August 7, 2006

Sylvania A Renewable Energy Destination?

Newspaper headlines and TV reports draw our attention daily to the urgency of dealing with energy supplies. The utilities committee of Sylvania City Council, under the leadership of Keith Haddad, is developing a plan designed to promote the community as a dedicated proponent of renewables.

It will be launched at a Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, in council chambers, 6635 Maplewood Ave. Along with previously announced wind, solar, geothermal and biomass presentations, TARTA general manager Jim Gee will cover that company¹s successful biodiesel program and bring a bus with him. Invitations have been sent to major energy consumers in the community. The public is also invited.

Tentative goals for this initiative include:

•  Enabling Sylvania area children to be intelligent consumers of energy and prepare them for careers in Renewable Energy (RE); € Incorporating RE in all public buildings in the community, conserving nonrenewables, lowering energy costs and creating jobs; € Becoming a demonstration site for community commitment to RE and self-sufficiency, promoting national and economic security; € Encouraging present and future families and businesses to locate here in support of these goals.
•  Establishing and maintain an information center of RE systems and grant opportunities for residents and businesses.

Subsequently, a proposal will be made to refer the program to council¹s utility and environment committee, chaired by Haddad. The committee will gather information on grant programs and suppliers of RE systems and will make recommendations on each to city council and the Sylvania Township trustees. Township officials will be invited to participate on an equitable basis.

Target date for completion of each of above is March 31, 2007, at which time the utilities committee will prepare requests for quotations and grants.

Simultaneously, the Sylvania school administration anticipates increasing its overall awareness of RE systems and the educational resources available.

Jack MacMillan
For Sylvania AdVantage