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Investment firm pitches small pilot to install Level-2 EV chargers in Sierra Madre
Summary
Lombard ODA principal Ruben Lubowski proposed a learning-focused pilot to install two ChargePoint level-2 stations (four ports) funded by the firm; the city would own the chargers, receive revenues and staff will identify possible host sites for further consideration.
Ruben Lubowski of Lombard ODA Group pitched a pilot project to install two ChargePoint level-2 electric-vehicle chargers in Sierra Madre, saying his firm would cover equipment, installation and permitting costs and pay for maintenance during the pilot period. "We would pay for the installation and the permit cost," Lubowski said, adding that each station would serve two parking spaces.
The proposal, delivered at the Dec. 9 Sierra Madre City Council meeting, emphasized that the pilot is primarily a learning opportunity. Lubowski said the firm would collect usage data and report it to the California Air Resources Board to pursue credits under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. He suggested a potential 10-year term for an initial agreement to allow time to recoup the upfront investment through environmental credits and other incentives.
Council members asked about the financial model and technical choices. Lubowski said two revenue streams could offset costs: customer payments for electricity and the monetization of carbon/low-carbon credits, and noted that state incentive programs could help with upfront costs. He proposed ChargePoint’s 6000-series level-2 chargers for interoperability and user management features, including a waitlist function.
Council members and the public raised practical questions about site selection and service design. One council member suggested downtown behind the playhouse as a possible host site; a member of the transportation subcommittee, John Lloyd, urged the city to consider the potential economic benefit of visitors stopping to shop while their cars charge. Lubowski also said level-2 chargers are lower-cost and often complementary to fast chargers already planned in town.
Council provided direction for staff to continue the discussion: the city manager will connect staff with Lubowski to identify suitable host locations and return with a formal proposal or agenda item for further council consideration. The council did not take a formal vote on the proposal at this meeting.
Next steps: staff will meet with the proponent to identify candidate sites and prepare cost estimates and contract terms for a future council agenda.
