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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1993-04-08RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Liqht and Power Committee April 8,1993 Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees Hix and Dekker Attending:All Also Attending:Trustee Habecker,Ass’t.Administrator Widmer, Light &Power Director Matzke,Clerk O’Connor Absent:None Chairman Aldrich called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. CABLE TELEVISION -FRANCHISE ISSUES. Ass’t.Administrator Widmer presented the following review of the cable television permit agreement:the agreement was approved by the Town Board on July 14,1981.The term was 15 years,with an option for a 10-year renewal.During the 1980’s,the cable system was owned and operated by several different companies.Various original permit requirements were waived by the Town when Cable Systems,Inc.(CSI)assumed operations in 1983.The cable industry was deregulated in 1984 with passage of the Cable Deregulation Act. Fanch Acquisition Group acquired the system in 1987 and during 1988 and ‘89,the Town primarily focused on improving the quality of the system.Thus,the cable manager was directed to report progress to the Light and Power Committee.In 1989,satisfied with improvements made,the Town released the manager from attendance at the Committee meetings. The Cable Act of 1992 re-regulated the industry,and further confused the requirements of the original permit agreement.It is unclear what provisions of the original agreement are enforceable, or even needed in light of the new regulations and technical changes and improvements in the industry.CSI requested they be allowed to initiate proceedings to produce a new agreement in the Fall,1992;however,the Town opted to postpone further action pending new regulations from FCC.Subsequent demands by the public for clarification of the existing permit requirements resulted in the Town electing to proceed with the permit modification process in the Spring of 1993. Staff has been researching cable television practices of other communities.Although there are many technical and operational requirements in a typical permit agreement,there are basically two (2)issues that require direction from the Town Board before staff can proceed with negotiations:public access and emergency override. Staff presented a videotape sampling of local origination (public access)community television and government channel (city council meetings,police/fire information,etc.).Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reviewed his report and also provided options and recommendations for public access and emergency override capabilities.CSI Representative Craig Poulsen confirmed that CSI is prepared to begin negotiations on a new Franchise Agreement. Mr.Poulsen also commented on the necessity for Channel 8 to gain sponsorships for their programming,and potential future topics (fishing,RNNP Fountain of Life,gardening). Following discussion,the Committee recommends staff be authorized to begin negotiating with CSI,with inclusion of the following: 1.Public Access be blended into governmental and other community programming,combined with operations of an existing leased channel or a new channel.Community RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -April 8,1993 -Page 2 programming would most likely take place at a prescribed blocked-out time period.Town could appoint a station manager and a board to oversee operations and deal with public access issues.The channel could seek sponsors grants,and memberships to support the costs of community programming. 2.Emergency Override Capability to be included in the Agreement;however,the Agreement could stipulate that activation would be provided within 90 days written notice by the Board of Trustees.Requiring an audio override only or both video and audio override could be negotiated as technology improves. A cable television article addressing rate regulation prepared by CML was included in the packet for review. 1993 PURCHASE POWER RIDER/INTERIM RATE -REPORT. Director Matzke presented a copy of the retail electric rate summary reflecting the change in the Town’s wholesale rate from PRPA which results in a purchase power rider reduction of $0.00118/kwh which will be applied to the energy charges in all base rates.The previous purchase power rider was an increase of $o.00234/kwh.The change is an overall reduction of 4.92%of total electric sales revenues.The new interim electric rates are effective with the first billing period beginning April 1,1993 and will be reflected in electric bills in May. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION -JOHN McDOUGALL. A 4-year lineman apprentice program was initiated in 1990.John McDougall enlisted in the program,and effective April 1,1993, John McDougall was promoted to Lineman II.Mr.McDougall has made excellent progress and is now in his final year.The Committee extended their congratulations to John,wishing him continued success in the Department. 1990 ONE-TON UTILITY TRUCK -REPORT. Fleet Manager Shanafelt advised that the one-ton duty truck purchased in 1990 has experienced repeated mechanical failures. Thus far,all repairs have been covered under warranty;however, with a total of eleven (11)failures to date,staff is contemplating options for replacement.As the vehicle may qualify for replacement under the “lemon law”,the Committee recommends staff contact Attorney White and report to the Committee when an update is available. REPORTS. Due to the timing of the meeting and reporting procedures,the financial report was unavailable for the meeting;however,various graphs were presented relating to purchase power demand and energy, and electric sales by month.The financial report will be distributed when available.Director Matzke will attempt to include the co-incident peak demand to the report. Mike Mangelsen offered an update on the Fall River Hydro Plant, stating that upon physical inspection of the plant by Eric Jacobson,mechanically,the plant appears to be sound.As it may be possible to begin generation this summer,staff will schedule a study session with Mr.Jacobson and other interested parties to further discuss items relating to permitting procedure,historical site significance,and related matters. 0 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -April 8,1993 -Page 3 Project Updates:A pad—mounted transformer will be installed on Devils Gulch Road for the Honda School Pump Station.A pad-mounted transformer will also be installed at the Old Plantation Shops and riverwalk extension project (future construction).The Spur 66 Rehabilitation Project has been completed. Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reported that PRPA has sold bonds resulting in a savings of $50 million.PRPA participated in a government program whereby an electric car was purchased.The car will be in Estes Park for a demonstration in the near future. There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon. Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk I I%! C L;JS