The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1989-01-05C 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS /Liqht and Power Committee January 5,1989 Committee:Chairman Ilix,Trustees Aldrich and Hahecker Attending:All Also Attending:Mayor Dannels,Trustees Barker, Dickinson and Garrett,Town Administra tor Kiaphake,Light and Power Director Dekker,Finance Officer Vavra,Elec trical Engineer Matzke,Cable Systems, Inc.Representatives Dean Wandry,Craig Poulson and Robert Gates,Jay and Fran Grooters,Louis O’Riordan,Clerk O’Connor Absent:None Chairman Hix called the meeting of the Light and Power Committee to order at 2:03 P.M. CABLE SYSTEMS,INC.-PROGRESS TO DATE. Light and Power Director Dekker summarized the prior meeting with Cable Systems and,pursuant to the Committee’s recommendation of October 6,1988,requested Cable System representatives appear to discuss their progress—to—date.Dean Wandry/Cable Systems, advised: 1.Contracts/Billing.The firm has met with the Accommo dations Association to discuss contracts and billing. It appears the majority of questions have been answered. The firm has prepared a list containing approximately 20 businesses that will require additional discussion prior to preparation of contracts;however,the firm has not returned any of the contracts to the businesses at this time.Staff has been directed to resolve this issue as soon as possible. 2.Personnel.The firm has experienced a complete turnover in office and technician personnel.Jean Hawkins is managing the office responsibilities,and Robert Gates is responsible for the cable system.Along with an additional technician,the firm is gaining 27 years of cable experience. 3.Signal Strength Tests.Cable Systems found signal strength tests had not been performed in many years. They have performed some tests,and the firm will present their preliminary findings to Light and Power Director Dekker this date. 4.Financial Report.The 1989 Budget has just been com pleted.A significant amount of funds has been allocat ed for extensions and upgrading. 5.Mapping.If the firm can obtain 1”=lOO’plats from the Town,Mr.Gates assured the Committee he could identify the system by adding the taps and amplifier sites,and submit the plats to the Town;Mr.Gates’action could be completed within 60 days following receipt of the plats. Mr.Wandry confirmed that Bob Gates is local management’s con tact,with Craig Poulson being his immediate supervisor.Trustee Barker reiterated his concerns with the lack of a signed contract 0 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -January 5,1989 -Page two and incorrect billings.Jay Grooters advised of continuous billing problems.Mr.Wandry noted the aforementioned concerns expressed by Trustee Barker.Louis O’Riordan stated management and system procedures during the summer months were not satisfactory;however,reception and office procedure has recent ly been improved. Town Administrator Klaphake stated cable system firms were de—regulated approximately two (2)years ago;however,the Town Board has the jurisdiction to ensure adequate protection of the public.With regard to the existing Franchise Agreement,Admin istrator Kiaphake addressed: 1.Base mapping to determine audio/visual capacity.Staff should conduct,at random,audio/visual tests throughout the community. 2.Submittal of a finanrial statement to determine if sufficient funds are being invested into the existing system. 3.Administrative regulation. 4.Receipt of free-access channels to the Municipal Build ing. 5.Franchise fees and pole—rental fees appear to be satisfactory at this time. 6.Attendance by Cable Systems at all Light and Power Committee meetings for at least six (6)months to ensure all concerns are resolved. 7.The Permit Agreement should be re-drafted to incorporate de—regulation orders;the intent of this amendment would be to update the Agreement to current standards, re—negotiation of the contract would not be included. Course of action:(1)Mr.Wandry,or his agents,will attend Light and Power Committee meetings for at least six months;(2) administrative issues (contracts/billing)will be addressed during the February 2nd committee meeting;(3)Cable Systems desires to participate with the Town in the audio/visual testing; (4)Administrator Kiaphake advised the Town will provide 1”=lOO’ plats at no charge (should mylar copies be required,Town staff and Cable Systems are to resolve the fee);(5)Cable Systems will provide a copy of their 1989 Budget;(6)Cable Systems is committed to comply with the Permit Agreement by extending cable television service to every dwelling unit desiring service inside the Town Limits no later than May 31,1989;such extensions are to be installed at no charge to the resident. PERSONAL COMPUTER/FINANCE DEPARTMENT -REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE. Finance Officer Vavra submitted a copy of the State Bid through NCR for a personal computer.$6,500 was budgeted in 1989 for a pc and printer.The Committee recommends Finance Officer Vavra be authorized to purchase the NCR PC81O personal computer in the amount of $3,800.00.The printer will be purchased at a later date. SECURITY LIGHT TARIFF -DISCUSSION. Director Dekker reported maintenance of private security lights is the responsibility of the customer.Electricity usage is determined by the meter and included in the monthly electric bill.In the industry,a “flat rate”generally is offered for 0 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -January 5,1989 -Page three security lights;such a rate also would proTide a convenience for the consumer.Followinq discussion,the Committee recommends Director Dekker be authorized to review and possibly develop a Security Light Tariff for adoption when revised Rules and Regulations are considered at a future public hearing. 4-WD VEHICLE -AUTHORIZATION TO BID. Light and Power Director Dekker requested authorization to bid a 4-wheel drive vehicle.This vehicle was budgeted in 1989.The Department does not intend to trade-in an existing 4-WD vehicle as it will be assigned to the Meter Department for use by the additional meter reader.The Committee recommends approval of the request. TAX EXEMPT BOND FINANCING -PROPOSED RESOLUTION. The U.S.Supreme Court recently overturned a 100—year—old precedent ruling that the Constitution does not prohibit the Federal Government from taxing the interest on state and local government bonds.The Committee reviewed a proposed resolution which recognized the burden the loss of tax—exempt bonds would place on local governments,recommending the resolution he submitted to the Board of Trustees for execution by the Mayor. REPORTS. In comparing year—end figures with those of 1987,electric sales are up 7.2%,and kwh’s are up 5.2%. The Delinquent Account Report indicated 95 telephone calls were made——up 7.95%,17 notes were placed——down 10.5%,and 14 accounts were disconnected——up 40%. The Platte River Power Authority will be giving a 3.3%salary increase for 1989. Trapper Mine has declared a 5%dividend for 198$,which will result in close to i—million dollars for PRPA. Director Dekker reported on the recent electric fault and fire damage to a Longmont substation.PRPA is assuming responsibility for the liability which will cost the Authority $300,000. Electrical Engineer Matzke presented System Load Curve graphs for Ski Estes Park.The graphs confirmed that the newly-installed equipment is working properly and shedding the ski area’s elec tric load during the Town’s peak usage.The Committee commended Engineer Matzke for a job well done. Concerning the new service facility,closing has occurred on the Johnson property.Closing on the Williams’property should occur in the near future.An approximate time—table includes exca vation in March,bidding early summer,and completion in Novem ber/December. Staff will be evaluating the quotes for the Marys Lake Substation feeders.This project was authorized by FEMA;the Town will receive partial reimbursement for the expenditure. Staff is reviewing the possibility of obtaining the services of an automobile crusher.If this project could be included in the Clean Up Week Campaign,it would provide a valuable community service with minimal cost to the Town.Staff will continue to research this item. With regard to Public Power Week,the Department received valu able national exposure in the American Public Power Bulletin. C RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -January 5,1989 -Page four The Meter and Water Departments are in the process of locating and reading the meters in Carriage Hills.The newly-authorized additional position of meter reader should be filled and perhaps on—board by the end of February. The Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities also intends to adopt the Resolution addressing Tax Exempt Finance Bonds. Electrical Engineer Matzke will attend a mapping course in Denver which is being sponsored by APPA.State-of-thern-art system mapping will be addressed. There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 3:30 P.M. Vickie O’Connor,Town Clerk fPPPWD !AN 101989 TS ?AK BDAiD OF Ifl ISIEES