UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee meeting was held on June 9, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. McGiffin, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Mayor Carey was also present.

Mr. Ruane welcomed Mrs. Williams as a member of the committee (replacing Mr. Leary). He also relayed appreciation to Mr. Leary for the service he provided serving as a member of the committee.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. McGiffin moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.

Report on Climate Control Initiatives

Mr. DePrima, City Manager, advised members that on April 9, 2008, City Council adopted a Resolution endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. He explained that Mayors from around the nation have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which, as amended at the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, states: “We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities...”. Since that time, he stated that the City has strived to implement a number of policies, programs, and projects to further the intent of the City Council.

Mr. DePrima reviewed a report provided to members on the City of Dover’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and explained the various actions that have been taken by staff in this regard during the past year.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that although staff has expanded the recycling program for the City, it was not included in the report since the program was initiated before City Council adopted the Resolution. Referring to the State’s Signalization Project, Mr. Ruane noted that one of its intents was to reduce emissions. Responding, Mr. DePrima indicated that he would contact DelDOT to determine if there is a measurement for vehicle idling.

At the suggestion of Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that the Wind Energy Initiative (Bluewater Wind Project) would be added to the report, as well as the goal to expand the array of sources in the City’s energy portfolio as it relates to the 2030 Power Plant Development.

Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend acceptance of the Report on Climate Control Initiatives, as amended (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.

2008 Comprehensive Plan Review: Utility Chapter

As directed, staff provided members with the Utility Chapter of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan for their review, which included Chapter 7 - Public Utilities and Infrastructure Plan. During their meeting of May 27, 2008, members deferred the review of the Utility Chapter of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, at which time it was suggested that staff include a section that would consist of a general outline of how the electric is brought to the City. It was also suggested that if there is a goal statement, there should be a paragraph explaining why the goal is necessary (the problem or challenge).

Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, reviewed Chapter 7 - Public Utilities and Infrastructure Plan, and advised members that the Background Information (Part I) of the Report will be replaced with a more appropriate introduction. She also indicated that additional information will be included in the storm sewer system as it relates to the Storm Water Utility. She assured members that staff will include a section that would consist of a general outline of how the electric is brought to the City.

Mrs. Townshend noted that currently, the recommendations are not very detailed; however, staff will be conducting additional workshops and anticipates that they will be further developed based on the comments received.

Mr. Ruane relayed his disappointment with the lack of stewardship and responsibility, as well as value and vision in the report. In addition to listing City assets, he suggested the inclusion of goals for clean and affordable energy, growth and sustainability as they relate to these utilities. He suggested that the staff include future challenges that the utilities are facing and acknowledgment of the successes. It was his opinion that there should be recommendations and goals for the challenges such as capacity issues, inter-relationships, costs, rates, etc. Mr. Ruane felt that goals regarding security issues, such as wellhead and source water protection, should be included in the report. Although there is a recommendation regarding brown water, the issue of brown water is not identified as a challenge.

Mr. Cregar moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:30 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Eugene B. Ruane

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachment

Attachment #1 -   Report on Climate Control Initiatives (Amended by Committee)