Change in Fortuna--solar power?

Back at the May '08 meeting, where the overflow crowd made clear their concerns about cutting a hole in the Rohner Park Forest for a water tank, there were public comments asking City staff to explore using alternative energy for pumping water. The staff at that time was quite dismissive of the idea. Information was given to the Council. By the January 12, 2008 Special meeting staff had made some progress, acknowledging that in fact solar does work in Humboldt County. However, staff stated solar was only used in the private sector and by homeowners, then questioned if and how cities could use solar.

A couple weeks ago it was so pleasant to receive a thank you email from the City Manager after I forwarded an email from Mayor Madrigal of Willits with this information:
Our solar program with the City of Willits was somewhat unique. Rather than buy the system ourselves, which is cost prohibitive we contracted with another company to purchase the eventual energy at a set amount below market rate. The company secured the financing( no cost to the city), constructed the project ( no cost to the city) and handles all the maintenece. We buy the electricity from them at a rate that will always be less than what we would get from PG&E. The system is located at our Water Plant and feeds directly into the grid.

Mr. Rigge went on to say he had been in Willits in January and made contact the Program Development Director of the Renewable Energy Development Institute there. He also indicated that there would be follow-up on the information from Mayor Madrigal and exploration of the information with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, which Fortuna is a founding member of.

Maybe there will be report to the City Council soon?