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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/09/1992UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington November 9, 1992 Call to Order: Vice Chairman Hunt called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Thomas Hunt, Gary Braun, and Joe Michaiczik. Members Absent: Jim Hallett and Richard Wight. Staff Present: C. Knutson, B. Titus, J. Pittis, K. Ridout, B. Upton, and B. Jones. III. Ao~roval of Minutes: Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the September 8, 1992 meet'mg as written. The motion was seconded by Joe Michalczik and carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: At the request of staff, Vice Chairman Hunt opted to discuss the agenda items in reverse order. A. New Cable Television Legislation Attorney Knutson briefly discussed the recently adopted legislation on cable television, noting President Bush's veto had been overridden. The consultant's report didn't address the issue of "effective competition", so Attorney Knutson briefly explained that previously, three off-air signals were required. The FCC changed that requirement to 6 and, with the new legislation, there is the requirement that another cable company must be offering service in the area or less than 30% of the people in the area must subscribe to cable. Because "effective competition" requirements are not met in this area, Attorney Knutson indicated Port Angeles will return to the regulation arena. The Federal Communications Commission has 180 days to write regulations pursuant to the legislation. In order to provide rate regulation, the City must agree to sign a document that FCC rules are accepted. In response to a question about the tiering, Attorney Knutson indicated the City will only be able to regulate the lower tier. The UltraBasic tier may not be subject to City regulation. Once the FCC regulations have been provided, the City's consultant will be heavily relied upon, as will the Utility Advisory Committee. -1- Utility Advisory Committee November 9, 1992 B. Update on Job Costing System Light Director Titus provided a status report on the job costing system soon to be implemented within the various City departments. He distributed a flow chart suggested for the total process, a preliminary listing of activities to he implemented, and an itemization of job numbers. Director Titus indicated the Parks Department will be the first to go "live" as a test this coming Monday. Director Titus then reviewed the advantages of a job costing system, which include a monitoring system for each activity conducted by a department, the identification of costs related to specific activities, levels of service associated with specific activities, and amount of equipment dedicated to specific activities. Directors Titus and Pittis cited examples of the value of the job costing system, noting future budgets may be directly correlated to this system. Another advantage to the system is in the decision-malting process, that of determining whether certain projects should be undertaken directly by the City or contracted to another party. Further, the Growth Management Act requires the determination of levels of service and cost in conjunction with annexations. Lengthy discussion followed, and the members of the Utility Advisory Committee expressed their support of this endeavor. C. Water Conservation Status Report Public Works Director Pittis displayed a chart setting forth the water usage in Port Angeles for the month of October, 1992. The goal established had been 4.5 million gallons per day. With the exception of four days, the goal was achieved. Figures for the month of September were similar, and Director Pittis noted that the previous concern for water supply is over at the present time. However, future needs and concerns will be addressed during the formulation of the Water Comprehensive Plan. Discussion followed pertinent to water tests being conducted by the City on lead and copper. Director Pittis indicated the results of the lead tests are acceptable; however, the copper levels are over minimum levels, and additional testing will be required. D. Solid Waste Report on Recycle Committee Recommendations Public Works Director Pittis reviewed a report on recommendations of the Recycle Committee and the possible impacts on the solid waste rates. He summarized the following from the report: Can implement in 1993. Has been added to the preliminary 1993 budget. This recommendation was formulated prior to the time arrangements were made for magazines to be included in the items to be picked up for recycling. The Scouts are now -2- Utility Advisory Committee November 9, 1992 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. accepting magazines at their collection points. This item is currently not included in the proposed budget; other options are being considered. This item has been included in the preliminary 1993 budget. A draft ordinance has been written; however, it is somewhat premature because of ongoing studies concerning the composfing of sludge/yard debris. This item should be considered along with the overall composfing program. $10,000 has been included in the preliminary 1993 budget for the collection of recyclables from apartment buildings. Alternative collection proposals are under consideration. Director Pittis briefly reviewed the current situation with the FAA and its position on the City not utilizing the landfill beyond five years. Lengthy discussion followed, with Councilman Braun advising the UAC members that he had been informed the airport is more concerned with deer as opposed to birds. It was noted that if the birds are moved from the landfill area, they will more than likely converge on the airport area. Director Pittis reported work is still being conducted on the bond issue; it will probably be for a duration of five years and may result in a higher rate increase than previously anticipated. Consideration may be given to a higher increase for County residents. There are still many issues to be resolved before a final determination can be made. Staff will return to the UAC on the bond issue and rates for Solid Waste at the December meeting. It was noted the County is still very much interested in pursuing a collection and disposal district. Next Meetine: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, December 7, 1992, at 4:30 p.m. VI. Adiournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 p.m. -3-