Electric Committee search for five members is underway

Painesville City Council will appoint five members for three-year rotating terms to an electric committee.

According to the rules and regulations, the Painesville Electric Committee will be an advisory body appointed by City Council to provide comment and input to assist the council in its decision-making role to address specific issues related to the purchase of power, financing, operations, improvements and programs associated with city-owned Municipal Electric Utility.

Council unanimously approved a resolution that details the structure and procedure of the committee at the June 5 meeting.

The decision to form an electric committee has been in the making for several years.

During a discussion about Painesville Municipal electric rates, a resident inquired about forming a utility board.

Councilwoman Katie Jenkins said that council has previously sought resident participation on the board, but there was very little interest shown.

Council has extensively discussed eligibility requirements and membership specifications.

Applicants must meet the educational and experience criteria.

Because of the complexity and technicality of the Municipal Electric Division, the committee will consist of members who will be chosen based on their ability and educational level in the fields of engineering, accounting or finance, administration and management; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which will provide the required knowledge, skills and ability.

Additionally, no person shall be eligible for a position on the electric committee who has financial interest in any contract for furnishing power or equipment to or for the city, or who is a stockholder in any corporation which has any direct competition with the city.

Now that the rules and regulations have been approved, Council will appoint qualified citizens to the committee.