HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_11.11.2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility System Advisory Board
and the Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Georgetown Utility System Advisory Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Friday ,
November 11, 2011.
Board Members Present:
John Nett - Chair, Robert Young - Vice Chair, Fred Beach - Secretary, Patty Eason, Brian Lindsey, Bill
Sattler, Arthur Yaeger
Board Members Absent:
All present
Staff Present:
Glenn Dishong, David Munk, Chris Foster, Jimmy Sikes, Paul Elkins, David Thomison , Laura Wilkins,
Michael Hallmark, Trina Bickford
OTHERS PRESENT: Verna Browning - Texas Disposal Systems (TDS); Staff Veterans in honor of
Veteran's Day (Eleazar Rodriguez, Josh Craft, Bart McBroom, Gabriel Dominguez, John Zamarripa, Bob
Warde)
Minutes
Regular Meeting
Board may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene in Executive Session at the request of the
Chair, a Board Member, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, 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.
CALL TO ORDER 2:04 p.m. by Nett
I. STAFF BOARD COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
(This is a short informational time regarding items where specific actions are not requested or needed)
A. Introduction of Visitors
Recognized Veterans on the Board and staff in honor of Veteran's Day. Introduced Verna
Browning with TDS.
B. Project Progress Reports -- included in packets. Beach asked and Hallmark stated the asbestos
cement water lines will be abandoned and left in place once new lines are installed.
-- Council Actions
Discussion: Beach asked why Council went against the Board recommendation
regarding negotiations of renewing the contract with Texas Disposal Systems?
Sattler stated Council felt that after 13 years, there is a need to at least look at the
alternatives and pricing of other providers. It has been recommend th at each
bidder put up $5,000.00 to offset costs of preparing the RFP. Beach asked why
are we using a consultant?; do we not have capability to evaluate the bids in -house?
Dishong responded the Conservation/Environmental Department does not have
enough staff for the evaluation. Eason elaborated Council was split on the decision,
however felt it wise to take advantage of the opportunity to evaluate.
C. Industry Updates
Dishong provided update on continued drought into next year. Beach discussed
water legislation that was passed with a lot of requirements which will have financial
impact on the utility industry and result in a lot of plants being out of compliance. Yaeger
commented and further discussion continued.
Dishong discussed LCRA Transformation Rate for use of their transformers; currently
around .69 cents/Kw is up for review with PUC - potentially will go to .92 cents/Kw.
Dishong asked Sikes to refresh the Board on how we limit our exposure. Sikes provided
a handout and Dishong reminded this is a regulated rate. Sikes reviewed information
and commented new equipment added is affecting the rate and we are expecting higher
rates. Questions from Beach -- answered by Dishong/Sikes: 1.) Are we happy replacing
LCRA equipment with our own? - Dishong - yes. 2.) Should we put this in the CIP?
Dishong -yes, with hope we would have 2 or 3 years notice. Sikes added we are hoping
to have some information in 2013/2014 to bring to the Board.
Dishong spoke about the previous presentation to the Board regarding Chisholm Trail
Special Utility District (CTSUD) service territory, which was recommended and
presented to the Council. Council supported the recommendation and staff has made
presentation to CTSUD Board and had discussion with CTSUD staff and should be
hearing back soon; their GM should receive his directions Monday. Yaeger asked and
Dishong said area covers approximately 100 - 150 customers - not too many. We have
had additional neighborhoods approach us to ask about possible service. This will be
ongoing.
Dishong also gave brief update on the non-competitive portions of our future power
supply. We are continuing to work on acquisitions and have nailed down some power
through gas hedging; more information to follow.
Nett asked about the letter from BRA forecasting the possible system stage 2 without
warning and asked about rain near Possum Kingdom; is that helping? Dishong noted
Georgetown is at Stage 2 currently and is recommending staying there. The target for
Lake Georgetown is 777 feet by March 2012. Further discussion regarding projections
for future.
Beach asked if large limbs are impacting us for tree trimming and picking up. Dishong
stated it is not impacting us yet but is a potential for budget down the road. We know
this is out there and will address as it progresses.
II. LEGISLATIVE REGULAR AGENDA:
(This is for specific action items considered by the Board – greater than $50,000 in value)
D. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the regular GUS Board meeting held
on October 14, 2011. -- Sheila Mitchell (Minutes presented by Laura Wilkins in
Mitchell's absence.)
Discussion: Eason noted a correction to the vote tally on item K on Page 4 - add Yeager
was absent and change vote to 3-1-3.
Action: Motion by Young, second by Eason to approve with corrections, the minutes
from the regular GUS Board meeting held on October 14, 2011.
Approved: 7-0-0
E. Consideration and possible recommendation to approve the Change Order #2 for the 2006
Annexation Phase II to McLean Construction, Ltd., of Killeen, Texas, in the amount of
$106,787.00. -- David Munk/Glenn W. Dishong
Discussion: Munk presented the item. Question(s) from Nett answered Munk/Dishong.
Action: Motion by Beach, second by Yeager to approve the Change Order #2 for the 2006
Annexation Phase II to McLean Construction, Ltd., of Killeen, Texas, in the amount of
$106,787.00.
Approved: 7-0-0
Motion to Adjourn: Motion by Young, second by Yeager. Approved 7 -0-0
Meeting adjourned at 2:42 p.m.
ADJOURN
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 02:42 PM.
Approved : Attest:
_______________________ ________________________
John Nett - Board Chair Fred Beach - Secretary