Perhaps the city attorney was not aware that there does not need to be a “cost” attached to intervening on the community’s behalf. Usually though, his approach is either “cost,” or “unintended consequences.” Once you hear that last phrase you can pretty much guess the decision.

BTW, watch the very end to see our mayor do a terrific job! http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/06192013-791

Why did the city attorney speak/focus his points mainly on the costs of a City intervention on behalf of council’s ultimate majority vote to opt? Looked like he thought he had a vote.

Sounded to me like he was trying to “influence” or “intimidate” the council to not go against APS’s Smart Meters and their larger than life assumption that they just can roll over all of us. …..but what do I know.

The City Attorney was incorrect (and will be corrected) when he said that filing as intervenor is expensive and requires an attorney. The opposite, of course, is true. It is free and any person can intervene.

On Wednesday, June 19, the Sedona City Council held a Special Workshop to direct staff’s next steps regarding APS’ plan to install smart meters in Sedona. Both APS and Sedona Smart Meter Awareness (SSMA) presented information about smart meters. It was standing room only as community members showed up to support the SSMA cause. Because time would not allow everyone who wanted to give public comment, the Mayor allowed 10 speakers all of whom spoke in opposition to Smart Meter installation.

Their testimony is available at http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/06192013-791, part 3A.

The evening was very much like witnessing apples and oranges in regard to “professionalism.” APS gave a superficial presentation and APS representatives Neal Brown, Damon Gross, and Tyler Wallace seemed to be in over their heads when Councilors began asking questions.

Sedona Smart Meter Awareness created a solid, fact-filled PowerPoint presentation delivered by SSMA member, Warren Woodward. All concerns were thoroughly covered: health, safety, privacy, and cost. APS currently has a proposal on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to charge opt out consumers $75 upfront and $30 more added to their monthly bill. Every councilor objected to that proposed fee.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s Special Workshop meeting, Councilor Barbara Litrell introduced and Councilor Dan McIlroy seconded the motion to:

“. . . direct the staff to prepare a statement for the Arizona Corporation Commission that expresses concerns, on behalf of our Sedona citizens, that Smart Meters have not been proven safe and until such time as definitive proof exists the Arizona Corporation Commission should allow the Sedona community to opt out without penalties.”

The City will file a letter requesting community opt-out without penalties with the Arizona Corporation Commission before the June 28 deadline. For information about smart meters email sedonasmartmeterawareness@yahoo.com.

http://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000145427.pdf

Thanks.