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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 -1- 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. -2- 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, -3- 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 -4-