HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1998-06-11BRADFORD PUBLISHINOCO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
“I1ight and Power Committee
June 11,1998
Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Barker and Jeffrey
Attending:All
Also Attending:Assistant Town Administrator Widmer,Light &
Power Director Matzke,and Deputy Clerk Kuehi
Absent:None
Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PRPA Organic Contract —Authorization to Execute amended Contract
Assistant Administrator Widmer explained that,due to the rapidly
changing utility industry,Platte River wishes to broaden the
scope of purpose under the organic contract,and extend the
expiration of both the organic and the power supply contract from
December 31,2020 to December 31,2040.The revised contracts
would include additional services and remove the wholesale
limitation.Wholesale power costs to member cities will not be
impacted by these changes.The contract extensions would allow
PRPA greater flexibility in obtaining long—term financing.There
is no impact on the current and future budgets.The Committee
recommends approval of the amended and restated organic contract
establishing Plate River Power Authority as a separate
governmental entity and the amended contract for the supply of
electric power and energy,extending the expiration date of both
contracts to December 31,2040.
Estes Substation —Authorize Staff to Develop Implementation Plan
Director Matzke explained that the Long-Range Plan included two
alternatives to either rebuild the present Estes Substation or
build a new station adjacent to the Estes Power Plant Switchyard.
The Board had previously agreed that relocating the substation
would be beneficial because of land value at the present
location,overhead line removal,improved reliability without
additional transmission lines,and the ability to provide
continual power during construction.The engineer’s estimate for
the total project cost is $3,179,000.Due to the long lead—time
required to bring this project to fruition,initial planning
needs to begin soon.Recent outages at Estes Substation have
reinforced the importance of the reliability of the station.
Electrical Systems Consultants is developing a proposed scope of
services including a site requirement report and preliminary
layout.There may also be legal costs associated with preparation
of the special use permit with the Bureau of Reclamation.The
1998 budget for Engineering Services is $15,000.The Committee
recommends the Town staff develop an implementation plan and
schedule for the Estes Substation Replacement project and return
the scope of services proposal to the Committee for approval.
Intermountain CableConim —Notification of Rate Increase
Michael Pfeiler,District Manager of Fanch Communications and
representative of Intermountain CableComm,explained CableComm’s
recent upgrades including billing and telephone systems,employee
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BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light &Power Committee,June 11,1998 —Page 2
training,system improvements,and additional channels.Due to
additional costs of providing cable in mountain communities,a
rate increase took effect June 1,raising the basic cable cost
$3.00 per month and installation charges to $69.95.Mr.Pfeiler
explained that present technology does not allow basic cable to
be programmed per customer requests.Trustee Barker expressed his
frustration regarding service through the 800 number.Mr.Pfeiler
explained that FCC guidelines require a response regarding audio
or video loss within 24 hours.Assistant Administrator Widmer is
the local contact person for cable complaints.The Town chose
not to have control over cable television rates,because this
involvement would require certification and additional staff.
Upon Mr.Pfeiler’s suggestion,the Committee recommends the Town
write a letter to CableComm expressing concern regarding service
complaints.
Pine Valley Three—Phase Conversion Project —Approve Engineering
Scope of Services
Director Matzke explained that this project was recommended in
the Long Range Plan and involves conversion of 1.8 miles of
single phase #6 copper overhead line to three phase #1/0 aluminum
conductor east of Allenspark.Electrical Systems Consultants has
proposed to design the line and staking sheets at a cost of
$18,000.This project was not budgeted in 1998;however,the
Meadowdale Hills and Retreat projects are $47,940.15 under
budget.The Committee recommends Town staff request Electrical
Systems Consultants complete the line design and staking sheets
for the Pine Valley three-phase conversion project for a total
cost of $18,000,and that Staff negotiate a contract proposal
with TSI (the contractor for Meadowdale Hills and the Retreat)
for presentation at a future Committee meeting.
REPORTS
Platte River Report:Assistant Administrator Widmer reported
that the Board had a presentation by the Colorado PUC staff
regarding their Retail Wheeling Study,has adopted the 1998
Strategic Financial Plan,explained that PRPA owns two wind
turbines in Wyoming as a result of contractor bankruptcy,and
that an arson dog is available for use by member cities.
Director Matzke presented the May Financial Reports.
Project Updates:All transformers at Marys Lake Substation are in
service and all load has been transferred from the portable
substation.The 69KV line between Marys Lake and the Estes Power
Plant is being rebuilt.WAPA’s overhead 6900 volt lines have
been removed along Peak View.Fiber installation progress was
explained.
The Committee will tour the Fall River Hydro Plant following the
meeting.Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
J Tina Kuehl,Deputy Town Clerk
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