HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/13/1992UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
April 13, 1992
Call to Order:
Mayor Hallett called the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m.
II.
Roll Call:
Members Present: Jim I-Iallett, Thomas Hunt, Joe Michalczik, and Richard Wight.
Members Absent: Gary Braun
Staff Present: J. Pittis, B. Titus, B. Upton, and B. Jones.
III. AvDroval of Minutes:
Thomas Hunt moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 1992 meeting as written. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Wight and carried by a majority vote, with Mayor
Hallett abstaining due to absence from that meeting.
IV.
Discussion Items:
Public Power Council Draft Letter of Opposition to "Elwha River Ecosystem and
l~sheries Restoration Act"
City Light Director Titus introduced a late item for discussion: a draft letter to be sent to the
Congressional delegation, written on behalf of the Public Power Council, objecting to provisions
of the "Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act". The PPC opposes certain
principles contained in the legislation, such as a single customer rate. It is the PPC's opinion
that a dangerous precedent could be established, paving the way for other requests for favorable
rates. In addition, the PPC is concerned the legislation would provide the local industrial
customer with replacement power at a rate far below that paid by Bonneville's preference
customers. The PPC has also taken exception to the negotiations to revise Bonneville's
repayment obligations.
Director Titus indicated this letter is being distributed for informational purposes; no action is
required at this time. Lengthy discussion followed concerning the impacts of the legislation, as
well as the efforts toward fish restoration.
Director Titus then distributed information pertinent to the NWPPA Annual Membership
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Utility Advisory Committee
April 13, 1992
Meeting, May 18-21, 1992, at the Sheraton Inn in Tacoma.
B. Request by Jefferson County to use Landfill on Emergency Basis
Public Works Director Pittis and Solid Waste Superintendent Jones reviewed a request from
Jefferson County to bring refuse to the City of Port Angeles landfill under emergency conditions.
This request has been submitted because Jefferson County must close its landfill and make
arrangements for the refuse until the time their long haul facility is operational. Superintendent
Jones indicated he has made it quite clear that Port Angeles cannot consider accepting this refuse
until the new cell at the landfill has been completed, which might well be mid-summer or early
fall.
Director Pittis indicated that, if the City agrees to accept the refuse from Jefferson County, an
ordinance amendment would be required, as well as a contractual agreement. In response to a
question from one of the UAC members, Superintendent Jones indicated the City could handle
the additional refuse in terms of manpower and equipment only for the period of time referenced,
which would be from the time the new cell is completed through December, 1992.
In the discussion that followed, the members of the Utility Advisory Committee considered
possible charge structures if the decision is made to grant the request of Jefferson County.
Director Pittis noted that traditionally a rate of 50 % more is charged for water and sewer services
outside the City. Perhaps the same approach could be applied in this case. Councilman Wight
felt there would be no benefit derived by accepting the refuse, other than that of being a good
neighbor. To accept the refuse would make the City's short-term and long-term situation worse.
If the refuse is accepted, he felt it appropriate to make a certain amount of money because of
street use, the additional labor load, and the like.
Mayor Hallett suggested incorporating a methodology whereby, if the life of the landfill is
shortened by virtue of accepting the refuse, then a charge would be incrementally applied.
Director Pittis noted that, based on past practice, the charge would be approximately $74.00/ton,
and Superintendent Jones urged the establishment of a time limitation. When asked why the City
could not accept the refuse at the present time, Superintendent Jones responded there isn't enough
room, and the Solid Waste Plan does not allow for the acceptance of refuse outside the County.
The only reason to accept the refuse now or upon completion of the new cell is to help a fellow
governmental agency.
Joe Michalczik expressed concern with consideration of this request, as he felt it could establish
an undesirable precedent. Further, he indicated Jefferson County may not have planned
appropriately, and the citizens of Jefferson County should help provide assistance in seeking a
solution. He did not share in the view that this is an emergency situation, but rather poor
planning.
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Utility Advisory Committee
April 13, 1992
Director Pittis indicated that Jefferson County is prepared to receive a negative response, as they
are aware of the City's challenges at this time in completing the new cell. Councilman Wight
suggested a position paper be prepared for presentation to the City Council, summarizing the
discussion by the Utility Advisory Committee members. He further suggested it be noted the
UAC suggests that refuse not be accepted until the completion of the new cell and, at that time,
the matter can be reintroduced for consideration, depending on the completion date. Mayor
Hallett agreed, but also felt the Council should be informed that one member of the UAC is
strongly opposed to accepting the refuse at all. The Utility Advisory Committee felt the need
to be a good neighbor but, at the same time, expressed concerned about the City's own future.
C. Revision to Sewer Latecomer Fee
Director Pittis advised the members of the Utility Advisory Committee that, with the recent
decision to maintain the current sewer rates, the matter of increasing the sewer latecomer charge
was not addressed. Such a change could not occur automatically, and Director Pittis proposed
a change in the ordinance to reflect latecomer fees of $410 for in-City residents, and $615
outside the City. He noted that, with reference to the new treatment plant, consideration will
ultimately need to be given to collection costs and pump station costs.
Councilman Wight agreed the City should proceed with increasing the latecomer fee, but also
urged that Council familiarize itself with the portions of the Growth Management Act specifically
relating to impact fees and the fact a municipality cannot approve a new development in the
absence of funds to support the necessary infrastructure.
By consensus, the Utility Advisory Committee agreed the proposal on the sewer latecomer fee
should be forwarded to the City Council.
D. UAC Participant in Water Comprehensive Plan Consultant Selection
Director Pittis advised the members of the UAC that it would be appropriate for someone other
than staff to participate in the selection process of the consultant for the Water Comprehensive
Plan. He summarized the approximate amount of time which would be committed, and Thomas
Hunt volunteered.
Vo
Late Items:
Councilman Wight inquired as to the possible negative impacts on water pressure, specifically
relating to PUD usage, due to the proposed project development on Melody Lane. Director Pittis
responded there is an indirect effect, and the Public Works Department has requested pressure
reducing valves in the area of the proposed development to assure constant pressure. In addition,
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Utility Advisory Committee
April 13, 1992
the City must remain consistent in urging the PUD to wean itself from high utilization of City
water.
V. Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, May 11, 1992,
4:30 p.m.
VI. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
City Clerk
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