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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-17 Utilities Minutes { Utilities Committee January 17, 2007 - 5:00 p.m. Present: Joan Hernandez, Chair; Jim Haggerton, Council members. Jim Morro\v, Director of Public 'Norks; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Director; Bob Giberson, Acting City Engineer; Mike Cusick, Senior Engineer; Pat Brodin; and Diane Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Council. Business Agenda A. 2007 Public 'Vorks Utility Issues MT. Morrow reviewed the issues and priorities of the utilities committee for 2007. He highlighted the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (:t\TPDES) Phase II project. This is an unfunded mandate and will have significant impact on the city, both from the service which needs to be provided and reporting/staffing requirements. The city has five years to meet all requirements. There have been significant strides taken to make certain that permit conditions would be met. This and other items on the list will impact policy and funding decisions of the council. Ms. Hernandez inquired how much this unfunded mandate will cost the district. MT. Morrow replied $75,000-$80,000 a yeaT. The city may receive the permit and also consider joining an appeal on the issuance of the permit. MT. Morrow solicited additional input from committee members on items they would like to have brought forward. f.,1fT. Haggerton suggested that field trips to sites being discussed would be helpful. Discussion. B. Southcenter Blvd. 'Vater .Main Bid Award MT. Cusick provided an update on the replacement of the cast iron Southcenter Blvd. \Vater main. This line was damaged in the 2001 earthquake and the main was repaired. He described the rerouting of this pipe. Mr. Morrow conveyed that the council was recently briefed on the increases in the cost of construction materials/projects. The original estimate for this project was $490,000 and increased to S620,000; the preliminary budget was already complete so was unable to transfer funds then. It was proposed to delay the Interurban Ave. South 'Waterline project and transfer the funds allocated for that project ($440,000) to this project. S540,000 was originally allocated for this project; this will bring the total project budget to S980,000. This will cover the cost of construction and the next item - construction management. MT. Haggerton asked if the Interurban Ave. South project could be delayed. MT. Morrow replied affirmatively. He noted that the city is looking at a more aggressive approach to replace aging infrastructure, especially cast iron pipes. MT. Morrow indicated that the reserves in the Enterprise funds will be examined to evaluate appropriate levels, especially in view of escalating construction costs. Mr. Haggerton asked if steps are being taken to prevent eatihquake damage. MT. Cusick indicated that ductile iron pipe e is being used which is more resistant to cracking. Ms. Hernandez requested that the location of the new pipe, along with the existing location, be shown on the map and included in the council information. Unanimous approval to move to Committee of the 'Vhole for discussion then to regular council. C. Southcenter Blvd. \Vater :Main Construction IHanagement Services MT. Giberson reviewed the process used to obtain construction management services. Five firms have master agreements and, as needed, supplemental agreements are developed which are task- oriented for a specific project. A supplemental agreement has been negotiated with Anchor Environment in the amount of$89,615.00 for construction management of the Southcenter Blvd. Water Main project. Unanimous approval to move to Committee of the "Thole for discussion then to regular council. Minutes - Utilities Committee January 17,2007 2 D. 'Vater District 125 Foster Point Pipeline Transfer Mr. Brodin related that \Vater District 125 currently serves 5 customers in Foster Point and 91 customers in the Foster neighborhood east ofI-5 and West of 53rd Ave. South. During the Allentown/Foster Point water and sewer improvement project, water meters serving Tukwila customers on Foster Point were connected to the \Vater District 125 system. In 2006, the council recommended the buyout and assumption of a portion on,Vater District 125 for 5250,000. Mr. Brodin reviewed the process for the assumption of the infrastructure of Water District 125 in the Foster and Foster Point areas. He further explained that this process will amend each of the agency's wholesale \vater supply contracts. \Vater District 125 is a full service wholesale water utility and, therefore, approval must be given by the City of Seattle. Then, the City of Tukwila will present this to the Cascade \Vater Alliance for their approval. Staff will review the historical consumption along with the industry consumption for the number of customers. A transfer agreement is being developed that will define the infrastructure, assets, customer listing, and consumption base. Ms. Hernandez asked if customer rates would be affected. Mr. Brodin noted that there would no changes. Once the transfer agreement is completed, additional updates will be provided on discussions with City of Seattle and Cascade \Vater Alliance. Information. Old Business A discussion took place regarding the impacts of the recent storm-related power outage. Mr. Morrow thanked the Public \Vorks staff for their excellent performance and the extra hours they worked under difficult circumstances. A briefing to the whole council will be given at a future council meeting. Adjournment: 6:05 p.m. ~/f11 t-f Committee Chair Approval Minutes by DJ. Reviewed by RB, JiH and PB.