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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting MinREGULAR MEETING December 20, 1982 I The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Dormer Public Utility District was called to order by President Maass at 7:05 P.M. in the TDPUD Board room. ROLL CALL: Directors Corbett, Huber, Kuttel, VanLandingham and Maass were pre- sent. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: James M. Ward and Susan Craig. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: District Counsel Simon and Ken Peters of Hansen and Assoc- iates. Mr. Cook was expected, but unable to attend because of the weather. OTHERS PRESENT: Two Tahoe Truckee High School students were also present in the audience. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Director Huber moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the minutes of November 1, 6 and 8, 1982, be approved. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. I Director Corbett moved that the minutes of November 15 and 22, 1982, be placed in final form as corrected. With respect to the November 15th minutes and Director Kuttel's correction (which added to Consultants Present, "Dis- trict Engineer Cook was absent as he was asked not to attend this meeting,") the Chairman noted an individual's absence should not be noted in the minutes unless expected to attend by the Board. Director Huber stated there is an exist- ing policy that requires Mr. Cook to be present at all regular meetings. After some discussion, it was determined there is no actual written policy, only a verbal directive that Mr. Cook attend meetings unless otherwise notified by the Board. Director Huber thereafter seconded Director Corbett's motion to direct that the minutes be prepared in final form as corrected with the exclusion of Director Kuttel's correction. All Directors, aye, with the exception of Director Kuttel, who voted "no" because of the lack of inclusion of his correction. Af- ter more discussion, the Chairman directed that Director Kuttel's correction be made to the minutes of November 15. 1982. •ILLS FOR BOARD APPROVAL - APPROVAL OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL TRANSFER After brief mention of James Hansen & Associates' relationship with American Hydro Corporation by Director Kuttel, President Maass indicated the bills were in rder Eos approval. Director Huber moved, and Director VanLandingham seconded, that the bills presented be paid. All Directors aye, by voice vote, with the ex- ception of Director Kuttel, wh.. abstained fzom voting. SO MOVED. Respecting the Marti:, Vail is 901 complete at thii. time - of the work i. d me t onded, that the bill-. iubstation, Manager Ward noted that the project funds will be retained until remainder d Director Huber sec- ( the spring. Director Corbett moved, an unting to $40,610.14 be paid. All Directors, aye, by Voice vote. SO MOVED. COMMITTEE REPORTS Water Committee I President Maass noted that all Directors had received and reviewed the in- formation pertaining to the November 23rd Water Committee meeting. Director Kuttel went over topics discussed at the committee meeting - water service at Tahoe Donner, Wells A & B, incremental benefits from power cost sav- ings, facilities fees, facilities fees due and payable, the feasibility of de- velopers paying interest on amounts due between the time of an agreement with the District and actual time of payment of fees, system leakage and flushing problems, and metering the system completely. Director Kuttel, on behalf of the Water Committee, recommended that District .:.. i C k be authorized to update the water rate analysis. This update has also been recommended by Rick Blumenfeld of Arthur Andersen and Company, Kuttel noted. The Committee also suggested reconstruction of the downtown water system. 12/20/82 Pg. 1 I Manager Ward noted the possibility of financing the downtown water project with an FmHA loan rather than with existing funds in order not to deplete the PUD cash reserve; he indicated the District is capable of preparing the Farmers Home loan application forms and quite a bit of the work on a rate analysis update. Mr. Ward also suggested a complete study to consider reorganizing the water zones. Relative to the rate analysis update, the Board indicated approval of Dis- trict staff preparation with a consultant reviewing the results for accuracy. MANAGER'S REPORT General Manager Ward noted he would report under specifically listed agenda items. BOCA, PROSSER AND STAMPEDE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS President Maass reported that he today spoke with Mr. Gudgel of the Bureau of Reclamation. With respect to SB306, Mr. Gudgel expects a continuing resolu- tion through September of 1983; this will result in no funding to the Bureau for the Stampede project up to that time. Maass also advised he spoke with Mike Cat- ino and explained the current hydro development situation; Mr. Catino, Maass noted, indicated his approval of District development of Stampede. By Wednesday, December 22nd, Maass expects Commissioner Broadbent of the Bureau of Reclamation to provide written verification of the Bureau's approval of District development of Stampede to Mr. Catino. Discussion ensued regarding the license application procedure. Important facts considered were the Boca/Prosser permit expiration date of April 1, 1983, and the fact that FERC issued only one number rather than separate numbers for each project. This will have to be resolved prior to filing the applications. Mr. Peters carefully explained to the Board the CEQA process - declaration by the District that there is a project, conduct of an initial study, filing of a negative declaration and notice of determination. In response to Director Huber's question, Mr. Peters advised that in order to apply for licenses on all three pro- IB jects at the same time, it would first be necessary for the Bureau to delete Stam- H pede from its schedule of projects. ^* Director Kuttel noted his concern that the District spend the least amount of money possible in the application process. Mr. Peters briefly mentioned that Boca could possibly double its generation capacity for an approximate 10% increase in cost. This construction modification, however, would have to be negotiated with the Bureau of Reclamation. In answer to Mr. Simon's question, Mr. Peters noted the Hansen proposal in the amount of $27,100 includes the license application process, compliance with CEQA requirements and the water tunnel modification. Director Corbett moved that the Board authorize Mr. Peters to proceed with the application process outlined in compliance with CEQA regulations, with ap- propriate resolutions to be ready for Board consideration at the January 17th meeting. Director Huber seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: Corbett, Huber, Van- Landingham and Maass, aye; Kuttel, abstain. SO MOVED. Regarding the proposed agreement between the District and the Pyramid Tribal Council for removal of the Paiute's protest pertaining to the Boca/Prosser pro- jects, Director Huber made reference to Paragraph 14, and indicated she thought Stampede should not be mentioned since it is not definite that the District will obtain the right to develop. District Counsel said this would be possible, or in the alternative, the agreement could explicit'/ describe the Stampede situation. Mr. Simon noted that he forwarded a copy of the draft agreement to Martin McDonouqh, Esq. (Special Counsel to the District in certain matters). Mr. Mc- Donough felt the agreement to be sound, and made only one recommendation - that the Board consider making the term of the agreement longer than the license per- iod. The Board was in agreement with his suggestion. Mr. Simon relayed Mr. Mc- Donough's congratulations to the Board for resolving the Indian issue; the Board, in turn, gave the credit for resolution of the matter to General Manager Ward. District Counsel advised he would redraft the agreement for consideration by the Board at the January 3rd meeting, and noted the importance of having the agreement and adopting resolution ready for consideration by the Tribal Council 12/20/82 Pg. I At I at their January 7th meeting. The Board indicated they would discuss the royalty payment parameters during closed session. After brief discussion. Director Corbett moved that the Board adopt Reso- lution No. 8262 authorizing a call for proposals from Financial Consultants for the hydro projects. It was agreed that the proposals would be opened at 4:00 P.M. on January 26, 1983, and reviewed by a committee consisting of Directors Corbett and VanLandingham and Mssrs. Ward and Simon. Such committee will make recommendations to the Board at the first regular meeting in February. The re- quest for proposals setting forth required qualifications and description of the District's expectations will be prepared under the Manager's direction. Direc- tor Huber seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: All Directors, aye, with the excep- tion of Director Huber, who voted "no." I Relative to the appointment of Bond Counsel for the hydro projects, the Board indicated this matter would be considered at a later meeting. In answer to Director Kuttel's concern, Mr. Peters noted that the District will file the license applications for Boca and Prosser prior to April 1st; the licenses, he noted, will be issued as FERC has no reason to reject the applica- tions. MARTIS^ VALLEY ^UBSTATI0j^_-_CONS_ipjRMira OF RESOLUTIONS ACCEPTING EASEMENTS The Winter easement has not yet been received by the District; therefore, the matter was put over. Mr. Ward noted that Dr. Winter has verbally agreed to the terms of the easement for the substation distribution lines, which are in place; questionable water easements over his property will be cleared up at the same time as the new electrical easements are granted. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 8222 AND ADOPTING A RE- VISED CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE This matter was put over to later in the meeting, when Counsel Pholps is expected. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION RE LONG-TERM DISABILITY AND RETIREMENT PLANS After consideration, Director Huber moved that the Board authorize Wayne Richardson Company to prepare the necessary paperwork for the new long-term dis- ability and group term life insurance plans. Director Corbett seconded the mo- tion. All Directors, aye, by voice vote. SO MOVED. Discussion of the retirement plan will take place during closed session, the Chairman noted. REVIEW OF ARCHITECTS' PROPOSALS - OFFICE SPACE ANALYSIS - POSSIBLE DIRECTION Mr. Ward suggested, and the Board agvued, to discuss this Director Kuttel's report (on available land for sale). matter after I STATUS_ REPORT ON SENIOR CITIZENS COMPLEX The General Manager advised that the new power poles have been placed, and the crews will probably pull the power this week. Removal of the existing poles (necessary to the turn lane construction by Aiello) will not take place until Mr. Aiello, developer of the Senior Complex, pays required fees to the District. District Counsel suggested a letter explaining the situation be written to Mr. Aiello as well as Sierra Pacific and Pacific Telephone. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO EXECUTE A FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR THE CONTINUED PURCHASE OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WIT..- TRUCKEE RIVER BANK Director Kuttel noted his association with the Truckee River Bank in the capacity of a stockholder, and was advised by Counsel it would bu correct to abstain from voting on this issue. Director Huber pointed out to the Board that the new note calls for annual renewal, and should have been written as a six-year note so it may be listed on the balance sheet as a long-term debt. She also noted the agreement should have some statement tying the interest rate to T-bills or the currunt money market. The President put this item over to the next regular meeting in order that these 12/20/82 P|. i matters may be clarified. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES TO CARRY FORWARD VACA- TION HOURS After appropriate review of the draft, Director Huber moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8263 authorizing certain employees to carry forward vaca- tion hours. Director Corbett seconded the motion. ROLL CALL: All Directors, aye. SO MOVED. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE DONNER VIEW SUBDIVISION I Manager Ward succintly described the small subdivision at Donner Lake developed by Charlotte Harris. A draft development agreement setting forth the facts and explaining the electrical improvements {which have already been ac- complished) has been prepared for review by District Counsel. Mr. Simon advised that the agreement is in order, and will be prepared in final form for considera- tion at the January 3rd Board meeting. Mr. Ward noted that all required District fees have been paid by Ms. Harris. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE ENERGY RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO THE HOME ENERGY AUDIT PROGRAM Director Huber moved, and Director Corbett seconded, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 8264 authorizing execution of the extension agreement with the State relative to the Home Energy Audit Program. ROLL CALL: All Directors, aye. SO MOVED. ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF PRESS_ RELEASES Because of, in his opinion. Director Corbett1s feeling that the local news- paper does not adequately cover PUD matters of interest and of concern to the customers, he suggested a committee be formed to prepare press releases and articles for publication several times a month. He advised that the Sierra Sun indicated they would welcome such assistance in order to keep the public properly informed. After some discussion, the Board seemed to agree with Director Corbett'., idea of preparing press releases, and employees, as well as Directors, having the opportunity to prepare articles for publication. It was noted that tho Manager should have the chance to review all material prior to submittal to the newspaper. POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF_ SEMINAR ATTENDANCE - S. CRAIG Mr. Ward recommended that the B.ar.l authorize Susan Craig to attend the Advanced Professional Secretary one-day seminar conducted by Padgett-Thompsun in Reno at a cost of less than $110. Thereafter, the Board unanimously ap- proved the Secretary's attendance. SPECIAL DISTRICTS BOARD MANAGEMENT SEMINAR I Director VanLandingham provided the Directors with copies of the CSDA Board Management Seminar brochure, and requested he be authurized to attend. Both Directors Maass and Corbett previously attended the seminar, and highly recom- mended attendance for all new Board members. The Board was in agreement that Director VanLandingham should attend. TRUCKLE SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM I Director Huber noted that Shirley Rosamond of the High Sierra Senior Cit- izens contacted her regarding the possibility of advertising the "ch. . .. - program" on the back of the PUD bills - this government program would benefit U«' .. in ,t as well as other low-income families. Counsel Simon cautioned that i wi it-ten document should bo ptepared noting the special circumstances and idvisuiq that the District is not tv-i :, .il.lc ! i Lin; program in any wiy. Alsi., thi- h it ,1 jyreed that requ> I Lhi:, nature should be considered individua1 basls. 12/20/82 Pg. 4 DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT District Engineer Cook was not present, and there was no written report for Board review. DISTRICT COUNSEL'S REPORT Project 79-1 n< I Mr. Simon reported that he has been in contact with Charles Philipps of the bonding company, who advised him that his client has signed the necessary release form which will be forwarded immediately - checks for monies due may be written. I DISABLED PERSONS COMMITTEE Director VanLandingham requested, on behalf of the Disabled Persons Com- mittee, that they be allowed to meet in the District Board room on the second Tuesday of each month at 3:00 in the afternoon rather than in the evening so that more of the members would be able to attend. Manager Ward indicated he could foresee no problem with the change in meeting time. District Counsel noted Mr. Phelps has prepared a simple agreement between the Committee and the PUD for sig- nature . PLANNING DEPARTMENT NOTICES Truckee Business Park Director Huber questioned how the proposed reversion to acreage by the Truckee Business Park would affect the West River Street Assessment District as far as division of monies. No answer was recorded. At this point, approximately 10:00 P.M., the Board recessed while waiting for Counsel Phelps' arrival. CLOSED SESSION At approximately 10:30 P.M., Mr. Phelps arrived ami the meeting was ad- journed to closed session. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION At ll:4J P.M., the meeting was returned to public session. Personnel and Legal nutter:, as well is Union negotiations were discussed during closed session; no iction was taken or direction given. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:43 P.M. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ^mes A. Maass, President I Susan M. Craig, Deputy Distarict Clerk 12/20/82 Pg. 5