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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/12/1993UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington April 12, 1993 II. III. IV. Call to Order: Mayor Hailett called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Jim Hallett, Thomas Hunt, Gary Braun, and Joe Michalczik. Members Absent: Richard Wight Staff Present: C. Knutson, B. Upton, B. Titus, B. Jones, and S. Kenyon. Approval of Minutes: Thomas Hunt moved to approve the minutes of the March 8, 1993, meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unaniinously. Discussion Items: A. Election of Officers Mayor Hallett reviewed a memo from City Clerk Upton indicating that an election of officers should have taken place at the January meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee. Because this was inadvertently overlooked, the election can be held at this time. Councilman Braun moved to nominate Mayor Hallett as Chairman of the Utility Advisory Committee. The motion was seconded by Joe Michalczik. There being no further nominations, a vote was taken on the motion which carried unanimously. Joe Michalczik moved to nominate Thomas Hunt as Vice Chairman of the Utility Advisory Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun. There being no further nominations, a vote was taken on the motion which carried unanimously. Mayor Hallett indicated that he will be in Japan at the time of the May meeting; he asked that Mr. Hunt chair the meeting in his absence. B. Tony Kapetan re. Garbage Rates Clerk Upton advised the members of the UAC that Mr. Kapetan had previously indicated he may have an urgent matter preclude his attendance at this meeting. In that he was not able to attend, he requested that he be allowed to address the UAC at its meeting of May 10. Mayor Hallett indicated Mr. Kapetan is welcome to attend the Utility Advisory -1- Utility Advisory Committee April 12, 1993 Committee meeting; however, it would be extremely helpful if he could provide something in writing prior to the May meeting. It is difficult for the UAC members to be adequately prepared in the absence of written materials. Clerk Upton will contact Mr. Kapetan in this regard. C. Discussion on City light Warehouse and Future Crew Quarters City Light Director Titus distributed a map depicting the property at 2nd & Valley, the location of the PCB contamination clean-up and the former site of the Light Department warehouse. The map established the specific locations of PCB contaminated soil, as well as those areas containing unsuitable soil. Director Titus explained the difficulties and inefficiencies being experienced in the absence of a warehouse. He explained the unanticipated problems causing a delay in the PCB clean-up and the fact he had hoped to build a new warehouse elsewhere on the property. However, soil conditions are such that construction would prove to be prohibitively expensive. Lengthy discussion followed, and Director Titus explained the process involved in the PCB clean-up. Based on an agreement with the EPA, the area must remain industrial with restricted use noted on the title. Because outside interest has been expressed in purchasing the operations building at Front & Cherry, Director Titus felt consideration should be given to obtaining another site to house a new warehouse and operations facility. He indicated it would not be likely that continuation of the operations building at its present site would be viewed favorably due to the potential construction of a convention facility on the Oak Street property. When asked if he had any property in mind, Director Titus responded there is property available on the top of the hill at the Truck Route, in the area of the current pole yard. Property to the north and to the east has a potential for providing sufficient room to house both facilities. Neither piece of property is currently owned by the City; it may be advantageous to pursue this and determine the likelihood of acquisition of the property. Brief consideration was given to locating the facilities at the City's Corporation Yard; however, Director Titus said indications are that the facility is crowded even now with its current configuration. He felt that, if the Utility Advisory Committee agrees with his conclusions, the matter should be taken to the City Council for consideration with the intent being to actively pursue property for a City Light warehouse and operations building. Director Titus felt this should be accomplished with construction of the warehouse completed as soon as possible nd the operations center being deferred until the sale of the existing facility. Brief consideration was given to budgetary factors and, in spite of funds being saved on the PCB clean-up, Director Titus indicated a budget adjustment would be necessary. After further limited discussion, Councilman Braun moved to reconunend that City -2- Utility Advisory Committee April 12, 1993 Light proceed as outlined. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt. Joe Michalczik felt it would be worthwhile to determine if the City has any other needs which might be accommodated by a property acquisition of this nature. The UAC members were in agreement with this suggestion; a vote was then taken on the motion which carried unanhnously. D. City Light Information Items 1. Update on Regional Energy Picture Discussion was held concerning the anticipated rate increase to be passed on by BPA, and Director Titus indicated it will be necessary to wait for the final numbers before the City can communicate with the public as to local rate impact. A 15-20% increase is expected this fall. With a final announcement expected from BPA by June, Director Titus intends to bring a cost of service study to the UAC at its May meeting and subsequently to the City Council at a June meeting in order to commence the rate-making process. A potential increase of 15% exists for residential customers. Lengthy discussion followed. 2. Background Information on WPPSS Related Issues Discussion was generated on the background of the WPPSS issue, and Director Titus provided an overview of WPPSS allocated costs to BPA, a matter established by contract. Director Titus indicated that, if you do business with BPA, you are paying off the bonds for WPPSS. Lengthy discussion followed. V. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, May 10, 1993, at 4:30 p.m. VI. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. City Clerk -3-