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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/03 MINUTES SPECIAL MTG CCSPECIAL MEETING 1. ROLL CALL Present: MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2003 BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL City Council Chambers 1501 Truxtun Avenue Special Meeting - 6:00 p.m. ACTION TAKEN Vice Mayor Couch, Carson, Maggard, Hanson, Sullivan, Salvaggio Absent: Mayor Hall, Benham Couch recognized Supervisor Barbara Patrick in the audience. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS BY VICE-MAYOR COUCH Vice-Mayor Couch outlined the meeting format. Vice-Mayor Couch introduced Chris Schmidt and Terry Nelson from PG&E, Mike Rufatto with North Amedcan Power Group and Mr. McCauley with the County. HEARING a. Public Hearing regarding the proposed sale of the Rosedale Power Plant. 1. Presentation by Pacific Gas & Electric, Craig Schmidt. Hearing opened at 6:12 p.m. Councilmembers asked a variety of questions regarding their concerns of hazardous materials on the site and groundwater contamination. PG & E representative responded. Bakersfield, California, August 20, 2003 - Page 2 HEARINGS continued ACTION TAKEN Phil Rudnick spoke suggesting City pursue compensation by PG & E for efforts on behalf of PG& E with the PUC. Deborah Demay questioned the amount of natural toxic substances at the site, the relationship of toxic substances to the function of the plant. Mr. Schmidt, PG & E responded that levels of substances in question are within ddnking water standards. Vice- Mayor Couch suggested monitoring of water quality be on-going, and asked Ralph Huey to provide his assessment of the site. Ralph Huey, City Fire Prevention, stated free mercury is on-site, none is reported in the soil or water. Hexavalent chromium levels are well below standards. The other areas of concern are hydro carbons plumes, one of which is not generated by the PG & E site, but the site adjacent. Clean-up is presently being conducted on other hydro carbons and MTBE. In addition it stated the concern is the watertable. Gaylord Beeson, former Equilon employee, spoke regarding toxins. Michael Amundsen asked the projected length of life of the facility. He opposes the opening of the plant. PG & E representative responded. 1. Presentation by North American Power Group. Mike Ruffatto, President, North Amedcan Power Group, made a computer presentation. City Manager Tandy made comments. Councilmembers asked a variety of questions regarding their concerns of hazardous materials on the site, groundwater contamination and specific questions regarding NAPG operation of plans for the site. Mr. Ruffato responded. Bakersfield, California, August 20, 2003 - Page 3 2 3 HEARINGS ACTION TAKEN Councilmember Sullivan asked for clarification regarding operation dates for the plant and the process for sale of the plant. PG & E and NAPG representatives responded. Vice- Mayor Couch requested clarification on the following: Does NAPG has a contract to sell power generated at the site to Southern California Edison · Number of plant employees required for operation Contingency of contract with Edison depending on power generated at the particular location being sold to Edison · NAPG's requirements should the purchase be completed · NAPG's ability to develop the land after purchase · NAPG's process for delivery of fuel to the plant for refining · NAPG's base materials for refinement · Bio-diesel fuel and its sources · Traffic studies for the proposed area Types of noise, odor, air quality, and truck traffic mitigation would be required with the use of natural gas, bio-mass and bio-diesel Sale is not completed Mr. Ruffato has stated the company will have to 'look elsewhere' clarification is requested regarding that statement City permit process required for the disposition/use of the property if the plant is not reopened. Mr. Ruffato responded. Bakersfield, California, August 20, 2003 - Page 4 4. HEARINGS continued ACTION TAKEN Development Services Director Hardisty responded and made comments. Councilmember Sullivan asked if the Governor's order requiring the operations be restored at the site would stand if the Governorship changes. PG & E representative responded. Councilmember Carson requested a copy of the Executive Order mandating restoration of the site to operational condition. Russell Teal, President of Bio-Diesel Industries, offered his consulting services to the City at no charge. John Ritchie, Jaco Oil, representing the Northwest Promenade, spoke encouraging the City's diligence in insuring proper clean up of the property prior to any future use. Renee Nelson requested information regarding what types of crops would be the raw material for manufacturing of bio-diesel, amount of water required, fire suppression needs and time frame for removal of old equipment already on site. Gaylord Beeson requested information on types and sizes of engines. Alan Walker, power plant specialist and Debra DeMay, spoke in favor of NAPG. William O'Realian spoke in opposition to the project. Michael Baker spoke in favor of the project. Vice-Mayor Couch how the City could become the lead agency on the environmental work should the project be approved by the PCU. Hearing closed at 9:00 p.m. CLOSING COMMENTS BY VICE-MAYOR DAVID COUCH Vice-Mayor Couch thanked Mayor Hall for allowing him to chair the meeting and Council, staff, Rhonda Smiley, Mr. McCauley, and Supervisor Patrick for their attendance. Bakersfield, California, August 20, 2003 - Page 5 ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned by Vice-Mayor Couch at 9:00 p.m. ACTION TAKEN 25 ATTEST: CITY CLERK and Ex Officio CI~,I~ of the Council of the City of Bakersfield Bakersfield, California, August 20, 2003 - Page 6 PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK