HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_04.10.2015 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board and the
Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas
April 10, 2015 at 2:00PM
at Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Avenue, Georgetown, TX
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Board Members Present: Bill Stump– Chair, Mike Cunningham – Secretary, Robert Kostka,
Joyce Mapes, Steve Fought, Ed Pastor – Vice Chair, Patty Eason (arrived at 2:01PM)
Board Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Jim Briggs, Mike Babin, Glenn Dishong, Wesley Wright, Micki Rundell, Michael
Hallmark, David Munk, Chris Foster, Leticia Zavala, Bridget Chapman, Sheila Mitchell
Others Present: None
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Call to Order – Called to order by Chair at 2:00PM
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
Discussion: None
Employee Recognition
Discussion: None
C. Discussion regarding the Project Progress Report, timelines including projects and Council Actions. –
Michael Hallmark, Project Manager
Discussion: Reports are included in packet; Hallmark available of questions. Cunningham asked
about Sequoia EST previous bid; Hallmark noted contract not yet awarded. Cunningham asked if
moving to new site. Wright responded there is a potential for a new site, noting timeline within
months. Rundell and Wright meeting with developer in upcoming week to determine plan for
tank. If agreement not reached with developer then City will look for alternate site s. Updates will
come forward as developed.
D. Industry Updates
Discussion: Briggs noted Rep. Farney filed bill, which has been referred to committee, on behalf
of City and Chisholm Trail Special Utility District (CTSUD) to dissolve the CTSUD once
consolidation occurs and CCN transferred, upon a 2/3 vote of CTSUD board. This will relieve
both entities of the provision in the Water Code governed by the TCEQ, which states a district
can be considered inactive after five years of inactivity and then can file to dissolve the board.
Therefore with the passing of the bill, once the CCN process has been completed after the hearing
in July, and the CTSUD board votes, the district can be dissolved. The District will probably still
have to hold board elections in November as part of the process awaiting finalization of CCN
transfer. Region G Water planning Board had two available seats. Briggs and Mayor of
Stephenville were elected to fill two seats, effective next Wednesday, April 15th. This is important
for water resource planning. Plan will be adopted in the Fall by the State. City of Georgetown has
signed SunEdison contract for the solar plant and press releases have gone out regarding
transaction. A lot of feedback, questions and industry interest in the activity. Kostka asked
positive or negative; Briggs mostly positive. Stump has heard of businesses that are interested in
moving here because we are 100% renewable now. Briggs commented on Bass Pro considering
marketing their store as 100% renewable since they are served by the City even though they are
located in Round Rock. Briggs further discussed other businesses (out of state) that may have
interest in moving here vs. moving to other states due to state requirements. Stump asked and
Briggs spoke on excess power sales, ERCOT infrastructure, etc. Stump asked and Briggs updated
on Dove Springs Solar.
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
March 13, 2015. – Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison
Discussion: None. Motion by Pastor, seconded by Mapes to approve the minutes from the
Regular GUS Board meeting held on March 13, 2015. Approved: 7-0-0
F. Review of City Council approved Bylaws. -- Sheila Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison
Discussion: Mitchell stated bylaws brought in compliance with City Charter and asked Chapman
to provide further update. Chapman discussed bylaws reviewed each year and no substantial
changes for GUS Board. Stump noted bylaws state purpose of Board and Chapman noted all
done via ordinance and stated same in ordinance. In 2011 City brought all bylaws into
consistency to operate under the same rules. Each year new board members have the opportunity
to review. Pastor asked about pledge of allegiance; should it be done at board meetings?
Chapman spoke is done at each council meeting. Briggs noted has not been done at board
meetings. No action needed on item; informational only.
G. Consideration and possible recommendation related to execution of a Wholesale Water Agreement
and a Wholesale Wastewater Agreement between the City of Leander and the City of Georgetown for
service to the Lively Tract. – Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
Discussion: Dishong showed location on map of property involved in agreement and gave
background on property. Lively tract needs service for water and wastewater as City of Leander
does not have the infrastructure to provide service and have asked Georgetown to provide
interim service. To be served at our standard rate and commercial industrial for water. Water will
be an interim contract through 2021. Leander will do the billing and collect the impact fees; we
are just hooking up a pipe for water. Wright will provide details on wastewater agreement for
sewer contract. This will be a long-term contract. Rate is the established residential fixed rate, per
connection, minus an amount to provide service; cost was established years ago when we did
retail agreement for Highlands and Parkside MUD. All is residential other than a
community/amenity center. Fought asked and Wright spoke about capital infrastructure fees.
Dishong stated funds will return to us via Impact Fees. Pastor asked if sufficient water available
and for fire flow; Dishong/Wright noted yes. Planned development is about 1200 connections.
Further discussion continued on turning meters in the ground, and developers not building and
still need to pay for meters that are in the ground. Motion by Pastor, seconded by Cunningham
to approve a Wholesale Water Agreement and a Wholesale Wastewater Agreement between the
City of Leander and the City of Georgetown for service to the Lively Tract. Approved: 7-0-0
H. Consideration and possible recommendation of an Offsite Wastewater Utility Construction
Agreement with Sentinel Land Company, LLC (Texas) and the West Williamson County Municipal
Utility District No. 2 for the Lively Tract. – Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
Discussion: Wright noted a parallel agreement to the Water and Wastewater Agreements.
Dictates where, when and how the interceptor gets its terminus. Lively needs to connect to
current terminus; about 14,000LF of line, approximately $6-$7,000,000 to construct the line and
acquire easements. Developer thinks he’ll spend $3.5 million to build. Developer can ask for
assistance with securing easements if they cannot do by September. All costs to be reimbursed by
developer. Cunningham asked about remedies for breach of contract. Wright noted no monetary
payment for breach and if developer doesn’t build, all work done will turn over to City. We will
not have lost anything. Stump asked and Wright further explained alig nment of the line,
assistance with possible condemnation, etc. Stump asked what type of environmenta l
requirements are involved in building in river bottom and Wright elaborated ; required to follow
salamander ordinance, tree ordinance, and any others. Stump asked about potential future
connections to line and Wright explained area. A lot of future benefits of development to
properties along Leander Road. MUD #2 will be created (by Leander’s consent) to pay for the
line. Motion by Cunningham, seconded by Pastor to approve an Offsite Wastewater Utility
Construction Agreement with Sentinel Land Company, LLC (Texas) and the West Williamson
County Municipal Utility District No. 2 for the Lively Tract. Approved: 7-0-0
I. Discussion and presentation of the draft 2015-2016 Capital Improvement Plan. – Wesley Wright, P.E.,
Systems Engineering Director
Discussion: Wright distributed ‘draft’ plan to review between now and next month. In May,
there will be a full detailed presentation and then will present to Council in June. This is part of
the budget. Board is charged with reviewing Water, Wastewater, Reuse and Electric CIP. Electric
will be reviewed next month in Executive Session. No Reuse projects planned for next year.
Wright highlighted some major projects. In addition, he noted Western District improvements,
which will be reviewed with CTSUD Board and finalized by Council. Stump asked about
financial plan and Rundell noted five-year plan will be included in next month’s presentation.
Briggs also noted project in Berry Creek adjacent to golf course, which will be included in CIP.
(No action required)
Fought noted Eason is departing GUS Board as she departs the Council. He thanked her for her service to
the Boards, Commissions and Council. Eason commented on her service and all the experience she has
undergone and seen happen during her service. Eason thanked staff for their incredible work and all the
knowledge they have shared with her over the years.
Pastor asked about Western District Office and possible renaming building in regards to Delton Robinson
due to his contributions to the work on consolidation, etc. with CTSUD. Eason stated there is an
ordinance and process for naming entities. Chapman concurred. Briggs noted previous issues with
naming roads, etc. after people that are still living therefore the Ordinance was put in place to establish
the procedure.
Adjournment
Motion by Fought, seconded by Pastor to adjourn the meeting. Adjourned at 3:04PM. Approved 7-0-0
__________________________ _____________________________
Bill Stump – Board Chair Mike Cunningham – Secretary
_________________________________
Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison