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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-03 Min - BoardREGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 3, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the TDPUD Boardroom by President Ellis. 2. ROLL CALL Directors: Joe Aguera, Tony Laliotis, Christa Finn, Vice President Bender, and President Bob Ellis. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Joe Horvath, Neil Kaufman, Sanna Schlosser, Ian Fitzgerald, An- drew Au, Trisha Ruby, Keith Renshaw, Becky Mazzer, Steven Poncelet, Lisa Hall, Brian Wright, Regina Wise, Michael Holley, and Shanna Kuhlemier. CONSULTANTS PRESENT — Steve Gross, District Counsel. OTHERS PRESENT 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Director Aguera led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA — General Manager Holley pulled item 8 from the consent calendar. 5. PUBLIC INPUT President Ellis called for public comment. President Ellis closed public comment. 6. DIRECTOR UPDATE Director Finn, reported: • Attended a collaboration climate change meeting at Town Hall. o Requested the Board commit to moving our community to 100% renewable goal. o The PUD is doing great, but would like to set goals and set examples for other communities. o Supports biomass project. o Requested a strategic workshop on setting and meeting a 100% renewable goal. o Requested support from other Board of Directors. Vice President Bender, reported: • Followed up on an employee satisfaction survey. • Requested support from other Board of Directors. General Manager Holley responded that the employee survey is in the queue to be completed. President Ellis thanked the public for attending and participating. Welcomed everyone. Director Laliotis, requested: April 3, 019 • Stated that possibly Director Finn and another Director could meet with staff to under- stand Director Finn's objectives and outline a workshop item. CONSENT CALENDAR 7. Consideration of Scheduling a Public Hearing Related to Adoption of the Annual Electric and Water Standby Charges. Schedule a public hearing at the regularly scheduled District Board Meeting on May 1, 2019 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving input on the adoption of annual Electric and Water Standby Charges. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Vice President Bender moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the Con- sent Calendar. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. ACTION 8. Consideration to Award a Contract to Prepare a Facilities Master Plan. Authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with JK Architecture & Engineer- ing for preparation of the Facilities Master Plan in an amount of $199,524, plus a ten percent change order allowance for a total authorization not to exceed $220,000. Neil Kaufman provided a presentation which is available upon request. District Clerk Kuhlemier announced the formal protest, which was provided to the Board. General Counsel Gross stated there was not a formal process for the protest due to a profes- sional services agreement. Noted in public comment. Board Comments: • The Board directed a facilities plan due to a maintenance and oil storage building being designed. o The Electric storage building was not identified in the 2005 plan, as well as the SCADA building. o Rethink the entire 2005 plan. • The cost of this master plan is larger than anticipated. • Master plans allow for a needs assessment and creating functional space. • Requested analysis to the 2005 plan, noting the plan was not included in the staff report. • Requested a workshop with visuals prior to the plan approval. • Discussions on ranking criteria, and presenting that criteria to the Board. General Manager Holley replied, due to liability issues, that information is not public record. Board requested a summary of criteria. • A master plan is needed to ensure projects are planned appropriately. General Counsel Gross stated the risk is in the proposals expiring and potential of creating an issue in a new Request for Proposals, since the amounts are in the public now. General Manager Holley, replied staff could request extensions to the proposals. 2 April 3, 2019 Director Laliotis requested the item be tabled, in order to conduct a workshop on the scope of a facilities master plan, review current proposals for time limits, and compare to the 2005 plan. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Board consensus was to table the item, for a future workshop. 9. Consideration of Conservation Programs, Rebates, and FY19 Projects. 1. Authorize the General Manager to approve payments for the Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks District, Contractors Association Truckee -Tahoe, and Town of Truckee for con- servation rebates for a total amount not to exceed $100,000 as detailed in the report. 2. Provide input and direction to staff on 2019 program design. Andrew Au provided a presentation which is available upon request. President Ellis called for public comment: Mark Tanner, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT): • Provided project overview of the CATT community project. • Requested support from the District. Kellie Cutler, CATT: • Provided information on the CATT community project. Spoke in support of the District conservation participation in this program. President Ellis closed public comment. Board Comments: • Truckee Donner Parks and Recreation will maintain after completion. • These conservation programs fit the bill for new and improved projects. • Appreciates staff collaboratively working with other agencies. • Discussions surrounding front loaded incentives, none at this time. Director Laliotis moved, and President Ellis seconded, that the Board approve staff recommen- dation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 10.Consideration of Rates Associated with the Southside Well Non -Potable Construction Wa- ter Fill Station. Schedule a public hearing at the regularly scheduled District Board Meeting on May 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, for the purpose of receiving input on the adoption of Non - Potable Water Hauler Fees. Brian Wright provided a presentation which is available upon request. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Board Comments: • Great opportunity for construction projects. 3 April 3, 2019 • The limiting access to hydrants is key. • Use of water is required inside the District's service territory. Director Aguera moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve staff recom- mendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. WORKSHOP 11. Review of the Electric Meter Project Overview. This item involves presenting a summary of the benefits of the electric AMI meter replacement project and a discussion of an opt -out program. Regina Wise provided a presentation which is available upon request. President Ellis called for public comment. Jose Morales, • Questioned cost prior to opt -out option, and cost associated with opt -out. President Ellis responded with information on cost -of -service analogy. • Stated his residence was three miles from the District. • Smart meters information can be hacked and tracked. • Stated the issues with selling private information and issues surrounding that, issue with Fourth Amendment. • Concerned about surge protectors and fire risk. General Manager Holley responded the District cannot sell information as dictated by state law. The District complies with state law. There are no surge protectors with AMI or AMR meters. Electric Utility Director Horvath responded; the meter has a surge protector, but not a whole house surge protector. Tullin Valdez, • Has analog meter and it does not transmit or omit. Has a device that test radio fre- quency. • According to the FCC you have to have a sticker that detects RF omitting. His meter does not have this. • Questioned the accuracy of staff's information. General Manager Holley responded; that Mr. Horvath is an expert in this field and has tested all meters in the District's service territory and they all have radio frequency. This is supported by the fact that District personnel received information via radio and bill customers. Electric Utility Director Horvath confirmed all meters the District owns have radios in them. The FCC did start requiring stickers with FCC indicators. This requirement was implemented in the late 1990's to early 2000's. The District's initial early 1990's meters were installed prior to the requirement. The meters presented to the Board have shown both of these types of meters. Tullin Valdez: • Encouraged staff test the meter on his house. • SMUD has a much cheaper opt -out program, as with other utilities. • Questioned the Cost Shift and Cost Class statement in the presentation. o How can the District offer low income and not a cost class shift? ■ Not opposed, just questioned the issue. General Manager Holley responded, an assembly bill required certain programs. 4 April 3, 2019 • There are benefits in AMI, but sensitivities do occur medically. • Spoke in support of an opt -out program. Bill Ruppert, • Staff position is not legitimate to require a medical certificate from a doctor. o People are concerned about cancer. Has analog meter. Encouraged an opt -out plan. Encouraged the opt -out plan to contain the equal payment plan. This would decrease fees overall for the program. David Bruener, • Stated support for consent and informed consent, freedom of choice and open govern- ment. • Connected warning labels on smart meters with cigarette labels. • Provided supporting information to opt -out program. • Supports income brackets and choice. Linda Bruener, • Requested and supported opt -out option. • Provided supporting information for RF omission in connection with health concerns and privacy concerns. • Smart meters are surveillance instruments, and track human functions. • Stated the District opted into a program but customers did not. • There are eco-system issues, freedom of choice, safety, informed consent, medical is- sues surrounding smart meters. • Supports a right to choose. President Ellis closed public comment. Board Comments: • Have factory specification from Tantalus. • These meters are 80% less radiant. • Staff has the expertise in this subject and system. • Different opinion on either opt -out or not opt -out. • AMI assists in changing energy patterns and conservation for climate change. • Responsive to customer concerns. • Have HDR, third party consultant, complete the rate study. • Support 100% cost of service to the customer, consistent with Board policy. • Discussion on qualified opt -out, decided on a non -quantified opt -out. • Supports an equal payment plan if that can be applied. • The cost may be a moving target based on participation, this will need to be revisited occasionally to true up the cost. General Manager Holley stated the exposure to the District utilizing the equal share program. Meters are still read monthly, but watched for increase in usage. Board consensus was to move forward with an opt -out program, including cost -of -service cost natural to the District with an unqualified participation. President Ellis called for public comment. 5 April 3, 2019 Linda Breuner, • Appreciated the Board's direction. • Questioned, is the idea of less RF. o While smart meters do not transmit continually, it is a wicked frequency. • Does not have RF in their current meter. Ron Gonzalez, • Question reversing an already installed AMI. • Concerned about increase in bill. General Manager Holley responded, that old meters were starting to under register. A main rationale for upgrading meters. Tullin Valdez, • Potential opt -out, would a different meter be installed. General Manager Holley responded, the District will purchase and install meters without radios for the opt -out option. District Clerk Kuhlemier will take names and address for a potential opt -out list, ensuring those properties will not have an AMI meter installed until a program is approved and imple- mented. President Ellis closed public comment. The Board convened at 8:15 p.m. The Board meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m. 12. Review of the Proposed SCADA Reliability Improvement Project — Phase 5. This item involves planning, engineering, and budgeting for the SCADA Reliability Improvement Project — Phase 5. Trisha Ruby provided a presentation which is available upon request. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Board Comments: • Appreciated clarity around the project. Board consensus was to move forward with the project. 13. Review of the Proposed Solar Awning Project for the District Office. This item involves review and input to a proposed solar awning project, constructed for the District's office building. Keith Renshaw and Sanna Schlosser provided a presentation which is available upon request. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. April 3, 2019 Board Comments: • Supports reduction in carbon foot print. Board consensus was to move forward with the project. ROUTINE BUSINESS 14. Treasurers Report: March 2019. a) Approval of the Treasurer's report of fund balances for the Month Ended February 28, 2019. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Vice President Bender moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). b) Approval of disbursements for March 2019. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Director Aguera moved, and Director Finn seconded, that the Board approve staff recommen- dation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 15. Approval of Minutes March 6, 2019 and March 19, 2019. President Ellis called for public comment, there were none. Vice President Bender moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the minutes with the correction of adjourned time. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). CLOSED SESSION -8:55 p.m. 16.Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Conference with Legal Counsel on existing litigation, one case. FERC Docket No. ER19-1066-000. No re- portable action. ADJOURNMENT - 9:20 p.m. Director Laliotis moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. to the next scheduled special meeting of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District on April 16, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. and the regularly scheduled meeting May 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Bob Ellis, President , Respectfully SubrnittecV ZC Shanna D. Kuhlemiery C, District Clerk 7 April 3, 2019