MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025
9:00 A.M.
___________________________________________________________
CALL TO ORDER
(9:00 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:01:00)
Chair Barnacle called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Chair Barnacle, Directors Lemus, Albin-Smith, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Haschak, Hopkins, and Alternate Director Stapp. Vice Chair Elward and Director Laskey were absent with prior notice.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Garth Salisbury, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations & Marketing; Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics; Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager and Josh Nelson, Special Counsel.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(9:02 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:01:47)
1. Approve May 8, 2025, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Receive Monthly Financial Report
3. Approve and Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to Execute a New Contract with Sonoma Water for the Continuation of the Energy and Environment Education Program through June 30, 2027, with an Annual Not-to-Exceed Amount of $300,000 and Aggregate Contract Value of $600,000
4. Approve the Delegation of Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with S2 Advertising for Comprehensive Media Consulting Services with a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $2,100,000 over a Three-Year Term
5. Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Feedback as Appropriate Director Lemus asked about SCP outsourced marketing and how that that outsourcing reaches Spanish speakers. Kate Kelly, Director Public Relations & Marketing, replied that SCP outsources only its media marketing, which includes media in Spanish.
Motion to approve June 5, 2025, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Haschak
Second: Director Farrar-Rivas
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Haschak, Hopkins
ABSENT: Elward, Laskey
ABSTAIN: Hopkins on Item 1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
6. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:05 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:05:12)
CEO Geof Syphers introduced a proposed CPUC decision to change the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) fee. CEO Syphers said the proposal would make several improvements to the accuracy of the fee calculations but would also introduce retroactive ratemaking. He noted that SCP is opposing the decision as it’s not in customers' best interest.
Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager, reported that AB 526 (Papan) was halted in the Assembly Appropriations Committee's suspense file. SCP’s two other geothermal bills are progressing to Senate committees.
Director Hopkins asked if SCP is tracking the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and CEO Syphers responded that the staff would follow up. Chair Barnacle stressed a desire for the follow up and asked who supports the CPUC decision. CEO Syphers answered that PG&E supports parts of it. Chair Barnacle then asked if the Governor’s Office is aware of SCP’s concerns and Director Lemus asked about mobilization against the CPUC decision. CEO Syphers said cities haven’t engaged, but CalCCA is effective at organizing stakeholders, and he will direct staff to coordinate with them.
Public Comment: None
There were no positions taken on legislation, so no vote was necessary. 9:10 a.m. Vice Chair Elward entered the meeting.
7. Decide whether to Reschedule the Board of Directors July 3, 2025, Meeting to July 10, 2025
(9:18 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:17:40)
Chair Barnacle described the item. Directors discussed their availability and preferences.
9:19 a.m. Director Potter exited the meeting.
Public Comment: None
Motion to reschedule the Board of Directors July 3, 2025, meeting to July 10, 2025, by Vice Chair Elward
Second: Director Lemus
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Haschak, Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey, Potter
8. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update and Approve the Delegation of Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to Execute Amendment #1 to the Geothermal Opportunity Zone Cooperation Agreement with Eavor Inc.
(9:20 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:19:42)
Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics, gave an update on GeoZone partnerships, including the termination of SCP’s agreement with Cyrq Energy earlier this year. He noted that while Eavor will miss key milestones, SCP remains interested in working with Eavor and SCP proposes an amendment to keep them on board while maintaining project momentum.
Director Lemus asked if another partner could deliver the technology originally planned with Cyrq. Director Tracey responded that Eavor offers a similar product, but other partners are not pursuing Cyrq’s specific proposal. Director Zollman then asked if Chevron is expected to face delays. Director Tracey confirmed that Chevron will also miss milestones, and he explained that staff are currently evaluating whether to extend the timeline or end that partnership and seek a new partner. CEO Syphers added that SCP’s legislative efforts are closely tied to these developments, and unless regulations change, other partners may face similar challenges. Director Albin-Smith asked how the GeoZone might impact SCP’s relationship with the federal government.
Director Tracey responded that geothermal is supported at the federal level. 9:23 a.m. Director Potter reentered the meeting.
Public Comment: None
Motion to receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update and approve the delegation of authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his designee to execute Amendment #1 to the Geothermal Opportunity Zone Cooperation Agreement with Eavor Inc. by Director Lemus
Second: Hopkins
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Haschak, Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey
9. Approve Revised Environmental Performance Targets for the Sonoma Clean Power Portfolio to Improve Rate Competitiveness
(9:30 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:30:14)
CEO Syphers introduced the item, noting that the PCIA fee is projected to rise significantly next year. Director Tracey explained that SCP is working to balance rate competitiveness with its climate goals. He described SCP’s 2022 target: by 2026, match customer energy use with clean energy on an hourly basis (100% mitigation). He explained that this goal has driven SCP to diversify its energy portfolio, and it is on track to reach 94% hourly matching next year.
CEO Syphers emphasized that while many utilities claim to be 100% renewable, they often rely on gas when solar and wind are unavailable, making hourly tracking essential.
Director Hopkins asked for more details on the interconnection queue.
Director Tracey described how CAISO, overwhelmed by applications, has implemented stricter rules for queue access. Director Hopkins asked why out-of-state projects can connect to California’s grid while local one’s struggle and Director Tracey said other states face similar constraints and that imported energy must also go through the queue. Director Lemus inquired about SCP’s Princeton study on grid transmission. Director Tracey said an update will be available in July. He concluded by noting the proposal offers $7.7 million in savings and adjusts the hourly target to 80%.CEO Syphers added that SCP would still be the only California entity with an hourly clean energy target.
Director Hopkins asked if SCP plans to develop its own energy facilities. CEO Syphers confirmed SCP is beginning that process and is looking to acquire property.
Public Comment: None
Motion to approve revised environmental performance targets for the Sonoma Clean Power Portfolio to improve rate competitiveness by Director Hopkins Second: Director Haschak
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Haschak, Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey
10.Determine that Expansion to Unincorporated Lake County, the City of Clearlake, and the City of Lakeport is Consistent with Policy D-4 and Begin Consideration of Proposed Expansion with an Intent to Offer Service After 60- Day Waiting Period
(9:48 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:48:12)
CEO Syphers outlined the expansion process, noting that approving the item would trigger a 60-day period for Board Members to consult with constituents.
He emphasized that inviting a jurisdiction to join SCP is a major decision, because leaving a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) is costly and time- consuming. He stated the expansion is expected to financially benefit both Lake County and existing SCP jurisdictions. He asked for Board input on how many seats Lake County should receive and whether joining the GeoZone should be required.
Chair Barnacle asked how to address expansion with their constituents and CEO Syphers said it was up to each board member to decide whether to initiate those discussions. Director Farrar-Rivas raised concerns about legislative alignment, staff capacity, PG&E pushback, and the risks of expanding during uncertain times and CEO Syphers responded that SCP could help amplify Lake County’s voice, there is strong support from county staff, and estimated that only 1–2 new staff would be needed to help expand. Chair Barnacle asked about vote counts from requesting jurisdictions and CEO Syphers said the county vote was unanimous. Special Counsel Josh Nelson stated formal approval from each member agency is not required. Director Haschak asked if the expansion would lead to grant opportunities and CEO Syphers answered that it may, due to Lake County’s higher number of CARE residents and tribal communities. Director Potter asked if the expansion would proceed if not all Lake County jurisdictions joined. CEO Syphers said jurisdictions can join individually, but phased expansion is more complex.
Director Hopkins also asked if the Board Chair should engage Lake County electors and Chair Barnacle agreed to do so. Director Elward requested a write-up that the board members could bring to their counsels to provide information about the potential expansion.
Public Comment: None
Motion to determine that expansion to unincorporated Lake County, the City of Clearlake, and the City of Lakeport is consistent with Policy D-4 and begin consideration of proposed expansion with an intent to offer service after 60- day waiting period by Director Hopkins
Second: Director Farrar-Rivas
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Haschak, Potter, Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10:24 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:23:33)
Director Lemus shared that Cotati’s Wednesday farmers markets have begun and that the Cotati Music Festival is scheduled for June 21, 2025. Director Potter announced that the SMART train now extends to Windsor, and she said that Windsor’s Thursday night concert series has started. Director Albin-Smith reported a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new EV chargers at Fort Bragg’s police department. Director Farrar-Rivas noted that Sonoma hosts Music in Place on Sundays. Director Zollman shared that Sebastopol held a large Pride parade and is hosting Peacetown Summer Concerts and live music at the Barlow on Wednesday nights. Director Haschak announced that Mendocino County raised the Pride flag on Monday morning. Chair Barnacle said the Petaluma Fair will run July 19–22 and feature a city council dunk tank. Chair Barnacle mentioned that he joined SCP staff in meeting with the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians. Director Elward announced that Rohnert Park will host a Juneteenth event sponsored by SCP, that the city also holds Friday farmers markets, and will host a Pride Night in two weeks. Director Hopkins reported that the County has approved the acquisition of Monte Rio Redwoods Park, which will open to the public in July.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(10:30 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:30:27)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(10:31 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:30:48)
Respectfully Submitted,
Darin A. Bartow, JD
Clerk of the Board