09-12-16 Utilities - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Therese Dorau, Director of Sustainability on the 13th Floor of the County City Building, stated she is grateful to the Sierra Club and I &M for their technical support they offered that helped her office understand the energy issues that South Bend faces. The resolution represents a good compromise that is based on good information that the Utilities Committee sought out for themselves. Committeemember Davis stated that he sent an earlier version of this to Representative Dvorak so he could see where it is in the process. The Council will send this downstate at the beginning of next year. Committee Chair Dr. Varner thanked Ms. Dorau because she helped them look at the data and gave helpful input. Committeemember Regina Williams- Preston moved to accept the substitute bill, Committeemember Randy Kelly seconded, and it carried by a voice vote of four (4) ayes. Mr. Francis, 54174 Pretty Lake Dr. South Bend, IN, is member of the Sierra Club and wanted to thank Councilmembers Varner and Davis for putting this together. He appreciates the Administration's cooperation as well. He would like to see mention of the coal plant in Rockport, but he still supports it enthusiastically. It sets up a better framework to continue to work on clean air in South Bend as we are doing all over the country. Mark Robinson, 4929 Lathrop St., stated that he supports it but he also wants to recognize all of the effort that was put into it, especially by two (2) groups that don't agree on a lot of issues. There are things he would like to see in the bill, but at least South Bend is moving in the right direction. Brittany Benninger, sophomore at Notre Dame, New York City, stated she is studying economics and sustainability and is involved in Green ND and the campaign to divest in fossil fuels. On behalf of herself and her clubs, they are very happy to see this legislation proposed. John (last name inaudible), stated that the City needs to move in this direction, but can't overlook the fact that we have a substantial investment in coal infrastructure, secondly, this is a multi - generational issue. His kids, their kids, they're going to see significant changes, and he urged the Council to stay the course and not let short-term goals get in the way of a long -term objective. Victor Myers, Buchanan, Michigan, stated he is a client of AEP, and a member of Kern Road Mennonite Church where solar panels have been installed. Many of us are concerned from a creation standpoint and sustainability. We are pleased at the cooperation between the Sierra Club and Indiana Power, and we're here to support you and encourage you to continue along this path. He thinks that solar and other greener technologies have a place in the future. We can solve the problems with them if we are open minded and look for common solutions. Christopher Cobb, 215 E. Pokagon St., thanked Committee Chair Dr. Varner and the Committee for their work. The document makes a great statement and is very usable. This is the making of long -term policy that will benefit the City. It is exciting to see South Bend taking leadership F)