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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1991-09-05RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS V Light and Power Committee September 5,1991 Committee:Chairman Aldrich,Trustees Dickinson and Hix Attending:All Also Attending:Ass’t.Town Administrator Widmer,Light & Power Director Matzke,Finance Officer Vavra, Ass’t.to Light &Power Director Mangelsen, Street/Park Superintendent Speedlin,Mr.and Mrs.Paul Firnliaber,Clerk O’Connor Absent:None Chairman Aldrich called the Committee meeting to order at 2:05 P.M. TREE TRIMMING POLICY -DISCUSSION. Paul Firnhaber,1061 Rams Horn Road,appeared before the Committee to discuss the Department’s Tree Trimming Policy.Mr.Firnhaber requested the Department trim a branch in a mature tree that was touching his service line;he assumed he would be contacted when the work was to take place.Mr.Firnhaber believes the Department acted irresponsibly in the manner in which the tree was trimmed. In addition,the work was performed in his absence.Based upon environmental issues and personal property rights,Mr.Firnhaber requested:(1)the Department’s policy be reviewed to specifically address property rights,perhaps to include a method of notifying the property owner prior to work being performed,and (2) reasonable compensation for expenses incurred.Director Matzke presented a copy of the Department’s tree trimming policy, commenting that there is no record of any prior complaints;stated that Mr.Firnhaber did not request to be present while the work was being performed;reviewed the incident with Street/Park Superintendent Speedlin;summarizing that the work had been accomplished within the Town’s legal easement for such maintenance. In addition,when the Department initiates any work,the property owner is notified.Following discussion,the Committee recommends staff obtain a legal opinion from the Town Attorney pertaining to a potential settlement for damaged property,review existing policy relative to notification of a property owner,discussing the issue further with Mr.Firnhaber.In addition,staff will report its findings to the Committee in the near future. BUCKET TRUCK -AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN. In a memorandum dated September 4,1991,Director Matzke advised that the Committee authorized the sale of Bucket Truck #27 for an expected $15,000 when delivery of the new replacement truck had been made.Following research by Fleet Manager Shanafelt,staff believes the Town may not receive more than $10,000 for this truck, and that it could serve as a backup unit worth more to the Department than the resale value.The truck would be used primarily when one of the other two bucket trucks is unavailable. The purchase price of the new truck is approximately $8,000 under the budgeted amount without consideration of trade—in or resale. The Committee recommends approval of the request to retain Bucket Truck #27 until such time as maintenance becomes an issue. RATE STUDY -DISCUSSION. The Committee reviewed preliminary recommendations prepared by the Rate Consultant.Rate change objectives,both immediate and long term and basic concepts were discussed.The study is attempting to assist electric heat consumers which will in turn assist the Town in averting the “spike”incurred last winter season.Staff 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Light and Power Committee -September 5,1991 -Page 2 anticipates that the study will be completed the end of September, with recommendations being considered during the October Committee meeting. REPORTS. Asst.Director Mangelsen offered background information on the PRPA Energy Efficiency Task Force.The Committee reviewed a Mission Statement and initial acceptance criteria established by the task force,and were advised that Department employees have attended various seminars sponsored by the task force.The Committee commended Mr.Mangelsen for his participation in this program. Director Matzke reported on the purchasing practice on transformers,project updates,including the Giant Track circuit, surge arrestor installations,and street light refurbishing program. Ass’t.Administrator Widmer reported on Platte River Power Authority activities:1992 purchase power rates,and Rawhide Plant tour (tentatively scheduled September 17). The Committee also reviewed an article published in the APPA Magazine entitled “Transfer Policies:When to Say Enough!”. The Committee requested year—to—date revenue and kilowatt sales reports,to include the total number of residential and commercial customers.Said report to be supplied in a concise manner. There being no further business,Chairman Aldrich adjourned the meeting at 3:52 P.M. )7 Vickie O’Connor,CMC,Town Clerk L SEP1O991 .TUii OF ESI[S P&1JC BOARD OF TRUSTEES