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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-16 UtilitiesOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK UTILITIES Committee Members Present: Other Council Present: Others Present: Agenda: SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 4:50 P.M. Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Randy Kelly, Regina Williams- Preston, Dr. Fred Ferlic (Citizen Member) Bill No. 16 -57 (Substitute) — Support of a Reasonable Transition to Clean Energy Committee Chair Dr. Dave Varner called the meeting to order with one (1) bill on the agenda. Bill No. 16 -57 (Substitute) — Support of a Reasonable Transition to Clean Energy Committee Chair Varner stated that several months ago, members of the Sierra Club asked the City of South Bend to look at the idea of a resolution regarding the development of cleaner power from the City of South Bend. It included references to the interests of the Sierra Club as well as AEP. Committee Chair Varner informed the Committee that On August 15th, Councilmember Oliver Davis, himself, and members of the Sierra Club and AEP met and had a good exchange of ideas. Councilmember Davis and he had a good understanding of where each group was coming from and what we thought the issues were. We had offerings from the Sierra Club and AEP regarding language and how to put a program together regarding discussions about clean air. The substitute before the Council today has an appendix which includes many of the suggestions and statements that have come from both sides of the table. Committeemember Davis stated that no other city in the state of Indiana has attempted this that we know of, so this is going to be a model. Therefore, we want something that will be able to be used in a positive way. Committeemember Davis explained that Councilmember Broden had asked how this applies to South Bend in a previous meeting. If you look through the exhibits, some of them point to South Bend. We began by calling it "cleaner" air rather than "clean" air. We are going to start by working to make the air cleaner and go from there. Committeemember Davis noted that the exhibits explain how this relates to South Bend. 455 County -City Building • 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard • South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone 574- 235 -9221 • Fax 574- 235 -9173 • TDD 574- 235 -5567 • www.SouthBendIN.gov JENNIFER M. COFFMAN ALKEYNA M. ALDRIDGE JOSEPH MOLNAR CHIEF DEPUTY/ CHIEF OF STAFF DEPUTY/ DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK 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) within the state of Indiana. He just installed solar panels, so he is happy to see the effort to make the paperwork friendlier for those who are interconnecting with solar panels. Committee Chair Dr. Varner told Mr. Cobb that he would like to hear from him at the end of the year whether or not using his solar energy has caused him to use more energy or less. Committeemember Dr. Fred Ferlic commended Committeemember Davis and Committee Chair Dr. Varner. This shows South Bend's leadership role on this issue, and it puts the City right where it should be for the future, and it is a tremendous idea to send this to the statehouse. Committeemember Broden asked what the timeline is for sending it down state. Committeemember Davis stated that it would be sent down in February. Committeemember Broden suggested that the Council send it at the end of November so they have it in hand right away after the election. Committeemember Davis said yes, we can send it at the end of November. Committeemember Randy Kelly motioned to send Substitute Bill No. 16 -57 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation, Committeemember Williams- Preston seconded, and it carried by a voice vote of four (4) ayes. Respectfully Submitted, Dr. David Varner, Committee Chair