1. CALL TO ORDER (Ted Hoffman, Chair)
Western Community Energy
Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Technical
Advisory Committee
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
3:00 PM
Western Riverside Council of Governments
3390 University Avenue, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92501
WRCOG'S OFFICE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO COVID-19 Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 891 2078 6631
Password: 011822
Dial in: (669) 900 9128 U.S.
SPECIAL NOTICE – COVID-19 RELATED PROCEDURES IN EFFECT
Due to the State and local recommendations for social distancing resulting from the threat of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), this meeting is being held via Zoom under Assembly Bill 361 (Government Code Section 54953) (AB 361). Pursuant to AB 361, WRCOG does not need to make a physical location available for members of the public to observe a public meeting and offer public comment. AB 361 allows WRCOG to hold Board meetings via teleconferencing or other electronic means and allows for members of the public to observe and address the Board telephonically or electronically.
In addition to commenting at the Board meeting, members of the public may also submit written comments before or during the meeting, prior to the close of public comment to [email protected].
Any member of the public requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting in light of this announcement shall contact Suzy Nelson 72 hours prior to the meeting at (951) 405-6703 or [email protected]. Later requests accommodated to the extent feasible.
The Board of Directors may take any action on any item listed on the agenda, regardless of the Requested Action.
1 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time members of the public can address the Board of Directors regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board of Directors that are not separately listed on this agenda. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak on agendized items at the time the item is called for discussion. No action may be taken on items not listed on the agenda unless authorized by law. Whenever possible, lengthy testimony should be presented to the Board of Directors in writing and only pertinent points presented orally.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and may be enacted by one motion. Prior to the motion to consider any action by the Board of Directors, any public comments on any of the Consent Items will be heard. There will be no separate action unless members of the Board of Directors request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar.
A. Assembly Bill 361 Findings
Requested Action(s): 1. Affirm the findings of the Western Community Energy Board of Directors in Resolution Number 2021-16,
adopted on December 8, 2021, which are:
a. The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency
on March 4, 2020, related to the COVID-19
pandemic, which State of Emergency continues to
exist today; and
b. State or local officials have recommended
measures to promote social distancing.
B. Summary Minutes from the December 8, 2021, Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee
Requested Action(s): 1. Approve the Summary Minutes from the December 8, 2021, Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and
Technical Advisory Committee.
C. Summary Minutes from the December 14, 2021, Special Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee
Requested Action(s): 1. Approve the Summary Minutes from the December 14, 2021, Special Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of
Directors and Technical Advisory Committee.
6. CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to 54956.9(d)(1):
Case numbers: 6:21-12821, 6:21-12821-SY (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central Division)
7. NEXT MEETING
The next Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 1:15 p.m., on the Zoom platform.
8. ADJOURNMENT
2 Item 5.A
Western Community Energy
Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and
Technical Advisory Committee
Staff Report
Subject: Assembly Bill 361 Findings
Contact: Dr. Kurt Wilson, Executive Director, [email protected], (951) 405-6701 Date: January 18, 2022
Requested Action(s):
1. Affirm the findings of the Western Community Energy Board of Directors in Resolution Number 2021-16, adopted on December 8, 2021, which are:
a. The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency on March 4, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which State of Emergency continues to exist today; and b. State or local officials have recommended measures to promote social distancing.
Purpose:
The purpose of this item is to authorize virtual Board and Committee meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
Background:
Assembly Bill (AB) 361 amends the Ralph M. Brown Act to allow local legislative bodies to continue using teleconferencing and virtual meeting technology in certain circumstances. Under AB 361, legislative bodies can continue to meet remotely as long as there is a “proclaimed state of emergency” and the Western Community Energy (WCE) Board of Directors can make either of the following findings:
(a) state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing, or (b) whether as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency on March 4, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which State of Emergency continues to exist to this day. Further, both State and Riverside County officials continue to recommend the social distancing.
AB 361 requires specific procedural safeguards for the public. To accommodate individuals during these teleconferences and virtual meetings, a public comment period will be offered where the public can address the legislative body directly in real time. Additionally, public comments will be allowed up until the public comment period is closed at the meetings. The agenda will include information on the manner in which the public may access the meeting and provide comments remotely. If technical problems arise that result in the public’s access being disrupted, the legislative body will not take any vote or other official action until the technical disruption is corrected and public access is restored. 3 The attached resolution allows the WCE Board of Directors to implement AB 361 by making the findings discussed above. This finding will be in effect for 30 days or until the Board makes findings that the conditions listed therein no longer exist, whichever is shorter. The findings can be extended by the Board upon a finding that conditions supporting the findings included in the resolution still exist.
AB 361 allows for virtual meetings during other state-proclaimed emergencies, such as earthquakes or wildfires, where physical attendance may present a risk.
Prior Action(s):
December 8, 2021: The Western Community Energy Board of Directors adopted Resolution Number 2021-16; A Resolution of the Western Community Energy Board of Directors authorizing virtual Committee meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. The Resolution includes the following findings:
a. The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency on March 4, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which State of Emergency continues to exist today; and b. State or local officials have recommended measures to promote social distancing.
Fiscal Impact:
This item is for informational purposes only; therefore, there is no fiscal impact.
Attachment(s):
Attachment 1 - Resolution 2021-16 AB 361 findings
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5 0
2 0
6 Item 5.B
WCE Board of Directors
Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Todd Rigby at 1:34 p.m., on December 8, 2021, on the Zoom platform.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Rigby led members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Board of Directors:
City of Eastvale - Todd Rigby (Chair)
City of Hemet - Russ Brown*
City of Jurupa Valley - Chris Barajas
City of Norco - Ted Hoffman
City of Perris - Rita Rogers
City of Wildomar - Ben Benoit
Technical Advisory Committee Members:
City of Eastvale - Brian Jones
City of Hemet - Chris Lopez
City of Norco - Andy Okoro
City of Perris - Ernie Reyna
*Joined after Roll Call
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR – (Wildomar / Jurupa Valley) 5 yes; 0 no; 0 abstention. Items 5.A and 5.B were approved.
A. Assembly Bill 361 Findings
Action:
1. Adopted Resolution Number 2021-16; A Resolution of the Western Community Energy Board of Directors authorizing Virtual Committee meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361. The Resolution includes the following findings:
a. The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency on March 4, 2020, related to the COVID-19 7 pandemic, which State of Emergency continues to exist today; and b. State or local officials have recommended measures to promote social distancing.
B. Summary Minutes from the November 10, 2021, Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee
Action:
1. Approved the Summary Minutes from the November 10, 2021, Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee.
6. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Kurt Wilson has no report in the interest of time.
7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
There were no items requested for future agendas.
8. GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Rigby thanked staff for their work over the past year.
Board members recognized Chair Rigby for doing a great job as Chair.
Board member Hoffman wished the U.S. Marines a happy birthday.
9. CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Case numbers: 6:21-12821, 6:21-12821 SY (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central Division) There were no reportable actions.
10. NEXT MEETING
The next Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2021, at 1:15 p.m., on the Zoom platform.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee adjourned at 2:42 p.m.
8 Item 5.C
WCE Board of Directors
Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Todd Rigby at 2:03 p.m., on December 14, 2021, on the Zoom platform.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Rigby led members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Board of Directors:
City of Eastvale - Todd Rigby (Chair)
City of Hemet - Russ Brown
City of Jurupa Valley - Chris Barajas
City of Perris - Rita Rogers
Technical Advisory Committee Members:
City of Eastvale - Bryan Jones
City of Jurupa Valley - Rod Butler
City of Perris - Ernie Reyna
City of Wildomar - Gary Nordquist
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
5. CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Case numbers: 6:21-12821, 6:21-12821-SY (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central Division)
There were no reportable actions.
11. NEXT MEETING
The next Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 1:15 p.m., on the Zoom platform. 9 12. ADJOURNMENT
The Special Joint Meeting of the WCE Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Committee adjourned at 2:29 p.m.
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