Mayor's Memo

by Fountain Mayor Jeri C. Howells
  
  I am sure it comes as no surprise that, I, like many of you, have spent the past couple of months re-thinking and reviewing Smart Grid meters for the City of Fountain.
  I first want to take this opportunity to thank all of the citizens who have followed the Smart Grid subject matter since the conversation began in earnest in September of 2008, through the present date.
  I have requested that staff prepare specific dates that information was presented, and in what form, and location of the presentation: 
  The Budget Approval Process, at two council work sessions (all work sessions are open to the public) on Sept. 30, 2008 and Oct. 15, 2008.  Smart Grid is discussed as a proposal with funds to be allocated in the 2009 utility budget. 
  On Nov. 25, 2008 the budget was approved on second reading via Ordinance 1429.  In Ordinance 1429, the budget appropriations were outlined and the electric department budget included $250,000 for the initial Smart Grid System enhancements. 
  City Council, in addition to updates provided during staff comments, formal presentations took place on May 25, 2010 when the City Council approved an I.G.A. (Intergovernmental Agreement) with the City of Ft. Collins (our partner for grant/ DOE funding).  Through this I.G.A. stimulus funding became available and the City had the opportunity to receive federal funds that would reduce the financial impact to our customers in the amount of $2.13 million.
    On March 31, 2011 the City of Fountain announced a project of the year award from the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, the parent company of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, our wholesale energy supplier.
   On July 26, 2011 staff provided a project update and the City Council approved a Vendor Contract with Cooper Power Systems.
   On January 24, 2012 staff reported to the City Council on the “Customer Bill of Rights” document.
   There have been three utility newsletter articles to our customers in August, September and October of 2009. 
   In 2010, six articles appeared the months of January, March, June, July, November and December.
   In 2011 nine articles were written with the first in January, then March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December.  (There have been) two articles so far in 2012, one in January and in February.
   Radio advertisements were aired, which ran the weeks of October 31, November 7, 14, 21, and 28 of 2011.  Newspaper ads were published through the month of November 2011 informing of “Meet and Greets” and in addition an article was published on November 9, 2011 concerning the project.
    On January 18 and 25, 2012 the Utility Department published an ad for the community meeting.
    As of this writing there have been community meetings on Nov. 4, 2011, Nov. 18, 2011 and Dec. 2, 2011, Jan. 25, 2012 and Feb. 24, 2012. 
  Staff will also be conducting topic specific meetings at Janitell Jr. High School at 6 p.m. on the following dates; Tuesday, April 17, 2012 regarding meter safety and privacy; Wednesday, April 18, 2012 regarding radio frequency; and Friday, April 20, 2012 to discuss our options moving forward.
  The Smart Grid website was created and has been updated ongoing since 2009.  There is also a Smart Grid Knowledge Center webpage providing project information to customers which can be found at www.FountainUtilities.org.
  I share with you this information regarding the City’s Public Process because I want everyone to know for a fact that the City Staff and City Council have truly strived to keep everyone informed and involved as we have pursued the Smart Grid project.
  Recently; however, I and my fellow councilmembers, (of which there are now three brand new members as of November 2011) have heard concerns related to the various Smart Grid technologies.  (This is to be discussed at public meetings, previously mentioned to take place on the 17, 18 and 20 of April).
  I want you to know that I take these concerns seriously.  I know that City Staff and the entire City Council are doing everything we can to be sure each and every issue is being adequately and honestly addressed.
  At our April 24, 2012 council meeting the City Council will have on the agenda, once again, the future of the Smart Grid meters for our community.
  Since 2008, I, as your Mayor, have been in support of the Smart Grid Project.  With the latest controversy I do believe that if some citizens what to “Opt Out” of the smart meter(s) they should, of course, be allowed to do so, especially those who have health concerns and are fearful.  (This with the understanding that there may be a cost of service, yet to be determined, for this option.)
  I strongly urge each of you to attend the upcoming public meetings on April 17 ,18, and 20. 
  I, and my fellow Councilmembers want to be positive that everyone gets as much information as they need to understand this project.  I sincerely hope that each of you will plan to attend the April 24 City Council meeting at 6 p.m. at city hall.
  Thought for the Week: “Where we all think alike, no one thinks very much.” -from Heart Warmers, compiled by Helen Lesman
  Questions, concerns, ideas on this subject or any other questions, please give me a call at my home, (719)382-5409.