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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/11/1996UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington March 11, 1996 Call to Order: Chairman Michalczik called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Public Present: Gary Braun, Orville Campbell, Joe Michalczik, and Bill Myers. Larry Doyle. C. Knutson, B. Titus, C. Hagar, S. McLain, and S. Hursh. C. Gray, J. Nelson, and N. Schaefer. IlL Approval of Minutes: Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 1996, meeting. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilman Campbell requested Item C, EMF Concems, be moved up on the agenda, in order to give Ms. Gray the opportunity to address the Committee. The Committee agreed. IV. Discussion Items: C. EMFConcerns Steve Hursh, Light Department Engineering Manager, defined electromagnetic fields (EMF) and explained to the Committee why some people are concerned about health hazards from overhead power lines. He said studies regarding this issue are inconclusive and inconsistent. Although there have been numerous lawsuits involving reduced property values and possible health hazards from overhead power lines, electric utility industries have been successful in defending these suits given the present scientific knowledge. Mr. Hursh stated that the light department has available to the public a meter that measures EMF levels. Ms. Gray had borrowed the meter and took readings from various areas in her home over a two-day period. All of the readings were quite high. He pointed out that the only way to reduce the magnetic field is to relocate or underground the power line or lower the current flowing on the wires. Currently, policy requires the applicant to pay for all costs associated with "customer requested" modifications to electric facilities. If an exception is made for one, it must be made for all. Mr. Hursh then distributed a diagram showing the location of the house, and the EMF readings at various places near the power lines. -1- Utility Advisory Committee March 11, 1996 Lengthy discussion followed, and Ms. Gray reviewed certain information she had found regarding EMF's and the possibility of them imposing serious health hazards. Both Mr. Hursh and Ms. Gray responded to questions posed by the Committee. Ms. Gray suggested the City form a task force to educate the public on EMF, and that everyone read the book, The EMF Book, by Mark Pensky. Light Director Titus explained that because of the inconsistent results researchers on this issue have come up with, it is difficult to know exactly what to tell the public. It is the general consensus of the utility industry that research in this area should be supported to determine if in fact there is a problem, and at what point does the strength of the field become a danger. Councilman Campbell stated he felt uncomfortable modifying a city distribution system based on the current EMF research. Director Titus pointed out that the worst situations are the 4ky systems which will be phased out over the next two years. Hopefully, this will greatly reduce the EMF levels in those areas. Councilman Braun agreed with Councilman Campbell and felt staff should upgrade the EMF library and if new information comes to light, report back to the Committee. It was the general consensus of the Committee that it should be kept abreast of any new information regarding this issue. Chairman Michalczik thanked Ms. Gray for bringing this matter to the attention of the Committee and invited her to return to a future meeting if she so desired. No further action was taken. 3-H Cable Communications Consultants - 1995 Annual Report and 1996 Consultant Services Agreement. Attorney Knutson gave a brief summary of the information provided in the packet and explained the duties performed by the cable consultant. He stated that the franchise fee is set forth in the City's franchise ordinance which was adopted in 1987. The City receives 5% of the gross revenues from the cable company, and pays 5°/6 of that amount to the consultant. Bill Myers moved to recommend that the City Council renew the contract with 3-H Cable Communications for 1996. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Bill Myers and Councilman Braun both commented on how nice it was to work with the local cable company as they attempted to make the cable packages attractive as well as affordable. C. Update on BPA Contract Negotiations Director Titus reviewed the update paper contained in the packet. He stated there had been a meeting last week between the Washington Public Agency Group (WPAG) and the Bonneville Power Administration, and another meeting will be held this week. There appears to be considerable differences between what the utilities want and what Bonneville is willing to provide. Director Titus reviewed the discussions held at the last WPAG/BPA meeting, and lengthy discussion followed regarding the negotiations. Director Titus explained that the existing power sales contracts between the City and BPA -2- Utility Advisory Committee March 11, 1996 extend to the year 2001 and require the City to purchase aH its power from Bonneville. However, Bonneville recognizes that if they keep utilities from being able to participate in the marketplace, those utilities will go elsewhere for power when their contracts expire. Therefore, Bonneville is attempting to keep the goodwill of its customers and is allowing for amendments to existing contracts, allowing utilities to diversity resources. This opportunity only exists now, during the negotiation period. Mr. Nick Schaefer of Dalshowa and Mr. Jim Nelson of Rayonier Mill were present at the meeting, and exhibited much concern over the negotiation process and feared the City was not taking a firm enough stand with the BPA. They felt Bonneville should be willing to make some concessions. Director Titus explained that the City is locked into an agreement with Bonneville, which does not expire until 2001; therefore, there is a limited scope for negotiation. Much discussion followed, and Director Titus responded to questions directed by the Committee and the industrial representatives. Director Titus advised the Committee that he will keep them updated on the negotiation process. Director Titus invited the industrial rate payers to put in writing what they would like to see as a preferable remedy, and he will present it to the City's consultant for the next WPAG/BPA meeting. Mr. Michalczik, Mr. Nelson and Mr. Schaefer asked for more information regarding the 13 issues being negotiated so they can make comments on them. Director Titus will provide this information. No action was taken. VI Late Items: None. VIL Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, April 8, 1996, at 4:30 p.m. VIIL Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. fCh~irman 3 Deputy C~ty~lerk -3-