HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_03.13.2015 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board and the
Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas
March 13, 2015 at 2:00PM
at Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Avenue, Georgetown, TX
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Board Members Present: Bill Stump– Chair, Robert Kostka, Steve Fought, Ed Pastor, Mike
Cunningham, Patty Eason (arrived at 2:04)
Board Members Absent: Joyce Mapes
Staff Present: Mike Babin, Glenn Dishong, Wesley Wright, Michael Hallmark, David Munk,
Chris Foster, Leticia Zavala, David Thomison, Jimmy Sikes, Skye Masson, Trina Bickford,
Chelsea Solomon, Sheila Mitchell
Others Present: Michael Newman & Trae Sutton/KPA Engineers, Chris Pousson, Ryan Wolf
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an E xecutive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Call to Order – Called to order at 2:02PM by the Chairman Stump
The 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
– Michael Newman and Trae Sutton/KPA Engineers, Mike Cunningham (new board member)
Employee Recognition (presented by Thomison)
– Ryan Wolf and Chris Pousson. Thomison introduced Pousson as newest member of
management team; recent promotion to Water Services Supervisor. Has been with City for over
eleven years and has worked his way up to position. Thomison introduced Wolf, recognizing
him for achieving his Class A Water license. Only about 550 operators in Texas hold license. Wolf
was presented with a plaque for his achievement. Wolf originally came from Brushy Creek and
also worked for City of Bastrop. Dishong noted Wolf has achieved highest license in water and
will be working on license in wastewater. Board congratulated Wolf and thanked both he and
Pousson for their dedication to the City.
Thomison, Wolf and Pousson departed at 2:04PM
C. Discussion regarding the Project Progress Report, timelines including projects and Council Actions. –
Michael Hallmark, Project Manager
Discussion: Hallmark presented reports and answered any questions. Kostka asked about Snead
Drive and Hallmark explained currently going through easement process. Wright explained
easement is for water quality pond; expected to bid in April. Stump asked about Sequoia EST and
Hallmark explained on hold for possible cost savings. Wright noted possible MUD partnership
for proposed development; under negotiations. Stump asked and Foster provided update on
solar contract which has been signed; press release coming out soon.
D. Industry Updates
Discussion: Babin stated hearing date regarding Chisholm Trail CCN transfer scheduled around
July 20-22. Staff will be involved with hearing. On the Legislative front – a bill has been
introduced to make contracts between municipal utilities and water districts to be open records
contracts. These are not generally open to the public. We will be opposed to that. The CCN
transfer public notices went out; meeting filing deadline will be end of next week. Dishong stated
this is a re-notice required by PUC. Hearing and CCN transfer approval will finalize the process.
Another legislative bill introduced regarding congestion rights and revenues; this is transmission
congestion (purchase options we buy ahead of time). Bill would reallocate rights to a pool to
cover transmission costs. Foster explained further. We will likely oppose this bill. Since the last
GUS Board meeting, City Council of Killeen took up matter of the merger with CTSUD. They
introduced the subject for consideration to possibly intervene. The matter was discussed at
additional Killeen Council meetings to clarify details. Babin further explained all procedures
have been followed and recognized as a legal transaction and the time period to intervene in the
CCN transfer has passed. Subsequent to those Council meetings, Jim has met with City Manager
of Killeen and will be setting up future joint planning meetings to discuss options and future
plans for Bell Co and areas around Killeen ETJ. Williamson Co Raw Water Line is not flowing
now since our lake has reached the level to not run the pumps. Kostka asked how this affects
Round Rock and Babin stated there is none. Cunningham asked if Brushy Creek is drawing from
lake; Dishong stated yes.
Legislative Regular Agenda
The Board will individually consider and possibly take action on any or all of the following items:
E. Nominations and election of Vice-Chair of the GUS Board. – Bill Stump, GUS Board Chair
Discussion: Nominations – Eason nominated Kostka; Kostka declined. Kostka nominated Pastor.
Pastor accepted nomination. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Fought to elect Pastor as Vice-
Chair of the GUS Board. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
F. Nominations and election of Secretary of the GUS Board. – Bill Stump, GUS Board Chair
Discussion: Nominations – Kostka nominated Cunningham. Cunningham accepted nomination.
Motion by Fought, seconded by Kostka to elect Cunningham as Secretary of the GUS Board.
Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
G. Review and possible action related to the Day and Time of GUS Board Meetings. – Bill Stump, GUS
Board Chair
Discussion: Stump reviewed list of 2015-16 meeting dates provided in board packet. No further
discussion. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Pastor to approve the Day and Time of GUS Board
meetings as presented to the board. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
H. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the Regular GUS Board meeting held on
February 13, 2015 and the Special GUS Board meeting held on February 18 , 2015. – Sheila K. Mitchell,
GUS Board Liaison
Discussion: Kostka suggested clarifying motion from February 13th Executive session and revise
minutes to reflect. Mitchell will make correction to read “seconded by Stump to recommend to
Council to move forward with the SunEdison Solar Power Purchase Agreement.” Board agreed
with suggested language. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Fought to approve the minutes from
the Regular GUS Board meeting held on February 13, 2015 and the Special GUS Board meeting
held on February 18, 2015. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
NOTE: Stump returned to item after approval of Item ‘I” to formally approve the minutes from
the Special GUS Board meeting held on February 18, 2015. Discussion: None. Motion by Kostka,
seconded by Eason to approve the minutes from the Special GUS Board meeting held on
February 18, 2015. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
I. Consideration and possible recommendation to approve Task Order KPA-15-003 with Kasberg,
Patrick & Associates, LP of Georgetown, Texas, for professional services related to the Shell Road
Waterline Improvements in the amount of $534,998.00. – Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering
Director/Michael Hallmark, Project Manager
Discussion: Hallmark noted 16” waterline on Shell Road providing locations of connections.
Capability for secondary feed into Sun City EST. Hallmark provided details of scope of work.
Pastor asked and Hallmark stated close proximity to Williamson County Raw Water Line
(WCRWL). Will be in a private utility easement. Cunningham asked about engineer’s estimate
and time and Hallmark stated approximately one year. Wright noted CIP last year Board and
council approved design and property acquisition. Next month’s meeting we will discuss CIP
and look at construction funds. Pastor asked about tying into EST project; Wright stated possibly
but leaning towards not putting on same line. Hallmark noted different pressure plain so no
anticipated issues. Motion by Cunningham, seconded by Kostka to approve Task Order KPA-
15-003 with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP of Georgetown, Texas, for professional services
related to the Shell Road Waterline Improvements in the amount of $534,998.00. Approved 6-0-1
(Mapes absent)
NOTE: Board returned to item ‘H’ above for approval of the Special Board meeting minutes. After
approval, Board returned to item ‘J’ for discussion and approval.
J. Consideration and possible recommendation to award the contract for Electric System Substation
Maintenance to M&S Power Systems of Spring Branch, Texas, with a five year contract total of
$93,239.00. – Jimmy Sikes, T&D Services Supervisor/Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
Discussion: Sikes noted four bids were received in February. Bid out on a five year cycle.
Requirements vary each year so each individually bid. Total each year was less than $50,000 to be
considered by Board and Council but total overall estimate is $93,239.00 therefore bringing
forward for review and consideration. Stump asked what is performed in maintenance and Sikes
provided details such as testing of relays, sequences, correct currents, test under frequency
protection, all equipment, etc. Everyone in the state adheres to the same policies for testing.
Stump stated most all testing instead of maintenance. Sikes noted all is preventative maintenance.
Kostka asked if City has used company before and Sikes stated M&S Engineering currently
performs our substation engineering. This is a new testing division of their company. Sikes noted
they are fairly new in business but staff has 10-20 year’s experience performing the work;
wanting to get their name out in business. Cunningham asked and Sikes explained his staff wrote
specs for work to be performed; based on LCRA Maintenance requirements and NERC
approved. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Cunningham to award the contract for Electric
System Substation Maintenance to M&S Power Systems of Spring Branch, Texas, with a five year
contract total of $93,239.00. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent)
Adjournment
Motion by Eason, seconded by Fought to adjourn meeting. Approved 6-0-1 (Mapes absent) Adjourned
at 2:31PM
__________________________ _____________________________
Bill Stump – Board Chair Mike Cunningham – Secretary
_________________________________
Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison