Utility Committee Agenda and Packet 2018 06 22

Home Browse Search

City Council Utility Committee Meeting Minutes Friday, May 11, 2018 Page 3of5 each submitted water project. Councilmember Stolzmann noted that there was a dramatic increase in capital funding request & stated that this would have a large impact to rates. She asked if this list was inclusive of all of our assets; Mr. Peterson stated that no, this was not all the assets and that staff is working to have all of our assets into our asset management software by year end. Staff have inputted the distribution and collection systems assets and are working uploading the assets for plants. Once all the assets are accounted for, staff will be able to better predict the long term CIP plan. All water projects were discussed; important items of note were: • NCWCD-Windy Gap Firming Project: the decrease in funding requested was due to the projected upfront cash payment in 2018 • Water Line Replacement & Water Line Replacement City Streets: These projects are being combined as they are the same work that are bid on the same contract • McKay Reservoir Pipeline: alternatives to this project are being explored • Lateral Ditch Piping: Councilmember Stolzmann noted that this project has increased in estimated cost by about $2 million. Mr. Peterson explained that the original projection was incorrect. Councilmember Stolzmann asked about the department priority rating of "highest" and about project alternatives. Mr. Peterson stated that this project would enable us to better utilize our water rights with more reliable deliveries. Currently, we have to maintain an open ditch and there is water loss and some lead time to get the ditch switched on. Mayor Muckle stated that he is supportive of redundancy and supports this project. Councilmember Stolzmann noted that there is already redundancy at the plant with the tie into Superior's water system. She also noted that the alternative of planning ahead and using the ditch still exists even if we do not do this project at this time. Last she noted that this needed capacity is a buildout issue and may be able to be done at a later date than proposed. Staff agreed to bring back additional information about this project including timing and alternatives. • Marshall Lake Sediment Control: Mayor Muckle stated that he was very much in favor of this project. Councilmember Stolzmann asked that the dates in the CIP and in the rate model be updated to match. Mr. Peterson agreed. • Vehicle Replacement: Councilmember Stolzmann asked if there was a functional need for trucks with this towing power or if more sustainable alternatives could be substituted. Director Kowar explained that the trucks serve a functional need and there is not a suitable electric or natural gas alternative on the market at this time. • Fire Hydrant Painting: Director Kowar agreed to evaluate combing the project into one year as all the hydrants are in need of painting now. This may result in cost savings by doing the project in one shot. • Snow Plow: Staff agreed to correct the program listed for the snow and ice removal to "Transportation". Staff also agreed to verify the split between