HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-01-15 Min - Board A
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 15, 1979
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner
Public Utility District was called to order by President Maass at 7:03 P.M.
in the District office.
ROLL CALL: Directors Huber, Kuttel , Sutton and Maass were present at the
start of the meeting. Director Hatch arrived at 7:04 P.M.
EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Susan Craig was present. A. Milton Seymour arrived at
7:07 P.M.
CONSULTANTS PRESENT: District Engineer Cook arrived at 7:04 P.M. District
Counsel Grumer was not present.
OTHERS PRESENT: Among those present were Jack Duttwe i l er, Don Strand , Liz
Knight, Vernon Scarbrough, Guy Palila, Don Bowes and Ken Merriman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Director Sutton commented that she had submitted corrections to the
February 21 , 1978, minutes (which also included some comments on which the
Manager had requested clarification) . She indicated she had not had a chance
to provide such clarification as yet. The Secretary noted the final draft
presented for approval included the corrections; no changes were made relat-
ing to the comments. Director Kuttel moved that the Board adopt the minutes
of February 21 , 1978, December 7, 1978, and December 13, 1978. Director Huber
seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: Hatch, absent; Huber, aye; Kuttel , aye; Sut-
ton, abstain; Maass , aye. SO MOVED.
Director Sutton submitted corrections to the draft minutes of November
20, 1978; the President noted he had received a copy of these corrections last
week. Director Sutton moved that the minutes of November 20, 1978, be pre-
pared in final form incorporating corrections. The motion was seconded by
Director Huber. ROLL CALL: Hatch, absent; Huber, aye; Kuttel , aye; Sutton,
aye; Maass, aye. SO MOVED.
BILLS FOR BOARD APPROVAL AND STATEMENT OF GENERAL FUND - OCTOBER 1978 FINANCIAL
STATEMENT
President Maass advised that no bills had been presented for approval -
the Statement of General Fund was submitted; further, he noted the October 1978
Financial Statement had been prepared but not placed on the agenda - it will be
placed on the next meeting agenda. There were no comments or questions re-
lating to this item.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Water Committee - Director Kuttel noted he had met with the Manager and Dis-
trict Engineer Cook; Director Sutton, the other member of the Water Committee,
was not present at the meeting. The Airport Well , Trout Creek, service to the
South Side area and inherent dangers of serving both sides of town with only
one bridge were topics of discussion at the Committee meeting. M r. Seymour
noted that Director Kuttel indicated a desire to place before the Board some
sort of a motion that the Board express their concern to Cal Trans over the
single bridge crossing the river. The dangers and inconveniences that could
be caused if the bridge was down were mentioned by Director Kuttel . Director
Hatch noted he was in favor of the Board directing a letter to Cal Trans.
Director Huber reminded the Board that the PUD presently has two river cross-
ings (for water) - one is in need of repair. It was Director Kuttel 's concern
that there was only one vehicle crossing; the PUD has facilities (that require.
maintenance and repair) on both sides of the river. Director Huber felt this
concern was beyond the scope of the Board. Director Sutton suggested that
Director Kuttel prepare a letter to the Board that would explain what he is
advocating.
Director Sutton-moved that this matter be .placed on the agenda for
the next meeting and that Director Kuttel prepare a draft letter for the Board
to review. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
1/15/79 Pg. 1
Director Kuttel moved that the Board write a letter to Cal Trans,
Supervisor, State of California, to outline the conditions of one bridge
going across the Truckee River and the Board's concerns. MOTION DIED FOR
LACK OF A SECOND.
Director Sutton, moved that this matter be placed on the agenda
under New Business at the February 5th meeting, and that Director Kuttel
provide the Board with his ideas in writing. The motion was seconded by
Director Huber. ROLL CALL: Hatch, aye; Huber, aye; Kuttel , aye; Sutton,
aye; Maass, aye. SO MOVED.
The President noted that no other committees had met since the
last Board meeting.
MANAGER'S REPORT
A copy of this report has been attached to these minutes.
General Status of District - Despite the storms, the Manager reported that
there had been no major outages (water or electric ) during the past two
weeks. A few minor short-term electrical outages have occurred because of
wires slapping together and snow falling onto the wires from trees.
Report regarding Sierra Pac i f i c's Filing and Rate Increase - Mr. Seymour ad-
vised that, at the time the Manager's Report was written, there had been no
further information received regarding the S.P.P.Co. f i 1 i ng to increase rates.
However, in today's mail the District received copies of correspondence between
Sierra Pacific Power Company and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission re-
garding a ref i 1 i ng of the rate increase and a request for a waiver of the 60-
day notice period since they had previously filed. They also provided some
additional updated information regarding financial matters which the Commis-
sion had rejected. Mr. Seymour noted he forwarded copies of this correspond-
ence to Martin McDonough, Special Counsel for the District, and to Ken Seeds
of R. W. Beck and Associates.
General Status of District - Director Huber advised that, three weeks ago,
she reported a major leak in Prosser Lake Heights; at the time the matter
was reported the backhoe was out of service. To her knowledge, she report-
ed, the leak has not yet been repaired - further, the leak was not listed
on the outages or problems reported. Mr. Seymour indicated he would report
the problem to the proper department.
Relating to Director Sutton's report of murky water last week, Mr.
Seymour mentioned the possibility of influx of rainwater into McGlashan
Springs (which empties into Soma Sierra Tank) causing the problem. As yet,
he has not discussed the problem with Mr. Cook. Discussion ensued regard-
ing which tank serves Director Sutton's house - Soma Sierra or Donner Trails.
Director Kuttel asked Director Hatch if the Forest Service Work Center (serv-
ed by McGI ashan Springs) has murky water - Director Hatch noted he would
check into the matter and report back to Director Kuttel .
Report Respecting Allocation of Consultants ' Billings - Mr. Seymour explained
the difficulty with allocation of some of the consultant' s- billings and the
procedure followed to determine the proper allocation. He noted that certain
costs incurred may be rebillable by the District to other entities; he and
Director Sutton are going to meet to discuss this particular problem sometime
soon.
PRESENTATION BY R. W. BECK RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS
Mr. Merriman., of R. W. Beck introduced Don Bowes, a partner of the
firm, *who is in charge of Beck's hydroelectric work in the Western Design
Office.
Mr. Bowes outlined R. W. Beck's capabilities, explained their back-
ground in hydroelectric power, and advised the Board of the current Depart-
ment of Energy programs (both loan and grant) .
. He noted that Stampede has the capability of developing 16 million
kilowatt hours of energy a year whereas Boca has the potential of develop-
ing only 1/3 of this amount.
Mr. Bowes explained the procedure by which the District could obtain
a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission wh i ch* would
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protect the District' s right to develop a particular project and could en-
hance the possibility of obtaining grant monies from the Department of Energy
for a feasibility study. Mr. Bowes estimated that the cost of preparing the
preliminary permit application would range between $3,000 and $5,000. If
there is no threat posed by another entity filing for rights, the District
could have the feasibility study done prior to f i 1 i ng for a preliminary per-
mit.
In the event that the Board decides to proceed with a preliminary per-
mit appl ication, Mr. Bowes left with Mr. Seymour a proposal and work order
agreement (copies of which are attached hereto) .
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: INCREASING SUBSTATION CAPACITY AND FINANCING
THE PROJECT - REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS RE BID AWARD - AWARD OF BIDS, TRANS-
FORMERS, VOLTAGE REGULATORS, RECLOSERS
Upon request made by Director Sutton, President Maass directed that
a copy of Director Sutton's correspondence dated January 15, 1979, relating
to electric facilities and funds be attached to these minutes.
Reviewing her letter for the Board' s benefit, Director Sutton noted
that she believed the District should be establishing a depreciation reserve
account for both utilities to be used for maintaining and sustaining the ex-
isting plants and systems.
f this were done, Director Sutton stated, some of the money in the
depreciation reserve account of the Electric Department could be spent for
upgrading the Truckee Substation. She stated further that she believed any
increase in capacity should be paid by some other means.
Director Sutton stated she would like to see the Board inquire more
into the alternatives of meeting the summer demands on the system through
whatever techniques or equipment might be available in order to give the
Board more time to explore what it wishes to do on a upgrading or relocation
of the Truckee Substation and some financing plan for the project.
Also, Director Sutton stated she would 1 i ke to see the Board investi-
gate and prepare proposals for presentation to the voters of the District re-
garding a substation expansion plan that would fulfill the District's obl i ga-
tions to provide power: based on existing will-serve commitments, and a. sub-
station expansion plan that would fulfill those obligations plus all the pos-
sible growth potential for the next 20 to 30 years. She noted that it seemed
to her that a bond issue, whether a revenue bond or general obligation bond,
would give the people of the community the opportunity to decide which growth
limit it prefers. She noted problems with financing the substation expansion
with accumulated cash because it would mean the people who have been paying
the rates in the District for the past two years, while the cash was accumu-
lated , would bear the cost of expansion whereas the people who would benefit
from the expansion, she believed, should help to pay for it.
Director Sutton further noted she would like to see the Board serious-
ly pursue a source of hydro power; she would be in favor of the Board not mak-
ing a refund (of the money recently refunded by Sierra Pacific Power Co. in
the amount of $102,415.43) if the money were earmarked for the initial steps
involved with a hydro project. This could be established through public hear-
ing - the community could decide if this would be an appropriate use of the
rebate (rather than a refund) . If the community supported the idea of under-
writing the expenses to obtain hydro power with the rebate money, she stated
she believed that any surplus funds in the Electric Department over and above
the depreciation reserve account could be reserved by the Board to help finance
a hydro project.
Director Kuttel commented that he felt Director Sutton' s letter was
contradictory relating to the accumulation of money for future costs and on
the other hand , initiating a bond issue.
Growth, and subsequent need for more electric capacity, was discussed.
Mr. Seymour advised that the District has an obligation as a public
utility to provide electricity and water within the 44 square miles which must
be fulfilled. There is also an obligation, expressed by a previous Board, to
serve electricity and water within the District provided rates and fees are paid.
1/15/79 pg• 3
Director Huber made note of two valid questions - 1) is there a means
of identifying,
to some extent, how much more substation capacity is needed
in Truckee to serve those people who the District has said they will serve
out of the substation, and 2) if these figures can be obtained, what will the
cost be versus some infinite capacity for the future growth (which could be
a revenue bond matter) . She agreed (with Director Sutton) on the idea of a
depreciation reserve account for the benefit of those with whom the District
has a commitment, and determination by District voters relating to future
growth and financing of projects to increase capacity.
Rather than awarding the bid prior to a determination by the Board
as to whether the District will upgrade or relocate the Truckee Substation,
Director Sutton again suggested inquiry be made relating to additional
equipment or techniques, load shifting, system management, or minor capital
improvements which may a 1 l ow more capacity during the next year; this would
enable the Board to have more time in which to make a decision.
Mr. Seymour mentioned the long-range substation study which was
prepared in 1975; in 1976 and 1977 there was a two-year work plan and
ten-year financial forecast prepared - $100,000 has been spent on studies
so far. In answer to Director Sutton's question, Mr. Seymour advised that
the p
r two- ea work plan and ten-year financial forecast were prepared in
Y
relationship to an application for an REA loan (for which the District
could not qualify) . Regardless of whether or not the District could qualify
for the REA loan, Mr. Seymour stated, the study related to the necessity of
substation upgrading and the load projections.
The Directors reviewed the chart prepared by R. W. Beck and Assoc-
iates, a copy of which is attached, relating to the bid award of Contract
No. 1 - power transformers, voltage regulators and recl osers.
Director Huber stated she felt there were st i l 1 too many unanswered
questions for an award to be made at this time. Mr. G rumen has been asked
to review Wedco's bid; as yet, no comment from him has been received.
In response to President Maass ' question, Mr. Merriman noted that
all bidders had granted an Edens i on of the award date until January 31 ,
1979•
Director Hatch commented on the various Districts in the community,
their capacities, and the apparent failure to plan together for the future.
Responding to a question posed by the President, Mr. Merriman noted
that, in order to get through one more year without upgrading or rebuilding
the Truckee Substation, the District could investigate some auxiliary cool-
ers for the transformers and determine how much additional capacity could be
obtained from the transformers. The Manager stated that this has already
been done. Some feeder upgrading might be necessary, Mr. Merriman noted.
Mr. Seymour said the District is already planning to do these things prior
to next summer; his concern was for next winter and the following summer.
Relating to the joint substation venture with Sierra Pacific, Mr.
Seymour advi sed' that the D i;s tr i ct should be receiving a letter from Asa
Kenyan outlining Sierra Pac i f i c's plans. Mr. Canning, SPPCo, advised Mr.
Merriman that this is a ''go project.''
Relating to the bid award, Director Huber stated she thought the
Board would have to schedule another meeting after Mr. G rumer provides a
written opinion on the bids.
President Maass noted he was reading the Directors as wanting to
place things up for a vote - however he would not 1 i ke to see a political
situation develop where there would be certain individuals that would jump
at the opportunity to sell the utility - he thought the community, in the
long �un, could suffer.
He agreed with Director Huber that a special meeting would probably
have to be scheduled (to award the. bids)prior to January 31 s t.
An irregularity in the bid received from Siemens-Allis was discussed.
POSSIBLE ACTION RELATING TO TROUT CREEK WELL
Director Sutton noted that the Board had not had a chance to discuss
the advice letter from Mr. Marron's office since the meeting with him was
1/15/?9 pg. 4
173
cancelled (due to his inability to be present) . The Chair tabled the item.
The Manager suggested the Board meet with Mr. Marron and then that the Spec-
ial Committee on Tahoe Donner Matters go over the proposed changes with Dart
and the i r attorneys.
The Secretary advised that Mr. Marron would probably be available to
meet with the Board on the evening of either the 29th or 30th of January. It
was decided the meeting with Mr. Marron would be held on January 30, 1979,
at 7:00 P.M.
DEPUTY DISTRICT CLERK - RESOLUTIONS
The revised resolution appointing a Deputy District Clerk and draft
resolution establ i sh i ng the pos i t ion had not been received by the Directors.
No action was taken.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT FROM NORTH TAHOE PROPERTIES, INC.
A written report prepared by M r. Cook had been received by the Dis-
trict and Board. A copy of his report has been made an attachment to these
minutes. Mr. Seymour commented that the easement shown on Mr. Cook's map
was located on the wrong property line. It should be on the easterly side
of the west boundary. The purpose of the easement, Mr. Seymour noted, is to
allow parcel B to obtain power from Bernard Way. Mr. Duttwei ler, who was
present in the audience because of an interest in this matter, agreed with
Mr. Seymour. Mr. Duttwei 1 er had been informed by the District that, in order
to extend the lines, the District would require such an easement - it could
also be used for water lines since it would be a public utility easement. It
would follow an existing right-of-way to parcel D, which would enable parcel
D to be served with electricity also. In answer to President Maass question,
Mr. Duttwei 1 er stated there were two water outlets - one on S t. Bernard and
one on B rooks tone; if the parcel owners wanted water, they would extend the
1 i nes. He noted that the owner of parcel A has already been connected to
the water system.
Mr. Seymour noted that an easement would not be necessary to provide
electric service to parcel B. Mr. Duttwei 1 er stated that the PUD had request-
ed the easement. The Manager advised that subsequent to the District request-
ing an easement, the Telephone Company had placed poles on St. Bernard.
Regarding water service, Mr. Cook advised that stale water complaints
would be lessened if the line extensions that will occur in St. Bernard and
Brookstone are looped through the proposed easement. (The quality of ser-
vice rendered will be improved if the system is looped prior to making ser-
vice available to any of the four existing parcels or the parcels that will
be subdivided within parcel D.)
The Manager noted that, if and when the power is extended down St.
Bernard to the property boundary (parcel B) , an easement wi 1 1 not be required
to serve power. It was determined that, if appropriate line extension fees
were paid, power could be temporarily brought from Schussing Way; an ease-
ment would not be required. The President noted that no further discussion
was necessary.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR STANDBY EXEMPTIONS
President Maass advised that the Public Hearing, originally scheduled
for tonight's meeting , had been cancelled. Director Sutton prepared a letter
last week concerning this matter (a copy has been attached) . Mr. Seymour
agreed with the ideas set forth in such letter. I t. was Director Sutton's
recommendation that the. Board take action as fol loves: Group 1 - Exclusion by
resolution listing parcel numbers. A resolution will have to be prepared
excluding certain parcels because of administrative errors or oversight; the
resolution is to include all information rather than setting forth data by
way of Exhibits, the President noted.
Group 2 - These would also be exclusions, Director Sutton advised,
but would fall into a different category than those parcels in Group l because
the service either preceded July 1 , 1976, or there is some other problem. Those
that would be included would be Kennerson ( if he had service a t that parcel from
January 1976 or prior) , the Croi n property, the Lewis parcels, and all of the
Tahoe Donner properties listed on the December 1 i st. She further noted she felt
the Manager would have to. make some determinations regarding this Group after
JOV79 pg. 5
17�1
further research and prior to the preparation of a resolution. M r. Cook
stated he thought the Lewis parcels were served by both electricity and
water.
Group 3 - M r. Seymour advised this group would consist of those
having very special situations - each parcel owner should have a hearing
before the Board at which time particulars would be described; the Board
would then make a decision regarding exemption from the Standby Charge.
It was the Board 's direction that separate resolutions be prepared
for Groups 1 and 2 listing the appropriate parcels to be excluded - Group
1 because they have already been receiving service - Group 2 because they
were placed on the rolls in error.
The President noted a special hearing will be required prior to
taking action on those parcels included in Group 3. Director Huber request-
ed that a map be prepared showing the parcels included in this group - Mr.
Seymour agreed and stated further that a written explanation as to why the
exemption should be granted would be necessary. He noted a letter should
be written to each owner stating there would be a hearing regarding exemp-
tion and advising of the hearing date - also, a notice should be published
in the newspaper during two consecutive weeks (he suggested two consecutive
Fridays) . He indicated staff could be prepared in time for the public hear-
ing to be held on February 5, 1979.
President Maass advised the Public Hearing would be scheduled for
February 5th at 7:30 P.M. The notice should appear in the paper twice - on
the 24th and 2nd. Letters are to be mailed out (to parcel owners) no later
than the 24th. He requested that Mr. Seymour outline the facts (for exemp-
tions requested - Group 3) for each case in narrative form as well as a map
of each parcel .
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION RE ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AND APPROVING PHASE
II PIPELINE
Director Huber asked if the District has received any response as to
the potential 1 iabil ity of Hood Construction Company from either Truckee San-
itary District or the County. The District Engineer advised letters had been
received from the Telephone Company, the County and the Sanitary District;
everything appears to be in order, he reported. He will provide copies of
the letters to the Board. He further noted that the Sanitary District, in
their letter, stated they had participated in the pre-construction meeting
and, did not properly notice their claim to the contractor.
The ordinance will be considered after the Board has reviewed the
correspondence copies to be provided by Mr. Cook.
After discussion, it was determined that the third enactment clause
of the draft ordinance should actually be a "whereas'' clause. Al so, the
ninth "whereas" clause should be changed from "Whereas , Dart has now offered
to convey said system to the District in form satisfactory. . ." to "Whereas,
Dart has now offered to convey, by grant deed, said system to the District."
The secretary will prepare a second draft incorporating these corrections.
Don Strand of Dart Industries noted that, when the Ordinance is ad-
opted, he will present the Board with the or i g.i na 1 grant deed.
FIRE AND LIABILITY INSURANCE
President Maass advised that District coverage with Royal Globe
Insurance Company expires on March 16, 1979.
Mr. Seymour suggested informal inquiries be made of other insurance
companies to see whether they would provide coverage. The President suggest-
ed the Board give authorization to go to bid so this could be accomplished
on February 5th and at the same time discuss the matter with Glen Stice of
St i ce and Wells Insurance. He stated he would be wi 1 1 i ng to stay with Royal
Globe if they are willing to continue coverage.
.Director Sutton moved that the Board authorize the Manager to contact
Royal Globe to ascertain whether or not they intend to renew the District's
present fire and liability insurance - if so, at what price? Also, that the
Manager be authorized to make informal inquiry of several other carriers if
a negative response is received from Royal Globe - that the Manager, Counsel
1750'
and Insurance Committee (consisting of Director Huber) proceed to prepare
a package with which the Board could call for bids and specifications on in-
surance at the February 5th meeting. The motion was seconded by Director
Hatch. ROLL CALL: Hatch, aye; Huber, aye; Kuttel , aye; Sutton, aye; Maass,
aye. SO MOVED.
Mr. Seymour indicated he would first contact Mr. Grumer, then
Director Huber regarding a meeting of the Insurance Committee.
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY REFUND
The Chairman acknowledged a letter received at his home address on
the 8th of January (even though the letter was addressed to him at the PUD)
from Martin McDonough. Mr. McDonough's letter expressed the hope that the
District checks bills received (from Sierra Pacific) as carefully as possible.
Mr. Seymour indicated this was done.
President Maass made note of Mr. Seymour's letter relating to this
matter dated January 12, 1979, and requested that a copy be attached to these
minutes.
Director Sutton asked that a copy of the letter forwarding the Sierra
Pacific Power Company refund dated December 29th be attached to the minutes .
Director Hatch moved that the refund from Sierra Pacific Power Company
in the amount of $102,41.5.43 be placed i n. a special restricted fund for capital
improvements to the electrical system. The motion was seconded by Director
Huber. The Board and Mr. Seymour clarified for Director Sutton's benefit that
this would include hydro-electric projects.
The President clarified his position for the record - he noted that
the previous refund was just that. . .a refund (which was refunded to District
customers) . Because of the complex, complicated manner in which Sierra Pac-
ific has refunded this money, he felt it would be irresponsible to vote for
a refund at this point because it would cost the District thousands of dol
-
1 a rs of the refund in order to make a very small refund - the people would
not benefit. He will , therefore, be voting in favor of Director Hatch's
motion.
Director Sutton stated she felt the Board would be better off if they
were to hold a public hearing on the matter and gave the community an oppor-
tunity to complain if. they so wish. She further stated that the public was
not yet aware of the refund
Mr. Seymour defended Director Sutton's idea relating to a public hear-
ing. He noted the refund is presently in the. LAi F earning interest so there
is no urgency to transfer the funds.
Pros and cons of holding a public hearing on this matter and possibil-
ities for disposition of the refund were discussed.
The Chairman advised that there was a motion before the Board.
Director Sutton moved to table this item until the next meeting.
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Director Sutton wished to amend the motion that was still on the table
to include the setting of a public hearing, but, she stated, the motion was
not worded in a way that this could be done.
The President called for a ROLL CALL vote on the motion; Hatch, aye;
Huber, aye; Kuttel , aye; Sutton, no; Maass, aye. SO MOVED.
Director Sutton asked that the record show she regrets the Board
taking this action before the community is informed of the $102,000 refund
and without holding a public hearing.
Director Huber asked that the Manager place an ad explaining that
this money has come as a windfall - it is over such a disjointed period of
time that i t, wou 1 d not: be economical to make individual refunds ; therefore,
this action has been taken. Mr. Seymour stated he could prepare an ad similar
to his memo to the Board but in simple language, more detailed, and listing
1/15/79 P9 _7 _
all the periods of time that are involved.
Di-rector Huber moved that the Board direct the Manager to place an
ad, in the Sierra Sun announcing the refund a.nd the District's disposition of
it, and the reasons for such disposition (primarily, that the refund covers
such a disjointed period of time as to make refunding to individual customers
uneconomic) . The motion was seconded by Director Kuttel . ROLL CALL: Hatch,
aye; Kuttel , aye; Sutton, no; Maass, aye; Huber, aye. - SO MOVED.
CRWQCB, LAHONTAN REGION, DRAFT POLICY STATEMENT ON INTERPRETATION OF WATER
QUALITY CONTROL PLAN REGARDING NEW SUBDIVISIONS IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER BASIN
The President noted that comments regarding this draft policy state-
ment are requ i red prior to January 19th.
The procedure for approval of subdivisions and relationship to
water availability was discussed.
Director Huber stated she would be willing to support Lahontan' s
position on this matter - that until TTSA knows whether or not they can
expand, there probably should be a moratorium on new subdivisions.
Director Sutton stated that if the Board wants to go on record in
some general- way, she has written several sentences they may wish to con-
sider: "The Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District
is aware of the problems being created by local agencies which do not seem
to recognize their responsibility in the planning process. Last fall , this
Board requested a water system analysis of impacts being created by accel ler-
ated development in a water deficient area of service. This Board believes
that service agencies should investigate and formulate policies related to
their capacity to provide services."
Director Hatch asked if Director Sutton could Ancorporate his wish that
somehow things could be tied together (coordination of available services by
all the independent districts) . Discussion ensued regarding this matter.
Director Sutton revised her comments as follows : "The Board of
Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District believes that
local agencies must recognize their responsibility in the planning process.
Last fa i 1 , this Board requested a water system analysis of impacts being
created by accel 1 erated development in a water deficient area. This Board
believes that service agencies and app rop r i.a to planning agencies should
formulate policy related to capacity to provide services . . .'' President
Maass added, "as well as coordinating their efforts so that one agency
does not create an adverse impact upon another." D i rector Sutton suggest-
ed "commitments" be used rather than ''efforts,''
Changes were made as follows : from ". . .accel 1 erated development. . .''
to ". . . large number of proposed development. . ."; from ". . .appropriate plan-
ning agencies. . .'' to ". . .appropriate p l-ann i ng authorities. . ."
Mr. Seymour suggested that "adverse impact" be explained.
Director Sutton suggested that the secretary type up a draft during
Executive Session for review by the Board. She suggested an additional para-
graph: "The Board wi 1 l not comment directly on the specific issue, but in-
dividual Directors may comment as individuals."
DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT
Mart i s Wood Estates - Mr. Cook reported that he had written a letter to the
Board regarding this matter on January 2, 1979; Mr. Seymour has provided the
developer with a copy of the correspondence.
Placer County Service Area Annexation -- Mr. Cook advised that the second mail-
ing to non-responding parcel owners has not yet gone out.
Sanders Well - The Sanders We1 1 underwent the initial bump-start on January 8,
1979. Mr. Cook noted that, actually, it performed better than just a bump-
s tart and initial ad j ustments were made. Acceptance inspection or a perform-
ance test has not yet been scheduled. Mr. Seymour reported that representa-
tives from Hydro-Search were present at the bump-start and made some initial
quantity measurements - the output of the well has a special valve (a flow-
rate valve) - it was set at 300 gallons per minute. The draw-down was 50 feet
nn R
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in the first seven minutes; after an hour it was still producing 300 GPM.
According to the representative from Hydro-Search, Mr. Seymour stated, this
test looked very similar to the pump test. There was a very rapid draw-down
at first - then it stabilized.
Prosser Well - In response to Director Sutton' s question, the District En-
gineer noted he was in the process of completing the report. A letter was
received from Bill Nork that is totally contrary to M r. Cook' s philosophy
regarding the well . .
Director Sutton noted that, even if the final determination is that
the well should not be filled in because of the danger to the acqu i f er, there
is the question having to do with what the District should do from the stand-
point of the well having been drilled and somebody else benefiting from it
without having paid for it. Mr. Seymour commented that this is due to the
fact that an easement was never recorded.
Mr. Cook noted that the report would be forthcoming with dissenting
opinions included at the next meeting.
Tonini Springs - Director Sutton noted that the Board had not been advised
lately on the problem at Tonini Springs. Mr. Seymour reported that Tonini
Springs is back on 1 i ne as a water source; tests have been coming out neg-
ative - it is no longer being chlorinated. No definite determination has
been made regarding the cause of the problem. Mr. Seymour set forth a
theory relating to work by a contractor on the spring box and overflows.
He further advised that there are four or five customers that receive water
from the spring that cannot be shut off. Even though the water was chlorin-
ated, Director Sutton wondered if these customers should - have been notified
of the problem in order to comply with the new State regulations. Mr. Sey-
mour advised that when a positive sample showing more than 2.2 colonies of
coliform per 100 milliliters of water was received the spring was shut off
(except for the four houses) . It was not known at that time that four houses
could have been served through fire hoses from another water source.
Lab reports on water source - Director Sutton mentioned lab reports on the
water source. President Maass ruled Director Sutton out of order as this
item did not appear on the agenda. He suggested she question Mr. Cook in-
dividually.
CORRESPONDENCE
LAFCo - The President noted correspondence had been received from the Local
Agency Formation Commission regarding a meeting for the presiding officers
of all districts; he advised he would be unable to attend (the meeting on
the 30th) . Mr. Seymour advised that the purpose of the meeting is to collec-
tively nominate someone from a special district to serve on LAFCo.
The Chair appointed Director Sutton to represent the District at the
meeting on the 30th. Regarding the nomination of a representative of the
special districts to LAFCo, President Maass noted he wou 1 d . defer to Director
Sutton's best judgment.
Don Casler request - A letter was received from Don Casler of Mary Anne Boice
Realty wherein he requests quitclaim deeds because of blanket easements on the
parcel of land located between the elementary school and gas station, Pres- .
i dent Maass advised. The matter was referred to District staff and wi 1 1 again
appear on the agenda for the February 5, 1979, meeting.
Director Sutton stated that she believed the Di-strict has a well
located on the property mentioned. Use was discontinued for an unknown rea-
son. It might be of value to the District, she further stated, and this should
be investigated prior to giving up any easements.
Mr. Seymour noted that the easements place a cloud on this parcel as
well as on the property owned by the service station and school district.
President Maass- advised that Mr. Casler, in his letter, agreed to
pay any costs incurred by the District in investigation of this matter. He
further stated he felt Director Sutton's concerns were valid and should be
checked out.
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174r
f research has been done and information is available prior to the
meeting of the 5th of February, this will be placed .on the agenda for that
meeting, Pres i den-t Maass directed.
Tahoe Donner Side-lot easements - The Manager made note of correspondence from
the County regarding thee.abandonment of a part of the lot line easements at
Tahoe Donner. All the water and electric facilities., with the exception of
Units 8 through 1 1 , are i n. There is a disagreement between various- records
which refer to these easements - in some cases they are referred to as 8'
easements on both sides of the property line - in other cases they are refer-
red to as 5' easements. In order to clarify the record, it has been request-
ed that the District provide a release to reduce the side-lot line easements
from 8' to 5' .
Director Sutton requested a copy of the correspondence from the
County be forwarded to her; other Directors noted they had already received
a copy.
Director Sutton asked for some kind of an examination. She stated
she did not feel (this release) should include Units 8 through 11 where
electric lines are- not yet constructed and where p-1 ans have not been re-
viewed and approved by the District. She would be interested, she noted,
in examination by -e i they the Manager o-r Engineer (or both) making certain
that none of those easements that are proposed to be reduced in width have
any utility on them or are contemplated to be needed in the future.
Mr. Strand of Dart Industries asked that plans for Units 8 through
.11 also be reviewed at this time so that the matter could be handled in one
procedure (thus saving fees with the County) .
The Chair referred the matter to the Manager and staff.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES
Mart i s Valley Estates #4 - Director Sutton noted there were no notices of
significance until ton i ght. She asked that the minutes show she had re-
ceived today a Notice of Preparation of a draft EIR on Mart i s Valley Es-
tates #4 - comment is required by February 9th. She requested that this be
placed on the agenda for the February 5th meeting with draft recommendations
from the Manager and Engineer. The Chair noted this would be in order and
asked that the Committee participate in preparing the recommendations.
Timberline Shopping Center - Also received was a copy of the preliminary re-
sponses to the draft EIR on T i mberlti ne Shopping Center which requires any
further response by February 2nd. Director Sutton suggested the Committee
meet prior to February 2, 1979.
Mueller Project - Director Sutton mentioned Dick Muel 1 er' s project located
near the Airport. The ARC was to have met last Thursday. She did not recall
that any comment was authorized or directed by the Board other than that a
copy of the water system analysis of impact be provided to Mr. Mueller. As
yet, she has not received a copy of the forwarding letter. Mr. Cook was not
aware of any comment being communicated to Nevada County.
Director Sutton requested that a copy of the memo she wrote regard-
ing Standby Charges be attached to these minutes. The Chair directed that
this be done.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
President Maass adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 12: 1 1
A.M. for the purpose of discussing legal and personnel matters.
RETURN TO 'PUBLIC SESSION
The Meeting was, reconvened to Public Session at 2:06 A.M.
Director Hatch moved that the Board authorize a transfer from the
General Fund to the West River Street Assessment District in the amount of
-$1 ,000 to satisfy the payment of bonds. Director Huber seconded the motion.
1 /1 F,/-7a nn n
7o?
ROLL CALL: Hatch, aye; Huber aye; Sutton, aye (see comment below) ; Kuttel ,
aye; Maass , aye. SO MOVED.
Director Sutton stated she wished the record to show that she believed
the Bookkeeping Department should present these things so that the transfer
can be made in a more proper manner.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, Director Hatch
moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Director
Huber. ALL AYE BY VOICE VOTE.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:08 A.M.
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
By Q11,1n,
es A. Maass, President
Susan M. Craig, Executive Sec tary
r
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