HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1996-10-10RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
October 10,1996
Light and Power Comittee
Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Baudek and Pauley
Attending:All
Also Attending:Town Administrator Kiaphake,Ass’t.
Administrator Widmer,Light &Power
Director Matzke,Clerk O’Connor
Absent:None
Chairman HiX called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
FALL RIVER HYDRO PLANT -FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE.
The Fall River Hydro Plant Feasibility Study,as prepared by Eric
R.Jacobson was presented.An analysis of production loss if
increased minimum stream flows were imposed was performed,and the
estimates of the value of annual production are as follows:
Stream Plow Operating Conditions Annual Production
No minimum $95,069.30
RMNP Agreement (4 CFS Minimum)74,514.96
DOW Suggestion (9 CFS Minimum)65,042.16
The study estimates annual operating costs of $52,000 and total
restoration costs of $148,000.Repairs could begin this winter
with the smaller unit (200 kW)operational by Spring,1997;
continuing repairs throughout 1997 on the larger unit (660 kW)with
anticipated operation of both units during the Summer of 199$.
The Light and Power Department has requested $100,000 in the 1997
Budget to begin the restoration process,and is recommending the
Town proceed with the proposed schedule and prepare contracts with
Steve Chidester for the work,with Eric Jacobson to perform
consulting services during the project.As the issue of minimum
stream flow need not be addressed until the second unit is ready to
be placed in service the Spring of 1998,staff is suggesting the
contracts be prepared,submitting them to the Committee and Town
Board for approval.
The Committee reviewed and discussed the estimated five months of
operation relative to operating costs;return on investment;
contingency estimate of $52,000;PRPA wholesale power charge;water
rights;and historical significance relative to the preservation of
the plant and operator’s residence.
Consensus was reached that as there is no funding for this Project
in the 1996 Budget,staff be directed to further review the
proposal,returning to the Committee with potential alternatives
for operation (demolish the structures,refurbish the plant and
residence and operate them as a Museum,etc.).
Public Comment.Sally Anderson/Market Reach noted that her firm is
prepared to do a history of light and power in Estes Park,and
urged the Town to consider using local writers should this effort
be approved.
ELECTRIC SYSTEM UNDERGROUNDING -PROGRESS REPORT.
Pursuant to the September Committee meeting concerning
undergrounding existing service lines,Director Matzke prepared a
BRADFORD PUBLISHINGCO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light and Power Committee -October 10,1996 -Page 2
list of Underground Projects since 1990;statistics indicate the
significant replacement projects were constructed on a cost—share
basis.It is not reasonable to ask all electric customers to pay
the cost of converting overhead lines to underground for fully—
developed,existing subdivisions.Director Matzke confirmed that
Fort Collins has a very aggressive long—term underground program.
The Committee recommends staff research/prepare a long—term
underground financial analysis for discussion in the 1997 Light and
Power Financial Study.
MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT PRIMARY UNDERGROUND TRENCHING CONTRACT -
APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER.
Staff requested the Contractor,Chief’s Landscaping,to install
additional trench and conduits to allow re-routing of the primary
underground feed to the Municipal Building.This work will
significantly reduce outage time when service is transferred from
the overhead line along the north of the parking lot to the new
underground cable.This additional work is $3,497.20.In
additional,the original bid did not include concrete flow fill as
a backfill material.The Project Manager requested flow fill be
installed to ensure the quality of the parking lot project,and
this additional cost is $11,672.27.
The not—to—exceed contract amount was $7,390.As there is
sufficient funding in the budget for underground capital projects,
the Committee recommends approval of the change order in the total
amount of $15,169.47.
REPORTS.
Platte River Power Authority:Ass’t.Administrator Widmer briefed
the Committee on the September 26 Board Meeting where the 1997
Budget of $136.4 million was reviewed.The Budget does not include
a rate increase for wholesale power (fifth consecutive year).An
underwriting team for refinancing has been selected.The team will
work during the winter and be prepared to act when all indicators
are at their peak.PRPA has instituted a new pilot program to help
large electric customers to finance energy saving improvements.A
loan pool has been established,with $10 million earmarked in their
budget.Poudre Valley School District may be the first customer.
The Committee reviewed the Financial Report for September,and
revenues should still meet budget estimates.
Project Updates:the light fixtures and poles have been removed in
the Municipal Parking Lot;cable has been installed in the Ranch
Meadow Subdivision;work has been temporarily stalled on Hwy.34
due to equipment problems;work is proceeding on the Marys Lake
Road to Spur 66 underground;and crews continue to connect a number
of new electric meters.
There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting
at 8:54 a.m.
Vickie O’Connor,CMC/AAE,Town Clerk
A g .
OCT22 1996
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