HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Utilities Committee 2008-04-100
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado,April 10,2008
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the UTILITIES COMMITTEE of the Town
of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held at Town Hall in
said Town of Estes Park on the l0”day of April,2008.
Committee:Chairman Homeier,Trustees Blackhurst and Ericson
Attending:Chairman Homeier and Trustee Blackhurst
Also Attending:Deputy Town Administrator Richardson,Director Goehring,
Officer McFarland,Assistant Dir.Mangelsen and Clerk
Williamson
Absent:Trustee Ericson and Town Administrator Halburnt
Chairman Homeier called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
LIGHT &POWER
2006 &2007 Tree Trimming of Overhead Power Lines —Request Approval.
The Light &Power Department budget includes $75,000 for the purpose of trimming
trees that lie in or near the overhead power lines.This is a continual process that
benefits the system through increased reliability and safety.The following bids were
received for 800 hours of service from a two-person crew:
1)Asplundh Tree Expert:
Year 2008:$66,912.00/800 hrs.or $83.64/Hr.
Year 2009:$70,240.00/800 hrs.or $87.80/Hr.
2)Wrights Tree Service -(NO BID)
3)Foothills Tree Experts-(NO BID)
4)Davey Tree Surgery Company-(NO BID)
After further discussion,the Committee recommends approval of the contract with
Asplundh Tree Expert at a cost of $$3.641hr.for 2008 and $87.8OIhr.for 2009 at a
total cost not to exceed $75,000 (8961hrs.)with the second year contingent upon
funding from account #502-6301 -540-2532.
Traffic Light Painting —Request Approval.
Since 2003,the Town has maintained the painting of the traffic signals in and around
town.As in the past,the project was advertised in the area papers with the hopes of
spurning interest and participation from local qualified paint contractors.Again as in the
past one bid was submitted by area contractor Roger Ping of Estes Park Painting and
Decorating Inc.Staff recommends approval to contract the Manford Ave./Colo.State
Hwy 7 painting project with Estes Park Painting and Decorating for $7,700.
Discussion followed amongst the Committee with regard for the need to paint the
aluminum traffic signal poles and create a maintenance issue.Staff suggested the item
could be delayed until a decision is reached on the renewal of EPURA.The new
EPURA plan includes this portion of Hwy 7.
The Committee recommends postponing the painting of the traffic signal at
Manford Ave.!Cob.State Hwy 7 until staff can determine if the pole is currently
painted green and until a decision is reached on the renewal of EPURA.
WATER
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Utilities Committee —April 10,2008—Page 2
Hill Crest Water Line Extension —Request Approval.
In order to get service from the Town’s water system the owners of Lot 9 Hill Crest
Estates extended the water main within the Right-of-Way from Ptarmigan Trail and
continuing along Stone Gate Drive to their lot.This water main will be available to other
lots that would not previously had access to the Town’s water supply.The owners of
Lot 9 have requested to enter into a Waterline Extension Across Vacant Land
Agreement to recover portions of the costs related to the construction of this
infrastructure.This Agreement would be in effect for a period of ten years and would
equally distribute the infrastructure costs between Lots 1,9,10 and 11 of Hill Crest
Estates in the amount of $21,544.75 each.
The Committee questioned if the agreement should address interest and how the other
property owners would be aware of the agreement.Staff would discuss the issue of
interest with Attorney White and record the document for future title searches.
Concluding discussion,the Committee recommends approval of the Waterline
Extension Across Vacant Land Agreement with the owners of Lot 9,Hill Crest
Estates for a period of 10 years.
REPORTS.
1.Water Bond Schedule:Finance Officer McFarland and Dir.Goehring reviewed
the schedule for the bonding of the upcoming improvements at the Mary’s Lake
Water Treatment facility.
Trustee Blackhurst stated concern with the upcoming rate hearing on the significant
increase to the system development fee and the difference in condominium rates and
residential rates.He understands the Town’s rates are significantly below other
communities in the Front Range even with the increase;however,the proposed
increases are considerable.He would encourage staff to review rates more frequently
and increase rates over time instead of in one large increase.
Chairman Homeier recommended staff have an alternative suggestion for the public
hearing.
Dir.Goehring commented staff is in the process of reviewing 10%of the condominium
records to determine if the proposed rate is accurate.If not,staff suggested proceeding
if the rate increases and budgeting for a study of the issue in January of 2009.He
stated the rate increase could be phased over a three year period rather than in one
large increase.
Trustee Blackhurst questioned why a water acquisition fee is charged when the Town is
not acquiring new water rights.Dir.Goehring stated the fee is a return on the Town’s
investment on past water right purchases.
There being no further business,Chairman Homeier adjourned the meeting at 8:53 a.m.
—APPROVED
APR 22 2008j
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