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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/16/1998 UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington March 16, 1998 I. Call to Order: Chairman Doyle called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Councilmen Campbell, Doyle, and Williams, Bill Myers and Joe Michalczik. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: C. Knutson, J. Pittis, K. Ridout, B. Titus, C. Hagar, and D. Sawyer. III. Approval of Minutes: Joe Michalczik moved to approve the minutes of the February 24, 1998, meeting. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Marine Bluff Issues Public Works Director Pittis explained that he had discussed marine bluff issues with Attorney Knutson and Planning Director Collins. Marine bluff issues impact the City's storm water, sewer, and electrical systems; therefore, the UAC is being asked to give direction to staff regarding policy issues. Director Pittis then reviewed the information contained in the packet and asked Dave Sawyer, Senior Planner, for input regarding a geotechnical study of the marine bluff. Mr. Sawyer stated he had not had the opportunity to discuss the study with Planning Director Collins, therefore, he did not know how he planned on financing it. Currently, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) ordinance states that, before development occurs on the marine bluff, it must first be determined if it will be within the 50-foot buffer of the edge of the bluff. If development is to be outside the 50-foot buffer, a letter from an engineer stating it is safe to develop within that area will be accepted by staff. Mr. Sawyer then explained the remainder of the process in developing bluff areas. Mr. Sawyer felt that, in view of letters received from the Port and private property owners, a coordinated effort to look at the marine bluff may make sense. This would enable the City to - 1 - Utility Advisory Committee March 16, 1998 have an overall, coordinated report for the bluff, rather than piecemeal reports which would be more expensive to the property owners. Discussion followed. Councilman Doyle was concerned that, if the City performed the study for the marine bluff, it would be liable to perform geotechnical studies for any and all problem areas in the City. Councilman Williams informed the Committee that he had spoken to Bob Freitag at FEMA, who informed him of a pilot program that covers this type of situation. Councilman Williams suggested staff seek FEMA funds to help defray the expenses of a geotechnical study. Director Pittis stated that the City is not liable for damage caused by mud slides, especially when they occur on private property. However, it would be in the City's best interest to be involved in preventing them if at all possible. Therefore, he felt the City could take an active role in procuring a geotechnical study and taking steps to prevent more slide damage. Attorney Knutson stated that private citizens could not be forced to participate in funding a study; however, the City could provide an incentive. If FEMA funding is obtained, it could be used as matching funds for areas where residents are willing to financially participate in the study. After further discussion, it was the general consensus of the Committee that staff should investigate possible FEMA funding and return this item to a future UAC meeting. B. Landfill Financial Analysis - Revenue Options (Jefferson County Disposal) [Continued from Meeting of February 24, 1998] Director Pittis stated he and Finance Director Godbey had met with Jefferson County staff, Klara Fabry and Frank Hall, regarding the price per ton for use of the Port Angeles landfill. Also, he had sent them a letter stating the City's lowest rate for tipping fees is $40 and asking if there was room for negotiation. Director Pittis stated there are two options being explored: 1) an interlocal agreement between Port Angeles and Jefferson County, or 2) Jefferson County's contractors would ask for a rate from the City. Director Pittis indicated he discussed the possibility of increasing the rate higher than Jefferson County's original proposal of $21.15 by allowing the City to share in the transportation cost savings. Ms. Fabry thought this might be possible. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis responded to questions from the Committee. Joe Michalczik felt it was unfair to charge residents $63 per ton and Jefferson County a much lower rate. Director Pittis explained that landfill rates are based on a cost of service. City and County residents having been using the landfill over a period of many years, and they should pay a share of landfill closure and clean up. Jefferson County is not liable for these past expenses; therefore, they could be charged a lower rate. Attorney Knutson reminded the Committee that the landfill users can be given a reduction in rates based on the money made from Jefferson County. Director Pittis stated the money could also be used to stabilize the container conversion project. Also, if the landfill must close in the year 2000, this money will help pay the shortfall in landfill closure fees. - 2 - Utility Advisory Committee March 16, 1998 Councilman Doyle asked what it cost the City to handle a ton of garbage. Director Pittis did not have that number, and Councilman Doyle felt this information was needed before a decision could be made on this issue. Director Pittis felt staff could work out the cost, establish a rate, and inform Jefferson County that Port Angeles will offer this rate to any bidders that come to them. Further discussion, ensued and Councilman Campbell asked for a progress report on the composting project, which was provided by Director Pittis and Deputy Director Ridout. Brief discussion followed regarding the container conversion program. Director Pittis stated he would get the necessary information regarding tipping fees and bring this item back to the next meeting. V. Information Only Items A. Issue Paper on BPA Subscription Bob Titus, Deputy Director of Utility Services, distributed a handout on Subscription Principles received from Bonneville. This gives more information on the subject. This is for information only to keep the UAC and Council abreast of activities, since when it is time to make a decision, time will be of the essence. Brief discussion followed, and Deputy Director Titus responded to questions and offered clarification. VI. Late Items None. VI. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be April 13, 1998, at 3:00 p.m. VIII. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4: 15 p.m. .~. } / Deputy City Clerk - 3 -