HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 8351
City of Palo Alto (ID # 8351)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 10/16/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Resolution for James F. Cook
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation to James F. Cook
Upon Completion of His Term as Utilities Advisory Commissioner
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Utilities
Attachments:
Resolution Honoring James Felix Cook
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JAMES FELIX COOK,
UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSIONER
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook served as a Commissioner on the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC)
from July 2009 through May 2016, serving as Vice Chair for three years and Chair of the Commission for three
years; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook provided guidance and insights as the Utilities Department engaged in the
development of the 10-year Energy Efficiency goals, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, the Utilities Strategic
Plan, the Long-term Electric Acquisition Plan, the Gas Utility Long-term Plan, the 2010 and 2015 Urban Water
Management Plans, the Local Solar Plan, the Carbon Neutral Plan, the Utilities Strategic Plan, the Utilities
Legislative Policy Guidelines, and Utilities rates for its electric, fiber optics, natural gas, water and wastewater
collection utilities; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook provided a dedicated service to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto
through his enthusiasm, out-of-the-box thinking, and entrepreneurial approach; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook advocated for low utility rates and high quality service for the community,
while recognizing staff for commendable work on operations, customer service, safety and communications;
and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook’s passion for sustainability and concern about greenhouse gas emissions
manifested in his advocacy of carbon neutral electric supplies including the City’s long-term contracts for
landfill-gas-to-energy and solar projects, the development of the PaloAltoGreen Gas program, and the Palo Alto
CLEAN program to encourage more local solar installations; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook supported testing and employing new technology and championed the
Utilities Program for Emerging Technologies to provide a test bed for these technologies, bringing to bear his
extensive knowledge of both the utilities industry and green technologies; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook expressed early support for the development of the Utilities smart grid road
map, served on an ad-hoc subcommittee of the UAC to review smart grid recommendations, and supported the
development of smart grid pilot programs including CustomerConnect, the residential advanced meter pilot
program and the commercial Demand Response program; and
WHEREAS, James Felix Cook actively engaged the community on many levels including working with
Council Members to help shape recommendations for Utilities, respectfully considered concerns raised by the
public, and was always willing to listen to different points of view.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto, desires to recognize
the meritorious service of James Felix Cook by commending the outstanding public service of James Felix
Cook and records its appreciation as well as the appreciation of the citizens of this community for the service
and contribution rendered during his terms on the Utilities Advisory Commission.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: October 23, 2017
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_______________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney