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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/30/2017B A K E R S F I E L D Committee Members Staff: Chris Huot Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales, Chair Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Willie Rivera Councilmember,KenWeir SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 30, 2017 10:30 a.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. 1.ROLL CALL Committee members Present: Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales, Chair Councilmember, Ken Weir Councilmember, Willie Riviera City Staff Present: Alan Tandy, City Manager Chris Huot Assistant City Manager Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant – City Manager’s Office Joshua Rudnick, Deputy City Attorney Nelson Smith, Finance Director Randy McKeegan, Finance Supervisor Additional Attendees Present: Members of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors Members of the PACE Program Members of the Media Members of the Public 2.ADOPT APRIL 27, 2017 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was adopted as submitted. 3.PUBLIC STATEMENTS There were a total of 7 public speakers who spoke in opposition to the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program. They were: Sherry Anthis, Bakersfield Association of Realtors; Michael Turnipseed; Nick Ortiz; Margaret Smith; Melissa Domeny; Scott Dick; and Gary Crabtree. /s/ Chris Huot ____________________________________________ Budget and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda Summary Report – May 30, 2017 Page 2 There were a total of 14 public speakers who spoke in support to the PACE Program. They were: Ray Mathers; Sharon Dickey; Kevin Harbor; Ken Greer; Mathew Martin; Lyn Rincon; Ben Dominguez; Chris Morgan; Paul Vince; Laura Booker; Bert Alton; Jose Augilar; Brian McCardy; and Fred Thomas. During a rebuttal period, additional statements were provided by: Sherri Anthis, Bakersfield Association of Realtors and Glen Porter who spoke in opposition to the PACE Program; followed by Jeremy Human; George Ygrene; and Dustin Reilich who spoke in support of the PACE Program. 4.NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding the PACE Program– Tandy City Manager Tandy provided a brief summarization of the PACE Program by means of a PowerPoint presentation. City Manager Tandy provided details regarding the history and recent developments related to the program. There was no staff recommendation presented to the Committee. Committee member Rivera expressed his appreciation to everyone who provided testimony regarding the PACE Program. He stated that the program was considered a great incentive for the community; in particular those who would not be able to otherwise afford energy efficient home improvements and a reason the City chose to allow it within city limits. He asked if research had been compiled regarding the effectiveness of the participation agreement in other jurisdictions and if it would address the issues being experienced locally. City Manager Tandy stated that the city authorized the program to be used locally through a joint powers agreement and that the program is regulated by the State. The City has no enforcement and compliance tools to monitor the program. City Attorney Gennaro agreed with City Manager Tandy’s comments. In addition she stated that she was unaware of any amendments being made to the joint powers agreement. The PACE Participation Agreement is only a sample agreement between the PACE provider and the property owner; without being physically present during the execution of the agreement there is no way to know exactly what is said or what takes place. Committee member Rivera asked if the City could withdraw from the joint powers agreement and cancel the PACE Program. City Attorney Gennaro stated that the Council could withdraw from the joint powers agreement by passage of a resolution. The termination would only have an effect on future consumer agreements; those previously signed would remain in place. ____________________________________________ Budget and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda Summary Report – May 30, 2017 Page 3 Committee member Rivera requested staff reach out to the City of Los Angeles, find out what changes they have made to make the program work in their jurisdiction. He also acknowledge the comments written by Mr. John Lifquist, Kern County Assessor, and stated it did not sway his current position. Committee member Weir also thanked those present for providing testimony and expressed concern regarding several statements made. He stated that the example participation agreement included in the packet only jeopardized the city further into responsibility. Committee member Weir stated the question regarding the matter being poor public policy needs to be address by the full City Council. He made a motion to direct the matter without a recommendation back to the full City Council on for discussion at an appropriate date. Committee Chair Gonzales reiterated and agreed with the comments made by Committee members Rivera and Weir. Given the program has been in effect since 2010 and there being over 2,700 projects completed to date, he requested staff gather additional information regarding the 26 cases provided by the Board of Realtors in order to have a better understanding of the current circumstances 5.COMMITTEE COMMENTS There were no Committee comments. 6.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:27 p.m.