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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-08-20 Min - Board REGULAR MEETING Au;ust 20, 1984 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Maass at 7:07 P.M. in the ,. TDPUD Board room. ROLL CALL: Directors Cooley, Corbett, Duffy, Hamilton and Maass were present. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Sue Felce, Peter Holzmeister and Susan Craig. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Counsel John Phelps. OTHERS PRESENT: David Toussaint and Dick VanLandingham. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the minutes of August 6, 1984, be placed in final form as written. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. BILLS FOR APPROVAL There were no bills presented for Board consideration. MANAGER'S REPORT 1985 Budget �,. Manager Holzmeister advised that staff is beginning the 1985 budget process; he anticipates keeping to the schedule, with the Board reviewing the draft in Oc- tober and adoption prior to the end of the year. Conference The Manager noted that there will be a conference in San Diego on October 9th and loth concerning the setting of ratios and trend analysis which he is interest- ed in attending, and from which the Board may also benefit. The cost would be $20 per person for registration plus transportation, lodging and meals. Director Hamilton moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that attendance and expenditures for the Manager and four Directors be authorized. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. President Maass noted that, if more than two Directors attend, a special meeting will be called in order to give adequate notice to the public. Cathodic Protection Mr. Holzmeister reported that the District is moving ahead with the next phase of the cathodic protection program. He has contacted Cook Associates and requested an estimate of costs for a study in Tahoe Donner now that the isolating couplings are in place, and expects a response from Mr. Cook prior to the next Board meeting. Committee meetings At the Manager's request, a Personnel Committee meeting was scheduled for 6:00 P.M. on Monday, August 27th; an Electric Committee meeting for 7:30 P.M. the same day. PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES There were no Planning Department Notices of interest to the Board. PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. 8/20/84 Pg• 1 CORRESPONDENCE Response to Diana Casler Director Corbett commended Office Manager Chapman on her answer and explana- tion of the District's billing policy to Mrs. Casler's letter. Letters of Commendation The President mentioned, for the record, two recent letters of commenda- tion to the District - one regarding Lineman Manny Lopez, the other concerning i Lissa Schreiner, Senior Clerk in the Customer Services Department. Director Duffy noted his pleasure with the focus by employees on giving good service to the customers. Gateway Tank - Joseph family President Maass made note of the letter from Robert French of Stevens, French and Wood which stated that the Joseph family would have no objection to PUD use of the Gateway Tank site as long as the use falls within its purview. Director Corbett mentioned that Mr. Joseph did not, in fact, make a gift of the site to the District; a consideration of $10 was paid to him by the PUD. The Chairman noted that, in his opinion, the District owns the parcel and can, therefore, make determinations regarding its use. Counsel Phelps advised that, in the event the District determines the site to be no longer necessary and declares it surplus, the bidding procedures re- quired by law should be followed. Hansen and Associates President Maass advised that the District received a breakdown of fees charged by Ken Peters of James Hansen and Associates, and referred the matter to staff for analysis. Also mentioned by President Maass was Mr. Holzmeister's memo of August loth. The President read the memo to the Board - it stated that Mr. Holzmeister called Mr. Peters on August 17th to arrange pick-up of the District's files. Mr. Peters was not enthusiastic about turning the files over to the PUD - he said the District has 90% of what it needs, and stated he would call the District up- on his return to California after Labor Day. Further, Mr. Holzmeister talked to Dave Magaw of WAPA on August 20th regarding the two megawatt allocation. The allocation is not in jeopardy; WAPA is not considering any change in the alloca- tion of the two megawatts to the TDPUD. Mr. Magaw noted that, if the status changes in any way, the District will be notified. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Water Committee Duffy, on behalf of the Water Committee reported that a meeting Directoru y, � P g was held recently at which private water systems, including the South River Street line and Draney Loop, and the current status of the cathodic protection program were discussed. APPROVAL AS TO FORM - CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT Counsel Phelps noted that his office had prepared an agreement for use in connection with consulting engineering firms which will adequately protect the District's interests. He noted that different engineering firms may request various additions, deletions, or changes which, if acceptable to the District, may be incorporated into the agreement so long as the basic provisions which provide protection to the District are retained. Some discussion ensued as to whether the authorization limit of $11000 to the Manager was adequate. Thereafter, Director Hamilton moved that the Board approve the agreement for engineering services as to form with the limits as written, if the limits prove inadequate, the Board will consider an amendment. Director Cooley seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. i 8/20/84 Pg. 2 aC 7L MARTISWOODS ESTATES - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISTRICT TO OPERATE WATER SYSTEM AND PROVIDE RELATED BILLINGS The Manager suggested that the Board table this matter to the September 4th meeting, as all related issues should be concluded by that time. PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 1984 WATER AND ELECTRIC BUDGET The Chairman opened the public hearing at 7:30 P.M. , and explained that the Board recently held a workshop session at which they reviewed the draft. There was no public input, and the hearing was closed at 7:31 P.M. Director Hamilton moved, and Director Duffy seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8450 adopting the 1984 Water and Electric Budget. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. ACCEPTANCE OF AUDITORS' REPORTS ON WATER AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENTS Manager Holzmeister stated that he felt the workshop session with the auditors was fascinating and provided lots of food for thought relative to prep- aration of the 1985 budget. In addition, Mr. Holzmeister said the audit was "clean," and didn't point out any real trouble spots. Director Hamilton moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that Arthur Ander- sen and Company's reports on the Water and Electric Departments be accepted by the District. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF WRITE-OFFS The Board was previously provided with a copy of the Office Manager's memorandum requesting authorization to write off unpaid accounts in the amount r of $19,826.56. A list of these accounts, all being six months old and unpaid as of June 30, 1984, was also attached. The majority of the write-off amount represents customers who either did not have a deposit or whose deposit wasn't sufficient to cover the final balance due. The President explained that after the accounts are written off, the balances are removed from the computer and maintained for collection should the customer ever apply for service again. Also, collection efforts are continued on these accounts by the credit bureau. Director Hamilton noted that the District was going to take steps to improve the percentage of write-offs by way of amending its deposit policy, etc. He stated a study should be undertaken to establish a policy whereby this sort of thing can be stopped, as it does amount to a substantial sum. Director Corbett was of the opinion that the bad debts of property owners should be placed on the County tax rolls. Manager Holzmeister presented to the Directors a comparison of write-offs with three other similar districts; some discussion ensued. The Chairman indicated he thought the entire billing procedure should be reviewed. Director Hamilton moved that the Board approve the write-offs in the amount ;, of $19,826.56 with the contingency that there is a concerted effort to lower the percentage to .2 to .3 percent; seconded by Director Corbett. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. AUTHORIZATION TO MAKE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS Mr. Holzmeister explained that, at the beginning of 1983, the District still maintained combined books for the Water and Electric Departments, and an interdepartmental transfer in the amount of $96,768.05 from the Water Department General Fund to the Electric Department General Fund is necessary to balance the books. Director Hamilton moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8451 authorizing the interdepartmental transfer. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. 8/20/84 Pg, 3 STAMPEDE HYDROELECTRIC POWER ALLOCATION - POSSIBLE DIRECTION With respect to the power allocation from the Stampede hydro project, Pres- ident Maass requested that he be authorized to write two letters - one to the Western Area Power Administration stating that the District is a preference customer and indicating our continued interest in the three megawatt allocation from Stampede; the other to the American Public Power Association informing them of the situation and requesting their assistance. It appears that Senator Laxault of Nevada will be sponsoring legislation undermining the Federal Power Act, the act which gives the District preference in acquiring power from Stampede. This is being done, he feels, to resolve Indian water right problems, and would result in Sierra Pacific being the benefactor of Stampede power. It was President Maass' belief that Alex Radin of the APPA would assist the PUD in this matter, since the precedent which would be set would potentially affect all APPA members. Director Corbett stated that, about one year ago, he talked to Congressman Udahl, who is on the side of public power. He thought President Maass should also communicate with him advising him of the situation and asking for his as- sistance. The President thought perhaps APPA advice should be obtained first. After some discussion, it was decided that President Maass would prepare draft letters to WAPA and APPA for Board consideration. KTRT LINE EXTENSION - CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT - POSSIBLE APPROVAL Mr. Holzmeister noted that KTRT has decided to go underground and is, there- fore, starting the development process anew. Director Cooley explained that, or- iginally, KTRT planned a 200' tower with overhead lines. They have now determined that a 400' or taller tower would be more feasible. In order to gain the approval for the taller tower from George Gardai, developer of the property, they have agreed to his request to place the lines underground. --� When all necessary details have been worked out with staff, the development agreement will be brought before the Board for consideration. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PONDEROSA RANCHOS IMPROVEMENTS Manager Holzmeister advised that, regarding the Ponderosa Ranchos water system improvements, everything is in order, and recommended acceptance upon K approval of the as-built drawings. Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that Resolution No. 8452 accepting the Ponderosa Ranchos water distribution system be adopted. MOTION WITHDRAWN. Counsel Phelps indicated that Porter, Simon and Graham usually reviews the related bill of sale in similar instances and has not had the opportunity to do so in this case. The Chairman noted that Ponderosa Ranchos and Martiswoods Estates have been somewhat of a problem because the District is serving water only; Sierra Pacific is serving electricity. Manager Holzmeister advised that Placer County has been contacted and asked not to issue building permits until the District has accepted the water system. This should eliminate future problems. After some discussion, Director Cooley moved that the Board adopt Resolu- tion No. 8452 accepting the Ponderosa Ranchos improvements with two stipulations that the as-builts be received by the District, and that Counsel Phelps see that proper transfer takes place. Seconded by Director Duffy. ROLL CALL: all Direc- tors, aye. SO MOVED. DIRECTION TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING ELECTRIC CONNECTION AND FACILITIES FEES Manager Holzmeister noted that the temporary service policy, temporary to permanent service policy, and related fees are in need of updating and clarification; builders have been pointing out real inequities with the Dis- trict's current policies. President Maass advised that these items should be established by ordinance, and directed that a public hearing be set for 7:30 P.M. at the next regular meet- ing, September 4th. 8/20/84 Pg. 4 C��a CLOSED SESSION No closed session was held. ADJOURNMENT Director Corbett moved, and Director Hamilton seconded, that the meeting be adjourned. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED at 8:07 P.M. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT �ames Maass, President i f Susan M. Craig, Deputy Fristrict Clerk 8/20/84 Pg. 5