09-12-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING RESOLUTIONS SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 16 -57 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA IN SUPPORT OF A REASONABLE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY FOR SOUTH BEND Councilmember Karen White made a motion to accept Substitute Bill 16 -57. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Dr. David Varner, Chair of the Utilities Committee, reported that they met and send this forward with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Dr. David Varner and Councilmember Oliver Davis served as the petitioners of this bill. Councilmember Dr. Varner stated several months ago the Sierra Club came to the City of South Bend and asked the Council to look into a resolution in support of clean energy. To that end the Utilities Committee held a public meeting in the middle of August where members from the Sierra Club and Indiana Michigan Power met to exchange ideas and thoughts. With the help of our Director of Sustainability, Therese Dorau, we put together a resolution that represents the entirety of the City of South Bend without delving too far to the side of one (1) interest group. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated he was glad to work along with Councilmember Dr. Varner on this important issue and thanked the co- sponsors Councilmembers Ferlic and Scott as well. This resolution specifically makes note of "cleaner" energy because we are always working towards cleaner solutions. This resolution is broken down into two (2) different parts. The first part is the section where we focus on what our goals are in South Bend in the interest of cleaner sources of energy. The second part contains an exhibits section. This is a culmination of the different issues we have heard from I &M and the Sierra Club. We mentioned moving away from coal as an energy source but we recognize it will not happen overnight. The Council encourages I &M look at the eleven (11) recommendations as stated in the exhibitions section. We will send this resolution, if it is passed, to our state representatives down in Indianapolis after the upcoming election. Councilmember Davis invited Ms. Dorau to speak to the Council. Therese Dorau, Director of Sustainability for South Bend with offices on the 13th Floor of the County -City Building, stated that the Sierra Club and I &M are partners of their office helping to educate her staff on energy issues. She expressed her gratitude in being able to educate the Council on energy issues and this resolution represents a good deal of compromise but also a good amount of seeking increased understanding and information. This is a good baseline for our community of have intelligent and well informed conversations about energy in the future. Councilmember Davis stated it is important for our representatives down in Indianapolis to know that we did this in a bi- partisan fashion. That is one (1) of the reasons this is such a solid start because everyone is on board. Councilmember Dr. Varner stated a great experience of being on the Council is that you find yourself involved in situations or discussions which force you to go and seek information. In this case it is clean energy. Councilmember Dr. Varner stated he has never ceased to be amazed at how much information is out there and how accessible it is today. The partners we worked with on this resolution were willing to share that information and have that conversation which allowed us to put together something that hopefully will receive unanimous support. There were no questions from Council. Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of the bill: Steve Francis, 54174 Juday Lake Dr. South Bend IN, stated he is a state board member of the Sierra Club. He thanked Councilmembers Davis and Dr. Varner for leading this effort and galvanizing the interest of the public. It is not often Indiana Michigan Power and the Sierra Club can be on the same side. We did not get everything we wanted in this resolution but it is something we are very happy to support. There is already a good start for clean energy in South Bend with the sustainability office and all the great energy projects they have been announcing 0