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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/11/1997UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington August 11, 1997 L Call to Order: Chairman Braun called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. II. RoUCaU: Members Present: Councilmen Braun, Campbell, and Doyle, Joe Michalczik, and Bill Myers. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: C. Knutson, B. Titus, J. Pittis, R. Ellsworth, S. McLain, S. Hursh, K. Ridout, and C. Hagar. IlL Approval of Minutes: Bill Myers moved to approve the minutes of the July 7, 1997, meeting. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Water Supply and Elwha Dam Removal Chairman Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works and Utilities Department and asked Public Works Director Pittis for further comment. Director Pittis explained that assumptions made over the years regarding the removal of the Elwha Dam did not include the elimination of an industrial user that consumed 32 million gallons of water daily. Currently, the State Department of Health has not determined that the City water system has a water quality problem; therefore, treatment facilities have not been mandated. However, regulations state that it is ground water under the influence of surface water and thus subject to the surface water treatment role, and the City could ultimately be ordered to provide treatment on the system. Director Pittis reviewed six questions generated as a result of water use and mill closure. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis and Water/Wastewater Superintendent Ellsworth responded to questions and offered clarification on various points. Joe Michalczlk moved to request a proposal and schedule from ~ to develop a scope and cost for evaluation of the main concept of utilization of the industrial waterline with a treatment plant if the Elwha Dams are removed and other related issues. Bffi Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -1- Utility Advisory Committee August 11, 1997 B. Discussion of Meeting with PUD Chairman Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and invited Director Pittis to give further input. Director Pittis distributed a letter and draft copy of the Agreement to amend the 1995 Wholesale Water Contract received from the PUD. He stated that, at the last meeting, operating conditions were reviewed, and the wholesale water agreement and low zone intertie were discussed. The proposed Agreement is to extend the former agreement, and the PUD has agreed to a rate increase effective with the August 24, 1997, billing cycle. The low zone rate has not yet been established, but the Finance Department is working on this. Staff hopes to bring this to the August 19, 1997, Council meeting. The City Attorney has not yet had a chance to review the amendment to the agreement, and Director Pittis felt approval should be hinged on the City Attorney's approval of the amendment. Councilman Campbell reviewed the discussions held with the PUD and stressed these are not negotiations, but simply discussion and planning sessions. Discussion followed, after which Councilman Campbell moved to have Public Works staff and the City Attorney develop the wholesale water contract extension into an acceptable document to be sent to the City Council for approval. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. C. Revisions to PAMC 14.05 - Electrical Code Chairman Braun reviewed the information contained in the packet and invited Steve Hursh, Electrical Engineering Manager, to comment. Mr. Hursh explained that these are basically housekeeping changes. The State has adopted the 1996 version of the National Electric Code and revised the State of Washington Electrical Laws, and this amendment will adopt those changes. Also, staff is asking for two amendments relating to disconnect switches and facilities near salt water. Corrosion resistant equipment, in salt water areas, would improve employee safety. Limited discussion followed, after which Joe Michalczik moved to recommend the City Council approve adoption of the 1996 National Electrical Code and the two additional amendments to Chapter 14.05 as proposed. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. D. Revisions to the Morse Creek Transmission Agreement Chairman Braun reviewed the information provided by the Light Division and asked Electrical Engineering Manager Hursh for further comment. Mr. Hursh reviewed the history of this issue and stated this is different from a normal wheeling agreement as no power is being sold, but we are transferring ownership of some of our facilities to the PUD. Staff felt it makes sense to make the revisions to the Morse Creek Transmission Agreement and all costs would be the PUD's. -2- Utility Advisory Committee August 11, 1997 Following brief discussion and clarification, Bill Myers moved to recommend the City Council approve the revisions to the Morse Creek Transmission Agreement. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. E. Strategic Plan for Future of City Light Deputy Director Titus stated that, following the meeting with the Bonneville staff in July, it was felt the utility needs to pursue a strategic plan to determine what services should be offered if deregulation happens. To realize the maximum benefit from this change, it would be in the City's best interest to position itself to take advantage of opportunities in the event of deregulation. Deputy Director Titus stated he had discussed this issue with Manager Pomeranz who agreed that hiring a consultant to prepare a plan for the utility would be wise. Discussion followed, and Councilman Campbell moved that the Public Works and Utilities staff develop a Request for Proposal around options and strategies for City Light and bring it to the UAC for review. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. Information Only A. Issue Paper on Utility Aggregators No discussion - no action was taken. B. Welcome Inn Trailer Park Chairman Braun asked Attorney Knutson for an update on this issue. Attorney Knutson explained that Mr. Hopper has several units that need master meters. This is inconsistent with City Ordinance; therefore, the ordinance must be amended in order to allow that to continue. Staff has been researching State and Federal Law to ensure this is not prohibited. Hopefully, at the next meeting, UAC will be asked to recommend to the City Council a change in ordinance which will allow master metering for RV parks or RV units. C. Minutes of City Council/UAC Special Meeting with BPA No discussion - no action was taken. VII. Next Meeting: Deputy Director Titus pointed out that staff may not be available for the next regularly scheduled meeting as they may be attending a meeting in Victoria. Mr. Titus will inform Deputy Clerk Hagar of whether or not staff is available for September 8; if not, the next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held Monday, September 15, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. -3- Utility Advisory Committee August 11, 1997 VIII. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. Chairman Deputy City Clerk ' ~,/ -4-