HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1999.11.18 - 25850Miscellaneous Resolution # 99 3 1 0 _
BY: Commissioner Ruel E. McPherson, District #25
RE: Board of Commissioners - Formation of Public Utility Service Standing Committee
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, more than 10 years ago, the telephone monopoly was broken up and
the market for long-distance phone service was opened to competition. Now it's the
electric utility industry's turn to enter the realm of open competition, mergers and
acquisitions; and
WHEREAS, in Oakland County the deregulation of public utility services has a
significant impact on economic growth and productivity and to individual consumers who
depend on reliable and affordable service; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County residents are also witnessing dramatic changes in the
entire telecommunications industry, including cable television, as well as, air and land
communications; and
WHEREAS, the issues surrounding water quality, rates and governance are a
source of constant regulation and legislative proposals that requires local elected officials
and consumers to be vigilantly attuned and prepared to make sound decisions; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan State Constitution of 1963, Article VII, Section 15 provides
that "any county, when authorized by its board of supervisors (commissioners) shall have
the authority to enter or to intervene in any action or certificate proceeding involving the
services, charges or rates of any privately owned public utility furnishing services or
commodities to rate payers within the county;" and
WHEREAS, with the overwhelming and ongoing changes in all areas of public utility
services in Oakland County, it is imperative that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners take a proactive role in becoming educated regarding the utility industry
and its restructuring; understand the energy and telecommunication needs of the business
and residential ratepayers in Oakland County; and carefully study the changing landscape
of public service utilities for opportunities to reduce costs and improve services for the
citizens of Oakland County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners does hereby amend the adopted "Rules for Oakland County Board of
Commissioners Rule X.A. Standing Committee Structure" to create a Public Utility Service
Standing Committee consisting of (7) members comprised of four (4) members from the
majority party and three (3) members from the minority party; and
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BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
does hereby amend the adopted "Rules for Oakland County Board of Commissioners,
Rule Xl. Standing Committees' Responsibilities," by adding the following Section:
F. PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
(1) To receive, review, and recommend to the Board of Commissioners
all matters referred to it by the Chairperson, and to provide liaison to
the Board with:
(a) Electric utility service providers
(b) Telecommunications/Telephone service providers
(c) Energy utility service providers
(d) Cable communications service providers
(e) Water utility service providers
(f) Michigan Public Service Commission
(2) Review all public utility service policies affecting Oakland County
residents.
(3) Provide liaison with all Federal, State, regional and local utility
regulatory agencies and governments and local ratepayers regarding
public service utilities.
(4) Receive and make recommendations to the full Board regarding
opportunities to reduce public service utility costs and improve
services for the citizens of Oakland County.
Mr. Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution.
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Commissioner Ruel E. McPherson 0 /4
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Resolution #99310 November 18, 1999
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government and
Public Services Committees. There were no objections.