HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/12/1999 UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
April 12, 1999
I. Call to Order:
Vice Chairman Michalczik called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.
IL Roll Call:
Members Present: Councilmen Doyle [3:10] and Williams [3:35], Bill Myers and Joe
Michalczik.
Members Absent: Councilman Campbell.
StaffPresent: P. Ibarra, C. Knutson, R. Ellsworth, S. McLaln, D. McGinley, J.
Pittis, B. Titus, C. Rinehart, and K Godbey.
IIL Approval of Minutes:
Vice Chairman Michalczik moved to approve the minutes of March 15, 1999, meeting. Bill
Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
IV. Discussion Items:
Councilman Doyle requested an additional discussion item. The Hearthstone Group letter was added
under Late Items.
A. Water Quali~y Report
Public Works Director Pittis explained that the Safe Drinking Water Act required each community
to provide each of its customers with a Consumer Confidence Report. This report gives consumers
information about our drinking water supply coveting such issues as infectious diseases, the water
source, how we disinfect our water et cetera. Staff put together a draft Water Quality Report to
address these concems. Wholesale customers were informed by April 1st by means of test results. The
document must be to consumers by October 19th of this year and by July 1 st each following year. A
discussion followed regarding report contents. Corrections will be made in several areas. Testing
issues and mineral content were addressed. Questions were asked regarding the cost to distribute and
it was explained that it would be included with the Port Angeles Times. The Council will determine
whether to produce the report in color or black and white Councilman Doyle moved to forward
the corrected report to the City Council. Bill Myers seconded and the vote was curried
unanimously.
B. Utility Capital Project Information
Deputy Director Bob Titus reviewed the basic projects planned for 1999. After questioning, an
explanation was given by Director Pittis on why reservoirs need covers and how that is done. He
indicated that the City would be making other improvements at the Jones Street Reservoir along with
the cover such as sidewalks, landscaping, et cetera. This was an information item only and in most
cases the projects will not involve any UAC action in the future. The next stage of review will be
when bids are taken to Council for award. No action required.
C. 1999 NWl>PA Proposed Resolutions
Proposed resolutions were included in the packet for UAC review. Vice Chairman Michalczik
requested clarification on Resolution 99-1 Preference Clause second paragraph from the bottom. The
wording in question was "We also oppose proposals to permit private entrepreneurs to bid
competitively to perform operation and maintenance activities at federal dams or to add capacity and
receive a share of the increased generation." Deputy Director Titus indicated he would look into it.
There was some discussion regarding various dam issues and the political positions involved. This
was an information item only and will next go to City Council as an information item. No action
required.
D. Discussion of Landfill Status
Public Works Director Pittis gave extensive background on the issues. Operating the landfill through
2006 is the best for the City (Option#i). The City has demonstrated that we have no bird/aircraft
hazards as a result of the operation of the landfill and we have our permit. We are required to
continue to make this demonstration. Staff took several approaches in calculating assumptions.
These were reviewed at length by Director Pittis. Discussion ensued, and Director Pittis responded
to questions and provided additional information. City Manager Ibarra indicated staff looked at a
variety of cost/capacity issues which all point to the cost effectiveness to all parties of long term
agreements with the haulers. The analysis will also demonstrate to the FAA that we have done our
homework. An extensive discussion followed which included hauler costs, tonnage costs, the risks
involved and other uses of the land. Bill Myers moved to recommend Option #1 to the City
Council. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
V. Information Only Items
None.
VI. Late Items
A. Hearthstone Group
Councilman Doyle received a letter from the Hearthstone Group (a private non-profit organization)
stating that they had built two apartment buildings for the Iow income elderly in the Melody Lane area
and have rent controls for 40 years. Each apartment has a meter and there is a meter charge every
time they're read. They feel the City is taking advantage of the elderly. Scott McLain explained that
the basic charge includes more than meter reading. Federal PURPA regulations dictates we not have
master meters and we have been following that practice since the 1970's.. A~ter some discussion it
was determined the City should respond in writing by itemizing the types of charges that are included
in the basic charge. Staff will put together the numbers..
B. Future UA C Meetings
City Manager Ibarra indicated that he wasn't sure if there would be monthly UAC meetings between
the time Director Pittis left (May 14th) and the new director arrived (probably late June). He asked
committee indulgence as this issue is worked out.
VII. Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be May 10, 1999, at 3:00 p.m.
VIII. Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Cha~'rntfi'n v - ~ - t._ Cate Rinehart, Acting Secretary