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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/10/1992UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington February 10, 1992 II. Call to Order: Mayor Hallett called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Jim Hallett, Richard Wight, Gary Braun, Joe Michalczik, Jeff Rosbach and Thomas Hunt. Members Absent: None Guests: Dan Withers, Rose Wilbelmand MikeSturgcon of Northland Cable Television. Staff Present: B. Titus, C. Knutson, J. Pittis, B. Upton, K. Ridout, and B. Jones. III. Approval o_f Minutes: IV. Jeff Rosbach moved to approve the minutes of the January 13, 1992, meeting with the correction that he and Thoman Hunt, in the motion approving the minutes, should not be referred to as Councilmen. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt and carried unanimously. At this time, Mayor Hallett presented Jeff Rosbach with a plaque recognizing his commitment and dedication to the citizens of Port Angeles by his service on the Utility Advisory Committee for the period, January, 1988, to January, 1992. This is Mr. Rosbach's last meeting as a member of the UAC. Discussion Items: A. Presentation by Regional Manager, Northland Cable Television Attorney Knutson introduced Dan Withers, Regional Manager of Northland Cable, with whom he had met recently to discuss the implementation of the Government & Education Access Channel. Mr. Withers introduced his staff members: Rose Wilhelm, Office Manager, and Mike Sturgeon, Plant Manager. Mr. Withers discussed the Government & Education Access Channel which is required by the franchise agreement with the City. The School District has shown an interest in -1- Utility Advisory Committee February 10, 1992 activating the channel and, in response to that interest, Northland Cable submitted a proposal for consideration by the Utility Advisory Committee. Mr. Withers referenced the proposed advisory board which would be representative of all entities, and he indicated he would like to extend this channel to include the Sequim School District and Peninsula College. Peninsula College, with its present equipment, would be able to produce shows to be shared with cable customers. Brief discussion was held concerning the requirements of the franchise agreement, which include the provision of equipment and a fund in the amount of $12,500. When asked about ongoing costs, Mr. Withers indicated the costs will probably be the responsibility of the users. Mr. Withers announced the planned implementation of Northland Cable News which is scheduled for production as of March 2. Northland will have production equipment available for this endeavor which will enhance the efforts of the Government & Education Channel. He urged input from the City concerning matters of interest which could be included in the newscasts. Discussion ensued concerning the proposal's inclusion of a paid director, which Mr. Withers indicated could start on a part-time basis. This position is extremely important, however, due to the need to have someone review content and language to assure quality programming. Mr. Withers felt it is not likely such a position could be filled by a volunteer; however, the members of the Utility Advisory Committee felt it should be considered, at least initially. The newscasts will be produced four times daily, five days per week and, if the need arises, special weekend programming could be provided. Dennis Bragg will be the newscaster. The news will include matters of interest to local area residents and will be subsidized by paid advertising. Because the Govemment& Education Channel is non-profit and non-commereial, the air time is free; Channel 23 will be used for this purpose. The target date for implementation is in the fall, just prior to the next school year. Mr. Withers indicated the channel could be used to publicize such City matters as public hearings, and Councilman Wight saw this as an opportunity to involve the Public Information Committee to identify other matters which would be appropriate for this type of programming. After further discussion, Councilman W ht moved to recommend to the City Council to consider forming a committee for the Government & Education Channel, consisting of the representatives as outlined. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun. It was agreed that, in the meantime, the Public Information Committee can begin working on this project. Councilman Wight amended his motion to expand the committee to include one representative from the Port Angeles School District, one from the Sequim School District, and one from Peninsula College. -2- Utility Advisory Committee February 10, 1992 Councilman Braun agreed, and a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Mr. Withers reviewed the Olympic Triple Cast on Channel 5, which is a first time pay- for-view event for the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. There is a 90% exclusive on cable, and NBC will be providing highlights only. The cost for this pay-for-view event will be $125.00, and Northland Cable will provide the opportunity to area customers. At the present time, legislation has been introduced in the State to levy a sales tax in the amount of 8 % on cable television. Mr. Withers indicated this is an effort to increase revenues by taxing cable subscribers. Brief discussion was held concerning the retransmission charge and rate regulation. Mr. Withers reviewed the possibility of being required to obtain permission from local broadcasters in order to carry broadcasting on cable, subject to a carriage charge. Northland Cable already pays license fees and felt such an additional requirement would place an even heavier financial burden on customers. The language of this proposed legislation is changing constantly, so it is unknown as to what the final outcome might be. Attorney Knutson indicated the City's consultant is of the opinion the effective competition standard may be alleviated and replaced with FCC standards on how rates could be regulated. Mr. Withers discussed signal leakage standards and distributed information explaining the cable company's responsibility to monitor and correct any existing leakage. Leakage might exist due to loose fittings, illegal connections and poorly installed connections by private citizens. On the matter of rates, Mr. Withers indicated Northland's maintenance costs continue to increase, and the company has just been advised of a 72% increase in medical insurance for its employees. Every effort is being made to provide different rates for everyone with different packages being made available. Northland is presently studying a possible third tier for customers who may be interested. In closing, Mr. Withers noted an inquiry had been made as to whether Port Angeles subscribers were subsidizing cable expansion outside the City. He indicated this is not the case, as expansion does not take place unless there is financial support in the particular area being expanded. As an added note, Attorney Knutson informed the members of the Utility Advisory Committee that Steve Friedman is no longer associated with Northland Cable. The representatives of Northland Cable were thanked for the presentation and information sharing. -3- Utility Advisory Committee February 10, 1992 B. Update on Electric Rate Impacts from Endangered Species Listings City Light Director Titus reviewed the constantly changing situation involving the endangered species listings and the expected impacts on electric rates. One species has already been listed as endangered, and it is anticipated that two more species will be added to the list. National Marine Fisheries must formulate a plan for restoration. There are many people and entities involved in this issue, and it is difficult to arrive at a consensus. The Northwest Power Planning Council formulated a proposal which included recommended harvest levels, maintaining minimum flows and placing screens on intakes to irrigation pipes and dams. The environmental focus in on flows at the present time. Director Titus indicated local legislators have expressed concern with the status of this particular issue, and it has been noted difficult to quantify expected costs to be incurred. Discussions have involved the surrounding habitat and possibly limiting farming or logging in the immediate vicinity adjacent to the rivers and the hatcheries. Because BPA operates the dams, the costs for fish restoration will be primarily borne by BPA customers. C. Modification of Payment Schedule for Recycling Contractor Public Works Director Pittis reviewed information pertinent to the City's agreement with Environmental Waste Systems, the recycling contractor, where the contractor is to pay the City 75% of the revenue collected for recyclables. It is difficult to determine the actual amount to be paid, because the materials collected from Port Angeles, Sequim and other businesses cannot be kept separate. Negotiations have taken place and the City has agreed to the amount of $30,000. At the inception of the agreement, the projection was made that $40,000 would be paid the City; however, the lesser figure appears to be appropriate. Director Pittis reviewed the terms by which the payment would be made. Jeff Rosbach expressed concern with the precedent being set which might affect future contracts. He wasn't certain it would be appropriate for any assumptions to be made in the absence of an accurate formula. Attorney Knutson agreed the contract did not provide a formula for determining the proper amount. Jeff Rosbach offered for future consideration the possibility of contract language inclusive of a payment which constitutes two-thirds of the recyclables collected, with the goal of moving toward something which can be accurately calculated. Councilman Wight agreed that a formula should be used but one that accounted for additional recyclables that could be collected in areas other than by the City's contract. After further discussion, Councilman Wight moved to recommend to the City Council to approve the process of payment by Environmental Waste Systems to the City as -4- Utility Advisory Committee February 10, 1992 proposed. Thomas Hunt seconded the motion. It was agreed the next year's payment should provide more accountability and a better methodology of calculating the amount to be paid. A vote was taken on the motion which carried unanimously. D. Public Works Home Show Ideas For informational purposes, Director Pittis reviewed the planned involvement of the Public Works Department in the 1992 Homeshow, February 29 - March 1, at the Port Angeles High School. Involved will be demonstrations of water conservation; information on lawn care; information on recycling, waste stream reduction, hazardous waste, and various methods of handling solid waste. E. Review of Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan Bob Jones, Superintendent of Solid Waste, briefly reviewed for the members of the Utility Advisory Committee the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan is being updated and major components include the designation of the Port Angeles Landfill as the regional landfill for the County. In addition, one of the components of the plan involves hazardous waste treatment, and a grant to pay for this effort has been applied for by the County. It is also anticipated that a collection and disposal district will be formulated, and that County-wide pickup will be mandated. Discussion followed on the matter of recycling, the City Recycling Committee and the means by which matters are forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Director Pittis indicated most recycling issues are brought before the Utility Advisory Committee before moving forward to the City Council. Next Meetine: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, March 9, 1992, 4:30 p.m. VI. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. (~Chairman Clerk q / -5-