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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/13/1997UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington October 13, 1997 L Call to Order: Vice Chairman Doyle called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. 11. Roll Call: Members Present: Councilmen Campbell and Doyle, and Bill Myers. Members Absent: Councilman Braun and Joe Micbalczik. Staff Present: C. Knutson, J. Pittis, R. Ellsworth, S. Hursh, K. Ridout and C. Hagar. IlL Approval of Minutes: Councilman Campbell moved to approve the minutes of the September 15, 1997, meeting. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Department of Health Bilateral Compliance Agreement Public Works Director Pittis stated this is the result of the previous discussions held regarding compliance with lead and cogper provisions, whereby the City must lower the pH of the water supply. Lowering the pH could involve two different chemical processes. Director Pittis reviewed the two processes and stated the original chemicals would work and would be less expensive to the City, if the reservoirs were covered. Director Pittis also mentioned that covering the reservoirs bad beneficial implications to improved water quality and would reduce operation costs. The Department of Health (DOH) was willing to accept a compliance schedule based on covering the reservoirs. Therefore, the bilateral compliance agreement between the City and the DOH was drafted. The City has requested that the DOH make two changes to the draft agreement, which Director Pittis explained. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis and Water Superintendent Ellsworth responded to questions and provided clarification regarding this issue. Councilman Campbell moved to recommead that the City Council approve the compliance schedule and the a ament with the two revisions. Bill Myers seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Agreement with CH:MHill for Water Supply Study Director Pittis reviewed the information provided in the packet, including the Scope of Services for the Water Supply Study. During the discussion, Director Pittis responded to questions and -1- Utility Advisory Committee October 13, 1997 provided clarification. At Councilman Doyle's request, Director Pittis and Attorney Knutson explained the Tribe's possible role on this issue and stressed the importance of dealing with the Tribe in a cooperative fashion. If the City is willing, the Tribe would like to have CH2MHill review the scope of work developed with their consultants regarding stream flows for fish. The Tribe will cooperate with the City on this as well. Further discussion was held, and Councilman Campbell presented some of the problems encountered by Crown Zellerbach regarding the Elwha River situation. He stressed the importance of developing a relationship with the Tribe early in the proceedings to better understand each others concerns and needs. Councilman Campbell expressed concern over protecting the City's water rights and not giving them up unduly or having them eroded. Director Pittis assured Councilman Campbell that staff has already met with the Tribe, and a cooperative relationship is being formed. He also stated that the industrial needs of the community are being factored into the water supply study. Bill Myers moved to recommend that the Council approve the agreement with CH2MHill and scope of work. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanhnously. C. Status Report on Morse Creek Hydro-Electric Project Steve Hursh, Engineering Manager, reviewed the information contained in the packet. Staff would like to see the water rights changed back to the way it was originally stated (municipal water supply) and will write a letter to the Department of Ecology to start that process. Mr. Hursh stated that Attorney Knutson suggested the City may have to hire an attorney that specializes in water rights issues. A letter will be sent to FERC in Washington, D.C., requesting permission to temporarily alter operation of the Morse Creek Hydro-Electric Project. Mr. Hursh then responded to questions and provided clarification on the issue. Councilman Campbell agreed that the City needs to get out of the hydroelectric business as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. However, he feared FERC's response if they feel the City is not complying with orders. Councilman Campbell felt the City should give up its hydroelectric operating license but retain its Morse Creek water rights. Further discussion ensued, and Councilman Campbell felt the Council should be made aware of this issue and participate in the decision making process. Mr. Hursh suggested that the surrender of the license be conditioned on maintaining water rights. Councilman Doyle agreed that a report to the Council was a good idea, and then staff should pursue getting the City out of the hydroelectric business and still maintain its water rights. Attorney Knutson felt there might be a problem with Fish and Wildlife and flow level restrictions. Councilman Campbell felt that if a license is extinguished, all the provisions of the license are extinguished also and the water rights issue reverts to the State. -2- Utility Advisory Committee October 13, 1997 No action was required, but staff will prepare a report for the Council. V/. Late Rems Steve Hursh advised the Committee that Olympic Memorial Hospital had contacted him regarding expanding the number of pole contacts. Attorney Knutson stated if this entails increasing the number of poles involved, it will have to be presented to the Council. Discussion followed. No action was taken or required. VII. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be November 10, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. VIII. A~ournrnent: The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Chairman Deputy City Clerk -3-