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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/04/1991UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington November 4, 1991 II. III. IV. Call to Order: Councilman Hallett called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Jim Hallett, Richard Wight, Mike Lemon, Jeff Rosbach and Thomas Hunt. Members Absent: None Guests: Dr. Thomas Locke Staff Present: B. Titus, C. Knutson, J. Pittis, B. Upton, S. Kenyon and G. Leaf. Approval o_f Minutes: Councilman Wight moved to approve the minutes of the September 9, 1991, meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman Lemon and carried unanimously. Discussion Items: Presentation by Dr. Thomas Locke - County Health Officer: Fluoridation of Water Dr. Thomas Locke, Clallam County Health Officer, addressed the Utility Advisory Committee on the matter of fluoridation of City water. He noted there is a strong technical argument in favor of fluoridation; adding fluoride to the water is proven as the most cost effective means of dissemination. The target is children where an impact can be made on overall dental health in order to avoid dental-related health problems which can last a lifetime. Dr. Locke indicated there is a very strong but small group in opposition to fluoridating the water. Some areas of the country have natural fluoride in the water supplies; however, Clallam County has fluoride poor water. He reviewed alternative means of distribution: fluoride supplements or fluoride toothpaste. However, these alternatives are not as effective and may promote overdoses. Tests reveal that fluoride is extremely safe, yet the subject still maintains a flavor of politics and controversy. -1- Utility Advisory Committee November 4, 1991 Citing various successful and unsuccessful fluoride campaigns, Dr. Locke felt it is important that the issue of fluoride be a public one with ample opportunity for public comment and input. Should the City decide to pursue fluoridation, he offered information sharing assistance from dental societies and concerned community groups. Councilman Hallett inquired as to the cost factors involved, and Dr. Locke indicated the approximate cost is $.50 per citizen per year. Councilman Wight requested insight into the strong opposition; Dr. Locke indicated there is a well funded group which has dedicated a lifetime to fluoride opposition based on the issue of personal freedom. In addition, the group cites the toxicity of fluoride and the potential for poisoning due to high doses. It was noted, however, that high doses of chlorine can be just as deadly. In considering how to properly approach the matter, Dr. Locke reported the issue had been brought forward by the Public Health Advisory Committee to the County Board of Health. He felt it would be appropriate for presentations to be made to the City Council, and he offered to address Council if requested to do so. After further discussion, Jeff Rosbaeh moved to recommend to the City Council that a review of fluoridation be undertaken, that public hearings be held to gauge the feelings of the City residents, and to move forward with fluoridation. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt and carried unanimously. B. Senior Discount City Light Director Titus discussed the various options available with respect to low income senior discounts: retain the current eligibility criteria; establish the criteria established for PUDs; establish income ranges in the same manner as the State does for property tax exemptions; increase the age requirement to 62 or older, alone or in conjunction with other changes; make a discount available to handicapped individuals, alone or in conjunction with other changes with income limits set at 125 % of the Federal poverty level, the same as for seniors, or some level(s) in between; increase the discount levels, which have not been changed since 1984, in order to bring the City's program in line with other utilities, with discounts probably needing to be increased from current levels (budgeted utility revenues would need to be revised downward); base the discount on a percentage of the customer's bill, as opposed to a flat amount for each income which could be done in conjunction with any of the above options. Discussion ensued concerning the possibility of instituting a discount for low income citizens; however, it was noted that such a discount can be initiated only on a voluntary program basis. Further, consideration was given to the possibility of a third party, such as Community Action, administering a program of this nature. Customer Services Manager Kenyon explained the nature of the program maintained by FEMA which is presently administered by the Salvation Army. Any efforts on the part of the City would not impact those programs already in place. By consensus, the Committee agreed to -2- Utility Advisory Committee November 4, 1991 proceed with consideration of the low income senior and handicapped discount program and, in the meantime, to solicit a presentation from Community Action as to how they might be able to administer the discount program for low income citizens. Jeff Rosbach moved to adopt the State standards for PUDs on eligibility and income levels for low income senior and handicapped citizens, which includes seniors who are 62 and older and whose annual household incomes do not exceed $14,000 (being increased to $18,000 in January, 1992) and handicapped citizens whose income is at or below 125% of the Federal poverty level. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wight and carried unanimously. Lengthy discussion followed with regard to a discount program for low income citizens and whether subsidies would be included in the income calculations. Consideration was given to the percentage discount for low income seniors and handicapped. Jeff Rosbach moved to base the discount on a percentage of the customer's bill, incorporating a range of discounts based on income levels as outlined in Option 2, the cost of which would not exceed $50,000 annually. He suggested that staff prepare a summary of appropriate discounts for presentation at the next UAC meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wight. Jeff Rosbach indicated staff should also consider the application of income subsidies. A vote was taken on the motion which carried unanimously. The question about discounts for low income citizens was again addressed, and the suggestion made that Community Action make a presentation to the Utility Advisory Committee as to how such a program might be administered. The group expressed strong support for pursuing this program. C. City Light Service Charges City Light Director Titus explained the nature of the revised service charges which have not been adjusted for several years. These charges have been instituted as a means of recovering costs for providing certain services to the public. In the discussion that followed, Jeff Rosbach pointed out that some circumstances dictate that a service charge not be imposed and he urged staff to use discretion in determining the appropriateness of levying the charges. Jeff Rosbach moved to recommend to the City Council that the proposed City Light service charges be implemented as proposed, to be effective January 1, 1992. The motion was seconded by Thomas Hunt and carried unanimously. -3- Utility Advisory Committee November 4, 1991 D. Radio Help Progtum City Light Director Titus reviewed the Radio Help Program which is a means by which the City's vehicle fleet can provide emergency radio support to local citizens. City staff has been providing such a service on an informal basis, hut the program would be formalized in order to educate the public about the service. It is strongly supported by the public power industry. The UAC was supportive of the program and suggested that the City staff be appropriately trained. Thomas Hunt moved to recommend to the City Council that the Radio Help Program be adopted. The motion was seconded by Councilnmn Wight and carried unanimously. It was suggested the City serve in a role of leadership by involving the County, PUD, U S WEST and Northland Cable in the Radio Help Program. E. Discussion regarding Committee Membership Consideration was given to the expiring terms of Jeff Rosbach and Thomas Hunt. Mr. Rosbach, representing industrial customers, is completing his second two-year term and cannot be reappointed. Mr. Hunt, representing citizens at-large, is completing his first two-year term and has indicated an interest in being reappointed. By consensus, it was agreed Mr. Hunt's name would be submitted to the Mayor for reappointment to the Utility Advisory Committee. Mr. Rosbach's replacement will be sought via a press release and communications with the City's industries who may be interested in having a representative appointed to the UAC. In addition, ail vacancies on City boards and commissions will be publicized in the City newsletter. The Utility Advisory Committee had previously discussed the possibility of appointing an alternate Councilmember to the UAC in the event one of the Councilmembers was unable to attend. It is felt the UAC meetings are of extreme importance and it is important that a quorum be in attendance. By consensus, the Committee members agreed the Mayor should be asked to appoint such an alternate. The UAC had been asked to consider bifurcation of the committee with one committee focusing on the electric utility and the other committee focusing on water/sewer and solid waste utilities. The staff recommendation which came forth indicated it would not be advisable to separate the Committee. Members of the Utility Advisory Committee were in agreement and, by consensus, agreed to submit a recommendation to the City Council against bifurcating the Committee. Late Items: City Light Director Titus referenced the By-Laws of the Utility Advisory Committee wherein the second Monday of each month was set as the regular meeting date. He -4- Utility Advisory Committee November 4, 1991 indicated the intent was to have a meeting the week between Council meetings. It has happened where the UAC meets the day before Council and he suggested a change in the By-Laws where the Utility Advisory Committee would meet the Monday following the first Tuesday of the month. Attorney Knutson will follow-up on this suggested change. VI. Next Meetine: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, December 9, 1991, 4:30 p.m. VII. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m. Chairman City Cierl~ q -5-