Utility Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 08 31

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Vill. Initial 6-Year CIP Plan Mr. Peterson explained this one of the early steps in the Budget process is to provide a preview of a revised 6-year CIP Plan. The updated plan includes adjustments to previously submitted future projects and new projects that are in development and not yet funded. As this is early in the process, there will likely be additional requests and changes to both timing and funding. In reference to the table on Page 14, the first section shows what was approved in the prior 2021/2022 budget. The second part highlights how projects have increased or decreased based on the latest information including 2020 rollover. He explained that the numbers shown in the second part of the table have been inputted into the rate model and projected rate increases remaining consistent at the 2% per year. Councilmember Lipton asked for this reference as a footnote or other notation. Councilmember Lipton continued with he has confidence in staff and doesn't want the Committee micromanaging the CIP utilities and long as projects are within identified parameters (price increases, general overall spending, etc.). He went on to say that he's comfortable with staff having more flexibility to operate within the overall structure that the Committee/Council agrees to. He asked the other Committee Members for their comments. Councilmember Fahey agreed with what Councilmember Lipton said and added staff is doing a wonderful job and they know what they are doing and doing it efficiently. As a secondary question, Councilmember Fahey asked for an update on the COVID testing in wastewater. Mr. Peterson outlined that samples are continuing to be taken weekly and are sent to a joint operated lab for analysis. The program continues as a statewide effort with several wastewater service providers, CSU, Metro and the Department of Public Health. Data from the testing is available on the State's website. Mr. Kowar stated that he will send these to the Committee. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney agreed with the importance of setting higher level policy issues such as rate increases and letting staff make decisions on where investments have the greatest impact on all 3 systems. He went on to say that staff does a terrific job and this is a really good report. Mr. Kowar stated that he appreciated the Committee's confidence and this information will continued to be published in the packet for transparency and informational purposes. Councilmember Lipton asked for more clarification on the remaining budget process and when the CIPs are planned to be finalized. Mr. Kowar said most of listed items are from prior discussions and are included in the current budget amendment scheduled in the next month or so. Immediate budget adjustments for 2022 will be covered this summer. The longer term projects will be covered again through the standard 2 year new budget cycle for 2023 and 2024 which will be presented in early spring next year. Related, over the next couple months we will be talking about rate structure for what will be proposed for May 2022. FT