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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1996-06-13RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee June 13,1996 Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Baudek and Pauley Attending:All Also Attending:Mayor Dekker,Ass’t.Administrator Widmer, Light and Power Director Matzke,Clerk O’Connor Absent:None Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. LONG RANGE SYSTEM PLAN -FINAL PRESENTATION. Light &Power Director Matzke offered background information on this project which includes a planning study,coordination study, and circuit diagram map,and introduced Jerry Hager/Electrical Systems Consultants. Mr.Hager presented a slide program on the Planning Study process and Coordination Study.The basic purpose of the study is to predict the capital improvements which will be required during the next ten years to allow the Town an opportunity to plan for these expenditures.In summary,improvements were separated into years one through and five,and years six through ten,and the major improvements include: Years One —Five Allenspark,Beaver Point,Big Thompson,Moraine, Peak View,and South Circuits,and Miscellaneous It ems Years Six —Ten Estes Substation,Big Thompson,Fish Creek,and New Highway 34 Circuits,and Miscellaneous Items Total estimate to complete recommended capital improvements over a ten—year period is $7 Million. Concerning the Estes Park Substation,two options were presented: 2 additional circuits are needed,the substation could be rebuilt at its current site,or a new substation could be constructed on the southwest side of Lake Estes. Mr.Hager reviewed the actual Long Range Plan Report,and a question and answer period followed.Director Natzke confirmed that there are sufficient funds in the 1996 Budget to complete minor improvements;staff is obtaining cost estimates at this time. These minor improvements will provide a fine—tuning of the system for a low cost,while receiving the benefit immediately.Staff intends to take all recommendations,prioritize them and contemplate the budget,and then they desire to approach a rate consultant.The rate consultant would provide a financial plan. The Committee recommends acceptance of the Long Range System Plan, as presented,authorizing staff to proceed,returning to the Committee for additional review prior to obtaining the rate consultant. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -June 13,1996 -Page 2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS (ESC)-REOUEST TO EXPAND SCOPE OF SERVICES. In a memorandum dated June 12,1996,Director Matzke explained that ESC was hired to perform a Long Range System Plan,Coordination Study,and Mapping Services for a not—to—exceed cost of $24,500. Not included in the original scope of services was a presentation of the draft plan to staff and Trustees on April 23,1996.ESC is requesting an additional $1,500 to cover the costs of this meeting and additional mapping and data gathering.ESC has also offered to prepare a series of 11x17”truck maps based on the circuit diagram which was developed by ESC as part of the study.There is ample funding in the 1996 Budget for this cost.The Committee recommends the Scope of Services with ESC,Inc.be expanded by $1,500. FALL RIVER HYDRO PLANT. Chairman Hix introduced Frank Hix who has and continues to be interested in this project pursuant to his historical perspective and his relationship with General Electric. Director Matzke reviewed the hydro plant site and project.The hydro plant pre-dates the RMNP and the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC)as it was built to serve power for The Stanley Hotel,thus the plant was never licensed in the past.It is considered more economically feasible to operate again,and staff applied to FERC for non-jurisdictional status in April,1994. Administrator Klaphake stated that the prior Town Board made the decision to re—activate the plant,therefore,the Town sought a FERC exemption.The RMNP does not support operation of the plant, and the Town respectively disagreed,noting that the plant would be operated for its useful life,not perpetuity.It appears the Town now has its exemption from FERC,and the Town must decide if they are now willing to proceed with rebuilding and demolition of certain buildings,thus activating the hydro plant. Frank Hix reported that the Town of Lyons operates some same vintage equipment (turbines,generators,etc.)and it is being used very effectively for peak power at an economical rate. Arrangements could be made to inspect facility. On June 3,1996,the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order on Rehearing in which they upheld the July 13,1995 order that FERC had no jurisdiction over the Town’s Fall River Hydroelectric Station Project.This issue has been discussed with Town Attorney White and staff believes the Town is now free to proceed with the restoration of the Plant.Eric Jacobson,who assisted the Town in preparation of the Declaration of Intent,has been advised.Staff believes that Mr.Jacobson will most likely submit a proposal to restore and operate the Hydro Plant;the proposal would be presented to the Committee in the near future. In the interim,staff is requesting authorization to expend up to $2,500 toward making minor repairs to the building to provide easier access,and improve lighting within the building.The Committee recommends staff be authorized to expend up to $2,500 as referred to above,and seek a proposal to restore the plant. BOW HUNTING POLICY -REVIEW OF LONG-TERM POLICY. On September 27,1994,the Town Board adopted an interim hunting policy for the Fish Hatchery Property which required hunters to meet certain conditions,one of which limited the game to deer and elk.The policy was extended by the Board for the 1995-96 hunting RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -June 13,1996 -Page 3 season and modified to issue permits only to customers within Estes Park’s Light and Power boundary.A number of requests,including permission to hunt mountain lion and bear,have been received for the 1996—97 season.Staff contacted DOW and learned that they issue a very limited lumber of permits for the Fish Hatchery area; rarely are permits issued for mountain lion and bear;and DOW expressed no concerns regarding allowing hunting of lion and bear also.Staff is recommending the Town establish an ongoing bow hunting only policy for the Town’s Fish Hatchery Property with the following conditions: 1.Comply with all applicable state laws. 2.Comply with all RNNP requirements. 3.Hunt only in designated area (area south of Fall River and Fish Hatchery Road).Vehicle to be parked in designated area (entrance gate to the property). 4.Permits will only be issued to Estes Park Light and Power Department customers. 5.Bow hunting will be allowed for valid permits issued by the Division of Wildlife. 6.The policy is to remain in effect until amended or revoked by the Town. Discussion followed on the inclusion of mountain lion and bear and potential liability concerns.The Committee recommends:(1) excluding lion and bear from the policy,and (2)approval of the Bow Hunting Policy as amended. Trustee Pauley was excused. REPORTS. Platte River Power Authority:Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reported on PRPA’s May 23 Board meeting:Windy Gap water (Granby Reservoir is expected to overflow and customers must make arrangements with those in the CBT Project);how new customers will be dealt with (PRPA is not seeking members,however,other cities may desire to join);“ANGEM”a new ho-medical company in Longmont (PRPA is negotiating serving power to them);new policy being discussed for new,large—demand customers (long—term contracts);and the Annual Report (PRPA’s bond rating remains a high level). Financial Report:The Committee reviewed the Financial Report and associated graphs for May. Project Updates:All cable for the Highway 34 crossing at the Chamber of Commerce is now in service. There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m. ,/ -/ Vickie O’Connor,CNC/AAE,Town Clerk I JN 2 51996 I