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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting MinREGULAR MEETING December 21, 1081 I The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Dormer Public Utility District was called to order by President Maass at 7:00 P.M. in the TDPUD Board room. ROLL CALL: Directors Corbett, Huber, Kuttel, Monson and Maass were present. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: D. Eugene Holt and Susan Craig were present. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: District Counsel Simon was present. District Engineer Cook arrived at 7:08 P.M. Special Counsel Martin McDonough was present for a portion of the meeting. OTHERS PRESENT Among those present in the audience were Charles White, Arthur Gleim, Gerald O'DonneU, Ken Peters, L. Martin Duffy, Mira Shea, Patti Ellison, Bob Storie, Martin Rodriguez and August Sassarini. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of November 2 and November 13, 1L)81, had not yet been prepared in final form. Consideration of their approval was put over to the next reg- ular meeting. Director Huber moved, and Director Corbett seconded that the secretary be directed to place the minutes of November 16 and November 24, 1981, in final form as corrected. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. MANAGER'S REPORT I I Annual material/equipment/supply bids The General Manager advised that lists of the items anticipated to be needed for 1982 had not been prepared. Telemetry charges Mr. Holt noted that the increase in the last Pacific Telephone bill was due to installation charges for new telemetry circuits. City of Santa Clara solar utility program Manager Holt advised that the City of Santa Clara has been involved with its solar utility program since 1976. When information is received from the city, he will provide copies to the Board. Connection fee policy Mr. Holt stated that the schedule prepared by District Counsel Simon must be revised, and the Electric fee schedule has not been prepared as yet. Purchasing policy as it relates to outside agents This item was put over as requested by the Manager. Removal of fire siren from warehouse Mr. Holt has been in contact with Fire Chief Copeland, who indicates the Fire District is experiencing some problem with the removal of the siren from the PUD warehouse. Mr. Copeland noted he would be writing to the PUD soon explaining the situation. HOME ENERGY AUDIT PROGRAM Since the contract between C. P. National and the District his not been received, District Counsel recommended the resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Developmsnt Commission be put over. The Board agree. 12/21/81 pq. 1 WAPA POWER ALLOCATION - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION Ken Peters of James Hansen and Associates reported on the meeting with WAPA respecting the PUD's allocation. Western expects the final allocations to be published in the Federal Register sometime before the end of the month. Contract negotiations will start immediately thereafter. Mr. Peters advised that WAPA hopes to make initial deliveries of the allocation by February of 1982. PG&E has protested, and requested the date be set in October of 1982, since the "5-year window" for customers outside the present wheeling area starts in October 1982 also. (The PUD and several other entities are in this group.) WAPA wil! have to negotiate to eliminate or obtain a shortened "window" term. Service to customers affected will be delayed pending completion of these negotiations. As soon as the Federal Register is published, Mr. Peters advised, WAPA will initiate follow-up letters to PGSE, SCE and SPPCo, with firm requests for wheeling service. Since WAPA is energy short, it is considering the pos- sibility of a purchase from Sierra Pacific for delivery to the PUD in the amount of its allocation. The District would be charged CVP rates. This wauld permit an early interim delivery to the District until wheeling ar- rangements could be finalized. Tlie WAPA advised Mr. Peters that it has negotiated a power purchase contract with Mr. Webber, who is drilling gas wells in the Susanvil le area. A firm price of 55 mills/kWhr was fixed. Western has suggested that the PUD work with Plumas/Sierra REA (and possibly SPPCo aii a wheeling agent] to take this power as an alternate source for future power needs. By Board consen- sus, the General Manager was directed to meet with representatives of the Plumas/Sierra REA to discuss the matter and report to the Hoard. MARTIS VALLEY SUBSTATION - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION I Darker and Harker has been notified that they were the low bidders on the substation, and have provided the bonds and insurance certificates .is required in the contract. R. W. Beck and Associates will now assemble the actual contract package for execution by Harker and Harker and the District, District Engineer Cook noted. I Mr. Cook advised there are, in his opinion, two issues remaining to be addressed: 1) resolution of the method of financing so that the District cash flow capabilities meet the contract obligations, and 2) an inspection by R. W, Beck and the District of the PUD's equipment and its operational capabilities. The equipment is presently stored by Sierra Pacific in Reno. After some discussion, President Haass requested that consideration of the contract and authorization to issue the notice to proceed be placed on the next regular meeting agenda. District Engineer Cook was directed by the Board to correspond with Ken Merriman of R. W. Beck regarding inspection of the equipment and hardware. PUBLIC HEARING EAST TRUCKEE PLANNING UNIT FACILITIES PLAN District Engineer Cook briefly summarized the East Truckee Planning Unit Facilities Plan which addresses areas of concern to the local Districts and developers. The Chairman opened the hearing for public comment at 7:40 P.M. Warren Cokeman, a concerned property owner, noted that he has met with several af- fected property owners. Mention was made of the letter recently received by the District from the County Planning Department, which set forth its initial reaction to the report. For the benefit of the audience, President .'loss read the letter. The County states it appears the District has taken upon itself to perform what amounts to a major revision of the Martis Val- ley General Flan with very little consultation with the Planning Department >r other County departments involved with the planning process. Planning Director Riolo recommended in the letter that he and Mr. Cook discuss the ratter in detail prior to any action being taken by the PUD Board. I 12/21/81 pg. 2 I Mr. Cokeman, speaking for several property owners in the Martis Valley area, requested that the public hearing be continued to allow input from some of the large property owners who have not been contacted as yet. The Chair- man agreed, and the hearing was continued to 7:30 P.M. on January 4th. August Sassarini commented regarding development within the District in the past. He was assured by District Engineer Cook that the District now has guidelines, standards and procedures having to do with both water and elec- trical improvements which will be followed. PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING OPERATING POLICY (RULES AND REGULATIONS) AND FEE SCHEDULE - WATER DEPARTMENT District Counsel Simon briefly explained to the public the proposed Water Department rules and regulations and submitted corrections - Rule No. 10, Well Requirement, and Rule No. 23, Cross-connections. Mr. Holt advised the Board that the figures included in the schedule of fees and charges are not correct, and also noted thereare some bookkeeping problems relating to the connection fee policy. The Chairman opened the public hearing at approximately 8:00 P.M., and Arthur Gliem's questions respecting water meters were answered. There were no other comments from the audience, and the public hearing was closed. 4 th. President Maass continued the public hearing to 7:30 P.M. on January PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE INCREASING ELECTRIC RATES I The District Manager explained to the public the two-phase request of Sierra Pacific for a 39% increase in wholesale rates effective January 18th, and an additional 8% effective in June. He also presented charts showing purchased power costs, retail rates, estimated growth, and the proposed Elec- tric Department budget for 1982. A chart setting forth the proposed rate in- crease of 15% to possibly be imposed by the District was presented and ex- plained. For the benefit of August Sassarini, Arthur Gleim and Martin Duffy, Mr. Holt answered questions regarding purchased power costs, demand charges, classification of customers, sales by class, the present rate and the pro- posed new rate. Special Counsel Martin McDonough, during his presentation, advised that the rate filing by Sierra Pacific is presently before the Federal Energy Reg- ulatory Commission. The Commission has sixty days to either accept or reject the filing. He explained that, jointly on behalf of the District and the City of Fallon, a protest to the filing and petition to intervene were submitted. Mr. McDonough advised of the procedure the Commission follows in rate cases and the length of time involved. I President Maass opened the hearing to the public at 8:50 P.M. Gerald O'Donnell and Martin Duffy's questions regarding the actual percentage of the proposed increases were answered and discussed. Bob Storie's questions re- specting the District's electrical capacity, future growth, and the proposed Martis Valley Substation were answered. Facilities fees and restricted funds were discussed at the request of Bill'Cerien. Director Kuttel presented a statement showing expenses and revenues for 1980 and 1981, and estimated expenses and revenues for 1982 including expect- ed increases. The public hearing was closed at 10:10 P.M. After some discussion. Director Kuttel moved that the public hearing to discuss the pass-through of Sierra Pacific's increase, arid the proposed 15% District increase be continued to 2:00 P.M. on Monday December 28th. Director Monson seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CLOSED SESSION At 10:11 P.M., the Ch.iLrro.tn adjourned the meeting to closed session. 12/21/81 pq. 3 RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION Public session was reconvened at 10:39 P.M., and President Maass advised the Board discussed legal nutters pertaining to power generation at Boca and water rights matters with Special Counsel McDonough. BOCA - PROSSER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE DIRECTION Ken Peters advised that, since water rights complications have been recognized, an environmental impact report on the hydroelectric developments has been prepared, sierra Pacific Power Company will be providing a copy of its agreement relating to water, and has granted permission for the District to approach its attorneys with regards to water operations. I Mr. Peters reported that the United States Bureau of Reclamation has provided the materials requested to date, and will also provide a copy of Tudor Engineering's studies. Mr. Holt noted that Senate Bill 306 having to do with federal develop- ment of hydro plants is still pending. PROJECT 79-1 - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION District Engineer Cook recommended the Board authorize execution of FmHA Form 271, Reimbursement for Construction Programs, and FmHA Form 272, Federal Cash Transaction Report. With respect to FmHA Form 440-11, Estimate of Funds Needed for the period commencing December 4, 1981, Mr. Cook informed the Board that the FmHA is amending the previous estimate of cash funds needed and will be providing the District with approximately $45,000 to cover the total anti- cipated expense of the project. Upon receipt of the $45,000, there will be a fund balance with the Administration of approximately $9,000 which can be used for augmentation projects that will enhance the benefits derived from Project 79-1. After consideration, Director Kuttel moved, and Director Huber seconded, that the Board authorize the President to execute the Federal Cash Trans- action Report. ROLL CALL; all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. I Director Huber moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board authorize the President to execute the Quarterly Report and Request for Reimbursement. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. OFFICE REMODEL - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION District Manager Holt advised that 10% of the contract price is being withheld until the contractor has completed all items remaining to be done. Thomas Mueller has been spot-checking the office building roof, and making repairs as necessary. CIVIL SERVICE/DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCEDURE - REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION District Counsel presented a draft of the civil service/disciplinary action procedure prepared by his office. The Chairman tabled the matter to the January 4th meeting to allow adequate time for review by the Directors. REVIEW OF RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE ADOPTING ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS AND FEE SCHEDULE - DIRECTION RE SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING Manager Holt noted that he has not yet completed the proposed Elec- tric Department rules and regulations. They will be presented to Mr. Simon for review upon completion. The matter is to be placed on the January 18th agenda for direction respecting the scheduling of a public hearing. I CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH HILLTOP Mr. Cook reported that the fire hydrant at Hilltop was installed; how- ever, the system cannot be operational until such time as the thrust block concrete has had a chance to cure. Actual use of the hydrant will be avail- able on or about the 25th. The encroachment permits, plans, specifications and related items were in the District's and Cook's possession prior to the start of construction. Mr. Cook indicated his approval of the plans and 12/21/81 pg. 4 I I specs. Mr. Simon noted he would begin preparation of the development agree- ment for consideration by the Board at the January 4th meeting. CONSIDERATION OF RELEASING DART INDUSTRIES LETTER OF CREDIT The District Engineer advised that, in 1975, Dart provided a 1.6 million dollar letter of credit to the District to assure adequate water supplies for the Tahoe Donner Development. Dart has complied with the intent and require- ments of that commitment, Mr. Cook noted, and recommended the District return the letter of credit. He went on to say the District is protected by the con- struction contract warranties and the integrity of Don Strand and Sid Karsh should there be an interruption. President Maass directed District Counsel to review the 1979 agreement between the District and Dart and thereafter prepare a resolution releasing the 1.6 million dollar letter of credit for consideration at the January 4th meeting. RETENTION OF TAPE RECORDING OF MEETINGS - CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING BY-LAWS With respect to the length of time tape recordings of the Board meetings are retained, the Chairman directed District Counsel to prepare a resolution amending the By-laws for consideration at the January 4th meeting. OFFER OF DEDICATION - UNRECORDED MEADOW LAKE PARK TRACT - ENGINEER'S RECOM- MENDATION - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION District Engineer Cook reported that the County of Nevada has requested that the PUD offer to the County the dedication of all roads within the Meadow Lake Park area. The County further proposes to accept only a portion of the roads to be offered by the PUD. (The District was the original developer of the area and still has some responsibility or authority over the public rights of way that are implied on the face of the unrecorded subdivision tract map) . As proposed, the County action would land-lock some parcels on Glen Road and additional parcels on Valley Road. The land-locked parcels, under the proposal, may have some perscriptive right to the roadways which may work against the District. Mr. Cook stated he did not believe acceptance of the proposal would be in the best interest of the District. He recommended that Glen Road in its entirety be accepted by the County for operation and maintenance, and that the portion of Valley Road easterly of Meadow Way also be accepted by the County for operation and maintenance. He noted the County should also accept the drainage facilities wherever they may occur. By consensus of the Board, the District Engineer was directed to write a letter to the County setting forth the District's proposal to dedicate all roadways in the Meadow Lake Park area with the exception of the Forest Lane easement. APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTION - ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER/ENGINEER I After review, Director Corbett moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8182 establishing the position of Assistant General Manager/Engineer with the following addition to Section 1: "...and the individual selected to fill the position shall be appointed by Resolution and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors." Director Kuttel seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING DISTRICT POLICY REGARDING CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER/ENGINEER After appropriate review. Director Corbett moved, and Director Huber seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8183 establishing District policy regarding conditions of employment, performance evaluation and salary adjust- ments for the position of Assistant General Manager/Engineer. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. U/21/81 pg. 5 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER/ENGINEER AND EXTABLISHING COMPENSATION The Board considered the draft resolution, and amended Section 2(a) to read as follows: "$32,500 annually, to be fixed by ordinance. Director Cor- bett moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8184 appointing James Ward Assistant General Manager/Engineer and es- tablishing compensation, as amended. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. WATER SERVICE PROBLEM - GEORGE KAMIENSKI - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION I Although Mr. Kamienski advised by letter that he would be present at the meeting to discuss this water service problem, he did not attend. The Chairman noted they would discuss the matter during closed session. GRANITE FLAT CAMPGROUND - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION AND/OR ACTION District Engineer Cook advised he has talked with the Forest Service and forwarded a cost estimate for providing water to Granite Flat Campground. The Forest Service indicated they would not make any decisions relating to the campground improvements until the end of the 1982 first quarter, and noted they would include the District in the planning process. President Maass put the matter over until further contact by the Forest Service, and stated that a development agreement would be necessary in the event they decide to proceed. CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT - AIRPORT PLAZA Mr. Cook noted that the Airport Plaza annexation proceedings are presently underway. The next activity will be a scheduled public hearing by the Placer County LAFCo. The annexation should be complete in February; the development agreement should be considered after annexation has been accomplished. DISCUSSION REGARDING DEPOSIT POLICY (REQUEST OF CHARLES WHITE) Charles White, representing a group of local real estate agents in the process of forming an association, had questions regarding the Dis- trict's new policy relating to deposits. Mr. White stated his group, when formed, would be willing to act as a "sounding board" for new policies that would affect homeowners and renters (specifically, second home owners). Mr. White's questions were answered, and the Chairman asked that a review of the rules and regulations pertaining to customers be placed on the iganda for the first meeting in July. In July, the District will have hid a chance to work with the new policies. Any revisions, clarifications or amendments will be considered at that time. I DISTRICT VEHICLES - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO UNIT 7, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LINE TRUCK W/WINCil AND ! After consideration of the draft, Director Corbett moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8185 authorizing emergency repairs to Unit No. 7 in an .amount not to exceed $6,500. Director Huber seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. DISTRICT VEHICLES - UNIT 15 (AIR COMPRESSOR/TRAILER); PURCHASE OF BACKHOE TRAILER After brief discussion, General Manager Holt was directed to purchase a backhoe trailer in an amount not to exceed $4,000. If this is not pos- sible, specifications for both the air compressor and backhoe trailer ire to be prepared for Board consideration at the January 4th meeting. I DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT Reeontnendation regarding permanent repair of office and warehouse roofs Mr. Cook advised that, at the present time, he is setting up methods by which the thickness of the poxy coat can be determined to assure compliance with the application specifications. There are problems with the application 12/21/81 pg. 6 'r\ I in that the end product is not satisfactory. Cook Associates is determining the areas of responsibility and methods by which total compliance with the water tightness criteria of the specifications can be achieved. Updated re- sults will be provided prior to the next regular meeting. Automatic fire suppression and detection for computer facility Note was made of the bid for automatic fire suppression and detection for the District's computer facility from Poole Fire Equipment Company in the amount of $2,869.80. Mr. Cook noted permission from the insurance underwriter for removal of the sprinkler heads will have to be obtained. Project 81-1 - status report District Engineer Cook reported that, because of the weather conditions, it was not possible to move the large equipment to Donner Trails Booster. Work will commence as soon as possible, and a status report will be provided at the January 4th meeting. Mark Starritt - Jeffrey Pine development Mention was made of a letter written by Mark Starritt respecting his development on Jeffrey Pine. Mr. Cook indicated he would respond on behalf of the District. Senior Citizens Complex - Aiello Mr. Cook provided a copy of a letter written to Mr. Aiello concerning the water service to the Senior Citizen project. Bacterioloqic.il tests have not been taken on the improvements constructed to date, and the pressure and leakage tests failed. Additionally, there is a right of way problem pro- hibiting the completion of the off-site loop. I After brief discussion by the Board, the matter was put over to closed session. DISTRICT COUNSEL'S REPORT I Malacoff bil1 Lag dispute - status report District Counsel Simon noted he has forwarded a copy of the letter re- viewed by his office to Mr. Malacoff. (Mr. Malacoff was billed by the Dis- trict $7.50 for such review by Counsel). CORRESPONDENCE Objection to poatc.ird billing Note was made of Shirley Rosamond's complaint respecting the District's new postcard billing method. Jerome A. Young Mr. Young's request for waiver of the required service deposit was re- ferred by the Board to the General Manager for resolution. Planning Department President Maass advised i letter has been received from the County Planning Department assuring the District that future notices will be re- ceived in adequate time for comment. Greg Horvorka - Mountain Hardware Mr. Horvorka's letter asking why the District does not sell out to Sierra Pacific was referred by the Chairman to Director Corbett. PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES There were no Planning Department Notices discussed by the Board. 12/21/81 pg. 7 CLOSED SESSION At 12125 A.M., President Haass adjourned the meeting to closed session. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION The meeting was returned to public session at approximately 12:40 A.M. The Chairman noted legal matters (the Defer and Roen cases) were disjussed during closed session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:41 A.M. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT I By '. K~~^ u L-yw^v^ James A. Maass, President Susan M. Craig, Deputy D istr^ct Clerk I I 12/21/81 pg. 8 A BILLS FOR BOARD APPROVAL - December 21, 1981 I Digital Systems, Inc. - One time costs for installation of computer Trans-Sierra Broadcasters, Inc. - 45 thirty second announcements $ 31,167.85 189.00 S 31,356.85 I I