RESOLUTION __________________

A RESOLUTION relating to Seattle Public Utilities; establishing a Customer Review Panel to provide input to the 2018-2023 Strategic Business Plan Update.

WHEREAS, Resolution 31534, adopted by the City Council on August 11, 2014, adopted the 2015-2020 Strategic Business Plan for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU); and

WHEREAS, Resolution 31534 also directed SPU to complete an overall review and update to the Strategic Business Plan every three years, with the first Update finalized in 2017 and encompassing the years 2018-2023; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council desire to have the input and engagement of SPU customers in formulating the Strategic Plan Update; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. Customer Review Panel. A Customer Review Panel for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is established.

Section 2. Panel Composition. The Panel will be composed of nine members drawn from among SPU’s customers. Members will be selected to ensure a balance of viewpoints regarding services and rates that are representative of residential and commercial customers.

Section 3. Appointment and Confirmation of Panel Members. The Mayor will appoint five members and the City Council will appoint four members. For continuity, the Mayor and City Council will seek to appoint members who served on the Customer Review Panel for SPU’s 2015-2020 Strategic Business Plan.

Section 4. Term of Appointment. The Mayor and Council will seek to empanel the members of the Customer Review Panel by August 15, 2016. The Panel will dissolve upon Council adoption of the 2018-2023 Strategic Business Plan Update, or on December 31, 2017, whichever is sooner.

Section 5. Purpose, Role, and Responsibilities of the Panel. Specific Panel duties include:

a.  Gaining a working knowledge of SPU services, financial policies, costs, and rates;

b.  Reviewing the Plan’s assumptions, technical evaluations, policy directions, and action alternatives;

c.  Gaining an understanding from staff designated by the Council and the Mayor of the issues and concerns of the elected representatives of the City;

d.  Providing to the Mayor and City Council comments on the Strategic Business Plan Update concurrent with delivery of the final proposed Plan to Council;

e.  Assisting and advising SPU in engaging customers in discussions of the merits and implications of the Strategic Business Plan Update.

Section 6. Relationship to Seattle Public Utilities’ Ongoing Advisory Committees. Seattle Public Utilities’ Creeks, Drainage and Wastewater Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and Water System Advisory Committee will continue fulfilling their ongoing roles. The Customer Review Panel will include representation from the Advisory Committees to ensure the Advisory Committees are kept informed of the strategic planning process and have an opportunity to provide input to the planning process.

Section 7. Operating Rules. The Panel will establish its own rules for meeting attendance, quorum, leadership, meeting frequency, and other matters necessary for its successful functioning. Meetings shall be open to the public, except that meetings or portions thereof may be closed if chapter 42.30 RCW would allow it to be closed, were the Panel subject to that law.

Section 8. Staff Support. The Executive will provide logistical and staff support to the Panel, including a facilitator to assist the Panel with meetings, information requests, and interactions with City staff and elected officials.

Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2016, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.

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President ____________ of the City Council

The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2016.

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Edward B. Murray, Mayor

Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.

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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk

(Seal)