Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07/12/1999 UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington July 12, 1999 I. Call to Order: Chairman Campbell called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Councilmen Campbell, Doyle and Williams, and Joe Michalczik. Members Absent: Bill Myers. StaffPresent: J. Pittis, C. Knutson, G. Cutler, B. Titus, T. Smith, C. Hagar, G. Kenworthy, and J. Harper. Others Present: Mel Rudin. III. Approval of Minutes: Joe Michalczik moved to approve the minutes of the June 7, 1999, meeting. Councilman Williams seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Presentation on Vision for Rayonier Site Timothy Smith, Director of Economic Development, introduced Mr. Mel Rudin of Science, Technology and Manufacturing. Mr. Rudin stated that an advisory committee consisting of an environmental engineer, engineer, architect, Northwest Territories, Inc., as well as representatives from various businesses and economics groups, had been involved in developing this vision for the waterfront. Mr. Rudin stated the Rayonier site should be looked at as only part of a larger scheme, which is the waterfront from Daishowa to the Rayonier site. He stated his group was looking for a broad spectrum of employment capabilities and an aesthetic approach to the community from the water. Mr. Rudin displayed maps demonstrating the Port Angeles Harbor and the Rayonier site. He stated the land to one side of the Valley Creek Estuary could be used for commercial and the other for industrial sites. Mr. Rudin described the types of environmentally friendly businesses that could be best served by locating on the waterfront. He displayed an artist's rendition of a vision for the waterfront, including an office building and new marina. He responded to questions and provided clarification to the Committee regarding the vision for this site.' Interim Manager Pittis informed the Committee that this presentation was given to them because wastewater and water facilities would be needed and/or impacted should this plan come to fruition. Councilman Campbell thanked Mr. Rudin for his time and efforts on behalf of the waterfront and the City of Port Angeles. Utility Advisory Committee July 12, 1999 B. Telecommunication Ordinance Attorney Knutson noted that new copies of the draft ordinance had been distributed, as the one in the packet was missing pages. He then reviewed the information contained in the packet. Attorney Knutson stated the draft ordinance deals with telecommunications facilities in City rights-of-way, and does not address land use issues regarding the siting of cell towers. This type of regulation would go through the Planning Commission rather than the UAC. Attorney Knutson reviewed the basic provisions of the ordinance which include Registration, Franchise, Fees, Permit Issuance, Permit Standards, Location of Facilities, and Relocation or Removal of Facilities. Attorney Knutson reminded the Committee that there was going to be a seminar in August which deals with this subject. One of the sessions contains an update on model telecommunications ordinances. He said there have been a number of court cases due to cities attempting to regulate in this area. This has led to the development of better ideas as to how to regulate some of these issues. Attorney Knutson suggested tabling this matter until after the seminar, where there will be an opportunity to learn if there are new thoughts and solutions which can be incorporated into this ordinance. Attorney Knutson noted that it would cost about $600 per person to attend the conference, or a video of the course can be purchased for $800. An advantage to attending the conference is the ol~portunity to ask questions and network. Discussion ensued, and the Committee felt it would be w~se to send Attorney Knutson and Councilman Campbell to the seminar. Based on their experience, the decision to purchase to the video can be made after the conference. Councilman Campbell thanked Attorney Knutson for the superb job he did in drafting this ordinance. However, the Purpose section of the Ordinance primarily addresses the City's interest. He noted a purpose in one of the other draft ordinances was to encourage "the provision of advanced and competitive telecommunication service on the widest possible base to the businesses, institutions, and residents of the City." He thought this was a great element and should be worked into this draft. Attorney Knutson agreed and stated there are two competing factors. On one side is ensuring the rights-of-way are used with minimal impact to the City's facilities and generating a fair amount of revenue for use of those rights-of-way. On the economic development side of the issue, the City is trying to encourage these facilities to locate here. Following further discussion and clarification, Councilman Doyle moved to table this issue until the September 1999 UAC meeting. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. C. Landfill Cover for Cells 1 and 2 Gary Kenworthy, City Engineer, reviewed the information contained in the packet. Mr. Kenwor~hy explained that melded into this contract is an additional contract with Parametrix for monitoring groundwater at the landfill. Mr. Kenworthy then reviewed the contract and the necessary tasks covered by this amendment. The total cost for this amendment will be $211,060, which brings the total contract amount to $746,684. Mr. Kenworthy then distributed a Schedule of Rates used by Parametrix, covering hourly rates for anticipated staff specialties that may be required. Discussion ensued, and Mr. Kenworthy responded to questions and provided clarification especially as regards the tasks to be performed. Councilman Doyle was concerned that the landfill might not last until 2006 and felt this should be closely monitored. 2 Utility Advisory Committee July 12, 1999 Following further discussion, Councilman Doyle moved to recommend the City Council approve Amendment //4 to the Parametrix agreement as presented in the amount of $211,060. Councilman Williams seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Joe Michalczik stated he would support the motion; however, he asked staff to look to the future and try to find ways to reduce costs. Councilman Doyle amended the motion to recommend the City Council approve Amendment #4 to the Parametrix agreement as presented in the amount of $211,060, and direct staff to seek methods to reduce costs. Councilman Williams agreed as seconder. A vote was taken on the amended motion, which carried unanimously. D. Approach to Landlocked Electrical Facilities Councilman Campbell noted that Bill Myers, who was unable to attend this meeting, had submitted in writing his views on this issue. Bob Titus, Deputy Director of Utility Services, reviewed the history of this issue and summarized the information contained in the packet regarding overhead versus underground electrical service. Mr. Titus responded to questions and provided additional clarification. Mr. Titus noted that six other areas have been converted. In all those cases, the electric facilities went underground in the street and the property owners contributed nothing or a small amount toward the cost of the conversion. However, the property owners are required to deal with landscaping issues. Mr. Titus reminded the Committee that the property owners were given a $1,000 credit toward undergrounding, which in most cases took care of the full cost. At Councilman Campbell's request, Mr. Titus discussed the pros and cons of maintaining underground and overheard facilities. Discussion continued, and staff provided additional information regarding easements and costs to the City and residents. Councilmen Doyle and Campbell felt it should be pointed out that the original residents of the Southwood Development were able to purchase lots at a much lower cost than if the alleys and services been properly installed. The City is now attempting to correct that problem while keeping the costs to its citizens at a minimum. Following further discussion, Joe Michalczik moved to recommend City Council approve conversion of all overhead lines located in the street right-of-way to underground service, providing it does not exceed the amount budgeted and no landscaping costs are incurred. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. Information Only Items A. Electric Distribution Service Reliability Deputy Director Titus stated staff felt the UAC should be aware of this issue, as some costs may be incurred in the future which the UAC will be asked to support. He explained that City Light has established reliability standards, wherein feeders are maintained out of the substations. If there is a problem with one substation or its feeder, staff is able to reroute the power to customers, minimizing the outage time. Several areas do not currently have this ability, and the problem could worsen under peak load conditions. Mr. Titus reviewed the areas under consideration for upgrade and again stated no action is sought at this time. Specific costs will be brought to the UAC and Council when Requests for Proposals have been returned. Brief discussion ensued, and staff responded to questions and provided clarification. No action was taken. Utility Advisory Committee July 12, 1999 B. Ediz Hook Underground Conversion Deputy Director Titus reminded the Committee that $50,000 had been budgeted in 1999 to start this process. At that time, it was unknown how far $50,000 would go. Staff now has costs for three different scenarios (outlined in the packet). Until digging starts, it will not be known which of the scenarios are possible. The amount budgeted will allow for the conversion of between 950 and 2000 feet. Brief discussion ensued, and no action was taken at this time. C. Fiber Optic Study Update Deputy Director Titus reminded the Committee of the joint City Council, PUD, UAC meeting held recently. The Council approved the support of telecommunications and authorized a feasibility study. Staff met with the PUD and was informed that they had already issued a request for qualifications for consultants and were ready to issue an RFP. The City and PUD exchanged drafts of RFPs, agreed on a proposal, and sent it out with a due date of July 21, 1999. The proposals will be brought back to the UAC and City Council for consideration. He stated he had originally thought this study would cost the City about $30,000. He now felt it would come in somewhat higher, but if the City is serious about pursuing this venue it will be worth it. Brief discussion ensued and Mr. Titus responded to questions and provided clarification. No action was taken. This item will be brought back to a future meeting. VI. I.ate Items Director of Public Works Cutler informed the Committee that a letter had been received from the State concerning receiving leachate from the Rayonier landfill. The State has recommended some minor changes to the permit, and it is now ready to go to Council for approval. Brief discussion followed. No action was taken. Councilman Doyle asked for a report on the compost facility at the next meeting, which will be provided. Interim Manager Pittis noted that the draft Preliminary Evaluation of Elwha Dam Removal Mitigation Alternatives has been received from CH2M Hill. Staff will review and return it to the UAC for action. Interim Manager Pittis noted that he has discussed the concept of regional water with Dry Creek. Staff will also speak to the Black Diamond Water District this evening. Discussions with PUD have been ongoing. These discussions will enable staff to reevaluate the water issue. Interim Manager Pittis announced that this was his last UAC meeting. He thanked all the members for their dedication to the cause. Councilman Campbell invited Interim Manager Pittis to feel free to attend UAC meetings in the future! Utility Advisory Committee July 12, 1999 VII. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be August 9, 1999, at 3:00 p.m. VIII. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Orville Campbell, Chairmal3/ Carol A. Hag~r, Dep-.upfCity ~lerk