HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_06.12.2015 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board and the
Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas
June 12, 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 – Vice
Chair, Joyce Mapes, Mike Cunningham – Secretary
Board Members Absent: Ty Gibson
Staff Present: Jim Briggs, Mike Babin, Glenn Dishong, Wesley Wright, Micki Rundell, Michael
Hallmark, David Munk, Chris Foster, 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 – none
Employee Recognition – none
C. Discussion regarding the Project Progress Report, timelines including projects and Council Actions. –
Michael Hallmark, Project Manager
Discussion: Hallmark stated included in packet. No questions.
D. Industry Updates
Discussion: Briggs distributed an article from APPA (American Public Power Association) on
energy storage. Briggs attended their national conference where there was a lot of discussion
regarding the accelerated impact over the next few years regarding utility considerations;
demand-side management, load shedding opportunities, frequency support for the transmission
grid. ERCOT has also done a study which is available for review on their website. Briggs further
discussed other entities considering energy (battery) storage and how industry can be affected.
We are also looking at options. Foster stated battery storage covers more than standard lithium
ion or sodium batteries. Cunningham commented about other countries and companies that are
doing the same thing or have attempted various types of energy storage; steam, surf (water flow),
desalination (wave action). Briggs noted industry is being forced to change with what’s going on
in the industry. Stump commented on batteries, using in homes and peak/off-peak rates. Briggs
spoke briefly on CIS (Customer Information System) updates for next year’s budget, to be
updated as process moves forward. Regarding Legislative; the Bill did not pass on dissolution of
CTSUD Board. It was pulled at last minute on the Senate Floor; the House Bill was tied up in
Calendars committee. Several other Bills related to municipals didn’t get passed either, which
was fortunate. Regarding CCN transfer; we received notice this week that PUC staff supports our
application. Protestors will have to argue their position and the state position with opposition.
Briggs stated he would like to update the Board in regards to the CCN transfer; discussion to be
covered in Executive Session, under Sec. 551.071 Consultation with Attorney.
Motion by Pastor, seconded by Mapes to enter into Executive Session under Sec. 551.071 Consultation
with Attorney. Approved 6-0-1 (Gipson absent)
Motion by Pastor, seconded by Kostka to return to Regular Session. Approved 6-0-1 (Gipson absent) No
action required.
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 8, 2015. – Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison
Discussion: None. Motion by Kostka, seconded by Pastor to approve the minutes from the
Regular GUS Board meeting held on May 8, 2015. Approved 6-0-1 (Gipson absent).
F. Consideration and possible recommendation regarding the 2015 Impact Fee Committee’s approved
Maximum Fee Calculation and recommendation for City Council. – Christopher Foster, Manager of
Resource Planning and Integration
Discussion: Foster discussed makeup of committee(s) and provided background of committee
and process they have taken for the Impact Fee review. Two committees were formed this year;
Georgetown Utility and CTSUD. Council and CTSUD Board have final approval for setting a fee.
Foster is presenting today the finalized report and recommendation of the committee(s). The
calculated amount for Georgetown Impact fee totals $10,037; South Fork Basin fee $11,492. The
committee can recommend the maximum fee calculation or a different amount. Fought asked and
Wright/Foster/Rundell spoke about current projects proposed and when they would be subject to
impact fees. Foster reviewed effective dates after public hearings for both Georgetown and
CTSUD once approved. Further discussion continued on subject as Fought opposed developers
being charged something different than when they first came in and proposed development ;
discussion continued. Briggs noted guidelines are established under Chapter 395 and fees can
fluctuate. Mapes asked if we thought those developers would be surprised and staff stated they
would not be surprised to the adjustment but possibly the amount. Further discussion continued
regarding how the rates would be affected if the impact fee was adjusted down; Foster provided
examples of water and wastewater rates. Kostka spoke regarding the committee’s review and
discussion provided by the developers on the committee; developers didn’t feel like it w ould
deter development in Georgetown. It would be nice if the fee could be lowered but didn’t feel it
would have a significant impact on development. Cunningham spoke on previous committee
which met in 2010 and considered the same issues and concerns. He didn’t feel like developers
were concerned so much then and wouldn’t be concerned now; we have the better services, land
and we have supply. We have lesser fees for inspections and permitting. Briggs discussed further
regarding previous impact fee history and adjustments made when economy started a down
turn; we were able to lower the fee then. Fought commented on Council’s role of establishing
policy and not managing fees. Further miscellaneous discussion on building and travel in and out
of City for work/commuting, etc. Foster noted Board can make own recommendation, separate of
the committee, if they prefer. The item will go to Council on June 23rd to review report and set a
Public Hearing, proposed for August 11th. There will be two readings of the ordinance and will
become effective in September. Motion by Cunningham, seconded by Mapes to forward to
Council for their review. Kostka opposed and preferred to forward to Council as the Committee
had recommended. Some other discussion occurred for clarity when being presented to Council
and Fought will share the discussion held at the Board meeting, for Council’s consideration . No
further discussion. Approved 5-1-1 (Kostka opposed; Gipson absent).
Adjournment
Motion by Fought, seconded by Cunningham to adjourn the meeting at 3:18PM. Approved 6-0-1
(Gipson absent).
__________________________ _____________________________
Bill Stump – Board Chair Mike Cunningham – Secretary
_________________________________
Sheila K. Mitchell, GUS Board Liaison