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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-08-05 Min - Board REGULAR MEETING August 5, 1991 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Aguera at 7 : 15 PM in the TDPUD Board Room. ROLL CALL: Directors John Corbett, Jim Maass, Patricia Sutton and Joe Aguera were present; Richard Curran was on vacation and unable to attend. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Mary Chapman, Bruce Grow, Peter Holzmeister, Bev Johnson and Susan Craig. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Counsel John Phelps, Consulting Engineer Keith Sauers, Bob Churn, Inspection Supervisor on the Tahoe Donner pipeline project. OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Gibbs of the Sierra Sun, Joel Alford of WestStar and David Rhodes. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND TDPUD WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN The proposed Negative Declaration/Initial Study for the Water System Master Plan was circulated to public agencies, the State Clearinghouse and the Nevada County Clerk in accordance with the Local Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Also, the District held a public hearing to receive public input on the project. Responses have been made to the comments received, and the comment period has now expired. Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board approve the Negative Declaration/Initial Study for the Water System Master Plan. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board approve the Water System Master Plan as presented. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9124 approving the Notice of Determination for the Water System Master Plan; seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Corbett, Maass, Sutton and Aguera, aye; Curran, absent. SO RESOLVED. PUBLIC INPUT David Rhodes was present with regards to his electric account. After some discussion, the Chairman directed that the Board review the related policies at the next regular meeting. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS Director Maass proposed that the Bylaws be amended to reflect the 8/5/91 Pg 1 . following: TDPUD Board meeting minutes be action only minutes, that the meeting be officially recorded on tape and the original tape preserved perpetually, and that copies of the minutes and a duplicate of the tape be made available along with play-back equipment to the public. Director Corbett moved that the amendment to the Bylaws proposed by Director Maass (copy attached) be approved as presented and, in addition, that a back-up tape recorder be purchased; seconded by Director Maass. ROLL CALL: Corbett, aye; Curran, absent; Maass, aye; Sutton, no; Aguera, aye. SO MOVED. AUTHORIZATION TO CLOSE ESCROW ON LAND PURCHASED FROM EMBREE AND RUTH CROSS The District offered to purchase land at the northeast corner of the headquarters property from Embree and Ruth Cross. The offer was subject to review of the preliminary title report and subject to placement of survey markers showing the precise location of the property. Manager Holzmeister reported that all things are in order and the location is as was anticipated. Director Maass moved that the Manager be authorized to complete the purchase of the property by paying to Embree and Ruth Cross the ® balance due, $29,400, upon receiving the stamped survey of record from Nevada County. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF BALLOT AND VOTE FOR LAFCo REPRESENTATIVE Three individuals were nominated to serve the remainder of a two year term on the Local Agency Formation Commission Board - Kathy Krieger, B. H. Nix and, the District's nominee, Joseph Aguera. Director Maass moved that the Board cast its ballot for Joe Aguera; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. TAHOE DONNER PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT - STATUS REPORT - CONSIDERATION OF PROGRESS PAY ESTIMATES - CONSIDERATION OF TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM ACQUISITION FUND TO GENERAL FUND Bob Churn of SEA reviewed with the Board the progress to date on the Tahoe Donner pipeline replacement project. Manager Holzmeister advised of impending change order requests concerning sanitary sewer laterals, a time extension on Contract C and additional water line replacements. He also noted his opinion that longer days and Saturday work will save the District time and money; he said he will approve paying SEA inspection overtime unless the Board voices an objection. The progress pay estimates were reviewed and, thereafter, Director Maass moved that invoices and progress pay estimates from Ford, SEA 8/5/91 Pg 2 and Merrill Corporation in the total amount of $598, 317 .98 be approved for payment. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. During the design phase of the Tahoe Donner pipeline replacement project and prior to closing on the certificates of participation financing, costs in the amount of $175,039. 39 were incurred that are reimbursable from the financing. Director Corbett moved, and Director Maass seconded, that the Board authorize transferring the amount of $175, 039 . 39 from the acquisition fund to the general fund. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Administrative Manager Chapman gave the Board a water system improvement project fund status report as of August 5, 1991 and reviewed with them the expenditures to date and spending schedule necessary to avoid arbitrage. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ISSUING A CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE ARMSTRONG HIGH PRESSURE PIPELINE PROJECT This project involves removing customers from the low pressure pipeline between Donner Pass Road and the Armstrong booster pump station and constructing a new 990 foot six inch pipeline that will be served from the high pressure side of the Armstrong booster pump station. The project also involves replacing 13 services and one fire hydrant. Sauers Engineering has prepared plans and specifications in accordance with the District's standards and funds have been set aside in the 1991 budget. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9125 issuing a call for bids for the Armstrong high pressure pipeline project; seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye, with the exception of Director Curran, who was absent. SO RESOLVED. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FROM HYDRO-SEARCH FOR EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE WELL SITES PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 55 On July 12 , 1991 Dave Rully and Keith Sauers met with John Sharp and Forrest Fox of HydroSearch. That discussion resulted in a focus on two tasks - the first involves a review of production/performance of existing wells and recommendations regarding their rehabilitation. The second task involves recommendations concerning where to drill test holes for future well construction. HydroSearch has provided a proposal to perform the tasks for an estimated cost of $13 ,793 . Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board authorize HydroSearch to perform the tasks outlined in their proposal. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF A POLICY DEFINING APPLICABILITY OF ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE RATE 8/5/91 Pg 3 Robert Gates, owner of Coachland Mobile Home Park, has requested that the District change the rate schedule the recreational vehicle portion of the park is billed under from commercial to residential. Manager Holzmeister provided a copy of the Sierra Pacific Power definition of what customers qualify for residential service and a proposed policy for the Board to consider. It was noted that a portion of the Coachland facility is a RV park (which is a commercial venture where spaces are rented daily, weekly and monthly) . Thereafter, Director Maass moved that the Board declare it is not appropriate at this time to change the status of the RV park from commercial to residential; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. REPORT ON TAHOE DONNER POWER OUTAGE; CONSIDERATION OF STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS On July 23 an automobile struck a utility pole on Skislope Drive resulting in a power outage of up to two days in some areas of Tahoe Donner. Staff presented recommendations in order to be better prepared to restore power quickly should a substation transformer fail again, and subsequently the Board took the following action. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9126 setting forth findings that an emergency situation exists and authorizing that the Tahoe Donner transformer be rebuilt at a cost of approximately $62, 217. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. Director Sutton moved that staff be directed to prepare bid documents for a new transformer that will be used as a spare in the Truckee substation (approximately $70, 000) ; seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Sutton moved that the Manager be directed to seek a proposal from R. W. Beck and Associates to design a means for providing spare transformers at the Tahoe Donner and Donner Lake substations. Director Corbett seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Sutton seconded, that the Manager seek advice from R. W. Beck regarding the modification of output voltage of the Donner Lake substation in order that it is consistent with the remainder of the system. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved that R. W. Beck be retained to prepare plans and specifications for upgrading the wire size from Northwoods Boulevard west to I-80 and from Gateway to Mclvers. Director Corbett seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Sutton seconded, that the 8/5/91 Pg 4 Manager seek proposals from qualified consultants for preparation . of an electric system master plan. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. The Board asked that personnel be complimented on the way in which they handled the Tahoe Donner outage. DIRECTION REGARDING MINUTES OF JUNE 3 AND JULY 1, 1991 Director Sutton moved that the minutes of June 3, 1991 be approved as presented with the provision that a minor correction can be submitted to the Board at a later date. The motion was seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, with the exception of Director Corbett who abstained because he was absent from that meeting. SO MOVED. Director Sutton moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the minutes of July 1, 1991 be approved as presented. Corbett abstained; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence discussed by the Board. BILLS FOR APPROVAL Director Corbett moved that the bills presented for consideration in the total amount of $20, 863 .05 be approved for payment; seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. STAFF REPORT A copy of the staff report has been attached to these minutes for reference. Bridge Street bridge replacement CalTrans is planning to rebuild the bridge over the Truckee River next year and has asked the PUD to consider having it accommodate a water pipe. CalTrans anticipates having a proposed agreement to the District for review by September of 1991. EPA rule for lead and copper in drinking water Recent action taken by the EPA regulates lead and copper in drinking water. The District should have no problem demonstrating that its water meets the standards; however, the new rule requires that the water be sampled at the consumer's tap, not at the service entry to the property. The District will be held responsible for the quality of water after if has passed through the customer' s plumbing. Financial reports The investment report, statement of general fund, electric and 8/5/91 Pg 5 water balance sheets, and electric and water income statements for the month of June were provided to the Board. CLOSED SESSION The Board adjourned to closed session at 10: 33 PM for the purpose of discussing personnel matters in accordance with Government Code Section 54957 . RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The Board reconvened into public session at approximately 10:45. There was no action taken or direction given as a result of closed session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:46 PM. TRUCKEE DONNER OFF LIC UTILITY DISTRICT � g4 ff '/!'0,bePh R. Ague , P sident / Prepared by _ ___ • Susan M. Cr ig, Deputy District Clerk smc 8/5/91 Pg 6 REGULAR MEETING . August 5, 1991 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Aguera at 7 : 15 PM in the TDPUD Board Room. ROLL CALL: Directors John Corbett, Jim Maass, Patricia Sutton and Joe Aguera were present; Richard Curran was on vacation and unable to attend. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Mary Chapman, Bruce Grow, Peter Holzmeister, Bev Johnson and Susan Craig. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Counsel John Phelps, Consulting Engineer Keith Sauers, Bob Churn, Inspection Supervisor on the Tahoe Donner pipeline project. OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Gibbs of the Sierra Sun, Joel Alford of WestStar and David Rhodes. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND TDPUD WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN The proposed Negative Declaration/Initial Study for the Water System Master Plan was circulated to public agencies, the State Clearinghouse and the Nevada County Clerk in accordance with the Local Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Also, the District held a public hearing to receive public input on the project. Responses have been made to the comments received, and the comment period has now expired. Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board approve the Negative Declaration/Initial Study for the Water System Master Plan. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board approve the Water System Master Plan as presented. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9124 approving the Notice of Determination for the Water System Master Plan; seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Corbett, Maass, Sutton and Aguera, aye; Curran, absent. SO RESOLVED. PUBLIC INPUT David Rhodes Investigation of Mr. Rhodes' account shows that the electric meter located at his residence, 13622 Swiss Lane, has produced zero consumption since October 25, 1988 . A check metering device was installed and shows electricity is flowing into the residence. By letter, Mr. Rhodes was apprised of the situation and provided with • a bill. Mr. Rhodes called and objected to the way the case was handled and to the charges for labor and overhead. His bill was adjusted to split the labor, overhead and equipment expense between the District and him; in addition, he was back-billed for the 15 months that the service was unmetered and was not being monitored by the check meter. Mr. Rhodes stated that he was unaware of any problem with his meter, although he indicated he is willing to pay for the electricity used. He suggested the District's policy be reviewed. Presently, he said, customers in his situation are treated like criminals who are knowingly participating in the diversion of electricity. He also stated he objects to the cost the District is charging for investigating him. The Chairman directed that the Board review the policy and Manager's recommendations at the next regular meeting. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS Director Maass proposed that the Bylaws be amended to reflect the following: TDPUD Board meeting minutes be action only minutes, that the meeting be officially recorded on tape and the original tape preserved perpetually, and that copies of the minutes and a duplicate of the tape be made available along with play-back equipment to the public. Director Corbett moved that the amendment to the Bylaws proposed by Director Maass (copy attached) be approved as presented and that a back-up tape recorder be purchased; seconded by Director Maass. Director Sutton asked if the agenda item allows the Bylaws to be amended at this time. Also, she said she thinks there is a notice period required for changing the Bylaws. Director Maass made the comment, "Youlre good, Pat. $ The Bylaws were reviewed and read as follows, '$Any proposed amendment to the Bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Clerk/Ex-officio Secretary of the District. The Clerk shall cause a copy to be distributed to each Director and shall cause the same to be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors. In order to become effective, the amendment, or any modification thereof, shall require a vote of the majority of the Board. ROLL CALL: Corbett, aye; Curran, absent; Maass, aye; Sutton, no; Aguera, aye. So MOVED. For the record, Director Sutton stated that she raised the questions as to whether or not amending the Bylaws is in order due to the fact that the agenda item says, "Discussion of proposed . amendment to Bylaws.1' Director Corbett asked for Counsells opinion, and Mr. Phelps stated he thinks the agenda item covers it as it properly notifies the press and public that the item is being . considered. AUTHORIZATION TO CLOSE ESCROW ON LAND PURCHASED FROM EMBREE AND RUTH CROSS The District offered to purchase land at the northeast corner of the headquarters property from Embree and Ruth Cross. The offer was subject to review of the preliminary title report and subject to placement of survey markers showing the precise location of the property. Manager Holzmeister reported that all things are in order and the location is as was anticipated. Director Maass moved that the Manager be authorized to complete the purchase of the property by paying to Embree and Ruth Cross the balance due, $29,400, upon receiving the stamped survey of record from Nevada County. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF BALLOT AND VOTE FOR LAFCo REPRESENTATIVE Three individuals were nominated to serve the remainder of Representative #11s two year term on the Local Agency Formation Commission Board - Kathy Krieger, B. H. Nix and, the District' s nominee, Joseph Aguera. Director Maass moved that the Board cast its ballot for Joe Aguera; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. TAHOE DONNER PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT - STATUS REPORT CONSIDERATION OF PROGRESS PAY ESTIMATES - CONSIDERATION OF TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM ACQUISITION FUND TO GENERAL FUND Bob Churn of SEA reviewed with the Board the progress to date on the Tahoe Donner pipeline replacement project. Manager Holzmeister advised of impending change order requests concerning sanitary sewer laterals, a time extension on Contract C and additional water line replacements. He also noted his opinion that longer days and Saturday work will save the District time and money; he said he will approve paying SEA inspection overtime unless the Board voices an objection. The progress pay estimates were reviewed and, thereafter, Director Maass moved that invoices and progress pay estimates from Ford, SEA and Merrill Corporation in the total amount of $598, 317.98 be approved for payment. The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. During the design phase of the Tahoe Donner pipeline replacement project and prior to closing on the certificates of participation financing, costs in the amount of $175,039. 39 were incurred that • are reimbursable from the financing. . Director Corbett moved, and Director Maass seconded, that the Board authorize transferring the amount of $175, 039. 39 from the acquisition fund to the general fund. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Administrative Manager Chapman gave the Board a water system improvement project fund status report as of August 5, 1991 and reviewed with them the expenditures to date and spending schedule necessary to avoid arbitrage. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ISSUING A CALL FOR BIDS FOR THE ARMSTRONG HIGH PRESSURE PIPELINE PROJECT This project involves removing customers from the low pressure pipeline between Donner Pass Road and the Armstrong booster pump station and constructing a new 990 foot six inch pipeline that will be served from the high pressure side of the Armstrong booster pump station. The project also involves replacing 13 services and one fire hydrant. Sauers Engineering has prepared plans and specifications in accordance with the District' s standards and funds have been set aside in the 1991 budget. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9125 issuing a call for bids for the Armstrong high pressure pipeline project; seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye, with the exception of Director Curran, who was absent. SO eRESOLVED. Director Sutton noted she is concerned about the solution being almost as bad as the problem we're solving. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FROM HYDRO-SEARCH FOR EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE WELL SITES PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 55 On July 12, 1991 Dave Rully and Keith Sauers met with John Sharp and Forrest Fox of HydroSearch. That discussion resulted in a focus on two tasks - the first involves a review of production/performance of existing wells and recommendations regarding their rehabilitation. The second task involves recommendations concerning where to drill test holes for future well construction. HydroSearch has provided a proposal to perform the tasks for an estimated cost of $13 ,793 . Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board authorize HydroSearch to perform the tasks outlined in their proposal. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF A POLICY DEFINING APPLICABILITY OF ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE RATE Robert Gates, owner of Coachland Mobile Home Park, has requested that the District change the rate schedule the recreational vehicle . portion of the park is billed under from commercial to residential. Manager Holzmeister provided a copy of the Sierra Pacific Power definition of what customers qualify for residential service and a . proposed policy for the Board to consider. After brief discussion, Director Maass said that, due to the fact that a portion of the Coachland facility is a RV park (which is a commercial venture where spaces are rented daily, weekly and monthly) he is moving that the Board declare it is not appropriate at this time to change the status from commercial to residential ; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. REPORT ON TAHOE DONNER POWER OUTAGE; CONSIDERATION OF STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS On July 23 an automobile struck a utility pole on Skislope Drive causing two primary phases to contact each other. The resulting fault current was cleared by the Tahoe Donner substation reclosures, but not quickly enough to avoid blowing the fuses on the primary side of the substation transformers. In the process, the fault current caused one of the three substation transformers to short circuit. This resulted in a power outage of up to two days in some areas of Tahoe Donner. Staff presented recommendations in order to be better prepared to restore power quickly should a substation transformer fail again, and subsequently the Board took the following action. Director Maass moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 9126 setting forth findings that an emergency situation exists and authorizing that the Tahoe Donner transformer be rebuilt at a cost of approximately $62 , 217 . The motion was seconded by Director Corbett. ROLL CALL: Curran, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. Director Sutton moved that staff be directed to prepare bid documents for a new transformer that will be used as a spare in the Truckee substation (approximately $70, 000) ; seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Sutton moved that the Manager be directed to seek a proposal from R. W. Beck and Associates to design a means for providing spare transformers at the Tahoe Donner and Donner Lake substations. Director Corbett seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Sutton seconded, that the Manager seek advice from R. W. Beck regarding the modification of output voltage of the Donner Lake substation in order that it is consistent with the remainder of the system. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Maass moved that R. W. Beck be retained to prepare plans . and specifications for upgrading the wire size from Northwoods Boulevard west to I-80 and from Gateway to Mclv�s' Dvote.irecor Corbett seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, y voi 8 SO MOVED. Director Maass moved, and Director Sutton seconded, that the Manager seek proposals from qualified consultants for preparation of an electric system master plan. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Personnel is to be complimented on the way in which they handled the Tahoe Donner outage. DIRECTION REGARDING MINUTES OF JUNE 3 AND JULY 1, 1991 Director Sutton moved that the minutes of June 3 , 1991 be approved as presented with the provision that a minor correction can be submitted to the Board at a later date. The motion was seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, with the exception of Director Corbett who abstained because he was absent from that meeting. SO MOVED. Director Sutton moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the minutes of July 1, 1991 be approved as presented. Corbett abstained; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence discussed by the Board. • BILLS FOR APPROVAL Director Corbett moved that the bills presented for consideration in the total amount of $20,863 .05 be approved for payment; seconded by Director Maass. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Director Sutton asked that the Board consider at a future meeting an ordinance prohibiting people from planting in the vicinity of easement areas for both overhead and underground lines. STAFF REPORT A copy of the staff report has been attached to these minutes for reference. Bridge Street bridge replacement CalTrans is planning to rebuild the bridge over the Truckee River next year and has asked the PUD to consider having it accommodate a water pipe. CalTrans anticipates having a proposed agreement to the District for review by September of 1991. EPA rule for lead and copper in drinking water Recent action taken by the EPA regulates lead and copper in drinking water. The District should have no problem demonstrating that its water meets the standards; however, the new rule requires that the water be sampled at the consumer' s tap, not at the service • entry to the property. The District will be held responsible for the quality of water after if has passed through the customer's plumbing. Financial reports The investment report, statement of general fund, electric and water balance sheets, and electric and water income statements for the month of June were provided to the Board. CLOSED SESSION The Board adjourned to closed session at 10: 33 PM for the purpose of discussing personnel matters in accordance with Government Code Section 54957 . RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The Board reconvened into public session at ??There was no action taken or direction given as a result of closed session?? ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was . adjourned at TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Joseph R. Aguera, President Prepared by Susan M. Craig, Deputy District Clerk smc •