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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting MinREGULAR MEETING June 1, 1981 * I The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Huber at 7:00 P.M. in the TDPUD Board Room. ROLL CALL: Directors Corbett, Duffy, Kuttel, Maass and Huber were present. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: D. Eugene Holt and Susan Craig were present. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: District Engineer Cook and District Counsel Simon were present. OTHERS PRESENT: Among those present were Gary Sivley, Thomas Hans, Teri Brown, Rob Huber, Donna Benko, Mike Roland, John Avery, Robert McCarthy, Jeanne Mc- Carthy, Tracie Yoakum, Chris Hacker, Lisa Brewer, Thomas Mueller, John Davey, Laura Vere, Lisa Pooler, Evon Kehhala, Mara Raubitschek, Don Strand and Rick Blumenfeld. CLOSED SESSION The Chairman adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 7:01 P.M. for the purpose of discussing the fire on West River Street which broke out early Sun- day morning (5/31/81). RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION I I The meeting was returned to public session at 7:32 P.M. President Huber advised that, on Sunday, May 31, 1981, an emergency meeting of the PUD Board was held between the hours of 1:30 P.M. and 3:45 P.M. All. Directors were pre- sent at various times, as well as the General Manager, General Foreman, Water Serviceman Rully, the Assistant Fire Chief and an investigator from the Nevada County Sheriff's office. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that PUD valves controlling flow to the fire hydrant closest in proximity to the burned building had been tampered with. A criminal investigation is pre- sently under way. With respect to this matter, Robert and Jeanne McCarthy, tenants of the building, were present in the audience. The Chairman explained the details of the PUD investigation. It was noted that the Fire District opened hydrant B, the closest hydrant (shown on the attached map) and obtained no flow. Flow was obtained from hydrant C, Located on the parcel to the east of the fire site. An investigation conducted by Tom Jennings, of Cook Associates brought to light the following facts: 1) during the fire, valve B was found shut; 2) with- in the last two weeks, hydrant B was tested satisfactorily by the Truckee Fire Protection District; 3) the complete line alonq West River Street to Donner Creek Bridge was flushed and tested on April 21, 1981; 4) upon questioning. Pacific Telephone employees advised there were no noticeable decreases in water or pressure to their building (located next to the burned building) . The Toomey line extension, which connects the loop between the FHK line and the West River Street line, was discussed. District Counsel Simon advised that Glenn McGettigan, partner in Northbilt Construction, the company install- ing the Toomey line extension, had recently discussed with him the possibility of terminating service through the Toomey line because the contractor has not yet been reimbursed by Toomey for construction of the line. The fire, time of report and Fire District response were discussed. The Board suggested to Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy that Assistant Fire Chief Daly be con- tacted for further details regarding the fire-fighting activities. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Director Maass moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board approve the minutes of April 20, 1981, a« corrected. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. 6/1/81 pg. 1 Director Maass moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the minutes of May 4, 1981, be prepared in final form as corrected. ROLL CALL: all Directors, v/e. SO MOVED. STATEMENT OF GENERAL FUND AND BILLS FOR BOARD APPROVAL The bill from Alpine Home Furnishings for a small table for the Board Room in the amount of $106 was mentioned. With respect to the $192.38 interest on late filing of the Electrical Energy Surcharge Report for the first quarter to the State Board of Equalization, the Manager was asked to investigate and de- termine the reason it was not filed in a timely manner and report to the Board. Director Duffy moved that the bills presented be approved for payment. Director Kuttel seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. I AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS FROM RESTRICTED AND GENERAL FUNDS TO THE MARTIS VALLEY SUBSTATION RESTRICTED FUND General Manager Holt provided the Board with a copy of the Restricted Funds report prepared as of December 31, 1981. After some discussion with respect to projected revenues and expenses. Director Maass moved that the Board authorize transfers in the following amounts to the Martis Valley Sub- station Restricted Fund: $127,567.48 from account 136.18; $47,124.57 from ac- count 136.10; $3,007.05 from account 136.06; $21,042.92 from account 136.04; $25,916.15 from account 136.03. Director Duffy seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. After more discussion concerning upcoming substation expenses, Director Duffy moved that the Manager be directed to prepare a chart showing where the revenue to cover such costs will be obtained. He agreed to have the chart ready for review by the Board at the next meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS There were no committee reports. PUBLIC HEARING ON GS-1 COMMERCIAL RATE ADJUSTMENT I President Huber opened the public hearing at 8:25 P.M., and explained that on April 6, 1981, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 8109 for the purpose of increasing GS-1 commercial rates. In error, the existing rates were in- serted in the ordinance with the result being no change in the rates. There being no questions or comments from the audience, the hearing was closed. Director Duffy moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board adopt Ordinance No. 8111 correcting GS-1 Commercial Electric Rates. The Ordinance shall read "■■-Energy Charge: $7.40 per month for the first 100 kwhrs, or less, and all kwhrs thereafter shall be billed at the rate of 5.7<t per kwhr ..." The fuel charge (as of this date) is to be inserted. ROLL CALL: ,J11 Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION FINDING THAT PONDEROSA RANCHOS ANNEXATION WILL NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND DIRECTING THE FILING OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE PROJECT After review of the Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by Cook As- sociates, Director Maass moved, and Director Duffy seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8143 finding that the Ponderosa Ranchos Annexation will not have a significant effect on the environment and directing the filing of a Negative Declaration for the project. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. I The District Engineer noted the passage of Resolution No. 80-142 by placer County which governs exchanges of base property tax revenues in events of juris- dictional boundary change, and suggested the Board consider accepting such reso- lution formally. Director Duffy moved, and Director Kuttel seconded that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8144 accepting Placer County Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 80-142 respecting Ponderosa Ranchos Annexation. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. 6/1/81 pg. 2 The Board reviewed the Simplistic Activities Diagram on Ponderosa Ranchos prepared by District Engineer Cook. Don Casler, the developer of the project, requested that work on the Development Agreement commence, and District Counsel Simon noted that as soon as final plans and specifications have been approved by Mr. Cook and provided to him he will do so. Mr. Casler presented the project plans to Dan Cook. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PONDEROSA ESTATES - POSSIBLE DIRECTION AND/OR ACTION ,/ I It was noted that Cook Associates has returned the improvement plans to John Roth, developer of Ponderosa Estates. He is awaiting the initial sub- mittal on the pump design, the electrical design associated with the pumping facility and the building housing the pump and related items. Cook Associates is also awaiting the revised electrical power distribution facilities to de- termine conformance with the other physical facilities and properties proposed. Well testing was initiated, but shut down on May 29, 1981, because of lack of appropriate spark arrestor on the engine generator set, lack of residential silencer on the engine, lack of appropriate noise attenuators, and lack of a temporary drainage and/or overflow easement over adjacent private property. I Mr. Roth was reminded that Forest Service easements will be required in order to effectuate connection between his project and Olympic Heights. Possible effects of the Roth well on nearby wells were discussed by the Board, Mr. Cook and the Beardsleys (property owners adjacent to Roth's project). Director Maass suggested, and the Board agreed, that the adjoining property own- ers be invited to hear Bill Nork's well report when it is presented. Mr. Roth agreed to silencing the engine and providing appropriate noise attenuators to the satisfaction of the Beardsleys. The Beardsleys agreed verb- ally to grant Mr. Roth the necessary drainage and/or overflow easement during the well testing. District Counsel Simon stated that, when he has received the final docu- ments as approved by Dan Cook, he will draft the Development Agreement. REVIEW OF BIDS AND POSSIBLE AWARD OF REMODELING CONTRACT Two bids on the office remodel were received: Dig It Engineering Company in the amount of 581,787, and Kingdom Construction in the amount of $74,940. Both bidders are from out of the Truckee-Tahoe area. Also received by the Board was an alternate proposal from Thomas Mueller for the remodeling. Mr. Mueller was present, and indicated he provided the alternate proposal for consideration by the Board in the event that the qual- ified bids were rejected. He mentioned the restrictive payment schedule set forth in the bidding documents, and the fact that more local contractors may have submitted bids if progress payments were offered. The Board agreed that it would be beneficial to the District to award the contract to a local contractor and, thereafter, Director Maass moved that the bxds received be rejected, the payment schedule rewritten and the District again go out to bid. The Engineer was directed to roadvertize and prepare the amended documents. Director Corbett seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE GF 1980 FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN I Richard Blumenfeld of Arthur Andersen and Company advised the Board that the examination of the TDPUD balance sheets as of December 31, 1980 and 1979, and related statements of net revenue and funds provided for additions to the plant have been completed. Arthur Andersen's opinion has been qualified for the following reasons: 1) the District is a party in a legal action which seeks damages in excess of $100 million from various defendants, including the District. The ultimate outcome of this leqal action and the effect upon the District, if any, cannot be determined at this time. 2) Also, the District is required to meet certain covenants which result from the issuance of a prom- issory note payable to the United States of America, Farmers Home Administration. During 1980 and 1979, it was uncertain whether the District met and fulfilled the requirements of these covenants. 6/1/81 pq. 3 Mr. Blumenfeld advised that, at the present time. Bond Counsel Sperry .; attempting to obtain relief with respect to previous FraHA bonds, and cure the faults with regard to the new bonds. The combining statement of departmental operations for the year ended December 31, L980, was briefly reviewed. Mr. Blumenfeld went i ver the management letter with the Board. It con- tains comments and suggestions relating to billings for utility services, uncollectible consumer accounts, long-range planning, compliance with loan ..greernents, and policy and procedure documentation. Arthur Andersen and Company prepared a letter to the Board for pre- sentation to the Rural Electrification Administration stating they have ex- amined the financial statements of the PUD for 1930, and that the examina- tion was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and included tests of the accounting records and other auditing procedures as ■■.ere considered necessary. Also, the letter states the auditing procedures specified in REA Bullentin 185-1; 465-1, as amended, were followed. I With, respect to the purchase of a new computer presently being contem- plated by the Board, Mr. Blumenfeld advised that a division of Arthur Andersen and Company is qualified to offer assistance in evaluating the bids received. For the record, Richard Blumenfeld noted that Arthur Andersen and Company has recently been appointed auditors for Pacific Gas and Electric; he could : resee no conflict or impact on the services provided to the District. Director Maass moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board accept the Financial Statements prepared by Arthur Andersen, and direct Counsel to publish portions >'f the audit as required by law. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye, SO MOVED. For consideration at the next Board Meeting, Mr. Blumenfeld will prepare . proposal for auditing services for 1981, as well as a proposal for quarterly .;. ikshop sessions with the Manager and Board. Don Casler mentioned, with respect to Sewer Assessment District No. 5, that the pump station on Sierra Drive is to be abated and the land re-dedicated t the Catholic Church. Authorization to sign the appropriate quitclaim deed will appear on a future agenda after the contractor has removed the pump sta- tion. I 'TIS 100 UNIT MOTEL - HIGHWAY JG7 Gary Sivley, Associated with Ed Loftis, requested authorization to connect three fire hydrants to the Airport transmission line for protection '»f the pro- posed 100 unit motel (which will also be equipped with sprinklers). A develop- ment .m-oomont will be necessary for consumptive water. After some discussion relating to tne project, the Board requested that discussion and possible direction relative to fire flow for the 100 unit motel be placed on the June 15th meeting agenda for consideration. MANAGER'S REPORT Electric line construction Mr. Holt advised the Board that, recently, Pacific Telephone has set 19 poles at Donner Lake and will be setting poles all along Highway 40. This should help eliminate the need for lines to be strung from trees and over homes. I DITTTWEILER REQUEST FOR DISTRICT CREW TO COMPLETE POWERLINE INSTALLATION EAST OF BROOKSTONE DRIVE, TAHOE DONNER It was Mr. Duttweiler's written request that the District crew complete the powerline to his development east of Brookstone Drive, Tahoe Donner, at his expense. He has indicated to District staff that he is having difficulty locat- ing a contractor to perform such a small job. After some discussion of this problem and its history, the Board directed that he be provided with a copy of the flow chart, and that development agreement proceedings be initiated (upon 6/1/81 pg. 4 ffi I receipt of tiie customary deposit) . ENERGY AUDITS General Manager Holt advised of a possible grant from the Calif rnia Energy Commission for energy audits and briefly explained the program. REIMBURSEMENT TO DIRECTORS (OR THEIR EMPLOYERS) FOR WAGES LOST DUE T: LEGAL COURT APPEARANCES ON BEHALF OF THE DISTRICT (REPORT BY COUNSEL) District Counsel Simon noted that research with respect to reimbursement to Directors for wages lost due to legal court appearances on behalf of the Dis- trict is still underway. His tentative conclusion is that the Board should con- sider increasing the basic compensation to the limit established by law. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS - PROJECT 79-1 - RATIFICATION OF EXECUTION OF CC0#3 AND RIDER TO CONTRACT BOND District Engineer Cook reviewed with the Board Contract Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $500, which was executed by the President after a favorable poll of the Board on May 26th. The increase in the contract price is due to a premium increase for a $1,000 umbrella excess of $500,000 B.I. primary and $300,000 P.D. Primary. The Change Order is satisfactory to the Farmers II. me Administration. Director Duffy moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, tli it the Board ratify President Huber's execution of the Change Order. ROLL CALL: Corbett, aye; Duffy, aye; Kuttel, iyc; Maass, abstain; Huber, aye. SO MOVED. Director Maass advised his abstention was due to the fact that, when polled, he was not in favor of approving the increase prior to reviewing the change order. I After a brief review of the Lenders Dual Obligee Rider to Contract Bond, Director Duffy moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board ratify the Chairman's execution of the document. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES Director Duffy suggested that a cost eff( obtaining energy be explored prior to Board d. tmtm. .tive analysis of each manner of scussion of any particular alter- MARTIS VALLEY SUBSTATION District Engineer Cook reported that R. W. Beck and Associate., h warded t' • him i request for soil analysis of the substation site. Tin ifications of the analysis ire so extremei he tnticipated i cost I $1 After discuss! >u, he suggested that the Chairman contact Peter Collet W. Beck and Lnform him that the specifications for the soil testi.-i'i en is necessary, and ask that tney be amended to be more in tune with the the project. She agreed to do so. i,000. '1 R. eed wl ia >£ HYDRO PROJECTS I With respect to Senate Bill 306, Mr. Holt advised he has forwarded a letter to the American Public Power Association asking for their assistance in deter- mining the proper course of action for the District. He also forwarded to the APPA maps showing the location of Boca, Prosser and Stampede Resevoirs and their proximity to the District. Lyle Tomlin of the Bureau of Reclamation has advised Mr. Holt that con- sideration of development of Boca and Prosser by Federal agencies has been de- leted from SB306. If the District wishes development of these two sites to be considered, requests should be forwarded within the next two or three weeks (before the bill comes before the Senate) . TELEMETRY SYSTEM EVALUATION - STATUS REPORT The evaluation of the telemetry system has not yet been received by the District. 6/1/81 pg. 5 :RITICALLY DEFICIENT SOUTHSIDE AMA - STATUS REPORT Mr. Cook tdvisgd that there ire the Southside Subservice Area. dwelling unit equivalents remaining IROJECT 79-1 The portion of Project 79-1 having t do with the hospital was discussed. With construction by the hospital of the new heliport and with necessary un- dergrounding of electrical wires in mind, the Board directed that the Hospital Board be asked for a decision as to whether or not undergrounding electrical facilities should be done during water line installation. The General Fore- ran is to provide a cost estimate for their consideration. I CIVIL SERVICE PROCEDURE - STATUS REPORT The Board had recently been presented with policy and operating procedures pertaining to disciplinary action and a civil service system prepared by Jim Lloyd. Due to the lateness of the hour, the matter was put over to the next meeting agenda. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ISSUING A CALL FOR BIDS - FIVE PARCELS DETERMINED UNNECESSARY FOR DISTRICT USE With respect to District Parcel C, Mr. Bonnett's reappraisal and the nec- essary letter disclaiming interest from the Recreation and Park District have . t yet been received. The item will be placed on the June 15th meeting agenda. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT AND CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OWNERSHIP OF DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, MARTISWOODS ESTATES ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA After appropriate review of the dr.ift resolution, Director Haass moved, md Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8145 auth- orizing the President and clerk of the Board to execute an agreement for con- struction and ownership of a domestic water supply system, Martiswoods Estates Assessment District, Placer County, California. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. I MJBILE OFFICE WINDOW INSTALLATION - POSSIBLE DIRECTION Gene Holt advised that two fixed thermal windows and three opening thermal windows can be installed in the mobile unit for a cost of $1,089. It was noted that this work should have been accompli ihed at the time of the remodeling. Director Duffy moved, and Director Ha iss seconded, that the windows be install- ed. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. DISCUSSION AND POgSIgl § PARCEL 'ION REGARDING SHORT TERM RENTAL OF THE 1.9 ACRE The problem of various vendors parking on the 1.9 acre parcel owned by the District for the purpose of selling their wares was discussed. Director Maass suggested blocking the entrance to the property to discourage this practice and placing "no trespassing" signs. The Board was in agreement. DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT Elimination of private water sources and lines within the District Mr. Cook noted that the necessary data has been gathered and the assign- ment is Hearing completion. He indicated a report would be ready for con- sideration at the June 15th meeting. I Report on monitoring wells (re groundwater quality - TTSA proposed expansi m) Mr. Cook advised that Mssrs. Scalmaruni and Dendy have not given the monitoring well project any further consideration since the TTSA Board meeting at which time TTSA agreed to participate in the monitoring well construction and related data collection efforts. Mr. Cook will contact them and advise that the Board would like them to go forward with the project. 6/1/81 pq. 6 Leakage Survey Dan Cook briefly mentioned two different methods used for leak detection - the iquaphone method and pitot rod method. He indicated he would like to proceed with testing as soon as possible. DISTRICT COUNSEL'S REPORT ,o» I ALgine Deli Variance In response to a question posed by Director Corbett, District Counsel Simon Indicated he would check into Fire District variance regulations prior to preparing the agreement to be signed by the District and Mr. Notz. CORRESPONDENCE Truckee Sanitary District Mention was made that the TSD would be discussing Telephone Company problems with their telemetry system at its next regular meeting. John Schmidt With respect to correspondence from the Schmidts having to do with a utility bill, the Board asked for copies of all pertinent letters, bills, etc. The matter will be placed on a September, 1981 meeting agenda. PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES Bill Williams - Relating to Bill Williams' proposed development on the north side of Highway 267, there was brief discussion, but no direction. I Richard Joseph - The Board did not have any posed by Mr. Joseph for property located on ib lections to the zone change pro- tonner Pass Road. Pierre Scott - President Huber made note of possible avalance danger with re- spect to the proposed development on the south side of Southshore Drive at Donner Lake. EASEMENT ABANDONMENT Respecting the requested easement abandonment of the common lot lino, Lots 273 and 274, Tahoe Donner, Unit 1, Mr. Cook advised that sewer service is the only utility utilizing the easement. He will respond on behalf of the PUD. TjRRESPONDENCE I Truckee Sanitary District - The Board made note of correspondence from the TSD to Donner Creek Village Trailer Park (Mr. Toomey) which indicated a de- linquent payment in the amount of $14,014.76 for sewer service fees. Department of Health - The Chairman asked if the April 27th letter from the Department of Health asking for a revised domestic water permit application had been taken care of. Since no action has been taken as yet, the matter was referred to the District Engineer for completion. CLOSED SESSION President Huber adjourned the meeting to closed session at 12:30 A.M. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The meeting was returned to public session at 12:54 A.M., and the Chair- man indicated the Board discussed legal matters concerninq the fire on West River Street and personnel matters. No direction was given or action taken. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Roberta c Huber, I'tenident an M. Craig, Djputy D^frlct Clerk 6/1/il pg, 7