HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 16, 2009 J-05030= 5
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Authorize the City Manager to Communicate with the California Energy
Commission with Regard to the Removal of Condition VIS -2 Requiring a Rapid
Growth Tree Landscape Bufferfor the Lodi Energy Center Project
MEETING DATE:
PREPARED BY
December 16,2009
City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to communicate with the
California Energy Commission to request the removal of
Condition VIS -2 requiring planting of fast-growing evergreens and other vegetation for the Lodi Energy
Center.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Northern California Power Association (NCPA) has
brought to staffs attention that The California Energy
Commission is considering imposing a condition upon the Lodi Energy Center Project that would require
the planting of a rapid growth tree landscape buffer. Although Lodi generally supports landscaping and
screening conditions, City staff has several concerns with the proposed condition as it applies to this
specific location.
As Council is aware, a significant portion of the view shed the CEC condition proposes to protect will
border a potential solar farm planned by the City of Lodi. Trees along that bufferwould cast shade upon
the solar panels and significantly reduce their efficiency. Moreover, a significant City goal in constructing
the solar farm is to market Lodi as a green technology -friendly city to potential employers looking for
business sites in the green technology sector. A landscape buffer would reduce or eliminate the visibility
of the solar farm from 14 thus, significantly impacting its potential to achieve the intended marketing
effect.
For the above reasons, staff recommends Council authorize the City Manager to send a letter to the
California Energy Commission supporting NCPA's efforts to remove condition VIS -2.
The condition as stated in the CEC staff report is as follows:
VIS -2 To screen the project from Interstate 5 and the White Slough Recreational Area, the project
owner shall provide landscaping that reduces the visibility of the power plant structures and
complies with local policies and ordinances. Trees and other vegetation consisting of informal
groupings of fast-growing evergreens shall be strategically placed and of sufficient density and
height to effectively blend in with any existing landscaping as well as screen the power plant
structures within the shortest feasible time.
APPROVED: /_Z
Blair Kin ' Manager
The landscaping shall comply with ordinances of the County of San Joaquin Community
Development Department and the City of Lodi Community Development Department
pertaining to preservation of scenic views of selected highways, corridors, and recreational
areas; enhancement of the aesthetic quality of major streets and public/civic areas; and
upgrading and enhancement of industrial areas.
The project owner shall maintain the landscaping for the life of the project, including providing
any needed irrigation, removing debris on an annual or semi-annual basis, and replacing dead
or dying vegetation.
The project owner shall submit to the CPM for review and approval and simultaneously to
[specify local agency] for review and comment a landscaping plan whose proper
implementationwill satisfy these requirements.
The project owner shall not implement the plan until the project owner receives approval from
the CPM.
Verification: The landscaping plan shall be submitted to the CPM for review and approval and
simultaneously to the County of San Joaquin Community Development Department and the City of Lodi
Community Development Department for review and comment at least 60 days prior to installing the
landscaping.
FISCAL IMPACT: Financial impacts related to this action concern the financial viability of a solar field
and the loss of alternative energy. From a broader perspective, Lodi benefits financially in a variety of
different ways including electric rates, lease revenues ($60,310), water sales ($960,000), and one-time
sales tax ($1,400,000) from the Lodi Energy Center Project.
/gz:�
Blair King, City h ager