HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Environmental Advisory Committee_Tab 03_5/8/2024 Agenda Item #3.
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) - May 08 2024
Staff Contact: Michelle Shearouse Department: Community Development
IrMyn
LEED Certified Cities Discussion
At the November EAC meeting, Bill Whiteford, consultant for the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony gave a
presentation on the Town's efforts to become certified through the LEED for Cities program. EAC
Member Michelle Shearhouse followed up with former Jupiter Inlet Colony Mayor Daniel Comerford to
find out how intensive the process was to get certified and what benefits the program have provided
to the Town. The attached memo summarizes the meeting with Mayor Comerford.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-
768-0443.
BUDGET • - •
BUDGET AMOUNT n/a AMOUNT AVAILABLE n/a EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: n/a
FUNDING SOURCES: n/a IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTIONn/a
Meeting With Dan Comerford, Jupiter Inlet Colony Chair About LEED
Page 6 of 105
Agenda Item #3.
Michelle Shearouse
EAC
April 15, 2024
LEED Certified Cities
April 281" Meeting with
Dan Comerford — Former Mayor of Jupiter Inlet Colony
Jay Hubsch-Community Development Director VOT
Jupiter Inlet Colony, (JIC) achieved the LEED City Certification- Gold Level on 4-14-23.
The process began under the leadership of Mr. Dan Comerford, former Mayor.
Mr. Comerford graciously agreed to meet with both myself and Jay.
The main objective I wanted to ascertain is what was the benefit for JIC, as the process
Involves 1 year of time and of course, resources, both in labor and funding.
The journey began for JIC in that the town prides itself on being the "greenest municipality
in Florida", and they felt that LEED City Certification was an additional opportunity to enhance
that status.
LEED City Certification is a one-year process. The $2000K application fees were almost free due
to a grant from LEED. JIC has a small-town hall and required the services of Bill Whiteford,
whom Jay Hubsch had come speak to us at an EAC meeting recently. Bill was the consultant
that led the town of JIC from start to finish. His fee was approximately $50K, with
approximately 250-300 hours of work. Other services hired were Tom Jenson, engineer, about
$50K. Town hall staff was also engaged in the process to research and develop the data, and
make bi-weekly phone calls.
What were the benefits to JIC, per Mr. Comerford?
1. Accomplishment of LEED Gold Status
2. Improvements in:
Town Communication to residents
Sustainability
Education community to share initiatives
Identified mistakes in building & zoning, i.e. drainage of each property, and catch
liars in plan submissions.
The conversation with Mr. Comerford was very interesting as he shared accomplishments by JIC
that included a Geotube that was used in their storm water drainage for filtration, reducing the
dirty water run-off into the inlet, by 90%. (Done prior to LEED certification and earned some
Page 7 of 105
Agenda Item #3.
points towards certification). In addition, they don't experience any puddles on any of their
roads anymore. He also shared the process JIC underwent to accomplish their underground
utilities (prior to LEED process, and no, LEED did not acknowledge that improvement for the
certification process). They butt heads with FPL in the beginning, but completed the task. He
has experience and has resources for this process that he is open to share with VOT as they
approach the same project. Mr. Comerford presented us a thumbdrive with the complete
process that JIC went through for LEED City Certification.
In summary, it seems that our municipality is in between an affluent town that can afford the
financial requirements to attain LEED City Certification, and a larger town with additional
financial and human resources to attain LEED City Certification. At this time, I would
recommend that the EAC continue to seek specific LEED incentives that work for our
community, and lead by example to our members in that manner. LEED City Certification may
be available in the future, when our town has met its priority budgetary demands in
infrastructure, etc.
Here's some at a glance bits you may like to see, side by side.
(Resources
Jup.com
Census.gov United States Census Bureau
Dwellics.com
Zillow.com)
JIC
245 homes
405 population (2020 census)
$140K median household income, one of the highest in the US, and in Florida.
$1.5 to $3M average home value in 2022 (varied range depending on what source)
VOT
3000 homes
6158 population (2020 census)
$92,457 median household income
$600K average home value in 2022
Page 8 of 105