March 5, 2019 Board Meeting

[KW]

Wes, the letter states that the project would solve the outage problems. How can that be accurate? And how can the board be working in the best interests of the community when we don't have much information, such as location of the project? Unless you have more information than what has been made public?

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

Wes, the letter states that the project would solve the outage problems. How can that be accurate? And how can the board be working in the best interests of the community when we don't have much information, such as location of the project? Unless you have more information than what has been made public?

I really don't know anything about this project other than what is in the letter, and I didn't know any of the past history of this project either.

Since there is no cost to the CSD and to Wrightwood I don't see the downside, but please explain your objections to it, maybe I'm missing something.
I happen to like the idea of harnessing nature and consider machines that generate electricity like this beautiful - Now it would be very nice if it were hooked into a battery but that's another story.

I'm not bothered by where it might be located, but it sounds like you are. Can you tell me more about why you might object to where it is located?

Wes, the letter states that the project would solve the outage problems

I don't know if it would solve the outage problems but that part didn't bother me.

Regards,


--Wes

[Bob C]

I really don't know anything about this project other than what is in the letter, and I didn't know any of the past history of this project either.

When you say "I really don't know anything about this project other than what is in the letter", are you referring to the One Town letter, or the letter of support you intend to sign?

If you are referring to One Town's letter, then with all due respect, that's exactly the point! You don't have any business signing a letter of support with the words that are on that letter of support, since you admit not knowing anything except what's in their letter. The letter of support does make it clear that you think this project will somehow be a solution to outages.

If you are referring to your letter of support when you say "I really don't know anything about this project other than what is in the letter", then please tell us how this project would fix the problem of "continuous disruption in electrical servicing"?

I've also posted the history of this project earlier in this thread. Yesterday, I submitted a letter addressed to the CSD, which I sent to Al M. I trust you will all get it. If not, let me know and I'll submit it directly to you.

I'm sorry, but I still feel it's a conflict of interest for current sitting CSD members, who are employees of One town, to discuss or vote on this issue tonight. Yea, ok, I get it.. It's just a letter. You're not award a contract or anything. But it still looks like a conflict of interest.

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

When you say "I really don't know anything about this project other than what is in the letter", are you referring to the One Town letter, or the letter of support you intend to sign?

The context of the question was: Do I know anything about this project beyond what is public or discussed elsewhere. The answer is No.

The letter of support does make it clear that you think this project will somehow be a solution to outages.

That's just one part of the letter. I don't think it is necessary to have it solve outages to be a good idea. I think clean alternative energy sources are a good idea by themselves.

Code: [Select]

Yesterday, I submitted a letter addressed to the CSDI'll look for the letter.

I'm sorry, but I still feel it's a conflict of interest for current sitting CSD members, who are employees of One town, to discuss or vote on this issue tonight

We have a great attorney, and I will ask.

Regards,

--Wes

[Bob C]

Yesterday, I submitted a letter addressed to the CSD
I'll look for the letter.

Thanks Wes... I'll email it to your UIA address now. I'm just never in a position where I'm in town during meetings, so hopefully things like these written letters I submit, can be read into the record as if I was there to read it during public comment.

Also, I did a little checking... turns out that in late 2010, the MAC decided NOT to write a letter of support. It wasn't because of anything good or bad presented to us by One Town, but we decided we really didn't like writing letters of support for private businesses, and we didn't want to start a new precedent. Besides, One Town already had another letter of support from then Supervisor Mitzefelt, so we felt they didn't need ours.

At least back then in 2010, One Town showed up to the MAC to make a sales presentation. That hasn't happened with this CSD thing. At the very least, One Town should make a presentation to the CSD (which really means, to the public) before asking the CSD (again, representing the public they serve) to throw support toward a project. Without that public request, how did this end up so quietly on the agenda? Was there non-public/non-open meetings between board members?

My advise: Table this support letter. Make One Town show up to a public CSD meeting and present their sales pitch, just like they did back in 2010 when they made a presentation to the MAC. Then, the CSD can decide whether or not to offer a letter of support. Since the CSD represents the public, take the public's attitude toward this, before deciding whether or not to write that letter of support. And again, I'm not even sure agencies like the CSD should ever write letters of support for private enterprises like this, but if you're going to, at least make the process public, and get the citizens involved.

[tcaarabians]

Suggestion:  You might also ask for the background materials from SCE that are mentioned in the cover letter. The Trump Administration has promulgated new rules for uses on National Forest Land. I don't know the status of those rules.

The WCSD Board can certainly ask One Town if they have addressed the issues raised in the National Forest response to the previous request.  And, if so, how they were addressed. 

The letter from One Town states they want to explore the possibility of such a project. It may well turn out to be a great project that is beneficial to the community. Community input at this stage will help guide One Town as they move forward with their feasibility study. A letter of encouragement to do so and a request for regular updates as to the status of the project will keep the community informed.

[SteamPunked]

[KW]

Since there is no cost to the CSD and to Wrightwood I don't see the downside, but please explain your objections to it, maybe I'm missing something.

I'm not bothered by where it might be located, but it sounds like you are. Can you tell me more about why you might object to where it is located?
I don't know if it would solve the outage problems but that part didn't bother me.

Regards,
--Wes

Wes, I have several concerns and all very similar to Bob C. You say "since there is no cost to the CSD and to Wrightwood I don't see the downside". Are you talking about monetary cost? What about other or indirect costs? And just because something is "free", that doesn't make it good or right. And without knowing anything other than what's in the letter, you are assuming that there is no cost of any kind.

Regarding location, I am concerned because some people think these are an eyesore, others think they are loud, but maybe this one will be silent and beautiful. But WE DON'T KNOW. And I don't see how you can properly represent the town when you admit you don't know many details of this project. Signing a letter of support for a private entity when you don't even have details is a scary precedent. What comes next?

I like alternative forms of energy. But I want to know what we are getting into first, don't you? Let's table this letter and have One Town representatives explain their project. I certainly can keep an open mind. I know it will be difficult because many people won't have an open mind, but that's why we try to do research and gain knowledge and educate everyone - so an educated decision can be made.

[lwt42]

That's just one part of the letter. I don't think it is necessary to have it solve outages to be a good idea. I think clean alternative energy sources are a good idea by themselves.

If it's going to solve outages, it really should be close to our substation.

If the purpose is clean alternative energy, then the exact location is less important -- it just needs to be close to a substation and in an area with a lot of wind.  It could also be solar in a sunny area that's free of snow.

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

Wes, I have several concerns and all very similar to Bob C. You say "since there is no cost to the CSD and to Wrightwood I don't see the downside". Are you talking about monetary cost? What about other or indirect costs? And just because something is "free", that doesn't make it good or right. And without knowing anything other than what's in the letter, you are assuming that there is no cost of any kind.

Yes, that's right. If there is evidence to the contrary that's totally fine, I would like to hear about it.

Regarding location, I am concerned because some people think these are an eyesore, others think they are loud, but maybe this one will be silent and beautiful. But WE DON'T KNOW. And I don't see how you can properly represent the town when you admit you don't know many details of this project. Signing a letter of support for a private entity when you don't even have details is a scary precedent. What comes next?

I don't feel they are an eye sore at all but beauty is in the eye of the beholder as you say.

how did this end up so quietly on the agenda? Was there non-public/non-open meetings between board members?

This doesn't feel very quiet But no, no meetings or anything.. that's what the CSD meetings are for, to discuss it openly. I don't know what the rest of the board thinks yet for example.

Let's table this letter and have One Town representatives explain their project

Might be ok, let's see what the board says. I'm just one vote keep in mind..

Sorry if I am late in my replies.. trying to keep up along with a busy work day.

Regards,

--Wes

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

My advise: Table this support letter. Make One Town show up to a public CSD meeting and present their sales pitch, just like they did back in 2010 when they made a presentation to the MAC. Then, the CSD can decide whether or not to offer a letter of support. Since the CSD represents the public, take the public's attitude toward this, before deciding whether or not to write that letter of support. And again, I'm not even sure agencies like the CSD should ever write letters of support for private enterprises like this, but if you're going to, at least make the process public, and get the citizens involved.

Ok, thank you.

--Wes

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

Thanks Wes... I'll email it to your UIA address now. I'm just never in a position where I'm in town during meetings, so hopefully things like these written letters I submit, can be read into the record as if I was there to read it during public comment.

I generally don't like doing this as it just doesn't convey the same passion or import as you actually being there.. it makes a difference. But I understand.

Regards,

--Wes

[3PinkRoses]

WES..."We have a great attorney...and that is WHO?  Your One Town President?  He's an attorney..

[Bob C]

WES..."We have a great attorney...and that is WHO?  Your One Town President?  He's an attorney..

No no no! The CSD has an attorney present at all meetings... Steve Kennedy. He's also the attorney for the PPHCSD as I recall

[Wes Zuber - WWCSD]

Steve Kennedy. He's also the attorney for the PPHCSD as I recall

Thanks Bob, yes it is Steve Kennedy. Very knowledgeable and competent. And yes the attorney for PPHCSD, and Helendale as well.

Regards,

--Wes

[Bob C]

Yup, Steve seems to be a good person. His job is to keep the CSD on the straight and narrow, and shuffle required legal documents as needed. He'll make sure Brown Act and things like that are followed. He's hired by the CSD, but is impartial, and has no stake in this windmill discussion

[3PinkRoses]

Whew...glad we got that clarified, Thank you.

[Bob C]

Thanks Wes... I'll email it to your UIA address now. I'm just never in a position where I'm in town during meetings, so hopefully things like these written letters I submit, can be read into the record as if I was there to read it during public comment.

I generally don't like doing this as it just doesn't convey the same passion or import as you actually being there.. it makes a difference. But I understand.

Regards,

--Wes

But you were willing to allow One Town to do the very same thing, by submitting paper for you to act upon without being at the meeting in person!

I understand the issue was tabled pending more information. That was the best way to handle this.

[ChrisLynnet]

Good, I'm glad it was at least tabled.