HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_06.13.2014 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board and the
Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas
June 13, 2014 at 2:00PM
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Board Members Present: Arthur Yaeger – Chair, Robert Kostka – Vice Chair, Patty Eason, Ed
Pastor, Steve Fought
Board Members Absent: Bill Stump, Joyce Mapes
Staff Present: Jim Briggs, Mike Babin, Glenn Dishong, Michael Hallmark, David Munk, Jimmy
Sikes, Chris Foster, Micki Rundell, Kathy Logue, Sheila Mitchell, Bridget Chapman (joined at
2:12PM)
Others Present: none
Regular Session
A. Called to Order by Chair at 2:00PM
Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene
an Executive Session at the request of the Chair, a Board Member, The City Manager, Assistant City
Manager, General Manager of Utilities, City Council Member, or legal counsel for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551, and are subject to action
in the Regular Session that follows.
B. Introduction of Visitors
Discussion: Chairman Yaeger welcomed to Councilmember Steve Fought joining GUS Board &
thanked Councilman Hesser for his service. He has been assigned by the Mayor to serve another
Board.
C. Industry Updates
Discussion: Briggs updated on upcoming legislative session; starting hearings to prepare for items.
Briggs attended Brazos Region G (water planning group) meeting in Waco. Yaeger asked and Briggs
spoke regarding future desalination and possible locations around the state. Briggs also mentioned
the discussion of a reverse osmosis plant up near Lake Whitney. He stated there is a lot of water
planning currently happening. Briggs discussed concerns from citizens regarding allowing additional
development when comments are being made that we have no water. Briggs will be responding to
those concerns, explaining the water we have available. Further discussion continued on future costs
to acquire water. Kostka asked about changes in regulations for developments and what type of
feedback has been received ? Briggs noted feedback has initially been positive; noting a lot of
education is still to be done.
D. Discussion regarding the Project Progress Report, timelines including projects and Council Actions. –
Michael Hallmark, Project Manager
Discussion: All included in packets and all Council items passed. No further questions.
Legislative Regular Agenda
The Board will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
E. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the Regular GUS Board meeting held on
May 9, 2014. – Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison
Discussion: none. Motion by Eason, seconded by Fought to approve the minutes from the
Regular GUS Board meeting held on May 9, 2014. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
F. Consideration and possible recommendation to award Task Order CDM-14-003 for the
design of the Westinghouse Regional Lift Station and Force Main to CDM Smith of Austin,
Texas in the amount of $320,900.00. -- Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
Discussion: Hallmark presented in Wright’s absence. Agreement presented is still in draft form;
however item needs to move forward with another item for an upcoming Council meeting. If
agreement is not ready for next Council meeting then this item will wait and go forward with the
other item once this agreement is finalized. Chapman stated she would recommend the Board
move this forward contingent upon agreement and when agreement is ready then both go to
Council for final approval. Pastor asked about design costs and Hallmark stated this is 11% of
overall costs, estimated at $4M for construction. Additional discussion followed. Motion by
Fought, seconded by Pastor to conditionally approve Task Order CDM-14-003 for the design of
the Westinghouse Regional Lift Station and Force Main to CDM Smith of Austin, Tex as in the
amount of $320,900.00. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
G. Consideration and possible recommendation to award a contract with Lewis Contractors, Inc.
of Georgetown, Texas, for the construction of Public Safety Training Facility off-site
wastewater improvements in the amount of $913,950.00. -- Wesley Wright, P.E., System
Engineering Director
Discussion: Hallmark presented item providing details of the project. GUS has partnered with
Public Safety division for funding. Yaeger asked and Hallmark explained location. Motion by
Kostka, seconded by Eason to award a contract with Lewis Contractors, Inc. of Georgetown,
Texas, for the construction of Public Safety Training Facility off-site wastewater improvements in
the amount of $913,950.00. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
H. Consideration and possible recommendation for the purchase of water meters, meter registers
and associated hardware for the remainder of FY 2013-2014 and FY 2014-2015 on an “as
needed” basis from Hydropo Solutions, the sole source provider, in the estimated amount of
$100,000. -- Jimmy Sikes, T&D Services Manager/Trina Bickford, Purchasing
Manager/Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
Discussion: Sikes explained AMI project has reached completion and Elster is finished supplying
meters. We are moving to another vendor to cover our needs. This is best vendor; it is for
warehouse stocking and will be issued on as-needed basis. Will be inventoried and charged out
when customers need them. Pastor asked and Sikes explained meters are compatible with current
meter swaps. Pastor asked Sikes stated meters are not compatible with CTSUD system. Kostka
asked if this is Sole Source and the vendor goes out of business, then what do we do for future
purchases. Sikes explained this was the best supplier but not the only source, so if they go out of
business we will find another compatible supplier. Dishong further explained the process for
selection of meter supplies. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Pastor for the purchase of water
meters, meter registers and associated hardware for the remainder of FY 2013 -2014 and FY 2014-
2015 on an “as needed” basis from Hydropo Solutions, the sole source provider, in the estimated
amount of $100,000. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
I. Consideration and possible recommendation to amend the City's electric system pole
attachment rate. - Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
Discussion: Dishong provided update on rate, stating a few years ago we went through the
process of calculating what should be the pole attachment rate for the City. At that time we were
not subject to the FCC calculation for telecomm providers, however the rules have changed and
now municipalities are subject to the FCC calculation rules. Dishong further explained the
requirements noting Verizon is now challenging everyone’s rates. Our current calculations are
recommending the max rate of $14.08, therefore staff recommends charging $14.00 per
attachment. Further discussion continued on comparison with other utilities and Foster explained
in more detail. Rundell clarified this is an annual pole attachment rate. Motion by Kostka,
seconded by Pastor to amend the City's electric system pole attachment rate to $14.08 per
attachment per year rate. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
J. Discussion and possible recommendation regarding the execution of Amendment #1 to the
Electric Substation Purchase Agreement between the City and LCRA in the amount of
approximately ($299,079.09). -- Jimmy Sikes, T&D Services Manager
Discussion: Sikes provided update of purchase process and the four transactions that have taken
place. Some items have been removed which reflects the decrease in amount of purchase and
thus requiring an amendment to the agreement. Motion by Fought, seconded by Pastor to
approve the execution of Amendment #1 to the Electric Substation Purchase Agreement between
the City and LCRA in the amount of approximately ($299,079.09). Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes,
Stump absent)
K. Overview of the purpose and uses for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones. Micki Rundell,
CFO
Discussion: Item pulled and will move forward to July agenda. Briggs noted this is so that all
new board members can be present for the presentation and discussion.
Motion by Eason, seconded by Fought to enter into Executive Session for discussion of
Item L. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
L. Executive Session Called to order to 2:41PM
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon’s Texas
Codes, Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject
to action in the regular session.
Sec. 551.071 Consultation with Attorney
-- Consideration and possible recommendation to approve a settlement with TCEQ relating
to the Dove Springs Waste Water Treatment Plant. -- Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
Motion by Fought, seconded by Eason to return to Regular Session. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump
absent)
M. Action from Executive Session
Discussion: Regarding item L, Board asked and Briggs stated a recommendation was needed to
move the item forward to Council. Motion by Fought, seconded by Kostka to approve either a
local or pre-approved option for a settlement with TCEQ relating to the Dove Springs
Waste Water Treatment Plant as discussed in Executive Session. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes,
Stump absent)
Yaeger again welcomed Fought as a new GUS Board member.
Adjournment
Motion by Kostka, seconded by Eason to adjourn. Approved 5-0-2 (Mapes, Stump absent)
Adjourned at 3:00PM.
______________________________ ________________________________
Arthur Yaeger – Board Chair Secretary (Absent)
_________________________________
Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison