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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1999-03-11n 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ]Light and Power Committee March 11,1999 Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Barker and Jeffrey Attending:All Also Attending:Town Administrator Widmer,Light and Power Director Matzke,Assistant to the Light and Power Director Mangelsen,Deputy Clerk van Deutekom Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Electric Utility Deposit Policy for Short Term Rental Properties —Approval Request Director Matzke reported that the Town Board reaffirmed the definition of Commercial Electric Customers as “any dwelling or accommodation unit or units which are rented for a period of less than thirty days during any portion of a calendar year.”The Board concluded that short-term rental properties are included in this definition and thus must be billed at commercial electric rates.A question was raised during the February Light and Power Committee meeting concerning the Town’s deposit policy and how it would be applied to long-term renters of a commercial short-term property who place the electric account in their own name.The Committee directed staff to further review the Town’s deposit policy.Director Matzke presented the amended policy containing a new paragraph entitled short-term rental deposits.Under the proposed policy,short-term rental properties would be subject to the standard commercial deposit,however,individuals who rent these properties for periods exceeding thirty days and place the account in their own name,would be charged the applicable residential deposit.The Committee recommends the short-term rental deposit policy be adopted and included in the Light and Power Policy and Procedure Manual as presented. Light and Power Revenue Bond Issue Included in the 2000 budget under the Light and Power Fund was the sale of $3 million in revenue bonds to cover relocation and other associated project costs to relocate the Estes Park Substation.Platte River Power Authority (PRPA)is participating in this endeavor,fronting much of the cost by contracting with vendors and other contractors.At completion in early 2000, Platte River will turn the project over to the Town,along with approximately $3 million in related costs;$2 million from Platte River and $1 from the Town.The Town will issue bonds to cover these expenses.Director Matzke reported that Jim Manire of James Capital Advisors (financial advisor)and Diane Barrett of Holme Roberts &Owen (bond attorney)have previously worked with the Town and can assist in the bond process.Town Attorney White reviewed the agreement from James Capital Advisors for $6,000 (plus any travel and other out-of-pocket expenses)and also recommended retaining Holme,Roberts and Owen for a fee range of $25,000 to $35,000,both of which will be paid from the bond proceeds.The Committee recommends approval of the agreements with James Capital Advisors and Holme Roberts &Owen as presented. 1998-1999 Christmas Decorations Installation Contract Change Order —Request Approval Director Matzke reported that in September 1998,the Light and Power Department awarded the 1998-1 999 Christmas Decorations Installation Contract to Rocky Mountain Lawn Care.At the department’s request,the contractor installed additional twinkle lights on trees along Elkhorn Avenue,repaired electrical outlets,and performed other miscellaneous repairs.The Light and Power Department received a change order request in the amount of $7,492.16 for the additional work performed.The Committee recommends approval of the change order as stated. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee,March 11,1999 —Page 2 REPORTS Platte River Power Authority (PRPA)Report:Director Matzke presented the 1998 Audit for PRPA noting three significant items:the Rawhide outage in 1998 significantly increased energy purchase and maintenance costs,a Y2K compliance statement was included in the audit,and PRPA sold their gas assets in 1998.Other items discussed include the wind energy program in Ft.Collins.The current surcharge for wind energy is 2.4 cents per kW hour,which represents an increase of approximately 38%in the base residential rate.The deadline for participation in the wind energy program is March 31,1999.Director Matzke reported that only one Estes Park customer indicated an interest in participation in the program.Chairman Hix directed staff to compile a waiting list of interested customers and determine the viability of program participation at a future date.The PRPA General Manager executive search continues. Candidate interviews are scheduled for April 9th with a recommendation for a new General Manager shortly thereafter. Financial Report:The February income statement was reviewed.The Platte River bill was not included in the statement,thus an additional $300K will be added to the total expenses for the period.Director Matzke noted that the Town peaked during the same period as Platte River and the monthly growth for February was 2.5%above the same period in 7998. Project Updates: The Park Lane project has been completed,including the removal of all the poles. The Moraine Parking Lot Project,which provides a loop feed to the businesses on the south end of Elkhorn,has been completed and connects the line from Riverside Drive west to the end of the downtown area. Meetings continue between the Town,the Bureau of Reclamation,and Platte River concerning the new Estes Park Substation and a tentative agreement has been reached on the site. Director Matzke explained that bids for the switchgear have been requested and project specs are near completion. Assistant to the Light and Power Director Mangelsen reported that the financial report,historic structures,and conservation reports have been submitted to the State Historical Society (SHS) as part of their grant application for the Fall River Hydro project.The deadline for the SHS grant application is April 1,1999.The Museum will have an open house on Match 1 9th featuring an exhibit and skit on the Fall River Hydro Plant.A tour of the Plant is also scheduled for April 3rd and is open to the public.Other discussion included continuation of committee meetings, the diesel generator,and progress of Richard Smart in establishing a lab at the hydro site. Director Matzke reported that Y2K meetings continue and have been well received by the public.Channel 8 TV has agreed to record the meetings and will rebroadcast the initial meeting for those that were unable to attend.This next Y2K meeting is scheduled for April 8th in Room 130 of the Municipal Building and will include representatives from the Town,Platte River Power Authority,and Western Area Power Authority to address questions previously raised regarding the national electricity grid.The meeting will be broadcast live and phone lines will be available for the public to call in with their questions. There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting at 8:40 a.m. APPROVEDrMAR23997 12Vaj Rebecca van Deutekom,Deputy Town Clerk TOWN OF ESTES PARKBOARDOFTRUSTEES