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th <br />In response to a question, Director Foley explained that Lakewood’s industrial corner at W. 117 <br />and Madison would be an attractive location to pilot a microgrid in the city. Later, he projects a <br />microgrid could support streetlights, municipal buildings, and eventually residents. <br /> <br />The committee and Director Foley further discussed the structure of such a project. Director <br />Foley mentioned that the microgrid initiative would be more flexible than a traditional utility and <br />potentially allow for creative projects involving solar energy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bullock praised the proposal as an example of sensible regionalism and <br />expressed excitement about the future possibilities. He emphasized that the proposed legislation <br />paves the way for future agreements between the County and the city, but that the specifics of <br />those agreements will not be determined for another one-to-three years. He encouraged Director <br />Foley to explore microgrid projects in Lakewood’s commercial district and on the Gold Coast. <br /> <br />Through discussion it was articulated that the proposed microgrid would be a distribution-level <br />utility that will run its own lines to distribute power, and potentially generate its own power <br />through solar, wind, natural gas, and/or fuel cells. The County intends to use underground <br />distribution lines. <br /> <br />It was clarified that the proposed legislation authorizes the County to potentially solicit <br />Lakewood residents and businesses as customers for this new microgrid utility once it is up and <br />running. Furthermore, as plans become more clearly defined, the County will coordinate with the <br />city on any requested easements, design and planning related to distribution lines. Director Foley <br />contemplated that the City of Lakewood could potentially see revenues from specific projects, <br />depending on certain factors. <br /> <br />The committee and Director Foley further discussed the vision, potential plans, and challenges <br />for the microgrid project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bullock suggested that the utility establish a governance board, with <br />representation from all participating communities. <br /> <br />Law Director Vargo noted that the resolution authorizes a utility agreement but does not require <br />one. As projects become more concrete, the city will negotiate with the utility on specific <br />agreements related to its needs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bullock advocated for memorializing the city’s agreement with the public utility <br />in more specific ways moving forward. <br /> <br />Motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of Resolution 2023-10. All members <br />voted in favor. Motion passed. <br /> <br />*** <br /> <br />RESOLUTION 2023-12 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it <br />receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />