The city is eyeing the possibility of shutting off a third of its streetlights to save more than $250,000 in the coming year. Here's the story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label streetlighting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label streetlighting. Show all posts
February 12, 2010
May 12, 2009
This and that from the council meeting
Former Republican mayoral contender Ken Johnson and Mayor Art Ward exhanged some sharp words over the failure of the city to pursue vigorously the $400,000 or more than Connecticut Light and Power may owe the city for back streetlighting overcharges.
They really went at it.
Johnson blamed the city for doing nothing. Ward seemed to know nothing about it and thundered that Johnson should have told him, not just the city attorney's office.
I'll have much more on this after I make sense of it all in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, we've had nothing about the resigning lawyers. Yet.
The council approved a pay cut for the next mayor and City Council. They'll make 5 percent less than the council does this year. They also froze the pay of department heads and other non-union personnel.
More to come.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
They really went at it.
Johnson blamed the city for doing nothing. Ward seemed to know nothing about it and thundered that Johnson should have told him, not just the city attorney's office.
I'll have much more on this after I make sense of it all in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, we've had nothing about the resigning lawyers. Yet.
The council approved a pay cut for the next mayor and City Council. They'll make 5 percent less than the council does this year. They also froze the pay of department heads and other non-union personnel.
More to come.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 10, 2008
City claims that CL&P owes it $606K
Connecticut Light and Power owes the city at least $606,000 for past overbilling of streetlight charges, city officials said.
Ken Johnson, a consultant from Municipal Energy and former GOP mayoral contender, said that his company and city employees have found scores of mistakes that cost the taxpayers big bucks.
In one case, he said, the power company including charges for a streetlight on Get High Way, a non-existent street. Johnson said the name likely described what the utility crew was doing at the time.
Under orders from the state Department of Utility Control, CL&P offered two years ago to pay Bristol $86,839 for billing errors.
Mitch Gross, spokesman for the power company, has said the company had “some shortcomings” in its billing but fixed them after digging deep into its records to bring the issue to a close.
Bristol is one of 50 Connecticut municipalities challenging the state-ordered payment levels. City leaders are meeting Monday with the officials from the attorney general’s office to review their case.
City councilors this week unanimously backed the effort to collect more than $606,000 from the utility after hearing what Johnson reported his firm had found.
“We finally got this thing off the dime,” city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said.
Rimcoski said that given the “poor management” by CL&P over the years, he’s confident the city will collect much more than the $86,839 initially offered even if Bristol winds up with less than it is seeking.
It’s likely to take at least a couple of years to complete the appeal, Johnson said.
Municipal Energy was hired a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 originally offered by the utility giant.
If the city were to get $$606,000, Johnson’s firm would collect about $87,000 for its services.
Johnson ran for mayor last year, but lost to Democrat Art Ward. His company was hired by the city, which has long been controlled by Democrats, before he entered the race.
Johnson had a rocky relationship with former Mayor William Stortz, but Johnson and city officials said that since Ward took over, there has been a cooperative spirit between the consultant and the city.
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 15, 2008
Bristol moves to take on CL&P over past billing errors
The city is angling to overturn a state ruling in hopes of nabbing more than $300,000 beyond what regulators agreed that Connecticut Light & Power owes Bristol for past billing mistakes.
To get the cash, city attorneys and consultants will have to convince Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the state Department of Public Utility Control or a state court to reopen the issue and allow it to make the case that the $86,000 offered by CL&P for streetlight billing errors is inadequate.
“It’s not going to be a quick fix,” said city Councilor Cliff Block.
Municipal Energy, the consultant hired by the city to handle the issue, says it has found more than $400,000 in past billing errors – money it says the taxpayers should get, plus interest that could swell the total.
Mitch Gross, spokesman for the power company, said that after “a very thorough process” that met with the approval of the attorney general and the DPUC, the company issued checks to municipalities that had been overcharged, including Bristol.
Because there had been “some shortcomings in our process” for billing on streetlights, Gross said, “We did what we had to do to clarify the situation.”
“We dug deep into our records to bring this to a conclusion. Regulators were satisfied with our accounting. When we issued checks, we closed the books on this issue,” he said.
What Bristol is aiming for is to convince authorities to reopen the books.
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said that CL&P demonstrated “very poor bookkeeping and mismanagement” over the years.
The utility “is not a friend of the people” in the way it has handled the entire issue, he said.
“Mike Tyson went to jail for what CL&P is doing to the citizens of Connecticut,” Rimcoski said.
Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, served three years in an Indiana prison following his 1992 conviction for rape.
Gross said he didn’t want to respond to Rimcoski’s comments.
Rimcoski joked that he’ll have to keep a close eye on his electricity bills in the future.
Ken Johnson, president of Municipal Energy, said that the city “has been absolutely wonderful” in its cooperation with his firm to nail down past mistakes on the streetlight billing.
Johnson’s firm represents 50 cities and towns that are challenging CL&P’s refunds. Bristol is one of the first to reach the point where it is ready to make a formal appeal to change the ruling.
Block said that any extra money won’t come for a long time.
The first step, he said, is to convince Blumenthal to side with the municipalities that believe they were shortchanged by the DPUC decision.
“Ultimately, we need to make a very convincing case” that can sway Blumenthal and others to the belief “that CL&P has not provided a full and fair settlement.”
It’s likely to take at least a couple of years to complete the appeal, Johnson said.
Municipal Energy was hired a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 originally offered by the utility giant.
Bristol has been in the forefront of the fight over streetlight billing because its public works department kept old billing records that showed in detail when lights were installed or removed and how the billing took place.
Few municipalities have anything close to the detail available in Bristol’s records.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided them at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
To get the cash, city attorneys and consultants will have to convince Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the state Department of Public Utility Control or a state court to reopen the issue and allow it to make the case that the $86,000 offered by CL&P for streetlight billing errors is inadequate.
“It’s not going to be a quick fix,” said city Councilor Cliff Block.
Municipal Energy, the consultant hired by the city to handle the issue, says it has found more than $400,000 in past billing errors – money it says the taxpayers should get, plus interest that could swell the total.
Mitch Gross, spokesman for the power company, said that after “a very thorough process” that met with the approval of the attorney general and the DPUC, the company issued checks to municipalities that had been overcharged, including Bristol.
Because there had been “some shortcomings in our process” for billing on streetlights, Gross said, “We did what we had to do to clarify the situation.”
“We dug deep into our records to bring this to a conclusion. Regulators were satisfied with our accounting. When we issued checks, we closed the books on this issue,” he said.
What Bristol is aiming for is to convince authorities to reopen the books.
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said that CL&P demonstrated “very poor bookkeeping and mismanagement” over the years.
The utility “is not a friend of the people” in the way it has handled the entire issue, he said.
“Mike Tyson went to jail for what CL&P is doing to the citizens of Connecticut,” Rimcoski said.
Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, served three years in an Indiana prison following his 1992 conviction for rape.
Gross said he didn’t want to respond to Rimcoski’s comments.
Rimcoski joked that he’ll have to keep a close eye on his electricity bills in the future.
Ken Johnson, president of Municipal Energy, said that the city “has been absolutely wonderful” in its cooperation with his firm to nail down past mistakes on the streetlight billing.
Johnson’s firm represents 50 cities and towns that are challenging CL&P’s refunds. Bristol is one of the first to reach the point where it is ready to make a formal appeal to change the ruling.
Block said that any extra money won’t come for a long time.
The first step, he said, is to convince Blumenthal to side with the municipalities that believe they were shortchanged by the DPUC decision.
“Ultimately, we need to make a very convincing case” that can sway Blumenthal and others to the belief “that CL&P has not provided a full and fair settlement.”
It’s likely to take at least a couple of years to complete the appeal, Johnson said.
Municipal Energy was hired a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 originally offered by the utility giant.
Bristol has been in the forefront of the fight over streetlight billing because its public works department kept old billing records that showed in detail when lights were installed or removed and how the billing took place.
Few municipalities have anything close to the detail available in Bristol’s records.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided them at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 8, 2008
Council plans to fight CL&P
The city plans to fight for more than $380,000 it says Connecticut Light & Power owes it for past billing mistakes.
City Councilor Cliff Block said he anticipates a long, hard battle to collect the cash for mistakes in old streetlighting bills, but “the payoff at the end is going to be significant.”
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Councilors unanimously agreed to give officials and Municipal Energy, the consultant helping find the billing errors, another 45 days to search for more mistakes and then to launch a legal fight to get the money.
The utility company has admitted that it made mistakes. It offered the city $86,000 in compensation.
But Municipal Energy tapped into a wealth of public works records to argue that Bristol is actually owed at least $380,000.
The consultant stands to make about $55,000 if the city’s claim holds up, which would leave taxpayers with about an extra $240,000 if the city can win the case that Municipal Energy helped it make.
The city hired the firm a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 from taking on the utility giant.
Bristol is one of about 50 towns and cities challenging the payouts that CL&P offered and the state Department of Utility Control approved.
Block said that Bristol, which may have the most records to prove its case, is setting the pace in taking on the power company.
He warned, though, that nobody should expect to see any money soon. He said there is “going to be a heck of a fight” with CL&P because the utility stands to lose millions if Bristol can thwart its initial offer, since it would likely open the door for other cities to collect bigger checks, too.
Rimcoski said the city is going to try to enlist Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s support for its quest for cash that officials say Bristol deserves.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided the documents today at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City Councilor Cliff Block said he anticipates a long, hard battle to collect the cash for mistakes in old streetlighting bills, but “the payoff at the end is going to be significant.”
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Councilors unanimously agreed to give officials and Municipal Energy, the consultant helping find the billing errors, another 45 days to search for more mistakes and then to launch a legal fight to get the money.
The utility company has admitted that it made mistakes. It offered the city $86,000 in compensation.
But Municipal Energy tapped into a wealth of public works records to argue that Bristol is actually owed at least $380,000.
The consultant stands to make about $55,000 if the city’s claim holds up, which would leave taxpayers with about an extra $240,000 if the city can win the case that Municipal Energy helped it make.
The city hired the firm a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 from taking on the utility giant.
Bristol is one of about 50 towns and cities challenging the payouts that CL&P offered and the state Department of Utility Control approved.
Block said that Bristol, which may have the most records to prove its case, is setting the pace in taking on the power company.
He warned, though, that nobody should expect to see any money soon. He said there is “going to be a heck of a fight” with CL&P because the utility stands to lose millions if Bristol can thwart its initial offer, since it would likely open the door for other cities to collect bigger checks, too.
Rimcoski said the city is going to try to enlist Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s support for its quest for cash that officials say Bristol deserves.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided the documents today at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City seeking $380K or more from CL&P
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said today that the city is owed at least $380,000 from Connecticut Light & Power for mistakes in past streetlighting bills.
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Rimcoski said the City Council tonight is likely to set a 45-day window to finish searching for past errors before taking the case to higher authorities.
Rimcoski said the utility, which offered the city about $86,000 a year and a half ago, will almost certainly fight the claim. Dozens of other municipalities are also challenging CL&P's figures.
Rimcoski said that the city is working closely with Municipal Energy, a consulting firm hired last year to help squeeze more money from CL&P.
Councilors are expected to approve the effort to get more cash for old mistakes in billing for lights that didn't exist.
The city shells out about $800,000 annually to the power company, Rimcoski said.
Rimcoski said the city has the records to prove its case.
He said that if CL&P doesn't pay up, the city will ask for assistance from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and from the state Department of Utility Control.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Click here for all blog entries mentioning Municipal Energy
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Rimcoski said the City Council tonight is likely to set a 45-day window to finish searching for past errors before taking the case to higher authorities.
Rimcoski said the utility, which offered the city about $86,000 a year and a half ago, will almost certainly fight the claim. Dozens of other municipalities are also challenging CL&P's figures.
Rimcoski said that the city is working closely with Municipal Energy, a consulting firm hired last year to help squeeze more money from CL&P.
Councilors are expected to approve the effort to get more cash for old mistakes in billing for lights that didn't exist.
The city shells out about $800,000 annually to the power company, Rimcoski said.
Rimcoski said the city has the records to prove its case.
He said that if CL&P doesn't pay up, the city will ask for assistance from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and from the state Department of Utility Control.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Click here for all blog entries mentioning Municipal Energy
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 4, 2007
Stortz unhappy about Johnson's ex-firm
Mayor William Stortz is unhappy with the way a firm hired by the city to try to secure refunds from Connecticut Light & Power is handling the task.
That unhappiness may help to undercut the campaign of Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson, who owned the firm at the time city leaders hired it to help rake in as much as $500,000 in wrongful streetlighting charges over the years.
Johnson, who sold his Municipal Energy Consulting Group firm in July, was hired last winter “for his skills” in pursuing CL&P, the mayor said.
But Johnson gave up his interest in the firm rather than have anyone question his ties to the contractor.
Last month, however, the new president of Municipal Energy, James Krone, told Stortz in a letter that Johnson would represent the company in a meeting with city officials about the issue.
“Even though he has no financial gain from this contract,” Krone said in the Aug. 16 letter, “he is willing to participate in these discussions.”
Stortz refused to meet with Johnson, calling him “an unpaid volunteer.”
“Since you have indicated he no longer has any relationship with Municipal Energy, his participation would not be appropriate without all the proper insurance coverage,” Stortz wrote in response.
The mayor also questioned whether the city should provide access to its records to Johnson “without some assurance that the city will be protected as to the use of such information,” thought it’s unclear how Johnson’s use of public records could harm the city’s position.
When Johnson couldn’t attend the session, Krone sent an attorney instead.
“He is not the utility man that we originally hired,” Stortz said.
The mayor said that at this point he is not even sure who Krone is. “We have no resume or credentials” to show that Krone has the longstanding utility experience that Johnson possessed, Stortz said.
He said Krone appears to live in Florida, which hampers the ability of the city to work with him.
“We don’t know technical advice and guidance Mr. Krone has,” the mayor said.
Stortz said he’s not the only one worried about the direction things have taken.
Some city councilors, he said, “are somewhat chagrined as to how things are going.”
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
That unhappiness may help to undercut the campaign of Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson, who owned the firm at the time city leaders hired it to help rake in as much as $500,000 in wrongful streetlighting charges over the years.
Johnson, who sold his Municipal Energy Consulting Group firm in July, was hired last winter “for his skills” in pursuing CL&P, the mayor said.
But Johnson gave up his interest in the firm rather than have anyone question his ties to the contractor.
Last month, however, the new president of Municipal Energy, James Krone, told Stortz in a letter that Johnson would represent the company in a meeting with city officials about the issue.
“Even though he has no financial gain from this contract,” Krone said in the Aug. 16 letter, “he is willing to participate in these discussions.”
Stortz refused to meet with Johnson, calling him “an unpaid volunteer.”
“Since you have indicated he no longer has any relationship with Municipal Energy, his participation would not be appropriate without all the proper insurance coverage,” Stortz wrote in response.
The mayor also questioned whether the city should provide access to its records to Johnson “without some assurance that the city will be protected as to the use of such information,” thought it’s unclear how Johnson’s use of public records could harm the city’s position.
When Johnson couldn’t attend the session, Krone sent an attorney instead.
“He is not the utility man that we originally hired,” Stortz said.
The mayor said that at this point he is not even sure who Krone is. “We have no resume or credentials” to show that Krone has the longstanding utility experience that Johnson possessed, Stortz said.
He said Krone appears to live in Florida, which hampers the ability of the city to work with him.
“We don’t know technical advice and guidance Mr. Krone has,” the mayor said.
Stortz said he’s not the only one worried about the direction things have taken.
Some city councilors, he said, “are somewhat chagrined as to how things are going.”
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 27, 2007
Streetlighting release from Municipal Energy
Press release this afternoon from Municipal Energy:
Municipal Energy Consulting Group, LLC indicated to the Mayor of Bristol in a meeting today that the streetlighting refund by CL&P is less than half of what the City really deserves.
Jim Krone, President of Municipal Energy stated, “Our preliminary numbers show that CL&P’s refund falls considerably short. Using CL&P’s start and end dates, which are in the process of being reviewed by the Mayor's staff, we find at least $176,000 is owed the City in just removals and new found lights.”
This compares to CL&P’s offer of approximately $87,000 to Bristol earlier this year.
Krone called the number “very preliminary” and stated that “it will only go up.” Much more analysis is needed to reach a final figure but Krone indicated “the prognosis is very positive.”
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Municipal Energy Consulting Group, LLC indicated to the Mayor of Bristol in a meeting today that the streetlighting refund by CL&P is less than half of what the City really deserves.
Jim Krone, President of Municipal Energy stated, “Our preliminary numbers show that CL&P’s refund falls considerably short. Using CL&P’s start and end dates, which are in the process of being reviewed by the Mayor's staff, we find at least $176,000 is owed the City in just removals and new found lights.”
This compares to CL&P’s offer of approximately $87,000 to Bristol earlier this year.
Krone called the number “very preliminary” and stated that “it will only go up.” Much more analysis is needed to reach a final figure but Krone indicated “the prognosis is very positive.”
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 23, 2007
Most recent streetlighting report
Jim Krone, the new president of Municipal Energy Consulting Group, kindly forwarded to me the most recent report on the streetlight overcharges case that his firm has submitted to the city. Here it is:
July 26, 2007
The Honorable William T. Stortz
Mayor
City of Bristol
111 North Main St.
Bristol, CT 06010
Re: Status Report- Investigation into CL&P’s Streetlight Overcharges for the City of Bristol under DPUC Docket No. 04-01-01
Dear Mayor Stortz:
Here’s a brief update of activities under the Municipal Energy contract with the City of Bristol:
June-- No activity to report. Ken Johnson postponed a meeting scheduled for June 12, 2007 with Public Works and Corporation Counsel representatives due to a death in the family.
July—June 12 meeting rescheduled for July 18: Meeting Summary:
Date: Wednesday July 18, 2007
Place: City Hall- Public Works Conference Rm.
Time: 9:00 am.
Attendees: Mayor William T. Stortz, Paul Strawderman, Atty. Richard Lacey, Jason Morocco, Ken Johnson, Karen Vita.
Ken Johnson outlined meeting agenda and lead discussion of the following:
Ken reviewed summary of May 7 meeting, provided additional background to aid in the group’s understanding of the issue and provided advice on the next steps to be taken in the effort to help the City of Bristol receive a fair and accurate settlement from CL&P for Streetlight Overcharges. Ken explained his personal role in the streetlighting issue dating back 25 years. He worked as the Company’s streetlight program administrator in the 1980’s and conducted the first internal streetlight audit within CL&P in 1985. Upon leaving CL&P in 2002, Ken started Municipal Energy and is uniquely positioned with both the knowledge and experience to take on CL&P on this issue. gave everyone a look into the past to understand why and how he is so knowledgeable, this comes from his years of service to CL&P. ken explained that it was because of Ethics that he stepped away from his position and sought work in another field. It just so happened that the Streetlight Overcharges became a passion, not to make Ken Johnson a wealthy man but to be honest and help municipalities all over the state to receive a fair settlement.
Ken has worked privately for 5 years on the Municipal Energy side. To date at least 12 million has been paid out to several municipalities in the state of Connecticut.
It has been estimated that approximately $500,000 is owed to the city of Bristol. With the cooperation of the City of Bristol it is believed that we can obtain the monies due. As explained there is extensive research and time involved in this process.
It is believed that Bristol is the perfect proxy for Connecticut due to the significant overcharges.
There were concerns that Richard Lacey brought up in regards to the length of time that has lapsed from the date that the data disc was received and future research. Ken again explained that this is a lengthy process but the end result could benefit the city of Bristol tremendously. Mr. Lacey also inquired as to whether this process can be wrapped up by the end of 2007. The answer is not likely, however with the cooperation from contacts at the Public works dept we can make rapid assessments in regards to research.
The topic of the refund check for $86,839.48 that Bristol is in receipt of, and the concern of cashing the check and having CL&P consider that acceptance as a full and final settlement. Municipal Energy Consulting Group has furnished all of its Municipal clients with sufficient tools such as E mail templates for personalization to be forwarded to the appropriate persons such as the DPUC and CL&P. One template in particular was in regards to the individual town not accepting refund check as final settlement. Once received by Ms. Louise Rickard at the DPUC and receipt in the form of a letter or e mail was sent by her department which in some cases, a municipality may have cashed their refund check once that receipt was received.
While the subject of New Founds was discussed three examples were given by Ken Johnson, one of which was Barber Street, pole #1294 which CL&P reports as a new found. However this is not a new found. Mr. Lacey, Mr. Strawderman and Mr. Morrocco all agreed that they would research this in thier records and advise Mr. Johnson of their findings. Another Pole was spoken of, Battisto Road, pole #8269. This is also a situation where CL&P is calling this a new found. The City of Bristol has been double billed for this light. The third example is a flood light in front of Pasquallicios. Bristol is being charged for this light. The question is who requested this light? Mr. lacey volunteered to go take a look at two of the three lights and research their existence.
Ken Explained the New found light report column by column and explained which each represented. Ken also explained the difference in bulbs and wattages and the cost associated with each.
The Public works Department agreed that the New founds will be looked at first.
May 7, 2007; Ken Johnson meeting with the staff members Paul Strawderman, Jason Morrocco, Richard Lacey
At the May 7 meeting, Ken Johnson provided background on the issue and answered questions to help bring staff up to speed. We discussed the need to ensure that the City has notified CL&P by certified letter that the City is not accepting CL&P’s refund offer as full and final settlement; a copy of the same should be forwarded to Municipal Energy for our files. Ken reported that Municipal Energy is currently gathering electronic data from all client towns and checking CL&P’s calculations, including Bristol’s.
Next action steps include: Municipal Energy will advise and assist Paul & Jason in cross-checking the results of CL&P’s 1999 Group Relamp Audit results and 2003 Municipal Streetlight Audit results for Bristol with City files and records. Municipal Energy has culled CL&P’s electronic files and produced a condensed version of the audits containing “changes” only on CD for Paul & Jason. Bristol staff effort will involve comparing the condensed electronic data with City files and records seeking to reconcile errors in four categories: 1) removes, 2) new founds, 3) overbills, and 4) underbills. Ken Johnson provided a copy of Municipal Energy’s New Founds report for Bristol. The team agreed to focus on ‘new founds’ first. Ken Johnson explained to Richard Lacey that CL&P has ‘taken back’ property tax dollars from Bristol in CL&P’s calculation of Bristol’s refund. Richard will look into the validity/legality of this action. Once the investigation phase is complete, Municipal Energy, with staff input, will perform new refund calculations for Bristol.
Pertinent supporting documents provided to city officials have been attached to this letter.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth R. Johnson
CC: R. Lacey
P. Strawderman
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 26, 2007
The Honorable William T. Stortz
Mayor
City of Bristol
111 North Main St.
Bristol, CT 06010
Re: Status Report- Investigation into CL&P’s Streetlight Overcharges for the City of Bristol under DPUC Docket No. 04-01-01
Dear Mayor Stortz:
Here’s a brief update of activities under the Municipal Energy contract with the City of Bristol:
June-- No activity to report. Ken Johnson postponed a meeting scheduled for June 12, 2007 with Public Works and Corporation Counsel representatives due to a death in the family.
July—June 12 meeting rescheduled for July 18: Meeting Summary:
Date: Wednesday July 18, 2007
Place: City Hall- Public Works Conference Rm.
Time: 9:00 am.
Attendees: Mayor William T. Stortz, Paul Strawderman, Atty. Richard Lacey, Jason Morocco, Ken Johnson, Karen Vita.
Ken Johnson outlined meeting agenda and lead discussion of the following:
Ken reviewed summary of May 7 meeting, provided additional background to aid in the group’s understanding of the issue and provided advice on the next steps to be taken in the effort to help the City of Bristol receive a fair and accurate settlement from CL&P for Streetlight Overcharges. Ken explained his personal role in the streetlighting issue dating back 25 years. He worked as the Company’s streetlight program administrator in the 1980’s and conducted the first internal streetlight audit within CL&P in 1985. Upon leaving CL&P in 2002, Ken started Municipal Energy and is uniquely positioned with both the knowledge and experience to take on CL&P on this issue. gave everyone a look into the past to understand why and how he is so knowledgeable, this comes from his years of service to CL&P. ken explained that it was because of Ethics that he stepped away from his position and sought work in another field. It just so happened that the Streetlight Overcharges became a passion, not to make Ken Johnson a wealthy man but to be honest and help municipalities all over the state to receive a fair settlement.
Ken has worked privately for 5 years on the Municipal Energy side. To date at least 12 million has been paid out to several municipalities in the state of Connecticut.
It has been estimated that approximately $500,000 is owed to the city of Bristol. With the cooperation of the City of Bristol it is believed that we can obtain the monies due. As explained there is extensive research and time involved in this process.
It is believed that Bristol is the perfect proxy for Connecticut due to the significant overcharges.
There were concerns that Richard Lacey brought up in regards to the length of time that has lapsed from the date that the data disc was received and future research. Ken again explained that this is a lengthy process but the end result could benefit the city of Bristol tremendously. Mr. Lacey also inquired as to whether this process can be wrapped up by the end of 2007. The answer is not likely, however with the cooperation from contacts at the Public works dept we can make rapid assessments in regards to research.
The topic of the refund check for $86,839.48 that Bristol is in receipt of, and the concern of cashing the check and having CL&P consider that acceptance as a full and final settlement. Municipal Energy Consulting Group has furnished all of its Municipal clients with sufficient tools such as E mail templates for personalization to be forwarded to the appropriate persons such as the DPUC and CL&P. One template in particular was in regards to the individual town not accepting refund check as final settlement. Once received by Ms. Louise Rickard at the DPUC and receipt in the form of a letter or e mail was sent by her department which in some cases, a municipality may have cashed their refund check once that receipt was received.
While the subject of New Founds was discussed three examples were given by Ken Johnson, one of which was Barber Street, pole #1294 which CL&P reports as a new found. However this is not a new found. Mr. Lacey, Mr. Strawderman and Mr. Morrocco all agreed that they would research this in thier records and advise Mr. Johnson of their findings. Another Pole was spoken of, Battisto Road, pole #8269. This is also a situation where CL&P is calling this a new found. The City of Bristol has been double billed for this light. The third example is a flood light in front of Pasquallicios. Bristol is being charged for this light. The question is who requested this light? Mr. lacey volunteered to go take a look at two of the three lights and research their existence.
Ken Explained the New found light report column by column and explained which each represented. Ken also explained the difference in bulbs and wattages and the cost associated with each.
The Public works Department agreed that the New founds will be looked at first.
May 7, 2007; Ken Johnson meeting with the staff members Paul Strawderman, Jason Morrocco, Richard Lacey
At the May 7 meeting, Ken Johnson provided background on the issue and answered questions to help bring staff up to speed. We discussed the need to ensure that the City has notified CL&P by certified letter that the City is not accepting CL&P’s refund offer as full and final settlement; a copy of the same should be forwarded to Municipal Energy for our files. Ken reported that Municipal Energy is currently gathering electronic data from all client towns and checking CL&P’s calculations, including Bristol’s.
Next action steps include: Municipal Energy will advise and assist Paul & Jason in cross-checking the results of CL&P’s 1999 Group Relamp Audit results and 2003 Municipal Streetlight Audit results for Bristol with City files and records. Municipal Energy has culled CL&P’s electronic files and produced a condensed version of the audits containing “changes” only on CD for Paul & Jason. Bristol staff effort will involve comparing the condensed electronic data with City files and records seeking to reconcile errors in four categories: 1) removes, 2) new founds, 3) overbills, and 4) underbills. Ken Johnson provided a copy of Municipal Energy’s New Founds report for Bristol. The team agreed to focus on ‘new founds’ first. Ken Johnson explained to Richard Lacey that CL&P has ‘taken back’ property tax dollars from Bristol in CL&P’s calculation of Bristol’s refund. Richard will look into the validity/legality of this action. Once the investigation phase is complete, Municipal Energy, with staff input, will perform new refund calculations for Bristol.
Pertinent supporting documents provided to city officials have been attached to this letter.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth R. Johnson
CC: R. Lacey
P. Strawderman
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 18, 2007
Stortz letter to Ken Johnson re streetlighting
July 16, 2007
Mr. Kenneth R. Johnson
President, Municipal Energy Consulting Group, LLC
12 Old Cider Mill Road
Bristol, CT 06010
Dear Mr. Johnson,
At the July 10 City Council Meeting, you commented, for the record, that the City and/or some of its employees had/or are withholding information from you and your firm, information which you feel we are obligated to provide for you to make a case for overcharges for street lighting.
In order to address the situation, please provide me with:
1. What information is being withheld?
2. Who is withholding the information (who was asked)?
3. When was this information requested, and how?
4. Is there any correspondence on this?
5. Have you followed up, and if so, what has been the response, and from whom?
I would like to have that information as soon as possible, so that I can follow up to assure that all conditions of the agreement are met.
Any questions, call me at 584-6250.
Thank You.
William T. Stortz
Mayor
City of Bristol
cc: R. Lacey
W.Veselka
City Council
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Mr. Kenneth R. Johnson
President, Municipal Energy Consulting Group, LLC
12 Old Cider Mill Road
Bristol, CT 06010
Dear Mr. Johnson,
At the July 10 City Council Meeting, you commented, for the record, that the City and/or some of its employees had/or are withholding information from you and your firm, information which you feel we are obligated to provide for you to make a case for overcharges for street lighting.
In order to address the situation, please provide me with:
1. What information is being withheld?
2. Who is withholding the information (who was asked)?
3. When was this information requested, and how?
4. Is there any correspondence on this?
5. Have you followed up, and if so, what has been the response, and from whom?
I would like to have that information as soon as possible, so that I can follow up to assure that all conditions of the agreement are met.
Any questions, call me at 584-6250.
Thank You.
William T. Stortz
Mayor
City of Bristol
cc: R. Lacey
W.Veselka
City Council
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 16, 2007
Geladino statement re Stortz and streetlighting fight
Republican City Council hopeful Joseph Geladino issued this statement on July 12, 2007:
Here's a link to a scanned image that may be easier to read.
Here's a link to a scanned image that may be easier to read.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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