ATASCADERO ALERT FROM ELLEN BERAUD-NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Dear Citizens,
There is an important agenda item for the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 24th: Item C-1 (likely starting around 7 or 7:30PM).  The staff report recommends “the Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with PowerHouse Services Inc. to administer an ‘AB811′ program.” This is the long-awaited program to enable citizen to voluntarily finance energy efficiency improvements and/or solar energy installations to be paid for over many years through their property taxes, thus avoiding large up-front costs. The full staff report is available at the city’s website.
Not only will implementation of this program be a positive step towards fulfilling the City’s commitment under the Mayor’s Agreement on Climate Change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also help to create local green jobs and help citizens to save money on long term energy costs.
Please attend this City Council meeting, or contact the Council members and voice your support for this “voluntary opt-in” program to add valuable improvements to your home.
In addition, I intend to request a future agenda item for council action: a Council Resolution to Encourage Reduced Waste, by ending the use of plastic water bottles and Styrofoam products by the City. There has been misinformation circulated that I was calling for a city-wide ban, which is incorrect. This effort is an educational opportunity where the city will lead by example encouraging others to make positive changes in their business and family routines to reduce waste.
This will be my last meeting as Mayor. The year has gone by already!
The December 8th meeting will start with the rotation of Mayor’s position and designation of the next Mayor Pro-Tem. It’s mostly a social meeting with a short agenda. Please come and voice your thoughts of the past year!
Sincerely,
Ellen Beraud
