HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-23 Utilities MinutesCity of Tukwila
Utilities Committee
UTILITIES COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2012 5: 00 p.m. Conference Room I
PRESENT
Councilmembers: Dennis Robertson, Chair; and Joe Duffle
Absent: Kate Kruller
Staff: Bob Giberson, Frank Iriarte, Robin Tischmak, Pat Brodin, Greg Villanueva, Ryan Larson,
Peggy McCarthy, Gail Labanara and Kimberly Matej
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:01 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS No presentations.
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. NPDES Program: Department of Ecology Grant Application
Staff is seeking Committee approval to submit an application to the Department of Ecology for toxics and
nutrients storm drain cleaning for the conveyance system in the Lower Duwamish River in the amount of
$310,000. This is a competitive grant from the National Estuary Program geared to reduce toxic and /or
nutrient issues in selected areas of Puget Sound. This is considered to be a project of the City's NPDES
Program. There are no matching fund requirements. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. COMMITTEE
APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR GRANT.
B. 2013 Water, Sewer Surface Water Rates
Staff is seeking Council approval of a resolution adopting a new Public Works Fee Schedule which will
reflect increased water, sewer, and surface water rates for 2013.
Water. In order to maintain current levels of service and lessen the impact of future increases to purchased
water, staff is recommending an increase to the monthly water base charge from $12.00 to $14.00 for
residential and multi family customers and a consumption charge increase applicable to all customers
ranging from an increase of $0.01 $0.48 per 100 cubic feet of water (see draft resolution for specific
service charges). Water revenue remains flat due to decreased consumption. A portion of the increase
provides for continuing City operational and capital needs. Additionally, Cascade Water Alliance wholesale
rates are projected to increase 6.2% in 2013. Committee Chair Robertson asked for staff to research the
commercial water rates for Seattle and Renton.
Sewer. King County will be increasing their monthly sewer rate by 10.22 and their sewer capacity charge
for new sewer connections made in 2013 for the next 15 years. Staff is proposing an increase for City sewer
fees with residential customers increasing from 519.26 to $23.10 and commercial/industrial increasing from
$33.74 to $40.48. The Sewer Enterprise Fund still remains low with the impact of the interfund utility tax
and the working capital reserve fund. Staff expressed concern over the health of this fund, as additional
revenue and reductions in the CIP projects are not stabilizing the fund, other options were discussed that
included suspension or lowering of the Sewer utility tax, a transfer from the General Fund, and reviewing
the reserve policy. Committee Members inquired as to how many Allentown sewer connections were still
outstanding.
Surface Water. Staff is proposing an increase to surface water fees in 2013. Surface Water fees would
increase from 5102.00 to 5107.00 per year for residential parcels. Commercial/industrial properties would
increase from 5123.17 $1,029.10 to 5129.32 $1,080.55. Even with the increase, Tukwila surface water
rates remain low compared with other cities. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO
NOVEMBER 13 COW FOR DISCUSSION.
Utilities Committee Minutes October 23, 2012 Pape 2
C. Supplemental Agreement No. 3: Water Comprehensive Plan
Staff is seeking Council approval for Supplemental Agreement No. 3 with Carollo Engineers for the
updating of revised growth projections from 2012 data for the Water Comprehensive Plan in the amount of
$16,250. The updated projections will be utilized to calculate future water demand and planning scenarios.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO NOVEMBER 13 COW FOR DISUCSSION.
D. Surface Water Comprehensive Plan
Due to time constraints, continued discussion and review of the Surface Water Comprehensive Plan will be
delayed to a future Utilities Committee meeting. RESCHEDULE FOR FUTURE COMMITTEE
MEETING.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Next meeting: Next meeting: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 5:00 p.m. Con£ Room No. 1.
one /o holia'm%
o l h� Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by M. Reviewed by GL.