HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/07/1991 (2)UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
January 7, 1991
Call to Order:
Chairman Hallett called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
II. Roll Call:
Members Present:
Thomas Hunt.
Jim Hallett, Mike Lemon, Jeff Rosbach and
Members Absent: Richard Wight
Staff Present: B. Titus, C. Knutson, B. Upton and G. Leaf.
III. Approval of Minutes of November 29, 1990 Meeting:
The minutes of November 29, 1990 were approved as written.
IV. Discussion Items:
Consideration of Adjustment to Electrical Rate Schedule -
Time of Day Meters:
City Light Director Titus reviewed circumstances of the recent
decision to split up the General Service rate into two
separate classes and begin charging for all kilowatts (kW) of
demand. The result was a unified concern expressed by area
Churches due to rate increases passed on by virtue of having
demands at the highest levels on Sundays.
Director Titus subsequently proposed that the City offer time-
of-use demand meters to all General Service Demand customers
and eliminate demand charges during Sundays and 10:00 p.m. to
7:00 a.m. on the remaining days. This timeframe would match
that used by the Bonneville Power Administration which does
not charge for demand during these hours. Director Titus
noted this change would reduce current charges by more than
50% for a net decrease of 10-15%. Most of the Churches
contacted have reacted positively to this proposal. In
addition, Director Titus indicated there are approximately
five high school accounts and possibly the Juvenile Center
account wishing to use the time-of-use demand meters.
Director Titus explained the willingness of the customers to
pay for the meters. Further, because of the recent increase
passed on to these customers, the city would be willing to
assess 50% of the meter demand rate until the time the actual
demand has been determined. Adjustments will be made at that
time.
Councilman Lemon moved to recommend to City Council the
adoption of Ordinance revisions as outlined above concerning
the time-of-use demand meters. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Hallett and carried unanimously.
Consideration of Exemption of Electrical Facilities from
Bid Limits:
City Light Director Titus reviewed State law which currently
limits municipal employees from participating in any projects
where the total cost of labor, equipment and materials exceeds
the amount of $30,000. Because of such a restriction, city
Light is unable to work on projects of any magnitude other
than maintenance. This problem came to light during
discussions with the School District concerning the tennis
courts as a joint City/School District effort.
Director Titus further explained that first class cities with
populations in excess of 20,000 have no such limits on
projects associated with electrical distribution and
generating systems. The City Light Department would like to
be exempted from the $30,000 restriction and, as such, it is
recommended that consideration be given for City Light to
contact the other municipalities (15) in this situation to
obtain support in seeking such an exemption. It should be
noted that of the 15 other municipalities, Port Angeles is the
largest city with a population of less than 20,000. The
Association of Washington cities might also be helpful in this
effort.
Lengthy discussion followed about such a change allowing the
City Light utility to do more in-house work and also reduce
the cost of larger projects by virtue of doing the work in-
house. Some concern was expressed about the possibility of
doing work normally given to contractors and also about the
possibility of adding employees for this purpose. However,
Director Titus noted it is intended to fully maximize the work
force and equipment presently available and to be able to
participate in joint ventures such as that cited with the
School District.
Further lengthy discussion concerned a "fall-back" position in
the event the Legislature was not supportive of this change.
Current limits on PUDs involve $80,000 per total project cost
plus any one item of equipment. It was suggested this be
adopted for a "fall-back" position. A motion was made by Jeff
Rosbach that a recommendation be made to the City Council
wherein an exemption would be sought from the Legislature to
the levels as outlined concerning the PUDs. The motion was
seconded by Thomas Hunt. Councilman Lemon, however, expressed
the opinion that it might be more advisable to go for a full