HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - September 26, 2017 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Special City Council meeting of September 26, 2017, was called to order by Mayor Kuehne
at 7:39 a.m.
Present: Council Member Johnson, Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Absent: Council Member Chandler, and Council Member Mounce
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
B. Regular Calendar
B-1
Set Public Hearing for October 18, 2017, to Consider Introducing an Ordinance Amending
Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, "Electrical Service," by Repealing Section 13.20.185,
"Schedule CSS - California Solar Initiative Surcharge," and Reenacting as Follows,
"Schedule RES - Renewable Energy Surcharge" (EU)
City Manager Schwabauer provided a presentation regarding setting a public hearing to introduce
ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, "Electrical Service," by repealing
Section 13.20.185, "Schedule CSS - California Solar Initiative Surcharge," and reenacting as
follows, "Schedule RES - Renewable Energy Surcharge." He explained this matter is related to
the California Solar initiative, which Council briefly discussed at its last meeting, and the fact
that the mandated surcharge is expiring at the end of December 2017. The question is whether
Council prefers to let the surcharge expire or proceed with a public hearing to discuss continuing
collecting the assessment in order to increase the City's resources and improve its renewable
portfolio requirement. The item before Council is only to the set the public hearing for the purpose
of moving forward with the matter while still meeting required noticing deadlines that fit with
Council Member's scheduled absences.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Mr. Schwabauer reiterated that Council previously
provided feedback to allow Council the opportunity to consider whether to continue the fee or let it
expire and a public hearing provides the chance for discussion. Further, Mr. Schwabauer
responded that setting the public hearing requires a majority vote versus three votes.
City Attorney Magdich reminded Council that this vote is only to set the public hearing; not to take
a position on whether or not to continue the surcharge. She further explained the State mandate
concludes at the end of this year and the idea is to use the same assessment toward the
renewable portfolio.
Council Member Johnson stated the renewable portfolio requirements are constantly changing
and there are too many unknowns in the future. He said it is likely the City would ultimately
reinstitute the solar surcharge in the future, but it will depend on the ever -shifting regulations.
Council Member Johnson opined that the hearing should be set in order for Council to discuss the
matter and allow the public to weigh in on the issue.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, to set public
hearing for October 18, 2017, to consider introducing ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code
Chapter 13.20, "Electrical Service," by repealing Section 13.20.185, "Schedule CSS - California
Solar Initiative Surcharge," and reenacting as follows, "Schedule RES - Renewable Energy
Surcharge."
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Chandler, and Council Member Mounce
C. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
7:43 a.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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