from- they want responsible, accountable, honest representation. In these times of recession, unemployment, and foreclosures residents want good stewards of their tax dollars. "Money is no object", and "Price is irrelevent" is not responsible or prudent money management. Posted by GreenGuy1700 at 12:19 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: issue oriented, not prudent, price is irrelevent Thank you for running this post again. I was afraid that a lot of people might have missed it the first time. Yes, I was talking about myself, but it was as much about what I DONT stand for than bragging on myself. It was also a comment about the common sense, responsibility, and honesty that I believe MOST of our residents want, and deserve, regardless of where they come from or their ethnicity. It is STILL interesting the person doing all this checking, etc STILL has NOT signed his name. Pathetic comes to mind. Demands I identify myself in each and every post yet doesnt have the cojones to identify himself ONCE. I rest my case. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
dogs barking
My political opponents are getting desperate, I guess, to start claiming to be me in their hateful and ridiculous posts here (twice so far today). I learned a long time ago that the dog who is barking the loudest at you is the one who is the most afraid. So I MUST be doing something right to get all this misrepresentation, BS, and vitriol. Bain, Best, and Lob are all clearly in the City Managers camp. Clearly, I am NOT. The rest, including Espino, havent made their intentions known yet, which is probably good politics, but makes it hard for the people to decide about them. Much thanks goes to my supporters for their calls, notes, emails and words of encouragement. With their help, we will get thru this tumultuous time. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
correction
Let it be known that I DID NOT write the post about the "Hispanic influx.." etc. I do not believe that ethnicity has ANYTHING to do with the sign stealing or anything else in our little town. Somebody has signed my name to a post that I DID NOT WRITE, and do not believe. Let that dirtbag identify himself. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
sign thefts increase
There was an unexpected and surprising, yet welcomed, editorial in the Gazette this week regarding the theft of political yard signs. Paul Dotson also put a letter in with regards to that topic too. There is no doubt that whoever is doing it is trespassing on private property and taking property that does NOT belong to them. There were similar incidents during the national election and, to their credit, they were duly noted in the Gazette, although they did not take a stand at that time. It seems that now they have realized the thefts as what it is- a threat to our first amendment rights of freedom of political expression. The Gazette offered to publish the name and picture of anybody caught stealing political signs, as a deterrent to those who participate in this illegal activity. It is a much-needed stand and is to their credit. I have not always agreed with their editorials in the past, but in this case I believe they have nailed it. Our little city has had a sordid history of political sign stealing in the past that, at times, even included city officials in those illegal activities, and that needs to stop. We cannot sit idly by while some shady characters try to stifle dissent and our freedom of expression. It may seem like a small thing and, in the grand scale of all things important, maybe it is, but this is not a communist country where freedoms are routinely squelched and subverted. This is America - home of the free. This blog is an expression of that freedom and an exercise in democracy. Lets not allow one of our most basic freedoms to be taken away by some shady characters who want to influence the upcoming election by taking opponents yard signs. The underhanded, sneaky, and illegal nature of that activity speaks volumes about the character, or lack of same, of those involved. Are these the types of people we want to elect? You decide. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
Thursday, February 19, 2009
political BS
Name ONCE that my blog says that I am doing a good job and am a good candidate! NEVER happened! Others may have said it, but I didnt. I DO copy most of my posts onto my blog site. This sounds like ridiculous political BS put out by clowns who have no life. I would NOT be surprised if it was my opponent who is making these ridiculous statements, as it sounds like his style, or LACK of style. Whoever you are, you are just making yourself look like an idiot. I refuse to communicate with idiots who make no sense. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
ridiculous remarks
STILL nobody signing their own posts. THAT is pathetic. People making statements and not really asking anything. To suggest that I am making favorable posts for myself is too ridiculous for words, and wont be responded to by me anymore. When you can make some sense or have something rational to say I will listen. Until then, take a hike. Believe it or not, I am not the only one to post here. Apparently the clowns have taken up residence here. Or maybe its just those who refuse to listen - maybe that means its Council memebers posting here! I am not defensive- I am bored repeating myself and tired of explaining myself to clowns who dont and/or wont listen. They waste my time and energy answering statements without any basis in fact, so I do NOT plan to answer them again. I AM glad they are reading my blog, however. Maybe they will learn something. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
campaign comments
Is there anybody but me who noticed that both of the posters who want the truth, etc etc. DIDNT sign THEIR names? As I have said in the past, I got the signing idea from the Gazette editor 5 or 6 weeks ago and started signing only since then. Somehow, they are putting some kind of requirement on ME that DOESNT APPLY to them! Its amusing, of course, not to mention ridiculous. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
to sign, or not to sign... that is the question..
GreenGuy1700 at blogspot is my blog, as is SpringsBlogger. No doubt. At risk of REPEATING myself AGAIN, people complain here when I DO sign my name or whether I dont sign my name. It is safe to say that I sign my name more than ANY other individual here! The truly ODD thing is- those who complain about whether I sign or not RARELY sign their names! I would like to encourage everybody to sign their names to their posts as it may enhance the quality and civility of the posts here. This is at least the third time I have explained this recently. Some people just ARENT LISTENING. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
campaign takes shape
An FOI request was made today regarding the full financial information (revenues, expenses, etc.) on last weekends swim meet. I have never been under the illusion that I will receive ALL of the votes in MS. I have pretty well written off city officials, the Mayor and most of the Council, and those crooked contractors that are plundering us with outrageous cost overruns and change orders. I am okay with them not voting for me. Making a decent return of 20-25%, which seems to be the average in South Florida for construction work, is ONE THING. Gouging us with 300%, 400%, and more profits is still another. Its the average residents that I am interested in reaching and I am pleasantly pleased with the response so far. There is a long ways to go yet, but there is considerable cause for optimism at this point. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mr. Enrique Garcia
I do not know who you are, as I have no record of an Enrique Garcia taking one of my signs. I am truly sorry to hear about your recent bout with dyspepsia. I can empathize with that condition as I frequently want to upchuck when city officials disappear our tax monies by the truckload. Since this happens frequently here in MS, you can imagine my dilemma. You have my most sincere condolences. You wouldnt happen to be one of those contractors who are making 300%, 400%, and more profits on each and every construction project the City undertakes, would you? To protest when ones monies are being stolen, is that the unprofessional conduct you are referring to? Pray tell, what would professional conduct be, after being mugged and large sums of money stolen? Only the muggers complain about being exposed, as it is in this case. Now we have the muggers/thieves/crooks whining about being exposed. Now THAT is a nauseating situation! Have a nice day! Dr. Mel P. Johnson
Dr. Gomez
Thank you for your constructive criticism. Rest assured I will take your suggestions under advisement. In the same spirit of constructive criticism, let me ask you to brush up on your typing, spelling, and grammar in the future as it reflects badly on professed professionals to produce writings that have multiple errors in them. Proper punctuation is a staple of good grammar, as you probably know. I am just asking you to put it into effect more often. Know that I am offering these suggestions in the exact same spirit as those you made. Have a nice day. Dr. Mel Johnson
plenty of city fiascos
Thanks for those credit numbers, Gym. I doubt anybody else in town would have access to those numbers, except you. While I believe its very possible that taking money out of our reserves, and incurring millions more in debt, could easily affect our credit rating, I cannot take credit or blame for that post about possible credit ratings dropping. I also dont believe most of the numbers you provide on a regular basis because they usually turn out to be bogus ie the 150k CC addition, OR the less than 2 million dollar steel gym. I DO appreciate your attributing most, if not all, the critical posts here to me but I am afraid you give me too much credit. I am currently running for a Council seat and really dont have that much time to monitor this site all day long. It is very possible there are several OTHERS who are unhappy with how the City is being run too, and their voices are being heard here. There are plenty of city-run fiascos, debacles, and disasters to talk about without making any up. Have a nice day. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
campaign comments
It IS amusing to me how people say I am just trumpeting my own horn when I sign a post, and then fuss if I forget to sign a post, BY WAY of their OWN unsigned post! Its a no-win situation with them so I wont try. I do believe that if one goes to the movies one will AT LEAST know what the movie is about! Those who never attend a movie will be hard-pressed to comment on it and will never learn to make one. Likewise, those who never attend Council meeting will be hardpressed to know what the issues are that face our community. They will only know what others tell them the issues are along with that persons biases. When people call me and let me know that my sign is missing, knocked down, turned upside down, or vandalized, and want a replacement, I can be pretty sure they are not the ones inflicting the damages, etc., or taking it down of their own accord. Some of it may be kids, but with our particular history of campaign signs missing by political opponents, it makes me wonder. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
campaign comments
Is Suco running? Can he gather signatures to run while still employed with the County? Has anybody seen him at a Council meeting in the past two years? Wonder what his positions are on the major issues? Is Lob campaigning at ALL? or is he willing to just cling to Billys coattails? What about Ator? I have seen less than a dozen of her signs around town and less than 20 for Best. Have any of their signs disappeared?
signs diappearing
Rumor has it that there is a white Mustang convertible stealing political signs in the Springs. Stealing political signs is small town petty politics, its true, but its also illegal, as a few of our residents have found out. Dont hesitate to call the cops if you see it happening, as we only need to catch one to stop this from happening in the future. We caught them once, and we can catch them again. This time we will make it stick! Dr. Mel Johnson
property values to drop another 14.5%?
By Tim Middleton
MSN Money
The housing collapse led the stock market and the economy into the cellar. And this crucial sector is headed deeper still, along with the value of your home. How low? One measure suggests a further 14.5% drop.... The value of homes in Miami Springs dropped 28.3% in the past year alone, according to Zillow.com, a real estate website. The combination would result in a 42.8% drop in home values if we are in the average range. What do you think that will mean to property taxes? Tax revenues to the City? Can we really afford a Rolls Royce in the driveway when we cant afford food, utilities, gas or insurance? Residents have resorted to garage sales to keep the lights on and put food on the table! How can we afford $200,000 a year for the next twenty years in new bills? WE CANT, is the simple answer. Why wont city officials live within their budgets, like everybody else does? Have they absolutely NO COMMON SENSE ? Why are we NOT, as a city, tightening our belts, consolidating, making what cuts are necessary to survive this mess? The City Manager says last meeting he is STARTING to see some signs that we MAY be in a recession! MAY have some financial problems down the road! WHAT ??? Earth to city officials - we are IN a recession and have officially been in it for the past 14 MONTHS! When are you going to start acting like it? To do otherwise is just idiocy. Dr Mel Johnson
MSN Money
The housing collapse led the stock market and the economy into the cellar. And this crucial sector is headed deeper still, along with the value of your home. How low? One measure suggests a further 14.5% drop.... The value of homes in Miami Springs dropped 28.3% in the past year alone, according to Zillow.com, a real estate website. The combination would result in a 42.8% drop in home values if we are in the average range. What do you think that will mean to property taxes? Tax revenues to the City? Can we really afford a Rolls Royce in the driveway when we cant afford food, utilities, gas or insurance? Residents have resorted to garage sales to keep the lights on and put food on the table! How can we afford $200,000 a year for the next twenty years in new bills? WE CANT, is the simple answer. Why wont city officials live within their budgets, like everybody else does? Have they absolutely NO COMMON SENSE ? Why are we NOT, as a city, tightening our belts, consolidating, making what cuts are necessary to survive this mess? The City Manager says last meeting he is STARTING to see some signs that we MAY be in a recession! MAY have some financial problems down the road! WHAT ??? Earth to city officials - we are IN a recession and have officially been in it for the past 14 MONTHS! When are you going to start acting like it? To do otherwise is just idiocy. Dr Mel Johnson
Monday, February 16, 2009
Caulking a quick fix?
Heat your home for less
Jan. 14: TODAY contributor Lou Manfredini shows off five easy steps that will heat your home and save you money on your energy bill.
Today show
updated 10:33 a.m. ET, Mon., Feb. 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - Critics of the $787 billion economic stimulus program are not really balking over caulking: They just don't think pouring substantially more money into home weatherization will give a quick kick to the reeling economy.
There's $5 billion for weatherizing modest-income homes over the next few years in the sweeping stimulus legislation that Congress sent to President Barack Obama.
Obama wants a sevenfold jump in the number of homes weatherized each year — from about 140,000 to 1 million households.
But critics argue that much of the new money will be chewed up by the sheer cost of implementing the program and training people to carry it out. Either way, it's a huge increase from the $447 million that Congress authorized for this purpose in the current budget year.
Scramble to develop training
People who question the initiative say it will do little or nothing to create jobs in the short term. Still, states are scrambling to develop training programs for work that can be as simple as using caulk to seal cracks, or as extensive as replacing leaky windows or old furnaces.
A key question is whether state and local agencies can ramp up soon enough to use the money effectively.
"Any program that receives that much of an increase, you cannot spend the money efficiently in that short a period of time," said Tom Schatz, president of the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste. "The money simply can't flow through the system that quickly."
Some Republicans complain that not enough jobs would be created to give the slumping economy a timely jolt.
"Having the federal government pay for caulk and insulation may or may not be a sensible idea, but it will do little or nothing to create jobs in the short term, and it has no place in a bill designed to get our economy moving again," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.
An energy 'three-fer'?
Obama touts the Energy Department's weatherization program as a "three-fer" that will create tens of thousands of jobs, cut energy costs for many poor and working-class families while making the nation more energy independent.
"That really is an extraordinary step," said Mark Wolfe of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which represents state-run low-income energy assistance programs. "A lot of these are great entry-level jobs, but you still have to train people."
Wolfe said he expects states with large programs already in place — such as Massachusetts, New Jersey and California — will best handle the increase. Other states could face a tougher time.
Florida weatherizes about 1,500 homes annually. Stimulus money could add several thousand more households. That poses a challenge for state agencies seeking to match deserving households with qualified weatherization workers.
"Training will be the biggest obstacle," said Norm Gempel, who manages Florida's weatherization program.
Maine's experience
Maine officials last summer launched new weatherization worker training programs when home heating oil prices were soaring to record levels.
"We have seen what Maine looks like with oil at $5 a gallon and we are scared to death of it," said Dale McCormick, director of MaineHousing, a state agency that administers the federal aid. "And so everything started happening."
Maine is getting $2.5 million for weatherization this winter. The state could get as much as $76 million from the stimulus, which McCormick said according to Energy Department estimates could create 3,848 new jobs.
Maine spends about $3,500 per household and typically cuts energy costs by at least 20 percent, McCormick said. The income limit in Maine for a family of four to get aid is about $47,000.
Jan. 14: TODAY contributor Lou Manfredini shows off five easy steps that will heat your home and save you money on your energy bill.
Today show
updated 10:33 a.m. ET, Mon., Feb. 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - Critics of the $787 billion economic stimulus program are not really balking over caulking: They just don't think pouring substantially more money into home weatherization will give a quick kick to the reeling economy.
There's $5 billion for weatherizing modest-income homes over the next few years in the sweeping stimulus legislation that Congress sent to President Barack Obama.
Obama wants a sevenfold jump in the number of homes weatherized each year — from about 140,000 to 1 million households.
But critics argue that much of the new money will be chewed up by the sheer cost of implementing the program and training people to carry it out. Either way, it's a huge increase from the $447 million that Congress authorized for this purpose in the current budget year.
Scramble to develop training
People who question the initiative say it will do little or nothing to create jobs in the short term. Still, states are scrambling to develop training programs for work that can be as simple as using caulk to seal cracks, or as extensive as replacing leaky windows or old furnaces.
A key question is whether state and local agencies can ramp up soon enough to use the money effectively.
"Any program that receives that much of an increase, you cannot spend the money efficiently in that short a period of time," said Tom Schatz, president of the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste. "The money simply can't flow through the system that quickly."
Some Republicans complain that not enough jobs would be created to give the slumping economy a timely jolt.
"Having the federal government pay for caulk and insulation may or may not be a sensible idea, but it will do little or nothing to create jobs in the short term, and it has no place in a bill designed to get our economy moving again," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.
An energy 'three-fer'?
Obama touts the Energy Department's weatherization program as a "three-fer" that will create tens of thousands of jobs, cut energy costs for many poor and working-class families while making the nation more energy independent.
"That really is an extraordinary step," said Mark Wolfe of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which represents state-run low-income energy assistance programs. "A lot of these are great entry-level jobs, but you still have to train people."
Wolfe said he expects states with large programs already in place — such as Massachusetts, New Jersey and California — will best handle the increase. Other states could face a tougher time.
Florida weatherizes about 1,500 homes annually. Stimulus money could add several thousand more households. That poses a challenge for state agencies seeking to match deserving households with qualified weatherization workers.
"Training will be the biggest obstacle," said Norm Gempel, who manages Florida's weatherization program.
Maine's experience
Maine officials last summer launched new weatherization worker training programs when home heating oil prices were soaring to record levels.
"We have seen what Maine looks like with oil at $5 a gallon and we are scared to death of it," said Dale McCormick, director of MaineHousing, a state agency that administers the federal aid. "And so everything started happening."
Maine is getting $2.5 million for weatherization this winter. The state could get as much as $76 million from the stimulus, which McCormick said according to Energy Department estimates could create 3,848 new jobs.
Maine spends about $3,500 per household and typically cuts energy costs by at least 20 percent, McCormick said. The income limit in Maine for a family of four to get aid is about $47,000.
points well made
Got something from Jim Llewellen today that made pretty good sense. "People are losing jobs, savings, and even homes as our economy gets worse. Our city is losing revenues and experiencing losses even as expenses go up. Yet most of our elected leaders continue to greatly increase our debt without our approval. We must stop this bleeding of our resources and stabilize our financial situation to provide tax relief for our citizens and for the overall health of our beloved community." Hear! Hear! Well said. I am in total agreement. In the midst of the worst recession since the 30s our Mayor and Council have decided to borrow MILLIONS and further burden the struggling taxpayers, who will be responsible for paying it back. How much more fiscally irresponsible could they be?? Live within your budget!!! We do, and so should you guys.
clarification
Let me clarify a few things. One, I have been posting here for a while now on a semi-regular basis and only in the past 5 or 6 weeks have I been signing my name to most of my posts. There are still times I forget to sign but I think its safe to say I sign more than anybody else does. The idea came from the Gazette editor, to increase the accountibility and civility of the posts here. I thought, and think, it was a good idea and worth a shot. Since I think of myself as a leader and leadership starts at the top, I have been signing most of my posts since then, as an example to others how that idea might work. I realize there are some who fear repercussions from the City Manager if they sign, as they may be city emplyees, do business with the city, or be concerned about zoning or inspection issues, and that is completely understandable. There is a long history of petty payback and politics from city officials here. We cannot be intimidated however, and must persist in telling the truth, as we know it, backed up with all available facts and figures. Some will make their contributions here signed, others unsigned. All should be welcomed if their intent and purpose is to further this American debate and discussion toward the Truth. Personal attacks are not particularly helpful in moving the discussions forward, and often distract from the goals. Criticism of ones positions, facts, rationale, and results in the public arena are fair game. Personal attacks and vendettas are not. I hope this helps to make my positions clear. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
meet discounts
I just called over to MDC and Miami Dade Parks and Rec. To rent the first pool for a similar event would be 2000 per day. MD Parks said that the fee would be 200 per hour for 150 plus swimmers. Gymbo says he charges $750 a day for meets, which sounds like a substantial sum of money, until you know what OTHER pools charge! Is there anybody disputing these numbers from MDC and the County? To rent MDC for two-day meet would be $4000 at the quoted rates, and a 3-day meet $6000. MD Parks at $200 an hour for approximately 15 hours total would be at least $3000. Again, we are literally a STEAL for the swim clubs who use our pool for meets! When you figure all the other sources of revenue (admission fees, concessions, heet sheets,etc) that a private team with 100 members has, why are we giving them a discount of at least 50%? Especially when WE have to pay overtime, etc to staff it? It would be more acceptable if it was a nonprofit local team or school with a lot of Springs residents, but it isnt.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
pool meet comments
Nobody is saying that competitive swimming isnt a healthy activity and a benefit to the kids. At the same time the meet DOES inconvenience the residents, who cant use the pool those days, so its a tradeoff. If the poster says that the pool management is much better now than before, what IS happening now that WASNT happening before? how are the rotten apples making the pool more popular? What IS a pool rotten apple? I have no complaints about the staff, in general altho I DO wish they would document the resident and swim team usage in an accurate and consistent fashion. It is my belief that the pool staff is very well qualified and concerned about doing a good job for the residents and all the swimmers. My concerns lie with pool management, or the lack of same. Dr. Mel P. Johnson
espino ad
An interesting ad from Mr Espino in the Gazette. It seems that he is firmly behind each and every one of Billy's projects. While space was limited, he doesnt address the costs involved with these projects, where the money will come from, or any alternatives or cautions to those projects. It will be interesting to see him flesh out his positions more in the future. Preserving our heritage and the character of our community is imperative, so it was good to see him take an interest in those things. Having the City go paperless and automating the processes will surely make us more efficient and save energy. Doing a complete analysis of city operations to improve and enhance efficiencies to reduce costs to the residents is also a good idea, and much needed in these difficult times. It will be good to hear his ideas on exactly WHAT practical, cost-effective ideas he has for businesses, parking, and the downtown areas. More details and specifics are needed.
40 MPG plus?
10 Cars That Get More Than 40 MPG
Some you can buy; some you can't — not yet, anyway.
By Jacob Gordon of TreeHugger
Perhaps you've noticed the phenomenon of the incredible shrinking car. Yo-yoing gas prices and a stumbling economy have had a visible downsizing effect on the types of vehicles Americans are choosing to buy these days. Small cars are simply cheaper to run than bigger ones, and no one believes that this price reprieve at the pumps will last very long. Now that there is a demand for small cars, however, we need to find the cars to fill it. For that, we need to turn to our more fuel-efficient neighbors across the ponds for help.
Discuss: Do you think that Americans can accept smaller, more fuel-efficient rides?
According to a recent study from Jato Dynamics, a leading provider of automotive business intelligence, U.S. cars emit 85 percent more carbon dioxide and consume twice as much fuel as European and Japanese cars. The average year-to-date fuel consumption figure for cars, minivans and SUVs in the U.S. market stands at 22.6 mpg, compared with 40.3 mpg in Europe and 40.6 mpg in Japan. Those are staggering differences, and they make us wonder why it will take American automakers until 2020 to reach a mandated average fuel-efficiency rating of 35 mpg, when European and Japanese automakers already do. (That's food for thought, folks.)
But we digress. This article is about vehicles that get 40 mpg or better on the road. Sadly, only two are currently available in the U.S. Here's the top 10:
1. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is still the reigning mileage champ in the U.S., earning an EPA rating of 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city for 2009.
The Toyota Prius is the reigning champion for fuel efficiency in the U.S., and has been since 2007, when the Honda Insight hybrid was put to sleep. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2009 model at 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city. This kind of efficiency is achieved by pairing up a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a large storage battery. In addition to saving you lots of dough at the pumps, the Prius ranks as one of Consumer Reports' most reliable cars. In fact, three of the six most reliable family cars are hybrids (the Prius, Camry and Nissan Altima).
Can Americans buy it? Yes.
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Civic delivers 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.
Like the Prius, the hybrid Honda Civic has an electric motor that shares the work of the gasoline engine. Though not quite as miserly as the Prius, the gas-electric Civic still reaps a respectable 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, according to EPA tests.
Can Americans buy it? Yes
3. Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
Click picture to enlarge Ford's ECOnetic Fiesta packs a 1.6-liter Duratorque turbodiesel engine that offers more than 60 mpg.
If you were to drive Ford's snappy little Fiesta ECOnetic, you might easily find yourself spending less for fuel each week than you do for coffee. It employs a clean, efficient 1.6-liter Duratorque turbodiesel motor and low-drag body design to achieve a combined city/highway fuel-economy rating of 63.6 mpg, based on European Union standards.
Can Americans buy it? No. Ford says that importing the Fiesta ECOnetic from Europe, where it's made, would be too pricey and wouldn't be met with enough demand. Modern diesel engines deliver roughly 30 to 35 percent higher fuel efficiency than gas-powered engines, and are often just as clean as hybrids. The problem is that diesels must meet the most stringent emissions standards in the world to be sold here in the U.S., and thus automakers are reluctant to go through the costly process of modifying them to be greener and bringing them into a market that is simply lukewarm on diesel power. Folks, diesel is no longer the dirty bird of fossil fuels. We need to give them a closer look.
4. Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI
The Mercedes-Benz C 250, part of the BlueEfficiency diesel line, offers up 45 mpg and a top speed of 155 mph.
Getting past the 40 mpg mark doesn't have to leave you yawning, as evidenced by the Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueEfficiency. According to Mercedes, the C250 can get 45 miles from a gallon of diesel and has a top speed of 155 mph. It also features a slick, luxurious interior and an impressive features package. In addition to the specially designed 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, the C250 BlueEfficiency boosts its mpg with features such as an electric power-steering motor that deactivates when not needed, and a 7-speed automatic transmission that decouples when the car is in idle.
Can Americans buy it? No. It's a diesel issue.
5. Smart fortwo
Click picture to enlarge The fortwo CDI makes the efficient smart car even smarter. The diesel version delivers more than 70 mpg.
As tiny as it is, the smart fortwo available in the U.S. earns an EPA combined fuel economy of only 36 mpg. Over the Canadian border and across the pond in Europe, smarts are sipping diesel fuel to the tune of 70 mpg.
Can Americans buy it? We're afraid not. The diesel fortwo doesn't yet meet U.S. emissions standards. Passionate patriots have struggled unsuccessfully to bring these diesel-powered mites down from the Great White North, and saddened Canadians have had to leave theirs behind at the border. To make American green-car enthusiasts even more jealous, smart is beginning the release of an electric fortwo in Germany. Learn to love diesels, folks. Lawmakers should look closely at this list, too, when they are deciding how to reduce our carbon footprint.
Some you can buy; some you can't — not yet, anyway.
By Jacob Gordon of TreeHugger
Perhaps you've noticed the phenomenon of the incredible shrinking car. Yo-yoing gas prices and a stumbling economy have had a visible downsizing effect on the types of vehicles Americans are choosing to buy these days. Small cars are simply cheaper to run than bigger ones, and no one believes that this price reprieve at the pumps will last very long. Now that there is a demand for small cars, however, we need to find the cars to fill it. For that, we need to turn to our more fuel-efficient neighbors across the ponds for help.
Discuss: Do you think that Americans can accept smaller, more fuel-efficient rides?
According to a recent study from Jato Dynamics, a leading provider of automotive business intelligence, U.S. cars emit 85 percent more carbon dioxide and consume twice as much fuel as European and Japanese cars. The average year-to-date fuel consumption figure for cars, minivans and SUVs in the U.S. market stands at 22.6 mpg, compared with 40.3 mpg in Europe and 40.6 mpg in Japan. Those are staggering differences, and they make us wonder why it will take American automakers until 2020 to reach a mandated average fuel-efficiency rating of 35 mpg, when European and Japanese automakers already do. (That's food for thought, folks.)
But we digress. This article is about vehicles that get 40 mpg or better on the road. Sadly, only two are currently available in the U.S. Here's the top 10:
1. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is still the reigning mileage champ in the U.S., earning an EPA rating of 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city for 2009.
The Toyota Prius is the reigning champion for fuel efficiency in the U.S., and has been since 2007, when the Honda Insight hybrid was put to sleep. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2009 model at 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city. This kind of efficiency is achieved by pairing up a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a large storage battery. In addition to saving you lots of dough at the pumps, the Prius ranks as one of Consumer Reports' most reliable cars. In fact, three of the six most reliable family cars are hybrids (the Prius, Camry and Nissan Altima).
Can Americans buy it? Yes.
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Civic delivers 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.
Like the Prius, the hybrid Honda Civic has an electric motor that shares the work of the gasoline engine. Though not quite as miserly as the Prius, the gas-electric Civic still reaps a respectable 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, according to EPA tests.
Can Americans buy it? Yes
3. Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
Click picture to enlarge Ford's ECOnetic Fiesta packs a 1.6-liter Duratorque turbodiesel engine that offers more than 60 mpg.
If you were to drive Ford's snappy little Fiesta ECOnetic, you might easily find yourself spending less for fuel each week than you do for coffee. It employs a clean, efficient 1.6-liter Duratorque turbodiesel motor and low-drag body design to achieve a combined city/highway fuel-economy rating of 63.6 mpg, based on European Union standards.
Can Americans buy it? No. Ford says that importing the Fiesta ECOnetic from Europe, where it's made, would be too pricey and wouldn't be met with enough demand. Modern diesel engines deliver roughly 30 to 35 percent higher fuel efficiency than gas-powered engines, and are often just as clean as hybrids. The problem is that diesels must meet the most stringent emissions standards in the world to be sold here in the U.S., and thus automakers are reluctant to go through the costly process of modifying them to be greener and bringing them into a market that is simply lukewarm on diesel power. Folks, diesel is no longer the dirty bird of fossil fuels. We need to give them a closer look.
4. Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI
The Mercedes-Benz C 250, part of the BlueEfficiency diesel line, offers up 45 mpg and a top speed of 155 mph.
Getting past the 40 mpg mark doesn't have to leave you yawning, as evidenced by the Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueEfficiency. According to Mercedes, the C250 can get 45 miles from a gallon of diesel and has a top speed of 155 mph. It also features a slick, luxurious interior and an impressive features package. In addition to the specially designed 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, the C250 BlueEfficiency boosts its mpg with features such as an electric power-steering motor that deactivates when not needed, and a 7-speed automatic transmission that decouples when the car is in idle.
Can Americans buy it? No. It's a diesel issue.
5. Smart fortwo
Click picture to enlarge The fortwo CDI makes the efficient smart car even smarter. The diesel version delivers more than 70 mpg.
As tiny as it is, the smart fortwo available in the U.S. earns an EPA combined fuel economy of only 36 mpg. Over the Canadian border and across the pond in Europe, smarts are sipping diesel fuel to the tune of 70 mpg.
Can Americans buy it? We're afraid not. The diesel fortwo doesn't yet meet U.S. emissions standards. Passionate patriots have struggled unsuccessfully to bring these diesel-powered mites down from the Great White North, and saddened Canadians have had to leave theirs behind at the border. To make American green-car enthusiasts even more jealous, smart is beginning the release of an electric fortwo in Germany. Learn to love diesels, folks. Lawmakers should look closely at this list, too, when they are deciding how to reduce our carbon footprint.
alternative fuels - MSN Auto
The world of alternative fuels is often seen as a kind of well-intended, winner-take-all death match. Hydrogen will square off against electricity, while ethanol, biodiesel, compressed natural gas and a horde of other up-and-comers wait in the wings, all hoping to become the one true champion of the post-petroleum economy. The reality is likely to be more complex, both for the energy industry and individual drivers, who may be forced to make smart decisions when buying a particular vehicle and when picking a filling station.
From the multicar family to the commercial trucking fleet, the automotive landscape is about to become a more diverse place, with long-range biodiesel trucks sharing garage space with short-trip electric vehicles. Fuel pumps will have to keep up, with more options and more real estate — both above and below ground — to accommodate a range of different storage tanks and safety measures. There will be casualties of the alternative-energy revolution, but here are some of the most likely survivors, along with each fuel's intended application.
Biodiesel
As diesel gains popularity in the United States, the demand for its biomass-derived cousin is on the rise. Because biodiesel is processed from vegetable and animal fats, it can be used to recycle a wide range of waste material. It's available in a range of blend percentages — B20, for example, is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel, while B100 is all biodiesel. In most cases, each blend requires a separate pump, but Ohio-based Full Circle Fuels has built a special dispenser that blends bio and regular diesel on demand.
Best for: Anyone who wants the benefits of diesel — less fuel burned while idling and lower emissions overall — plus a cleaner conscience. Older vehicles, particularly ones with a high degree of engine buildup, can require servicing to handle biodiesel, and even new models might need to be checked before operating above B20. Also, the higher the blend, the more likely it will void your warranty. Cold-weather drivers should tread lightly, since the higher the blend the more likely the fuel will congeal. That can clog the engine as the fuel starts to crystallize, or prevent the car from starting up at all.
Where to fill up: There are biodiesel filling stations throughout the country, with a small but growing number of drivers taking the more radical step of converting their diesel engines to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO) recycled from restaurants. Cold temperatures are the biggest obstacle to biodiesel and SVO distribution and dispensing, requiring truck deliveries in the short term and, if demand continues to rise, special insulated or heated pipelines in the future.
Discuss: Do you think more options is a good or bad thing at your local filling station?
Ethanol
Corn-based ethanol has taken some well-deserved hits, with experts blaming it for an increase in global food prices. But ethanol derived from other sources, such as switchgrass and municipal waste, is poised to make a comeback, as farmers and energy companies attempt a more responsible, sustainable approach to producing this alternative fuel.
Best for: Owners of flex-fuel vehicles who, by nature, are looking for a long-term bargain. There's an environmental opportunity as well, since ethanol production has the potential for less of a carbon impact than petroleum-based products. MSN Auto
From the multicar family to the commercial trucking fleet, the automotive landscape is about to become a more diverse place, with long-range biodiesel trucks sharing garage space with short-trip electric vehicles. Fuel pumps will have to keep up, with more options and more real estate — both above and below ground — to accommodate a range of different storage tanks and safety measures. There will be casualties of the alternative-energy revolution, but here are some of the most likely survivors, along with each fuel's intended application.
Biodiesel
As diesel gains popularity in the United States, the demand for its biomass-derived cousin is on the rise. Because biodiesel is processed from vegetable and animal fats, it can be used to recycle a wide range of waste material. It's available in a range of blend percentages — B20, for example, is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel, while B100 is all biodiesel. In most cases, each blend requires a separate pump, but Ohio-based Full Circle Fuels has built a special dispenser that blends bio and regular diesel on demand.
Best for: Anyone who wants the benefits of diesel — less fuel burned while idling and lower emissions overall — plus a cleaner conscience. Older vehicles, particularly ones with a high degree of engine buildup, can require servicing to handle biodiesel, and even new models might need to be checked before operating above B20. Also, the higher the blend, the more likely it will void your warranty. Cold-weather drivers should tread lightly, since the higher the blend the more likely the fuel will congeal. That can clog the engine as the fuel starts to crystallize, or prevent the car from starting up at all.
Where to fill up: There are biodiesel filling stations throughout the country, with a small but growing number of drivers taking the more radical step of converting their diesel engines to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO) recycled from restaurants. Cold temperatures are the biggest obstacle to biodiesel and SVO distribution and dispensing, requiring truck deliveries in the short term and, if demand continues to rise, special insulated or heated pipelines in the future.
Discuss: Do you think more options is a good or bad thing at your local filling station?
Ethanol
Corn-based ethanol has taken some well-deserved hits, with experts blaming it for an increase in global food prices. But ethanol derived from other sources, such as switchgrass and municipal waste, is poised to make a comeback, as farmers and energy companies attempt a more responsible, sustainable approach to producing this alternative fuel.
Best for: Owners of flex-fuel vehicles who, by nature, are looking for a long-term bargain. There's an environmental opportunity as well, since ethanol production has the potential for less of a carbon impact than petroleum-based products. MSN Auto
alternative fuels
Best for: Battery-powered vehicles are most efficient — and most affordable — as small, short-range cars. Companies such as Zap! are already marketing their all-electric models as ideal second cars for daily errands and short commutes, with zero emissions and practically no fuel cost (less than a dollar to charge). As the technology becomes more robust, electric vehicles are still likely to remain short-range, everyday vehicles, and could become a necessity for urban drivers in cities such as London, where petroleum-powered automobiles are charged a steep congestion tax.
Where to fill up: Recharging stations will appear only if plug-ins become extremely common, and even then, many gas stations or other businesses could supply multiple vehicles with electricity without upgrading their infrastructure. Some equipment may be necessary to determine how much power is being supplied and what it should cost, but the short-term solution is likely to be ad hoc and disorganized. Unless electric vehicles are supplanted by hydrogen fuel cells or some other petroleum-free, zero-emissions technology, the gas stations of the world will gradually adopt some form of recharging.
Other Gases
In a field packed with fringe fuels, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are among the least-talked-about alternative fuels. Honda is making a push for natural-gas-powered cars with its Civic GX, and with T. Boone Pickens still making the case for a combination of CNG and wind power to wean the United States off foreign oil, people are starting to pay attention. In theory, the domestic reserves are already in place. Honda is selling refilling stations that use your home's existing gas lines. LPG, which can include propane and butane, is somewhat common in Europe, where many vehicles work on both LPG and petroleum, but it requires an extensive conversion to work with vehicles in the U.S.
MSN Auto
Where to fill up: Recharging stations will appear only if plug-ins become extremely common, and even then, many gas stations or other businesses could supply multiple vehicles with electricity without upgrading their infrastructure. Some equipment may be necessary to determine how much power is being supplied and what it should cost, but the short-term solution is likely to be ad hoc and disorganized. Unless electric vehicles are supplanted by hydrogen fuel cells or some other petroleum-free, zero-emissions technology, the gas stations of the world will gradually adopt some form of recharging.
Other Gases
In a field packed with fringe fuels, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are among the least-talked-about alternative fuels. Honda is making a push for natural-gas-powered cars with its Civic GX, and with T. Boone Pickens still making the case for a combination of CNG and wind power to wean the United States off foreign oil, people are starting to pay attention. In theory, the domestic reserves are already in place. Honda is selling refilling stations that use your home's existing gas lines. LPG, which can include propane and butane, is somewhat common in Europe, where many vehicles work on both LPG and petroleum, but it requires an extensive conversion to work with vehicles in the U.S.
MSN Auto
Electric vehicles in our future?
Electricity
The momentum for battery-powered vehicles — both all-electric and hybrid models — appears unstoppable. American carmakers are finally rising to Toyota's challenge, offering steadily cheaper and more efficient models. To prepare for an influx of plug-ins, politicians have called for upgrades to the country's power grid, based on the assumption that drivers will charge their vehicles at home, overnight. But some will want to refuel on the road, either topping up their batteries to avoid turning on the gas engine, or recharging their all-electric vehicles out of necessity. The prospect of recharging stations is complex and a little confusing. Some experts have proposed removable battery packs that can be quickly swapped out for a fully charged pack, while others predict that drivers will simply have to wait at a rest stop for an hour or more as their parked cars remain plugged in. This is seen primarily as a business dilemma, and however the market sorts itself out, the technological hurdles are relatively minor.
The momentum for battery-powered vehicles — both all-electric and hybrid models — appears unstoppable. American carmakers are finally rising to Toyota's challenge, offering steadily cheaper and more efficient models. To prepare for an influx of plug-ins, politicians have called for upgrades to the country's power grid, based on the assumption that drivers will charge their vehicles at home, overnight. But some will want to refuel on the road, either topping up their batteries to avoid turning on the gas engine, or recharging their all-electric vehicles out of necessity. The prospect of recharging stations is complex and a little confusing. Some experts have proposed removable battery packs that can be quickly swapped out for a fully charged pack, while others predict that drivers will simply have to wait at a rest stop for an hour or more as their parked cars remain plugged in. This is seen primarily as a business dilemma, and however the market sorts itself out, the technological hurdles are relatively minor.
Hydrogen as a fuel source for cars, etc.
Hydrogen
The great debate over hydrogen is far from over, although the fortunes of this energy source — where electricity is culled from hydrogen and oxygen — may depend on its larger adoption outside the automotive industry. If hydrogen cells become a storage solution for the energy produced by solar panels and wind turbines, then a hydrogen economy could appear in the coming decades, complete with a specialized distribution infrastructure (since the hydrogen must be stored under high pressure), as well as an increase in filling stations.
Best for: Hydrogen vehicles. These are similar to gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of range and performance, so their biggest selling point is their lack of emissions — the only waste product of the fuel cell's chemical reaction is water vapor. For the foreseeable future, though, the high price of hydrogen vehicles makes them attractive primarily to wealthy early adopters and municipal authorities hoping to reduce their emissions and overall carbon footprint. Even more experimental than fuel-cell vehicles is the prospect of blending hydrogen with natural gas, essentially a last-ditch effort that would negate much of the environmental advantage of using hydrogen, but could reduce the demand for foreign oil.
Where to fill up: For now, there are 65 hydrogen filling stations in the U.S. That number is expected to climb in the next few years, but not by much. With only a few hundred hydrogen vehicles on the road, the demand simply isn't there. The chances of finding hydrogen next to unleaded gasoline at your local filling station are low, and getting worse by the day. Unlike many other alternative fuels, hydrogen is seen as an all-or-nothing energy source. It requires an incredibly specialized distribution infrastructure that is unable to piggyback on the existing petroleum network — the delivery trucks are different, and so are the pipelines — and appears viable only as part of a national transition to renewable power sources. In other words, if hydrogen moves out of the pilot stage and into a filling station near you, it won't be sharing real estate with petroleum-based fuels. It would replace them.
The great debate over hydrogen is far from over, although the fortunes of this energy source — where electricity is culled from hydrogen and oxygen — may depend on its larger adoption outside the automotive industry. If hydrogen cells become a storage solution for the energy produced by solar panels and wind turbines, then a hydrogen economy could appear in the coming decades, complete with a specialized distribution infrastructure (since the hydrogen must be stored under high pressure), as well as an increase in filling stations.
Best for: Hydrogen vehicles. These are similar to gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of range and performance, so their biggest selling point is their lack of emissions — the only waste product of the fuel cell's chemical reaction is water vapor. For the foreseeable future, though, the high price of hydrogen vehicles makes them attractive primarily to wealthy early adopters and municipal authorities hoping to reduce their emissions and overall carbon footprint. Even more experimental than fuel-cell vehicles is the prospect of blending hydrogen with natural gas, essentially a last-ditch effort that would negate much of the environmental advantage of using hydrogen, but could reduce the demand for foreign oil.
Where to fill up: For now, there are 65 hydrogen filling stations in the U.S. That number is expected to climb in the next few years, but not by much. With only a few hundred hydrogen vehicles on the road, the demand simply isn't there. The chances of finding hydrogen next to unleaded gasoline at your local filling station are low, and getting worse by the day. Unlike many other alternative fuels, hydrogen is seen as an all-or-nothing energy source. It requires an incredibly specialized distribution infrastructure that is unable to piggyback on the existing petroleum network — the delivery trucks are different, and so are the pipelines — and appears viable only as part of a national transition to renewable power sources. In other words, if hydrogen moves out of the pilot stage and into a filling station near you, it won't be sharing real estate with petroleum-based fuels. It would replace them.
signs diappearing
It appears that the political sign season for disappearances has started a couple weeks earlier than usual. Whether this is due to kids, overzealous campaign workers or whatever, is not clear yet. It should be easy to see a pattern develop over the next couple weeks. If only newcomers signs go missing it will tell us something. All the candidates are supposed to sign an ethical campaign oath to run a fair and clean campaign. I will NOT tolerate or condone any campaign worker or person associated with MY campaign stealing, dismantling, hiding, or damaging the signs of ANY candidate in any way, shape, or form! That behavior has NO place in any ethical campaign, and I hope that each and every candiate will take a similar stand! Those that wont, well, that says something about THEM. Dr. Mel Johnson
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