MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
8:45 A.M.
___________________________________________________________ ****AB 361****
**RE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19**
CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AB 361 WHICH SUSPENDED CERTAIN
REQUIREMENTS OF THE BROWN ACT, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PARTICIPATED IN THE MARCH 3, 2022, MEETING BY TELECONFERENCE.
CALL TO ORDER
(8:48 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 03:45)
Prior to taking roll call attendance, Darin Bartow, Clerk of the Board for Sonoma Clean Power, administered the Oath of Office to Alternate Director Susan Adams.
Chair King called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Chair King, Vice Chair Fudge, and Directors Bagby, Landman, Peters, Elward, Slayter, Felder, Gjerde, Hopkins and Alternate Director Adams.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations; Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs; Rebecca Simonson, Director of Planning & Analytics; and Joshua Nelson, Special Counsel.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(8:49 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 04:06)
1. Approve February 3, 2022, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Authorize Extension of SCP Resolution 2021-05 Permitting Remote Teleconference Meetings of the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee Pursuant to AB 361
Public Comment: None
Motion to Approve the March 3, 2022, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Landman
Second: Director Hopkins
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Bagby, Landman, Peters, King, Adams, Rogers, Slayter, Felder, Fudge, Gjerde, Hopkins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
(8:52 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 06:52)
3. Receive Internal Operations and Monthly Financial Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate
Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations, reported that the Advanced Energy Center (AEC) has reopened to the public and the hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. She discussed SCP’s enrollment numbers. Director Reynolds continued by pointing out energy education programs done in concert with Sonoma Water and requested Mendocino County Directors reach out to educators in their territory to share the opportunity.
Geof Syphers, CEO discussed CC Power storage agreements. He pointed out a GeoZone article in the North Bay Business Journal on geothermal energy.
He discussed the need to prepare to move from online meetings to a hybrid meeting model. CEO Syphers mentioned that PG&E rates increased March 1, 2022. He discussed an interest in recognizing the $26 million in deferred revenues at the end of this fiscal year and also an upcoming mid-year budget adjustment.
Public Comment: None
4. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates and Approve Positions on AB1814 (Grayson) Transportation Electrification and Other Bills as Appropriate
(9:07 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 22:38)
Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, stated the CPUC had indefinitely suspended the Proposed Decision on Net Energy Metering (NEM) and re-opened hearings. CEO Syphers informed the Board that SCP will need to use unbundled renewable energy credits to participate in CARB’s low carbon fuel standard program, but clarified that SCP would continue to adhere to its policy to never use RECs to reduce reported power supply greenhouse gas emissions. Director Landman asked for an updated explanation of RECs.
CEO Syphers discussed 2 bills related to Integrated Resource Planning (IRP).
He discussed concerns with the increased financial bond in SB-1287 (Bradford) and recommended the Board support AB 1814 (Grayson) as it would allow CCAs to apply for funding through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Director Hopkins discussed bills that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) supports: AB 1944 (Lee) which allows for virtual meetings without the need to post a director’s address and AB 2449 (Rubio) which would require an in-person quorum but allow hybrid meetings. She also discussed SB 852 (Dodd) which would allow for the formation of resiliency districts.
Directors Gjerde, Bagby, and Landman all expressed support for AB 1944.
Director Bagby discussed Senator McGuire’s intent to divest from Russian investments and discussed SCP further transitioning from natural gas. She inquired how we can move forward on these issues. CEO Syphers said he would work with the Chair and Vice-Chair on next steps.
Public Comment: Sarah Booth inquired as to SCP’s stance on Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) and customer fleets.
Patricia Morris also inquired about LCFS.
CEO Syphers mentioned that LCFS would be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
Motion to Approve Support for AB 1944 by Director Gjerde Second: Director Hopkins
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Bagby, Landman, Peters, King, Adams, Rogers, Slayter, Felder, Fudge, Gjerde, Hopkins
10:05 a.m. Public Comment was reopened: None
Motion to Approve Support for AB 1814 by Director Landman.
Second: Alternate Director Adams
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Bagby, Landman, Peters, King, Adams, Rogers, Slayter, Felder, Fudge, Gjerde, Hopkins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10:06 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:20:56)
Director Slayter discussed Russia’s war with Ukraine being an environmental disaster and the need for the Board to take action.
Director Felder introduced his new alternate as Sandra Lowe.
Director Gjerde inquired how to disinvest with Russia and stated that Mendocino County is trying to set up more vehicle charging station grants.
Chair King congratulated CEO Syphers on his appointment to Chair of California Community Power (CC Power) and he appreciates the Board’s stand on Russia.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(10:13 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:27:56)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(10:13 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:28:20)
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darin Bartow, J.D. Clerk of the Board