Council to Vote on Green Initiatives at Tonight's Meeting

Energy efficiency will be the phrase of the night when the City Council discusses three action items at its aimed at reducing San Bruno’s carbon footprint today.

The first item is a resolution that will offer residents rebates for making energy efficient improvements to their homes. Through a federal stimulus grant, residents will be able to take advantage of a $1,000 rebate from PG&E to make basic upgrades, such as installing weather stripping and attic insulation.

A more advanced upgrade, such as having an energy audit done, would qualify the homeowner for up to $4,000 in rebates from PG&E. Additionally, the city would subsidize half the cost of a home energy audit and waive all building fees. And the homeowner could receive up to $5,000 toward the installation of solar panels.

In each case, the city would offer a one-to-one match. Residents would also be able to use EnergyUpgradeCA.org to find certified contractors and find out more details about the program.

While the rebates only would apply to single-family households, multifamily properties and businesses may be eligible in the future, according to a city staff report.

The council will also be voting on whether to hire the firm KEMA at a cost of $38,000 to develop a climate action plan for the city. An outgrowth of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions law, AB 32, a climate action plan would identify actions, policies or programs the city could take to reduce its impact on the environment.

For example, the climate action program could include a recommendation to launch a bike or car sharing program in the city.

The council will also vote on hiring contractor Interstate Grading & Paving at a cost of $144,475 to make the street and bicycle lane improvements for the new bicycle lane project along Sneath Lane. When finished, the bicycle lane will connect the regional trail along Skyline Boulevard and the upper parts of the city to the BART station, and the new bike trail in South San Francisco.

The council meeting will also include a public hearing on .

The meeting will be 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road.