HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/14/1989UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
August 14, 1989
I CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hordyk called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
II ROLL CALL
Members Present:
John Hordyk, Jeff Rosbach, Prosper
Ostrowski
Staff Present:
Manager Flodstrom, Attorney Knutson, Tim
Smith, Duane Wolfe, Jack Pittis, Steve
Hursh, Bob Jones, Bob Titus
Others Present: Tod Cohen, Hessle Buck, Steve Friedman,
Vern Kiele.
III LEGISLATION
1. Annual Meeting - Cable T.V. Franchise
Lon Hurd and Miles Overholt of 3-H Cable Communications
Consultants addressed the Committee to discuss the annual
report submitted by Northland Communications Corp., owners of
Port Angeles Telecable.
Following a brief review of the Action Calendar, the Rate
Comparison Chart, and the Complaint Chart, the Committee
discussed several subjects at length with Steve Friedman of
Northland, including a financial report specifically on the
Port Angeles Telecable System; the rate increase imposed by
Northland following their purchase of Port Angeles Telecable;
Manager Flodstrom's letter of May 20th to Northland and their
response; the possibility of Northland providing basic
channels at a reduced rate to those subscribers who request
it; a random versus all subscriber survey to see what
subscribers want in the way of channels available and rates;
the need for some type of future rate structure from Northland
so public credibility and confidence in Port Angeles Telecable
can be restored; whether the City should pursue the ability
to regulate telecable rates; the possibility of a senior
discount option; complaints received by Port Angeles Telecable
directly which should be made available to the City; and a
letter to be submitted by Northland to the City concerning
future rates.
Also discussed was the Quality Assurance Policy which was
implemented by Port Angeles Telecable on July 1st and which
outlines procedures for customer contact; Northland's plans
UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 14, 1989
Page 2
for a random subscriber survey on the economy plan (basic
channels at a reduced price); Telecable donations during
October and November to charitable organizations (i.e., Food
Bank) of $5 per installation; upgrade of the system to 33 MHz,
35 channel capability; and the availability and implementation
of the access channel.
2. Olympic Disposal Landfill Recyclinq Contract
Public Works Director Pittis briefly explained the City's
recycling contract with Olympic Disposal. Bob Jones, Solid
Waste Superintendent, reported he had received no complaints
and that Olympic Disposal meets all the requirements of the
State's Minimum Functional Standards. The Committee than
agreed to recommend the Council approve the extension of the
Landfill recycling contract with Olympic Disposal for an
additional year.
3. Water Contract with Clallam County PUD
Public Works Director Pittis explained why the City has been
negotiating with the PUD over the past few months to revise
the wholesale water contract which provides water at the
southeastern portion of the City's system. One major concern,
Director Pittis pointed out, was the problems associated with
water supply and pressure to City customers in that portion
of the system. The new contract contains provisions whereby
the PUD agrees to investigate and implement new sources of
water for their system, as well as increase the output of
their treatment plant. In addition, the city is also imple-
menting a charge for water consumed beyond the 55,000 cubic
feet per day consumption limit. Director Pittis also pointed
out that this contract will expire April 1, 1990.
After a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend
approval of the contract to the Council.
4. Discussion on Information Items
A. Landfill Chipping
Chairman Hordyk and Solid Waste Superintendent Jones discussed
the chipping of brush, lumber, and yard debris at the Land-
fill. Superintendent Jones reported that bids for this will
be opened on August 15th.
B. Landfill Variance
Jeff Rosbach and Superintendent Jones discussed whether the
City will pursue a variance request to continue using the
existing Landfill site without being required to meet DOE
construction standards.
UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 14, 1989
Page 3
PCB Soil Contamination at City Liqht Warehouse, Second
and Valley
The Committee and Steve Hursh discussed the soil contamination
at Second and Valley and the options available to the City.
It was the Light Department's recommendation to retain owner-
ship of the property; continue to restrict access to the site
by installing fencing around the property. An action plan
would then be submitted to the regulatory agencies for their
review and approval. The action plan would include fencing
the site, capping the contaminated areas with asphalt to
eliminate potential contamination migration pathways, and
removing contaminated soil to reduce human health risks to
workers and the public. The estimated cost for this
recommended action plan is $150,000 to $250,000.
Following a lengthy discussion, the Committee concurred with
the recommendation of the Light Department and will inform the
Council of this direction.
IV ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 P.M.
/ Chairman
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