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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06/17/1996UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington June 17.1996 L Call to Order: Chairman Michalczik called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Members Absent: StaffPresent: Public Present: Councilmen Braun, Campbell, and Doyle, Joe Michalczik, and Bill Myers. None. C. Knutson, B. Titus, C. Hagar, S. McLaln, K. Ridout, B. Jones, and J. Pittis J. Nelson. II1. Approval of Minutes: Councilman Campbell moved to approve the minutes of the May 13, 1996, meeting. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried by a majority, with Councilman Braun abstaining due to his absence from the meeting. IV. Discussion Items: Conversion of Residential Containers to all 90 Gallon Public Works Director Pittis reminded the Committee that this item has been discussed several times over the past few years. Staff is reintroducing the topic to get direction from the Committee. Bob Jones, Superintendent of Solid Waste, pointed out that the interest in recycling has grown, however the incentive is not there due to 300 gallon shared containers. Mr. Jones then reviewed the reasons for changing all residential accounts to 90 gallon containers and pointed out that eventually the landfill will be closed. Allowing residential users to choose between weekly and biweekly pick up will encourage recycling and eliminate a certain amount of material from the waste stream. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis and Mr. Jones responded to questions posed by the Committee. Concern was expressed over how staff'would differentiate between weekly and biweekly pick-ups, and whether an increase or decrease in staffing and/or service levels would be necessa[y if this change was made. Mr. Jones stated waste containers would be color coded, and there was still a question as to whether or not this would lead to rate increases. -1- Utility Advisory Committee June 17, 1996 After further discussion, Councilman Doyle moved to ask the Finance Department, in conjunction with the Public Works Department, to perform a rate study and cost of service analysis on this issue. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Solid Waste Snowbird Rate Director Pittis reviewed the information contained in the packet. Attorney Knutson reminded the Committee that Medic I was also billed monthly and could be affected by a snowbird rate. Director Pittis stated that due to the cost of all the services provided by the City, it is appropriate to have different levels of service available to the customer. Superintendent Jones pointed out that people who live in warmer climes four to six months out of the year, homes for sale, and rental homes that sit vacant for periods of time do not produce garbage. However, they are still billed for this service. Discussion ensued, and Superintendent Jones and Director Pittis responded to questions directed by the Committee. Councilman Campbell moved to continue to charge "snowbirds" for solid waste pick up. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Attorney Knutson reminded the Committee that this type of policy decision must be made by the Council; the Committee can only make a recommendation to the Council. Councilmen Campbell and Braun rescinded the motion. C. Update on BPA Contract Negotiations City Light Director Titus distributed and update on negotiations and an impact analysis to the Committee. He then discussed open transmission issues and retail wheeling and addressed current Bonneville Power Administration contract options available to the City. The City has currently agreed to an amendment to the existing power contract which guarantees City Light will buy 90% of its power from BPA over the next five years or pay an exit fee. A contract option which would reduce the 90% commitment figure to 85% may become available later this year if the terms are available to the City. Director Titus went on to describe the dynamics of the power market, how it may change over the next several years, and how this may affect City Light's diversification plans. He also described several diversification options which City Light has examined. There are three specific options that City Light has examined, however, analysis indicates that exit fees are too high to justify power resource diversification beyond the 85% or 90% levels. Director Titus then outlined the outstanding issues which must be resolved before a new contract with BPA can be signed. The most significant issue is retail wheeling. Director Titus also outlined various options for City Lights retail rates which will reflect the expected changes in power supply costs. Councilman Campbell requested a staffrecommendation with a list of pros and cons be presented at the next meeting. Director Titus agreed. -2- Utility Advisory Committee June 17, 1996 V. None. V/. Late Items Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, July 8, 1996, at 4:30 p.m. VIIL Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. t~rman Deputy City Clerk -3-