High-tech charging stations are set to keep electric cars rolling
Eleven stations have opened in Burbank and are free of cost until July 1.  Burbank Leader: 3.27.2012 by Mark Kellam

Eleven charging stations for electric cars now are up and running in downtown Burbank. City officials hope they will spark interest among drivers of the high-tech cars to patronize the business district. Drivers can even be sent a text message when the cars are fully charged.

Use of the stations is free until July 1. After that, the cost will be $2 an hour, but the texts will remain a free perk.

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On average, five cars are charged a day, with each session lasting about two hours, said, Bruce Hamer, smart grid program manager for Burbank Water and Power, which installed the stations.

The first two stations were unveiled in December, Hamer said, adding that the last two stations went online on Valentine’s Day.

Two stations are operating at each of the following locations: 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., 327 N. Pass Ave. and 120, 133 and 240 E. Orange Grove Ave.

One station is in the parking lot of the city’s Community Services Building, 150 N. Third St.

The utility installed the stations with help from a portion of a $20-million, four-year smart grid grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Hamer said. READ MORE !

Burbank Green Spotlight Award: January 2012

Burbank Sustainable Commission
Green Spotlight Award

WHAT’S IN THE WORKS
Public Works Newsletter: February 2012
At their December meeting, the Sustainable Burbank Commission established the Burbank Green Spotlight Award. Each month the Commission will present the award to a resident or business for sustainable efforts.

February Newsletter: On January 23rd, the Commission presented the Burbank Green Spotlight Award to Jodie Venturelli [the 1st Award]. Ms. Venturelli and her family planted an edible organic garden in the front yard of their Burbank residence that dramatically reduces water usage, increases their physical activity, reduces produce costs, and increases community building. Ms. Venturelli said that she was inspired to plant an edible organic garden after listening to a radio show and reading ―Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden and Your Neighborhood into a Community, by Heather Flores.

-published in the Public Works Newsletter -

SUSTAINABLE BURBANKCOMMISSION

December 19, 2011 MINUTES
VII. PROPOSED GREEN GRATITUDE/GREEN THUMBS UP PROGRAM:
Mr. de Wolff made two suggestions for a “green” reward that could be given to recipients as a form of recognition that would encourage residents and businesses to pursue sustainable activities: 1) a reduction in the recipient’s BWP bill or 2) a gift certificate donated by Lowes. Ms. Riley suggested that Commission members take turns choosing a Burbank business or resident as an award recipient each month. The recipient would be invited to the Commission meeting during which their sustainable activity or project would be discussed as part of the meeting’s agenda. Commission members could also take photos of the recipient’s project or activity (Ms. Riley will provide photo release forms). Mr. Lewis suggested having the City Council recognize all twelve award recipients during the final Council meeting of each year. The Commission engaged in discussion and asked questions of staff.

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. de Wolff seconded, to have the Commission recognize a business or resident with a certificate for sustainable practice once every month. Each month a Commission member will volunteer to select a winner. At the end of each year the Commission will request Council to recognize the past year’s winners. The motion was approved by all present.

Mr. de Wolff volunteered to choose the January 2012 recipient and will provide Ms. Teaford with his/her name one week prior to the January 23, 2012, Commission meeting.

Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Aboulsaad seconded, to name the monthly award received by a business or resident for sustainable practice the Burbank Green Spotlight Award. The motion was approved seven to one. Mr. de Wolff opposed and Mr. Carlson abstained.