HomeMy WebLinkAbout14313
RESOLUTION NO. 14313
A RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO REAPPOINT
FRANCES A. KONCILJA TO A SECOND TERM AS A
COMMISSIONER OF THE COLORADO PUBLIC UTILITIES
COMMISSION AND URGING THE COLORADO SENATE TO
CONFIRM SUCH REAPPOINTMENT
WHEREAS, Frances A. Koncilja’s long career in the private practice of law and in public
service again makes her the best qualified candidate for appointment to the Colorado Public
Utilities Commission (“PUC”); and
WHEREAS, since her appointment to the PUC in January, 2016 and the confirmation of
such appointment by the Colorado Senate in February, 2016, Ms. Koncilja has repeatedly
demonstrated the following qualifications as an effective Commissioner:
Comes to hearings and proceedings extremely well prepared;
Fully and fairly considers the evidence presented at hearings and proceedings;
Acts diligently in trying to understand the positions of both the public utility and
its ratepayers; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Koncilja while being fair to public utilities, has courageously
insisted that the rates and policies proposed by public utilities be “just and reasonable” as required
by state law; and
WHEREAS, Frances Koncilja was born and raised in Pueblo and understands firsthand
the needs and concerns of rural Colorado. NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
The above recitals are incorporated by reference into this Resolution.
SECTION 2.
The Mayor and City Council of Pueblo reaffirm their support of Commissioner Koncilja and
strongly urge the Governor to reappoint Ms. Koncilja to a second term as PUC Commissioner and
strongly urge the Colorado Senate to confirm said reappointment.
SECTION 3.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage.
INTRODUCED November 11, 2019
BY: Chris Nicoll
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED:
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
ATTESTED BY:
City Clerk’s Office Item # Q-3
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: November 11, 2019
TO: President Dennis E. Flores and Members of City Council
VIA: Brenda Armijo, City Clerk
FROM: Mayor Nicholas A. Gradisar
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO REAPPOINT FRANCES A.
KONCILJA TO A SECOND TERM AS A COMMISSIONER OF THE COLORADO
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION AND URGING THE COLORADO SENATE TO
CONFIRM SUCH REAPPOINTMENT
SUMMARY:
Attaches is a Resolution urging Governor Polis to reappoint Frances A. Koncilja to a second term
as a Commissioner of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) and urging the Colorado
Senate to confirm such reappointment.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Frances A. Koncilja was appointed to the PUC by Governor John Hickenlooper in January of 2016
and was confirmed by the Colorado Senate in February, 2016 with almost unanimous bipartisan
approval. Her four-year term as PUC Commissioner expires in January of 2020.
While Commissioner Koncilja has been fair to the utilities regulated by the PUC, she has not been
afraid to speak up when the proposed rates and policies of utilities are not “just and reasonable.”
Because Ms. Koncilja has been vigilant in protecting the rights of consumers, many regulated
utilities are urging Governor Polis not to reappoint her to a second term on the PUC. The attached
Resolution expresses support for Ms. Koncilja’s balanced approach to utility regulation which is
fair not only to the regulated utilities but also to the small businesses and working families of the
City of Pueblo.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Ms. Koncilja’s continued tenure on the PUC will protect the financial interests of the City of Pueblo
and other utility ratepayers who reside in Pueblo County and the state.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to adopt the proposed Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends approval of this Resolution.
Attachments: Proposed Resolution