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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1996-09-120 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee September 12,1996 Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Baudek and Pauley Attending:All Also Attending:Light &Power Director Matzke,Assistant Town Administrator Widmer,Deputy Clerk Kuehi Absent:None Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 7:57 a.m. LONE PINE ACRES -REQUEST TO PLACE UTILITIES UNDERGROUND Ralph Nicholas,1660 North Ridge Lane (Lone Pine Acres),commended the Town for their undergrounding efforts on Hwy.34,and requested the Town consider a policy change to include in the budget the undergrounding of existing lines in subdivisions,beginning with Lone Pine Acres.Administrator Kiaphake noted the Town is committed to budgeting for the major corridors the next few years, and added that new subdivisions are required to install underground lines.Director Matzke added that homeowners can request undergrounding,with the cost being allocated to their utility bills.Line Superintendent Dragon verified that lines, transformers,and poles are replaced when necessary,and there is no precedent for replacing an entire area at once.The Lone Pine Acres facilities have an estimated 20 to 30 years of service before any pole replacement is necessary,although transformers have been updated as needed.Administrator Kiaphake suggested that the distribution map be provided,and that undergrounding progress be reported at the next meeting. ELECTRIC SERVICE SHUTOFF -RECOMMENDATION OF POLICY CHANGE At the request of Town Board,the proposed Shutoff Policy was reviewed by the Finance Director,Finance Department staff,Light &Power Director,Meter Department staff,and the Town Administrator,with the following recommendations: 1.Establish a goal to shorten the bill processing time following the meter reading by five calendar days,maintaining the same due date,and giving the customer five additional days to pay on time. 2.Extend the shutoff date to 30 days following the due date which will extend the 10-day late notice and the 24-hour door hanger notice. 3.Raise the minimum balance in arrears that would trigger shutoff from the present $40 to $65.This amount represents the average monthly combined residential electric and water bill. 4.Implement a $10 charge for each door hanger placed. 5.Adjust cycles to comply with calendar,holidays,etc. 6.Raise the disconnect/reconnect charge from $15 to $30 during business hours and $30 to $60 for after hours. These changes would increase the billing cycle from 32 days to 51 days,consistent with other PRPA member cities;provide customers more payment flexibility;and establish a penalty to discourage habitual late payers.It is recommended these changes take effect November 1,1996,following adoption by the Town Board and a letter of notification to all customers.The Committee recommends approval of the proposed policy changes as presented.Trustee 0 0 BRADFORD PUBLISHING .RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light &Power Committee,September 12,1996 -Page 2 Baudek asked how billing cycles are determined and if an individual can request to be placed in a different cycle.Finance Director Vavra explained that the cycles are determined by geographic locations for efficient meter reading. FALL RIVER HYDRO PLANT --FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE This agenda item was postponed pending the completion of the study. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE -SCOPE OF SERVICES Director Matzke presented the Scope of Services for privatization of the installation and maintenance of the Christmas decorations. Administrator Klaphake noted this is an attempt to postpone the hiring of additional Town line crew personnel,whose time needs to be dedicated to new utility hookups.A notice was advertised in the Trail-Gazette,and copies of the Scope of Service were delivered to two interested contractors.Bids are due September 18,and permission is requested to present the bids directly to Town Board on September 24.The Committee recommends the bids for installation and maintenance of the Christmas decorations be presented to Town Board on September 24,to allow work to proceed immediately. HISTORY OF ELECTRIC POWER IN ESTES PARK -AUTHORIZATION TO ENGAGE FIRM TO WRITE MANUSCRIPT Director Matzke distributed samples of utility histories prepared by Westmoreland Larson Webster,Inc.,and recommended this company be hired to produce a history of the Estes Park Light &Power Department,including the Stanley Power Department,Fall River Hydroelectric Plant,Big Thompson Project,Public Service Company years,and formation of the Platte River Power Authority.The cost of $5,000 would include conducting interviews,gathering information,and producing a 50-page manuscript,but does exclude publication.There is sufficient funding in the 1996 budget for Professional Services.Chairman Hix suggested that the public be solicited to offer information,pictures,etc.Trustee Baudek was concerned about the impact on the budget.The Committee recommends this item be tabled until the November meeting,pending the upcoming 1997 budget discussions. REPORTS Director Matzke presented the Financial Reports for July and August. Platte River Power Authority:No report. Project Updates:All street light fixtures on Hwy.34 have been installed and trenching for the primary underground is in progress. RNNP conversion is continuing.Lines at the elementary school have been rearranged.Automatic meter reading is being tested. There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 8:45 a.m. Tina Kuehl,Deputy Town Clerk SEP241996 I 4 3