City Council Wrap-Up

Solar Tower

The City Council on Tuesday approved a proposed purchase agreement for the La Paz Solar Tower Project with a consortium of cities through the Southern California Public Power Authority.

Australia-based EnviroMission is scheduled to build the project in the desert of Arizona’s La Paz County, with construction on the 2,400-foot-high tower set to begin in July 2012.

WHAT IT MEANS

Under the agreement, the city would purchase up to $6.6-million worth of solar power generated by the La Paz Tower annually for 30 years once the tower is operational in 2014.

The city would only pay for power that is generated, officials said. The contract also provides for compensation if the tower is not functional.

VOTE: 5-0

New department

The council approved the official appointment of current Community Planning Director Hassan Haghani to helm the city’s newly established Community Development Department.

The City Council approved the further consolidation of the community redevelopment and planning departments last year.

Philip Lanzafame, formerly director of community redevelopment and housing, will be assistant director of the new department.

WHAT IT MEANS

Haghani will receive a pay bump of roughly $23,000 for helming the new department, according to a city report.

VOTE: 5-0

FYI

What: Glendale City Council meeting

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: City Council Chambers, 613 E. Broadway

Contact: (818) 548-2090