HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/6/2006 - STAFF REPORTS - 5.A. I P LM SA4
iy
41
U y
M
e Yx
A C °p•oux°`°•
Q��FOR��P City Council Staff Report
DATE: September 6, 2006 New Business
SUBJECT: Creation of an Energy Subcommittee of the City Council
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Assistant City Manager—Administrative Services
SUMMARY
There have been several different energy commissions over the years to advise
the City Council on energy related matters. The last energy commission was
' disbanded by the City Council in 1986. Recently, several Council Members
expressed interest in establishing a new energy commission. This action would
create an Energy Subcommittee of the City Council to further explore the concept
of creating a formal energy commission and to provide general guidance on a
range of energy issues affecting the community.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the formation of an Energy Subcommittee of the City Council and
appoint two Council Members.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
On September 21, 1977, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1054 establishing
an Energy Commission consisting of seven members appointed by the City
Council. The Energy Commission served in an advisory capacity to:
• Consider possible short-term and long-term uses of solar power and other
alternate sources of energy in city facilities;
• Encourage the location of solar experiments and research within the
community;
• Coordinate and assist in local efforts to utilize alternate energy sources;
• Analyze various solar applications as to practicality and feasibility; and
• Develop a public information program relative to uses of alternate energy
sources and the conservation of energy.
6TEM NO.•s• A •
Creation of an Energy Subcommittee of the City Council
Page 2 of 3
The original Energy Commission was disbanded in 1979. On March 4, 1981, the
City Council approved Ordinance 1134 re-establishing the Energy Commission
and amending its duties. In addition to advising the City Council on energy
matters, the new Energy Commission was responsible for:
• Developing a public information program relative to conservation and
governmental incentive program;
• Considering ordinance modifications, as well as introducing new
ordinances to encourage or mandate conservation;
• Reviewing City facility retrofit proposals; and
• Reviewing alternate energy programs as they relate to cogeneration;
• Coordinating and formalizing grant applications, particularly as they relate
to weatherization, energy management, cogeneration and conservation.
In 1985 the number of members on the Energy Commission was reduced from
seven to five. The Energy Commission remained active for another year until it
was officially disbanded on August 6, 19K
Recently, Council Members Mills and Pougnet have suggested that the City
formally consider reconstituting the Energy Commission. Although the Council
could create a new commission and appoint members of the community, it is
recommended that the City Council first consider creating a Council
subcommittee to determine if such a formal commission is needed and to set
specific goals and objectives for the commission to achieve. In addition to
examining the role of the commission, the Energy Subcommittee could be
responsible for:
• Overseeing City policies where energy efficiency should be addressed
and advise City Council;
Creating periodic public reports and recommendations on means of
improving municipal and community energy efficiency;
• Preparing, adopting, amending, and transmitting to City Council plans
identifying municipal and community-based energy efficiency and
production projects;
Researching, formulating, and overseeing community education
programs; and
Identifying and making recommendations regarding energy project
financing options.
A number of cities throughout the state have established similar subcommittees
or formal commissions to provide advice and technical assistance on the plethora
of energy issues facing local government and the community as a whole.
Creation of an Energy Subcommittee of the City Council
Page 3 of 3
In light of the some of the current energy issues facing the City, including
increase costs for gasoline, natural gas and a scheduled rate hike in electric
rates by Southern California Edison later this year, the formation of a Council
Energy Subcommittee is both timely and appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although some staff time may be needed to support the Energy Subcommittee,
no other financial impact is anticipated.
jTrL.. Butzlaff A 'i tant City Manager David H. Read yOOEVa
ger