HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1992-05-147
BRADFORD PUBLISHING .RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
‘Light and Power Committee
May 14,1992
Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees Hix and Dekker
Attending:Chairman Aldrich,Trustee Hix
Also Attending:Town Administrator Klaphake,Light &Power
Director Matzke,Finance Officer Vavra,Clerk
0’Connor
Absent:Trustee Dekker
Chairman Aldrich called the meeting to order at 2:00 P.M.
MAINFRAME COMPUTER EOUIPMENT -AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE.
Finance Officer Vavra presented a memorandum pertaining to the
purchase of a mainframe computer (software and hardware)for the
Finance Department.The 1992 Budget contains $195,000 for this
equipment.Staff thoroughly researched the purchase,and based
upon recommendations by other users and actual demonstrations,is
suggesting the software be purchased from HTE,Inc.for $82,500,
with the hardware and operating software being purchased from IBM
for $71,908.Training is approximately $20,400,and additional
miscellaneous equipment is $25,980.Support services are
$175.00/month/5 months,and service to load program updates
$330.OO/month/5 months.The total cost is $220,303 and a budget
line item (datA processing)can be amended to offset the overrun of
$25,303.The equipment will be under warranty through December 31,
1992.Current maintenance costs are approximately $20-30,000/year;
this figure will be reduced to approximately $10,850/year with the
new equipment.References for HTE were thoroughly verified,and
Steve Jackson/Boudreaux and Jackson also supported the HTE firm.
In addition,two PRPA member municipalities are currently using the
HTE system.Delivery for the hardware is approximately 4-6 weeks
and staff anticipates conversion by the end of the year.The
existing and new systems will be run on a parallel basis for a
period of time to ensure conversion is operating properly.Town
Attorney White has reviewed the HTE Contract,and is in the process
of reviewing the IBM Contract.Finance Officer Vavra expressed his
appreciation to Loveland’s Finance Department for their assistance
on this project.The Committee recommends approval of the
mainframe computer equipment purchase in the amount of $220,303 as
presented,to include the 1992 budget amendment.
UNDERFREOUENCY RELAY PROJECT -AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE.
The Department participates with other PRPA member utilities in the
Colorado/Wyoming off—normal frequency study group.The purpose of
this group is to coordinate underfrequency load shedding among
regional utilities.The Town’s obligation is to shed up to two (2)
circuits at the Estes Substation during certain system-wide
emergency conditions.The underfrequency relay at said substation
is obsolete and Fort Collins has been providing this service for
the Town.Staff requested authorization to replace the relay with
a unit currently being used by other PRPA utilities.The 1992
Budget includes $5,000 for this project and installation will be
accomplished with department personnel.The Committee recommends
approval of the request to purchase an underfrequency relay for
$3,745.00.
HAND-HELD METER READING EOUIPMENT -AUTHORIZATION TO BID.
The 1992 Budget contains $25,000 for the purchase of hand-held
meter reading equipment and staff is requesting authorization to
solicit bids.This equipment will replace the paper meter books
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light and Power Committee -May 14,1992 -Page 2
currently being used.The hand-held device is actually a portable
computer for electronic storage of customer meter reads.Meter
specialists will record customer meter reads on the device which is
then uploaded to the billing computer at the end of the day.The
equipment is durable,weather—proof,and easier to handle in the
field than the present paper meter books.The tedious data entry
will be eliminated and there will be less chance for error.
However,the greatest efficiency will occur in the Finance
Department as personnel will no longer subtract monthly readings
for each account.The Committee recommends staff be authorized to
solicit bids for hand-held meter reading equipment,with actual
bids being reviewed by the Committee when available.
CURRENT TRMSFORMER TESTER -AUTHORIZATION TO BID.
The 1992 Budget contains $9,500 for the purchase of a current
transformer tester.Metering transformers are generally used on
installations where the size of a customer’s electric service
exceeds 200 amps.When current transformers fail,the amount
registered is below actual usage or none at all.The proposed
equipment would allow meter department personnel to test the
accuracy of installed current transformers without interruption of
service to the customer.The Committee recommends staff be
authorized to solicit bids for a current transformer tester,
returning to the Committee for further review.
REPORTS.
The Committee reviewed the monthly Financial Statement,including
associated graphs relating to purchased power and kwh sales.
Electric customers residing on Steamer Drive,Brook Drive and
Saddleback Lane have contacted Director Matzke to inquire whether
the Town could assist them in obtaining telephone service.
Director Matzke contacted US West and discovered that the company
is unable to provide service for 39 residents.The Committee
reviewed a US West service territory map and received confirmation
that the company is required to provide service within ten (10)
days and if they cannot,a letter explaining why service is
unavailable plus a “target date”as to when service may be attained
must be issued.Although the Town maintains a Franchise Agreement
with US West,the State Public Utilities Commission (PUC)governs
telephone service.PUC has been made aware of the situation by a
letter from the Mayor,and staff has requested a list of all
pending service orders.Additional information will be provided as
received.
Project Updates:Completion of the Beaver Point street light
extension (additional nine units)from Davis Street west to
existing fixtures is currently underway and installation of conduit
should be completed prior to Memorial Day.Installation will be
underground,fixtures will contain a flat lens to reduce glare,and
traffic interruption is anticipated.Work has begun on rebuilding
the line parallel to Spur 66.
The Committee reviewed information on the upcoming change to
electric rates relative to increasing the 15,000 kWh threshold to
20,000 kWh.This amendment is being considered pursuant to
customer comments and will be presented to the Board of Trustees
during a public hearing scheduled May 26.
There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the
meeting at 3:35 P.M.
I 1
MAY 26 1992 Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk
Tuv F :s,PM(I