The City of Ripon should have a say in the all-important San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission meeting next week regarding the South San Joaquin Irrigation District as a possible electric service provider.
Ripon City Council voted to have Jake Parks as their representative at Tuesday’s meeting. The position was left vacant when Vice Mayor Elden “Red” Nutt died on Nov. 21.
Parks’ LAFCo nomination will be considered and acted upon by the City Selection Committee made up of the mayors from the six county cities on Tuesday, according to City Administrator Kevin Werner.
“This will allow Ripon’s new representative to participate in the LAFCO hearings (on Dec. 10-12),” he said.
Parks added: “This is the most impactful (LAFCo) meeting for the next 30 years – it’s crucial that Ripon has a voice.”
The special session is scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Stockton at the SJC Administration Building/Board of Supervisors Chamber on the sixth floor at 44 N. San Joaquin St., beginning at 9 a.m.
LAFCo will look at the previous drafts along with technical analysis via document on SSJID’s ability to provide electric services and, more importantly, the potential cost savings to customers over the existing and projected PG&E rates.
The commission meets monthly to consider applications for annexations, detachments, and municipal service reviews.
Parks, in addition, was named vice mayor during the council’s annual reorganization. Nutt was in line to once again serve as mayor. But his passing moved Leo Zuber, who is the new mayor, and Parks up a notch in the rotation on the board seating.
Dean Uecker and Michael Restuccia, who were administered the oath of office by City Clerk Lisa Roos, are in the Nos. 3 and 4 spots, respectively.
Council, in addition, is seeking applications to fill Nutt’s remaining term that expires in 2016. Applications are due Dec. 15 at Ripon City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave. More information on that can be obtained by logging on to www.cityofripon.org.
Information on the upcoming LAFCo meetings is available at www.sjgov.org/lafco.