MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 1 SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER (SDCP)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
City of San Diego Metropolitan Operations Complex (MOC II) Auditorium 9192 Topaz Way, San Diego, CA 92123
MINUTES
March 23, 2023
This meeting was conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with Government Code Section 54953, as amended by Assembly Bill 361, in relation to the COVID-19 State of Emergency and recommended social distancing measures.
The Board minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the Board Agenda. Agenda Items can be taken out of order during the meeting.
The Agenda Items were considered in the order presented.
WELCOME
CALL TO ORDER
Chair LaCava (San Diego) called the SDCP Board of Directors meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa) and Director Yamane (National City) ABSENT: None
Also Present: Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Burns, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) Washington, General Counsel Baron
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair LaCava (San Diego) led the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INTRODUCTIONS
Chair LaCava (San Diego) introduced the following new SDCP staff members and thanked departing Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members:
Britt Williams, SDCP Administrative Assistant
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 2 Jill Monroe, SDCP Senior Marketing Manager
Morgan Adam, SDCP Senior Local Development Manager
Tom Summers, outgoing CAC member representing the City of Imperial Beach Jen Derks, outgoing CAC member representing the City of La Mesa
ITEMS TO BE ADDED, WITHDRAWN, OR REORDERED ON THE AGENDA The agenda items were considered in the order presented.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written comments submitted prior to the start of the meeting were distributed to the Board of Directors and posted on the SDCP website.
Jim Whalen of J. Whalen Associates spoke on his experience related to rooftop solar and offered continued assistance to the SDCP team as desired.
Jeff Osborn spoke on the increase in distribution costs and encouraged the negotiation of competitive PPAs and to avoid the building of unnecessary infrastructure.
David Peterson spoke on the need for a procurement plan and a project ratings system.
Lori Saldaña stated that some Power Purchase Agreements are out-of-state which may be why residents are opting out. And that out-of-state projects are causing the increase in transmission rates.
Summer Light spoke in support of our efforts towards climate change.
Sonja Robinson called in to encourage the board and staff to focus on local distributed resources and micro-grids to decrease transmission costs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENT
Lori Saldaña spoke on Item Number 2 and questioned what is causing the high number of opt-outs and suggested SDCP investigate to determine the cause.
1. Receive and File Treasurer’s Report for Period Ending January 31, 2023 Received and Filed
2. Receive and File Update on Back Office Operations
Received and Filed
3. Receive and File Update on Marketing and Public Relations MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 3 Received and Filed
4. Receive and File Update on Community Advisory Committee Received and Filed
5. Receive and File Update on Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Received and Filed
6. Receive and File Update on Power Services
Received and Filed
7. Receive and File Update on Human Resources
Received and Filed
8. Approval of Teleconferencing Policy
Approved
9. Approval of Second and Fifth Amendments to Legal Services Agreement with Keyes and Fox LLP for up to $184,752.07 for Legal and Regulatory Services through June 30, 2024.
Approved
10. Approval of Energy Consulting Services Agreement with Pacific Energy Advisors, Inc. up to $733,567.50 for Energy Consulting Services through March 31, 2025.
Approved
11. Approval of Fifth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC for up to $846,250 for Regulatory Support and Rate-Related Analysis through June 30, 2024.
Approved
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Director McCann (Chula Vista) and seconded by Director Yamane (National City) to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 11.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 4 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items removed from the Consent Calendar.
DIRECTOR INITIATED ITEMS
(Consideration of a Request by Vice Chair Lawson-Remer and Director Aguirre)
12. Consider Adoption of Resolution Approving the 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2035 Policy
Vice Chair Lawson-Remer and Director Aguirre introduced the item and requested support for ensuring 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.
Public Comment:
Cheryl Robertson, Lemon Grove School Board, spoke in support of the item.
Christina Marquez, IBEW Local 569, spoke in support of the item.
Gretchen Newsom, IBEW Local 569, spoke in support of the item.
Zachary Grubbs, IBEW Local 569, spoke in support of the item.
David Harris, Community Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the item.
Serena Pelka, Climate Action Campaign, spoke in support of the item.
Greg Lichtenstein, resident of Scripps Ranch, spoke in support of the item.
Eddie Price, Chair Community Advisory Committee, asked that items like this are presented at the Community Advisory Committee to ensure all communities are part of the conversation.
Sonja Robinson, Climate Equity Public Policy Advocate, Chief Sustainability Officer, spoke in support of the item.
Karl Aldinger, Sierra Club San Diego, spoke in support of the item.
Karinna Gonzales, resident Chula Vista, spoke in support of the item.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego) and seconded by Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach) to adopt a resolution of the San Diego Community Power Board of Directors Committing San Diego Community Power to 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2035.
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 5 The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
REGULAR AGENDA
13. Approval of Amendment to Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with JVR Energy Park, LLC
Managing Director, Power Services Vosburg gave a presentation on the background of the JVR PPA, provided an overview of the project and detailed community benefits.
Public Comments:
Jeff Osborn, Jacumba Hot Springs resident, spoke against the project.
Tanya Wilkins, Jacumba Hot Springs resident, spoke against the project.
Corrine Chapman, Jacumba Hot Springs resident, spoke against the project.
Corbin Winters, Jacumba Hot Springs resident and business owner, spoke against the project.
Lucy Cannon, Jacumba Hot Springs resident, spoke against the project.
Christina Marquez, IBEW Local 569, spoke in support of the project.
Gretchen Newson spoke in support of the project.
Zachary Grubbs, IBEW Local 569, spoke in support of the project.
Lori Saldaña spoke against the project.
Brandon Reinhard, Senior Director BayWa, spoke in support of the project.
Eddie Price, Chair Community Advisory Committee, spoke in support of concessions for the Jacumba community.
Sonja Robinson spoke against the project.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Director McCann (Chula Vista) and seconded by Director Yamane (National City) to approve the amendment to the Long-Term Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with JVR Energy Park, LLC, and authorize the CEO to execute the amendment.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 6 No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
14. Approval of the San Diego Community Power Sponsorship Policy Strategic Initiatives Manager Hommel gave a presentation on the background and purpose of the Sponsorship Policy and detailed the sponsorship criteria.
Public Comment:
Lori Saldaña spoke against the Jacumba project.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Director Parent (La Mesa) and seconded by Director McCann (Chula Vista) to approve the San Diego Community Power Sponsorship Policy with the amendment to add the word ‘primary’ before ‘purposes’ under the policy restrictions section.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
15. Approval of the Staff Compensation Policy
Director of People Pugh presented on the staff compensation policy.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Director McCann (Chula Vista) and seconded by Director Parent (La Mesa) to approve the staff compensation policy.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 7 Absent: None
16. Approval of Support for Senate Bill 411
Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Fernandez gave a presentation on Senate Bill 411 related to Open Meetings and Teleconferencing.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego) and seconded by Director Hinze (Encinitas) to adopt a support position for Senate Bill 411 (Portantino) The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
17. Approval of Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Appointment for La Mesa.
Public Outreach Associate Abrenica presented the nomination of Lauren Cazares to the Community Advisory Committee representing La Mesa.
Director questions and comments ensued.
ACTION: Motioned by Direct Parent (La Mesa) and seconded by Director McCann (Chula Vista) to approve the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Appointment for La Mesa.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Vote: 7-0
Yes: Chair LaCava (San Diego), Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa), and Director Yamane (National City) No: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
18. Update on Phase 4 Enrollment
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 8 Director of Public Affairs Lebron and Director of Data Analytics and Account Services Utouh presented on outreach efforts, public relations and opt-out trends.
Public Comment:
Larry Emerson, Community Advisory Committee, commented on grace periods for opt-ins and opt-outs.
Director questions and comments ensued.
Received and Filed
REPORTS BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND GENERAL COUNSEL
Chief Executive Officer Burns provided an update on staff efforts and activities.
DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Aguirre asked for board member briefings be increased to one hour and for staff to present pros and cons related to controversial items. Aguirre also asked for staff to provide a presentation to the board on a Community Benefits Agreement Policy if we do not have a policy she would like to direct staff to create one. With a special focus on Buy Back communities.
Director McCann agreed with Chair LaCava’s suggestion that we have the Community Advisory Committee provide us with an update at every board meeting.
Vice-Chair Lawson-Remer agreed with the comments made by Director Aguirre related to the Community Benefits Agreement. Lawson-Remer also requested that the Community Advisory Committee be able to preview all agenda items before they are presented to the board.
Director Yamane gave thanks to Community Advisory Committee members Larry Emerson and Aida Castenada for all the work they are doing in the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no public comments.
CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957
Title: Chief Executive Officer
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
Agency designated representative(s): Ryan Baron, General Counsel Unrepresented employee: Chief Executive Officer
MINUTES – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER 9 ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chair LaCava (San Diego), , Director Aguirre (Imperial Beach), Director Hinze (Encinitas), Director McCann (Chula Vista), Director Parent (La Mesa) and Director Yamane (National City)
ABSENT: Vice Chair Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego)
Also Present: General Counsel Baron
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
General Counsel Ryan Baron reported there is no reportable actions from today’s closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair LaCava (San Diego) adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m.
Kimberly Isley, Clerk of the Board