Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-04-02 Min - Board c REGULAR MEETING April 2, 1984 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors .of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President .Maass at 7:02 P.M. in the TDPUD Board room. ROLL CALL: Directors Cooley, Corbett, Duffy and Maass were present; Director Hamilton was absent due to illness. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Interim Manager Mark Schinman and Counsel John Phelps. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Sue Felce, Evy Matamoras, Jan Maughan, Ron Reynolds and Susan Craig. OTHERS PRESENT: Among those present were Kathy Schinman, Sally Campbell, Steve Edwards, and Dick VanLandingham. APPROVAL OF MINUTES At the Secretary's request, consideration of the February 21 and March 5, 1984 minutes was put over to the next meeting. Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the minutes of March 13 and March 15, 1984 be placed in final form as written. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. STATEMENT OF GENERAL FUND AND BILLS FOR APPROVAL Interim Manager Schinman noted the bills presented were in order and had no recommended changes. After review, Director Duffy moved, and Director Cooley seconded, that the bills presented be approved for payment. All Direc- tors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. t MANAGER'S REPORT Hirschdale annexation Mr. Schinman made note of the March 29th memo from Debi Waller, Engineer- ing Technician, regarding the Hirschdale annexation project costs totaling $3,858.93, of which $250 has been paid. All associated time is being charged to the work order, he said. Frank Scott of the FmHA has reported to Mr. Schinman that the District most likely will be placed on the priority list for funds available through October for the Hirschdale upgrade as long as all the requirements are met. This would be a loan, not a grant; the current interest rate is approximately 9J%. He went on the say that Farmers Home Administration has new requirements for environmental information which will probably require analysis by Dan Cook. Employee medical insurance Regarding the previously approved change in medical insurance from Blue Cross to Travelers, Mr. Schinman reported the change took effect April 1, 1984. ��-- WestStar Communications With respect to the request of WestStar Communications to locate a micro- wave antenna on District property, Mr. Sutherlin has requested the matter be put on hold. Apparently the District property under consideration is not zoned correctly and would have to go through the County process for rezoning. He is checking out other possible sites and will keep the District informed. Audits The Manager noted that there are presently two audits taking place - the management audit by Harvey Rose Accountancy Firm, and the financial audit being performed by Arthur Andersen and Company. Both should be concluded by the end of the week. 4/2/84 Pg. 1 Historical Society Mr. Schinman reported that a low cost meter solution had been found that was mutually agreeable to the Historical Society and the District. PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES Amendment to zoning district map With respect to the public hearing on April 12th before the Nevada , County Planning Commission on the amendment to the zoning district map #134 to add the Moody Extension, Hilltop Ski Hill, Varney's Dairy site and the Catholic Cemetary to the historical preservation district, Mr. Schinman noted property owned by the PUD is included. If the amendment is passed, any improvements or changes to the District's facilities would be subject to Historical Preservation Committee approval. President Maass advised that the subject land was purchased to protect Tonini Springs; if the District should desire to expand or upgrade the springs, Historical Committee agree- ment would be necessary. He went on to say that he doesn't feel this Com- mittee should inhibit the provision of water to the community, and would oppose the zoning amendment to the PUD parcels on these grounds. Director Corbett moved that the Board direct the President to write the appropriate letter opposing the historical preservation zoning of the PUD parcels if it would inhibit the District's use of the land in the provision of water ser- vice; Director Duffy seconded the motion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO ORDERED. The Chairman indicated the other notices received by the District recently needed no response. i CONSULTANT REPORTS There were no consultant reports. PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input. COMMITTEE REPORTS i Acceptance of Water Committee Report Director Duffy reported that the Water Committee met recently to dis- cuss budget items, capital projects and funding possibilities, and have placed projects in priority order. A copy of the Committee's recommenda- tions have been attached to these minutes for reference. Mention was made of the Tahoe Donner cathodic protection, and Mr. Schinman was asked to coordinate the project. Also, President Maass noted that Dart Industries has agreed to provide title to the District to Wells A & B; upgrade will be the only cost to the PUD. Director Cooley moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board accept the Water Committee report. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Personnel Committee Director Duffy noted that the Personnel Committee discussed a vacation carryover policy suggested by Mr. Schinman; it has been referred to the Union in compliance with the meet and confer provisions. It will be brought to the Board when ready for approval. Director Duffy also recommended that this committee meet only when nec- essary rather than on a regular basis. The Board was in agreement. Acceptance of Electric Committee report Director Cooley advised that the Electric Committee met and prepared a revised list of recommendations which will be brought-to- the Board's attention on an individual basis for approval. 4/2/84 Pg. 2 v Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Electric Committee report be accepted. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. (A copy of the Electric Committee recommendations has been attached to these minutes.) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIGHWAY 267 WATER LINE RELOCATION - APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND ISSUING A CALL FOR BIDS Manager Schinman advised that the Highway 267 water line relocation specifications prepared by Dan Cook are in order. Thereafter, Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that Resolution No. 8415 approving plans and specifications, authorizing the President to issue a call for bids and acknowledgment of conformance with District standards and CEQA requirements - water system improvements - Highway 267, be approved. ROLL CALL: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE LINEMAN - APPROVAL OF GROUNDMAN JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY; DIRECTION RE HIRING As was noted in the Electric Committee report, Mr. Schinman recommended hiring a Lineman and Groundman to enable the second line crew to become per- manent. He advised that the Union has reviewed the Groundman job description and salary range, and found them to be acceptable. Director Corbett moved, and Director Duffy seconded, that the Manager be authorized to hire a Lineman and Groundman for the Electric Department. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING PETER HOLZMEISTER GENERAL MANAGER - CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ANNUAL SALARY OF GENERAL MANAGER President Maass explained the law governing the establishment of General Manager salary, and read to the audience the proposed ordinance setting Mr. Holzmeister' s salary at $60,000 per year. He thereafter opened the public ,�.. hearing at 7:31 P.M. E There being no public input, Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the hearing be closed at 7:32 P.M. All Directors, aye. SO MOVED. The Board reviewed the proposed resolution appointing Peter Holzmeister General Manager of the District and, thereafter, Director Cooley moved it be adopted; Director Corbett seconded the motion. (No.. 8416) ROLL CALL: Ham- ilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Director Corbett moved, and Director Duffy seconded, that the Board adopt Ordinance No. 8402 establishing compensation in the amount of $60,000 annually for Peter Holzmesiter, General Manager, in compliance with PUC Sec- tion 16112. ROLL CALL: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. For the record, Director Corbett noted that the last Board took action to start the District in a different direction, and he is happy to see the present Board continuing. He further noted he is pleased to work with the Board. He said that he feels the man the District is getting to fill the Manager position has much more experience in dealing with a difficult Board than anyone else that could be placed in that position. Even though the salary seems high, Director Corbett noted, he feels this is necessary to continue the reorganization and to do the job that needs to be done. He r--- stated he feels the present Board is taking action necessary to the improve- ment of the District. In response to Sally Campbell's question, the Chairman advised that the salary range of $45,000 to $65,000 was discussed with the candidate by tele- phone. Payment of moving expenses was .mentioned, but in light of the salary settled upon, decided against. He went on to say that he feels the District is getting an excellent man. Mr. Holzmeister will be arriving April 30th. 4/2/84 Pg. 3 PROPOSAL OF HEART FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION RE POSSIBLE CONSTRUC- TION FINANCING Presiident Maass noted that the Manager of Heart Federal requested this agenda item to discuss the possibility of loaning funds to the District for construction purposes. She has been ill this past week, therefore, he put the matter over to the next regular meeting. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES; POSSIBLE DIRECTION With respect to the District Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives suggested by Mr. Schinman, Director Duffy noted some concern with the word- ing of Goa1. No. 11 which reads, "Assist in the orderly development of our service area and encourage participation in activities that enhance community life." It was his recommendation that the Goal read, "Assist in the orderly development of our service area," so as not to infer that the District would start funding small community projects that may be of interest only to special groups. Director Duffy also noted that the second part of the Goal could be interpreted as a desire on the part of the District to bring industry and growth to the area. The Board was in agreement that this is not its intent. Director Corbett moved, and Director Cooley seconded, that the Board adopt the Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives, copy attached, including the interpretation of No. 11 as suggested by Director Duffy. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE 10% RETENTION TO HARKER AND HARKER FOR EXTRA WORK ($455) - DONNER LAKE SUBSTATION UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT President Maass noted that a 35-day period has expired since payment of 90% of the bill to Harker and Harker for extra work on the Donner Lake un- dergrounding project. Manager Schinman recommended payment of the 10% re- tention. Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that payment in the amount of $455 to Harker and Harker be approved. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO ORDERED. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS INCREASING MANAGEMENT SALARIES This item was put over to after closed session. DIRECTION REGARDING REFINANCING LOAN - UNIT #12 Mr. Schinman noted that Unit #12 is the line truck purchased last year which is currently financed with Truckee River Bank through an interest only note (11%) which expired April 1, 1984. He indicated he has checked with other banks in the area regarding refinancing, and Truckee River is the only one interested in such an arrangement. They have offered a five-year note, interest varying with the prime rate, no pre-payment penalty, and an approx- imate monthly payment of $1,958 (principal and interest) . The other choice open to the District would be paying off the note in the amount of $89,047 Director Corbett moved, and Director Cooley seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8417 authorizing the District to refinance the GMC line truck, Unit #12 with the Truckee River Bank in the amount of $89,047. ROLL CALL: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. 1984 BUDGET - APPOINTMENT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP FINAL DRAFT President Maass noted that he would like to serve on the Finance Com- mittee, and is anxious to finalize the budget. Director Duffy also volun- teered, and was so appointed by the Chairman. AUTHORIZATION TO WRITE-OFF CERTAIN ACCOUNTS Responding to President Maass' query as to how the District ends up with write-offs in the amount of $20,006.25 with such a stringent deposit policy, Mr. Schinman explained this occurs because billing and collections aren't always "up to speed," and the Board has directed staff to work with people with past-due balances. Although staff uses their best judgment in 4/2/84 Pg. 4 .J these instances, sometimes the agreements are not kept by the District's customers. Mr. Schinman advised that the write-offs average .35% of the District revenue over a three-year period; another utility he is familiar with averages .465%. Director Duffy moved that the Board accept the write-offs proposed in office Manager Chapman's memo of March 15, 1984, and that collections be pursued in the normal fashion. Director Corbett seconded the motion. President Maass explained to Sally Campbell the District's practice of approving write-offs only once a year. Mention was made of possibly placing liens against property of those owing the District and owning land. ROLL CALL vote on the motion: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. CLOSED SESSION The meeting was adjourned to closed session at 7:59 P.M. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The meeting returned to public session at 9:46 P.M. President Maass advised that a variety of personnel matters and Union negotiating type items as well as Peter Holzmeister's appointment and contract were discussed dur- ing closed session. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS INCREASING MANAGEMENT SALARIES Mr. Schinman noted that he reviewed national and several other utility salary surveys and learned the national average for comparable positions to the District's Office Manager was $2,534 per month according to NRECA; in the western region, $3,173 monthly; current salary paid by the District is $2,274 r••• per month. He recommended a 9% increase retroactive to January 1, 1984 ($2,479 monthly) . So moved, by Director Duffy; seconded by Director Cooley. ROLL CALL: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. (Resolution No. 8418) The Manager advised that NRECA national survey reports on Executive Sec- retary salaries indicate an average of $1,422 monthly; the western region sur- vey averages $1,822 per month; the current secretary to the TTSA Board earns $2,104 monthly. Current salary paid by the District is $2,168 per month. Mr. Schinman recommended a 5% increase. Director Duffy moved, and Director Cooley seconded, that Resolution No. 8419 increasing the Executive Secretary/Adminis- trative Assistant/ Deputy District Clerk's salary by 5% be approved. It was clarified that the $50 payment per regular meeting attended should be increas- ed by 5% also. ROLL CALL: Hamilton, absent; all other Directors, aye. SO RESOLVED. With respect to the Customer Service/Public Relations Manager, Mr. Schin- man noted there is presently a grievance by the Union pending, which he has been attempting to settle. He recommended consideration of a salary increase for this position be tabled until such time as the grievance has been resolved. The item was so tabled. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, after motion made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 P.M. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT By a es A. Maass, President Susan M. Craig, Deputy Dis rict Clerk 4/2/84 Pg. 5