City of Geneva Committee of the Whole met July 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Elected Officials Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Bowring, Bruno, Hruby, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Paschke, Swanson
Staff Present: Attorney Sandak, Deputy Clerk Fornari, City Admin. Dawkins, Asst. City Admin. McCready, Finance Dir. Kruse, Electric Supt. Holton
1. Call to Order
The special meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by Mayor Burns noting all alderpersons present.
2. Items of Business
a. Consider Draft Ordinance Restating Title 9 [ Municipal Utilities], Chapter 2 [Municipal Electrical Service], Article B [Service, Rates and Charges], Section 5 [Table of Electric Rates] of the Geneva City Code.
Ald. Bruno made a motion, seconded by Ald. Mayer to consider the item.
Supt. Holton, along with Eric Kamm from Stanley Consultants, presented the Electric Rate Study. Kamm reviewed the different pricing scenarios the committee preferred based on previous feedback. After a discussion, the committee recommended a blended energy charge to cover costs of the recently approved electric revenue bonds for construction of east side substations, as well as fixed energy costs citywide.
Alderpersons also agreed to a fixed energy charge for all users as opposed to rates based on segments of usage. Additionally, the customer charge would initially increase from $6.75 to $8 and in later years to $9 and $10.
Business owner Rob Byrnes asked questions about specific rates at his place of business located at 1950/2000 S. Batavia Avenue. Kamm and Holton provided feedback and clarification.
Ald. Bowring moved to amend the motion to include the blended pricing models as presented. The motion to amend was seconded by Ald. Bruno.
Roll Call: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.
Mayor Burns then called a vote on the original motion as amended.
Roll Call: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.
Holton stated that an ordinance would come to the City Council on August 7, 2023.
b. Consider Draft Ordinance Restating Title 9 [Municipal Utilities], Chapter 2 [Municipal Electrical Service], Article B [Service, Rates and Charges], Section 13 [Net Metering Policy] of the Geneva City Code.
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Mayer
After a brief presentation on the proposed change to net metering billing for solar customers, there was consensus to have staff bring this item back at a later date after several alderpersons expressed concern that the changes and potential increased costs would diminish the incentive for residents and businesses to invest in solar power. As a result, Alderpersons Marks and Mayer withdrew their motions and no action was taken.
3. Public Comment / New Business
None
4. Closed Session on the Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body (5 ILCS 120/2(c)5.
On a motion by Ald. Bowring, seconded by Ald. Kosirog, the meeting was adjourned to closed session at 9:24 p.m.
Roll Call: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.
On a motion by Ald. Kosirog, seconded by Ald. Marks, the meeting was called back to open session at 9:40 p.m.
5. Adjournment
On a motion by Ald. Marks, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote at 9:41 p.m.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07242023-2189
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