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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1993-07-22n BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee July 22,1993 Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees Hix and Dekker Attending:All Also Attending:Ass’t.Administrator Widmer,Light &Power Director Matzke,Town Attorney White,Clerk 0’Connor Absent:None Chairman Aldrich called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. CABLE SYSTEMS.INC.-CABLE TELEVISION PERMIT AGREEMENT. Permit Agreement.Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reviewed the background for the new agreement which began in November,1992 when CSI requested the existing agreement be updated;staff collected data in February/March;April,1993 the Committee discussed public access,emergency override and community programming and staff began negotiations with CSI.Attorney White presented the permit agreement with Cable Systems,Inc.,stated the agreement contains a non—exclusive right to use the public ways of the Town,and reviewed the most significant provisions and those that have changed from the original permit 1.The term of the permit is 15 years,with an option to extend the permit for an additional 10 years. 2.An audio emergency override capability must be provided when requested by the Town. 3.Wording has been added to ensure the Grantee keeps the system up—to—date. 4.Customer service requirements and signal quality are referenced in the permit agreement. 5.The agreement describes the amount and type of community programming the Grantee is required to provide.In the event the Town is dissatisfied with community programming after one year,the Grantee will be required to give the Town a channel and equipment to provide its own community programming. 6.The Grantee is required to maintain service to all areas presently served and to extend service to all areas not presently served or annexed in the future where there are at least 20 homes/mile of new cable required. 7.The Town has the authority to review rates,fees,and charges as provided in the Cable Acts. 8.The Grantee will be required,at its expense,to hire an independent consultant every 3 years to study the system and its operation and verify compliance with the permit agreement. 9.The Town’s fee has been increased from 3%to 5%of gross revenues. 10.The $10,000 Letter of Credit has been eliminated. 11.All insurance requirements and liability provisions have been updated. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -July 22,1993 —Page 2 The new Cable Legislative Act,effective in 1993,returns rate regulation to the Town.When the FCC finalizes their rate regulations,and if the Trustees desire to do so,the Town can apply through a certification process,to become a “rate regulator.”There were no comments from CSI Representative Craig Poulsen nor the audience following Attorney White’s review. CATV Ordinance.Town Attorney White advised that Section 5.24 of the Municipal Code relating to cable systems is outdated and unnecessary;therefore,he presented an ordinance deleting same. Following discussion,the Committee recommends approval of the Cable Television Permit Agreement (with minor revision)which will include a Resolution,and the Ordinance deleting the CATV Section. The Committee suggested CSI review the possibility of establishing an extension policy with their customers regarding tree trimming. The Committee acknowledged the effort displayed by staff and CSI in reaching a mutually—acceptable agreement. PALL RIVER HYDRO PLANT -INTERIM FEASIBILITY REPORT. Eric Jacobson,Consultant provided an update on the hydro plant: various equipment has been tested,and generally,found that there are no major problems.Mr.Jacobson reviewed the next step toward getting the plant on line which is to file a “declaration of intent”with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Discussion followed,with the Committee recommending staff prepare said declaration,and submit it to the Town Attorney for his review.Town Attorney White will prepare a resolution,and both documents will be presented directly to the Trustees at their meeting scheduled August 10,1993. PROSPECT MOUNTAIN LEASE AGREEMENT AND POWER LINE EXTENSION - DISCUSSION. Proposed Lease Agreement.The Committee reviewed a lease agreement (renewal)with Robert &Nell F.Heron for the installation and maintenance of one or more radio transmitters and antennas on property currently owned by the Herons and leased by the National Park Service.In compliance with Amendment 1,Town Attorney White adjusted the term of the agreement to ten 1—year periods,beginning January 1,1993 and ending December 31,2002.Lease payments begin at $1,000 in 1993 and increase to $1,450 in 2002 ($50/year inflation).The Committee recommends approval of the lease agreement as presented. Power Line Extension.Director Matzke reported that the power line serving this area was owned by the Park Service with power supplied by the Bureau of Reclamation.The Department is rebuilding the line and it will be attached to the Town’s system.The five entities affected by this line are sharing rebuilding expenses. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION -DOUG SCHLARBAUM. Effective June 24,1993,Doug Schiarbaum was promoted to Groundman II.The Committee expressed their congratulations to Doug and wished him continued success in the Department. 1990 ONE-TON UTILITY TRUCK -UPDATE. The 1—ton utility truck continues to have service problems,which appear to arise from the heavy off—road use which is required of this type of vehicle in the service area.Fleet Manager Slianafelt has recommended replacement of the truck with a chassis having a solid front axle.The estimated cost of a new chassis equipped with the existing utility body is approximately $20,300.The RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -July 22,1993 -Page 3 retail value of the existing chassis is $14,100 (near the purchase price in 1990).Town Attorney White has advised that the “lemon law”does not apply in this case.Director Matzke reported that the Department will budget for replacement of this vehicle in 1994, including the cost to transfer the utility body from the existing chassis and sale of the existing chassis. REPORTS. The Committee reviewed the Financial Report for June,Summary of Accounts,and associated graphs. Mainframe Computer Conversion/Utility Billing.Finance Officer Vavra reported that utility billing was converted the first of July and utility bills are currently being printed.The new computer system includes a “bar code”which allows the billing clerks to scan the bill -this should increase efficiency in bill processing. Director Matzke reported that 2 existing computer terminals have been upgraded at the service building to allow communication with the IBM mainframe.Training for the “hand-held”reading equipment will begin in September.The Committee offered special recognition to staff for their efforts during the conversion process. Project Updates.Work is nearing completion on the Honda School and Mountain Golf Villas Projects.A 30-minute outage is expected on Monday,July 26th affecting the Mountain Golf Villa area.As requested,2 street lights have been installed on each end of Mall Road.Work on the decorative street light refurbishing project continues--related costs are $150.00/fixture.Work on the joint- trench project with U.S.West is progressing.Approximately, 4,850’of underground conduit will be installed in portions of U. S.Highway 34 and Dry Gulch Road. Platte River Power Authority.Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reported that PRPA completed their refinancing project,resulting in a savings to PRPA of $200 Million over the financing period.With one exception,PRPA has the lowest rate for long—term bonds. PRPA has agreed to pay for a portion of the capacity of the Carter Lake Outlet which should enhance the sale of their Windy Gap Water. The electric car,owned by PRPA,was displayed in Estes Park and driven throughout the area,including a portion of Trail Ridge Road.The car received very high public interest. Fort Collins has changed their representation on the PRPA Board from one staff person and one elected official to two elected officials.The remaining three member municipalities support the structure of staff/elected official representation. There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the meeting at 11:54 A.M. Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk JUL271993 I