Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting MinREGULAR MEETING February 1, 1982 rf I I I The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order by President Haass at 7:06 P.M. in the TDPUD Board room. ROLL CALL: Directors Corbett, Huber, Kuttel, Monson and Haass were present. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: District Counsel Simon arrived at 7:17 P.M.; District Engineer Cook was absent due to a commitment in Oroville. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: James Ward, Assistant General Manager, Mary Chapman and Susan Craig were present. OTHERS PRESENT: Among those present were Patti Ellison, Mira Shea, Pat Sutton, Egon Similes, Charles White, Bert Jacobson and several Tahoe Truckee High govern- ment students. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Director Corbett moved, and Director Huber seconded, that the minutes of December 9, 14 and 21, 1981, be approved as presented. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Director Kuttel moved, and Director Monson seconded, that the Secretary be directed to prepare the minutes of December 28, 1981, and January 4, 1982, in final form. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVEU. STATEMENT OF GENERAL FUND AND BILLS FOR BOARD APPROVAL The question was raised as to whether or not the $30,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Martis Valley Substation restricted fund had been made. If not, such transfer is to be made and, in the future, listed on the Statement of General Fund as an approved billing. Having adequately reviewed the bills presented for review, Director Kuttel moved that they be approved lor payment. Director Monson seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: Huber, abstain; all other Directors, aye. SO MOVED. Director Huber noted her abstention was because she had not had a chance for review. President Maass noted a bill from General Manager Holt, presently on a medical leave of absence, for 27 hours had been received. He indicated Mr. Holt hi ; been working on a confidential report, which is in President Maass1 posses,i in, ind recommended approval of the bill. Director Huber moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that payment in the amount of $545.19 to Gene Holt be approved. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. COMMITTEE REPORTS Water Committee The Water Committee had nothing to report at this time. Electric Committee Director Corbett advised that the Electric Committee had not met since the last Board meeting. Budget Committee President Maass reported that he, Dan Cook, Jim Ward, Mary Chapman and Kay Pomponio met for the purpose of reviewing the budget format and have devised one suitable to the District's needs. He also mentioned that the utility in Rosoberg, Oregon will be forwarding a copy of their computer budget for the District's examination. Solar Utility Committee Direct^ir Huber advised that the Solar Utility Committee met for the purpose of determining the steps necessary to implement the program, and recommended 3/1/82 pq. 1 the Board allocate funds for the demonstration project, designate an interest- ed employee to pursue funding, authorize a solar oriented survey, and authorize Counsel to research and provide an opinion as to solar rights and easements. She mentioned the cost of the demonstrator would be in the $1,500 to $1,600 range, and suggested the District conduct a contest or raffle offering the demo as the prize. After some discussion, Director Corbett moved that the Board authorize the Committee to pursue the project to its ultimate conclu- sion. Director Monson seconded the motion. ALL AYE BY VOICE VOTE. SO MOVED. MANAGER'S REPORT Assistant Manager Ward stated he would be reporting to the Board at the next regular meeting respecting matters he has been investigating. SIERRA PACIFIC RATE INCREASE; STATUS REPORT President Maass reported that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Sierra Pacific's rate increase, as submitted, retroactive to January 18th. FERC Ordered that a "top sheet" be prepared by February 9th; it will review the analysis on February 10th. Within fifteen days after FERC has rendered an opinion, the interested parties are to meet and attempt to negotiate settlement. Some discussion regarding a possible refund to PUD customers ensued and, thereafter, President Maass directed the Office Manager to establish a program to facilitate the refund deducting the District's costs if possible. The Chairman noted that, since this is now a legal nutter, further dis- cussion would be held during closed session. I PUBLIC HEARING EAST TRUCKEE PLANNING UNIT FACILITIES PLAN; CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION In Mr. Cook's written Engineer's Report, he noted the property owners concerned with the East Truckee Planning Unit Feasibility Report mat on Jan- uary 27th. He stated that, although the meeting was poorly attended by the property owners, he felt it was reasonably successful. The general consensus was that the planning effort has fulfilled the desires of the property owners in the area. Bert Jacobson, a concerned property owner, was present in the audience and reiterated Mr. Cook's opinion. I Fifth District Supervisor Sutton referred to the Nevada County Planning Director'.. December 18th letter to District Engineer Cook, which noted he felt the District had taken upm itself to perform what amounts to a major revision of the Martis Valley General Plan with little consultation with his office or ather County departments involved with the planning process. Mr. Riolo asked that Mr. Cook discuss the matter in detail with him prior to any action being taken by the PUD Board. Mrs. Sutton stated Planning Director Riolo has not as yet had a response to his request, and asked that the Board direct Mr. Cook to arrange for a meeting with him to discuss the matter. After some discus- sion, Director Monson moved that the Board direct Assistant Manager Ward and Dan Cook to meet with the Planning Director prior to the next regular Board meeting. The motion was duly seconded and passed unanimously. President Maass continued the public hearing on this item to 7:30 P.M. on February 16th. CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING ELECTRIC FACILITIES FEES - POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION I The Board briefly reviewed the February 1, 1982, memo to Mr. Ward from the General Foreman which contained recommendations for connection fees to be charged during 1982 for overhead and underground new services. President Maass asked that a public hearing be noticed for February 16th to consider the ordin- ance. PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE INCREASING CONNECTION FEE (DISCONTINUANCE AND 2/1/82 pq. 2 RESTORATION OF SERVICE) The Chairman requested Counsel and Assistant Manager Ward to make recom- mendations concerning an increase in the charges for discontinuance and re- storation of existing services at the next regular meeting. ll I The possibilities of establishing a non-resident rate, charging monthly maintenance iees and a minimum monthly service charge were discussed. Pres- ident Maass referred the matter to the Electric Committee, and asked for ad- vice as to when to place the matter back on the agenda. CUSTOMER REQUESTS - EGON SIMILES - DONNER COUNTRY STORE Egon Similes, owner of the Donner Country Store, was present in the audience for the purpose of protesting a security deposit recently requested by the Office Manager in accordance with District policy. The history of his account with the District, both from Mr. Similes point of view and the Dis- trict's, was discussed at length - there were many discrepencies. The fact that more than one business, although both owned by the customer, were con- nected to one electric meter was brought out. The Assistant Manager was asked by the Board to make a recommendation for remedying the violation at the next meeting. Director Huber moved that the District policy be enforced and a deposit be required and collected. President Maass seconded the motion. Director Monson noted his concern with respect to this matter since the differences between the customer's version of the problem and the PUD's version had not been resolved. ROLL CALL: Corbett, abstain; Huber, aye; Kuttel, no; Monson, no; Maass, aye. I HOME ENERGY AUDIT PROGRAM - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN DISTRICT AND C. P. NATIONAL - DISCUSSION AND DECISION RESPECTING ENERGY AUDIT DEPOSIT POLICY After a briefing by Mr. Simon as to how the audit program will work, Director Corbett moved, and Director Huber seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8207 authorizing execution of the residential conservation service energy audit. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. The Electric Committee was asked to make recommendations regarding a deposit policy for the energy audit program at the next meeting. WAPA POWER ALLOCATION - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION President Maass advised that Hansen and Associates is preparing a letter for his signature with respect to WAPA'y consideration of withdrawing power now under contract or allocated to various Western customers. The letter will suggest to WAPA that it withdraw use of short-term firm power to meet the immediate power reservation requirements - when all short-term power has been utilized for this purpose, further needs could be met by withdrawals of long-term power from all appropriate customers on a pro-rata basis. Director Monson moved, and Director Huber seconded, that the Board auth- orize the President to sign the letter to the Western Area Power Administra- tion presently being prepared by Hansen and Associates. ALL AYE BY VOICE VOTE. SO MOVED. I PROJECT 79-1 - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION The written Engineer's Report indicated there are a series of stop notices, non-payments and preliminary lien notices as a result of non-payment by Project 79-1 contractor, Dana Knudsen. Knudsen is working under the liquidated damage provisions of the contract, but does not seem to be moved to finish the work. The monetary obligation to the sub-contractors equals or approximates the re- tention monies being held. Mr. Cook has notified Knudsen, the insurance company and bonding company of the problem. PROJECT 81-1 - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION Upon the written recommendation of the District Engineer, Director Huber moved that Progress Payment No. 2 in the amount of $2,413.80 to Mountain Electric 2/1/82 pg. 3 for Project 81-1 be approved. Director Monson seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. After consideration, Director Huber moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board approve Contract Change Order No. 1 for Project 81-1 granting a 14 day extension of time due to weather conditions and reducing the con- tract by $J,438. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. OFFICE REMODEL - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR DIRECTION Mr. Cook's report stated there are still some pick-up items that the remodel contractor must complete prior to any action being considered by the Board. The matter was continued to the February 16th meeting. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF DART INDUSTRIES' LETTER OF CREDIT The Chairman tabled this item to the next regular meeting in order to have the District Engineer's opinion prior to consideration of the resolu- tion by the Board. EMERGENCY GENERATOR - CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION AND POSSIBLE AWARD The Assistant Manager, after conferring with the General Foreman, recom- mended awarding the generator bid to Energy and Engine Equipment for a 20kw generator for emergency purposes. Director Corbett moved, and Director Monson seconded, that the bid be awarded to Energy and Engine Equipment in the amount of $9,0in for a 20kw generator. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING ELECTRIC FACILITIES FEES - POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION This item was discussed earlier during the meeting. DIRECTION RESPECTING MAPPING OF ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Assistant Manager Ward advised that Ken Peters of Hansen and Associates would be providing input to the Electric Committee on February 3rd regarding mapping of the District's electrical distribution system. Recommendations will be made by the Committee at the February 16th meeting. MARTIS VALLEY SUBSTATION - STATUS REPORT - POSSIBLE DIRECTION Director Huber noted her concern respecting Sierra Pacific Power's fi- nancial ability to bring the necessary lines to the substation. It was her understanding that SPPCo cancelled the 1982 construction budget. Mr. Ward advised he would request a written commitment of Sierra Pacific. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AMENDING BY-LAWS REGARDING RETENTION OF TAPE RECORDINGS OF MEETINGS District Counsel reviewed his opinion regarding retention of the tape recordings of Board meetings, which recommends retention of the tapes for six months after the minutes have been approved in final form. This would, he noted, correspond with current California law regarding time limits with- in which claims against public entities must be filed. Former Director Sutton was present in the audience and noted her concern with respect to tapes of the meetings being erased or destroyed. She felt them to be of some historical value. It was explained to Mrs. Sutton that current policy provides for the recordings to be erased or destroyed 45 days after the minutes have been approved in final form - this amendment to the By-laws would extend that time limit. After discussion. Director Huber moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8208 amending the By-laws regarding re- tention of tape recordings of the meetings. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. I I I CUSTOMER REQUESTS - BOB AND NOVELLA LEDENBACK The Ledenbacks have appealed to the Board to reduce a $64.05 bill for restoring power to their home in Tahoe Donner. Mr. Ward explained the unusual 2/1/82 pg. 4 I circumstances - the problem was within the meter panel - and recommended the charge be reduced. Director Corbett moved, and Director Kuttel seconded, that the Assistant Manager be authorized to handle the problem. ROLL CALL: all Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS President Haass asked that the employees be advised to direct future customer complaints to the Assistant Manager for resolution. If a customer is dissatisfied with the decision made at this level, the matter may then be brought before the Board for consideration. DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Citizen Housing project - status report Mr. Cook's report advised that bacteriological tests provided to TTSA for analysis indicated less than 2.2 MPN coliform. If the samples were taken from within the Senior Citizen Housing project area, he noted, theoretically it would not be a health hazard. Failure to comply with the leakage and pres- sure test remains an open issue. Mr. Cook is presently compiling a notification list of all affected agencies for the turn-off procedure as authorized by the Board. His report indicated there would be ample notification and opportunity for input prior to the actual closing of the valve, and noted his hope that Mr. Aiello would accomplish the testing prior to shut-off. DISTRICT COUNSEL'S REPORT District Counsel Simon advised a letter having to do with the Garbutt case has been received and will be discussed during closed session. MEADOW LAKE PARK TRACT I District Counsel noted his concurrence with the District Engineer's recom- mendation to continue this item to the March 1st meeting in order to allow time to meet with County officials and discuss resolution of the issues. The Chair- man agreed. PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES McDonald's Restaurant - Highway 89 and Deerfield Drive Director Huber noted her objection to the construction of the McDonald's Restaurant on the corner of Highway 89 and Deerfield Drive. In addition to certain problems relating to the nearby location of Donner Creek Well No. 2 and the Donner Creek Well No. 1 building, Director Huber relayed concerns over traffic congestion in the area. After brief discussion by the Board, Assistant Manager Ward was .isked to respond to the Planning Commission on behalf of the District. CORRESPONDENCE California Energy Commission The January 25th letter from the California Energy Commission, Office of Small Power Producers, was briefly mentioned. I CLOSED SESSION At 10:0b P.M., President Maass adjourned the meeting to closed session. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION The meeting was returned to open session at 10:46 P.M. The Chairman noted the following matters were discussed: the Garbutt case, personnel mat- ters. Union negotiations, customer problems, a consultant's billing and the Sierra Pacific rate case. SOLAR UTILITY PROGRAM Acting upon Counsel's recommendation, the Board authorized Mr. Ward to i/1/82 pg. 5 write to Richard Racich explaining the District's bidding requirements nec- essary to implement the solar utility program. BOARD SEMINAR Director Corbett requested authorization to attend an upcoming Board Members and Presidents conference in Sacramento (CSDA) - he believed the registration fee to be $175. The President asked that the matter be placed on the next meeting agenda for consideration. ADJOURNMENT I There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was ad- journed at 10:50 P.M. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT By , .A^WNJi A James A. Maass, President ATTEST: Susan M. Craig, Deputy District Clerk I I 2/1/82 pg. 6