HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 2001-04-12RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
iTown of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado,April 1 2,2001
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the LIGHT &POWER COMMITTEE of
the Town of Estes Park,Larimer County,Colorado.Meeting held in the
Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 1 2th day of April,
2001.
Committee:Chairman Jeffrey,Trustees Habecker and Newsom
Attending:Chairman Jeffrey and Trustee Habecker
Also Attending:Town Administrator Widmer,Light &Power Director Matzke,
Clerk O’Connor
Absent:Trustee Newsom
Chairman Jeffrey called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
YEAR-ROUND LIGHTING PROPOSAL FOR SEASONAL DISPLAY CROSS ON
PROSPECT MOUNTAIN.
This item was introduced by Mary Healy at the March 8th Committee meeting and staff
was directed to research the request.Proposal representatives have offered to pay the
annual cost to light and maintain the display cross which has traditionally (since 1967)
been lit for the Christmas holiday season and Easter weekend.Numerous phone calls
were received,and correspondence was distributed.Staff’s annual cost estimate
associated with year-round lighting is $4,700/yr.
The Department does not support this proposal as this activity would detract from work
at hand,and there is a consensus of opposition (including the property owner where the
cross is located).
Administrator Widmer reviewed Town Attorney White’s legal opinion,which in summary,
states that based on Colorado case law and the content (lighted Christian symbol),and
context of the display of the cross,lighting of the cross is a violation of both the
Colorado and U.S.Constitutions.This opinion includes Town participation in the display
of the cross during the Christmas season,the Easter weekend,and during any other
part of the year.Administrator Widmer suggested the cross be lighted this weekend for
Easter and no longer,pursuant to employee safety concerns relative to repair and/or
replacement.
Karen Bishop questioned whether a fund could be created by the community for
maintenance,and if the fund could be made available to the Dept.to provide the
maintenance?Town Administrator Widmer confirmed that pursuant to the legal opinion,
no,the Town could not participate.
Discussion followed,with the Committee expressing their appreciation to
proponents of the request and,based on legal findings and potential safety
concerns involved,recommends the display cross be lighted for this coming
Easter,and when the Dept.must spend significant money to repair and/or replace
the cross,staff be authorized to permanently phase-out the display cross display.
2001 ELECTRIC RELIABILITY STRATEGY —PRPA REPORT.
PRPA Representative Mike DahI presented a slide program on said reliability strategy—
“What’s happening in California and why we’re different”,and “What plans have been
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light &Power Committee —April 12,2001 -Page 2
made the summer season.”In summary,there are significant differences between the
local market vs.California;market prices are a factor locally;loads have grown
significantly;PRPA is adding resources to meet the projected loads;and PRPA does
not anticipate a rate impact.
Following a question and answer period,the Committee expressed their appreciation
to Mr.DahI and requested he present this program at the April 24th Town Board
meeting.
STANLEY VILLAGE STREETSCAPE TRENCHING CONTRACT -AWARD.
EPURA has agreed to fund Streetscape improvements on the west side of Stanley
Village Shopping Center,including 9 decorative street lights and outlets for Christmas
lighting in the trees along the existing sidewalk.The Department has received a
proposal to install conduits,etc.from Duell Excavating for an estimated cost of $4,850.
The Committee recommends awarding the trenching contract to Duell Excavating
for the estimated fee of $4,850.
RMNP UNDERGROUND IN “TUXEDO”PARK TRENCHING CONTRACT -AWARD.
The Department has an ongoing program with the NPS to rebuild the electric system in
RMNP.The project includes replacing approximately 1,300’of aged three-phase
overhead primary with underground in Tuxedo Park (above Moraine Park).Quotes
were received from three contractors and the lowest bid was received from A-i
Excavating for $15,250.
The total estimated cost of this project,including Light &Power Department material,
labor,etc.is $30,000,and all costs will be reimbursed by the NPS.Staff anticipates a
budget amendment later this year if all capital projects are bid close to budget
estimates.
The Committee recommends awarding the bid to A-I Excavating for an estimated
cost of $15,250,with the understanding a budget amendment may be required.
FALL RIVER HYDRO PLANT —CONTRACT FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT DESIGN.
A scope of work has been received from Mundus Bishop Design to complete
construction documentation for the Hydro Museum site and landscape areas,and to
provide construction administration services.Estimated cost is $5,840 and the budget
includes $140,000 for the Restoration Project,however,staff does not anticipate using
any State Historical Grant funding for this portion of the project.The entire project is to
be completed this fall.
The Committee recommends awarding the contract as stated above to Mundus
Bishop Design at an estimated cost of $5,840.
REPORTS.
Platte River Power Authority.PRPA has initiated an innovative Shaft-sharing
Agreement with Tn-State Generation and Transmission Cooperative for the Rawhide
Unit and Craig 3 Unit.
Financial Report.The March graphs were reviewed,sales are 7%higher than the
same period last year.
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BRADFORD PUBLISHINGCO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light &Power Committee —April 12,2001 -Page 3
Customer Satisfaction Update.As previously directed,Admin.Ass’t.Button
presented a summary of results for the Customer Satisfaction Survey from October
2000 through February 2001.Customer survey comments were noted,and client alerts
result in personal Department contact.In summary,customers are satisfied,and staff
communication efforts regarding customer education is improving.
Trustee Habecker questioned whether the Town had any oversight responsibilities with
the telephone system,and in particular,the state of disrepair of connection boxes,
telephone wires laying on the ground.Stating a written complaint is warranted,the
Committee recommends the Mayor write a letter of complaint to the PUC.
There being no further business,Chairman Jeffrey adjourned the meeting at 9:25 a.m.
Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk
APPROVED
APR 24 20011
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES