12/17/1987 - Minutes • •
PUBLIC UTILTIIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
December 17, 1987 - 12:00 noon
Present were committee members Mary Tuddenham, Ralph Steenblik,
Genevieve Atwood, Richard Chong, Thomas Berggren and Vaughn Wonnacott.
Excused were committee members F.R. "Bunk" Robinson, Virginia Lee and
Paul Keyser. Also present were past committee member J. Howard Dunn and
Charlie Wilson, Chairman of the Metropolitan Water District. In
addition, Public Utilities staff members LeRoy W. Hooton, Jr. , E.
Tim Doxey, Joseph Fenton, Wendell Evenson, George Jorgensen, Bill
Farmer, Barbara Despain, Anna Wilson, Craig Hansen, Jim Lewis, Russ
Hone, Lyn Fitzgerald and Michelle Forsyth were present. Ray Montgomery
of the City Attorney's Office, Brian Wilkinson of the City Council
Office, Mike Zuhl of the Mayor's Office were present. In addition,
Ed Erickson and Dennis Robins of Grant Thornton, Sheldon Barker of
CH2M Hill, Nick Sefakis of the Metropolitan Water District, Kiran
Bhayani of the State Division of Water Pollution Control and
Margie Hepton of the Division of Wildlife were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Atwood moved that the minutes of November 5, 1987, be approved.
Mr. Wonnacott seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye"
CITY AUDITORS REPORT
Mr. Erickson of Grant Thornton briefly reviewed the audit report
that had been prepared and distributed it to those present. He began by
explaining that the report is broken into three sections, Financial
Statements, Letters Issued To The Bond Trustee Internal Control and
Advisory Comments. He noted their opinion of the financial statement
is a "clean" opinion. He explained regarding the financial statement
that the balance sheets show that both utilities have significant cash
investments, especially the sewer utility with approximately $20 million
being held. He noted that the retained earnings for the $20 million is
approximately $13.8 million which has been reserved for specific
projects. He noted that equipment for each utility is the most substantial
asset. Total assets for the water utility are at $95 million and $70
million in the sewer utility, both up from last year. He further noted
that the long term obligations at the present time, with the bond
refunding is approximately $31 million. He noted that the equity of
both the utilities is very strong. The total fund equity for the water
utility is approximately $66 million and $62 million in the sewer
utility. He noted that the statement of operation shows that the water
utility has a net loss due to refunding of the 1981-1983 series bonds
which generated a $3.7 million loss. He noted that there will be
benefits to this refunding recognized over time. He noted that the
sewer utility shows a $970,000 gain. He noted that the water utility has
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December 17, 1987
Page 2
$8.7 million of working capital and the sewer utility has $20 million.
He reviewed various footnotes. He noted that the only discrepancy
that needs to be reported to the trustees is the fact that Resolution
100 specifies that there cannot be service to accounts that are over
75 days dilenquent. He noted that the trustees have been notified but
an official letter is still required.
REVIEW OF UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE-SALT LAKE CITY LAND TRADE
Mr. Hooton explained that Salt Lake City and the United States Forest
Service are the major land owners in City Creek, Emigration, Red
Butte, Parley's (Dell Fork) and Lambs Canyon. He noted that currently
the ownership is checker board pattern covering a 96 square mile area.
He noted that since the Advisory Committee recommended that the city
and Forest Service enter into the land exchange there has been some
opposition raised regarding the fact that the city would receive a
larger amount of land in the trade. Therefore, a new trade has been
negotiated that is more equitable. The major difference he explained
is that the city will trade its Emigration Canyon property and some
acreage north of the I-80 Freeway excluding city owned land where the
George Washington Park and Mt. Dell Golf Course are located. The
trade will not affect the existing Mt. Dell Golf Course, Washington
Park, Police Target Firing Range, future plans of the City Parks
Department or the development of the Little Dell Dam and Lake
recreational opportunities. He noted that the City Council was
briefed on this proposal last week and they are in favor. Therefore,
the Public Utilities Department is satisified with the proposed
amended trade and recommends that the Mayor make a formal request to
the Forest Service to begin the exchange process that will require
federal legislation. He noted that through this proposed land trade
both the Forest Service and the city will be able to manage their
land much more efficiently. A modified map showing the proposed
trade was in the Public Utilities Advisory Committee's December packet.
PROPERTY TRANSACTION - UI'AH COUNTY LAND SALE
(The area of 9500 North Street east of the Jordan River in Lehi, Utah)
Mr. Doxey explained that as a result of the 1983-84 flood incident in
Utah County the Army Corp of Engineers has declared that Utah County
must restore wetlands along the Jordan River. He noted that wetlands
were taken in Utah County as a result of the dredging of the Jordan
River. Mr. Doxey explained that one of the designated wetland areas
by the Army Corp of Engineers is the Salt Lake City owned property by
the Jordan River at 9600 North Street, Lehi, Utah. In addition the
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December 17, 1987
Page 3
parcel of property on 9600 North Street is needed to straighten the
county road. He noted that in addition to purchasing the property
they will fence the city property and improve the access road. He noted
that the staff recommends that the Public Utilities Advisory Committee
approve the recommendation of the sale to the Mayor and City Council.
Mr. Berggren asked what the value of the property had been set at.
Mr. Doxey epxlained that the appraisal is $1,000 an acre and that
23.,7 acres of property is involved. He noted that similar property
is appraised at $200 per acre; therefore, the appraisal agreed upon
is very fair.
Mr. Chong moved that the city owned property at 9500 North east of
the Jordan River in Lehi, Utah be declared surplus. Mr. Wonnacott
seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye".
LETTER FROM SALT LAKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVING
THE WASATCH CANYON'S WATERSHED PLAN
Mr. Hooton explained that a letter has been received from the City
Planning and Zoning Commission giving their approval of the Wasatch
Canyons Watershed Management Plan. He noted that the concepts are
correct; however, a few changes in the language may still be required
before being submitted to the Mayor and City Council. Mr. Doxey
explained that the most recent draft of the plan has been sent to the
members; however, a few minor changes are required. Mr. Evensen
pointed out one change, such as the issue regarding Emigration Canyon
and no more land exchanges; however, the land trade with the Forest
Service is currently underway.
Mr. Tuddenham asked that if any of the committee members have any
comments or desired changes that they phone in their concerns to
staff in order to get the document on its way as soon as possible.
1987 OVERVIEW
Mr. Hooton explained that the annual report for 1987 has been prepared
and is entitled, "People in Motion". He briefly reviewed the annual
report pointing out that the past year has been very successful.
He noted that the Public Utilities Advisory Committee has been very
helpful and that their work has been greatly appreciated. He said
that the water construction programs have moved along with $1 million
of refinanced bond projects that have now been completed. He
noted that currently other major water projects are underway one of
which is a large diameter pipe line from the Central Utah Project
to CaliforniaAvenue which will bring CUP water into,the,system. He
noted that the wastewater construction program has finalized many projects.
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December 17, 1987
Page 4
He further noted that the Water Reclamation Plant was honored with an award
from the EPA regarding excellence in operation and maintenance. Mr.
Hooton pointed out that it has now been seven years since any type of
odor problem has been reported at the Water Reclamation Plant. Mr.
Hooton further noted that the Metropolitan Water District has been a
very cooperative agency which has assured that "everyone" have water
through the summer months. He thanked Nick Sefakis and Charlie
Wilson for this cooperation.
Mr. Hooton expressed the appreciation of the entire Department for
the cooperation that is received from the various state and city
agencies throughout the past year. He noted that they receive a
great deal of support from both the Mayor's Office as well as the
City Council.
PROPOSED WETLANDS PARK
Mr. Hooton explained that the new entrace to the Water Reclamation
Plant is at 2300 North and 1365 West. The new road straddles a low
lands area which is normally dry and unattractive except for the
spring time when water fowl inhabit pools of shallow water. The
department of Public Utilities would like to create a year-round
wetlands area for the city which would use treated water from the
treatment plant. About 1 million gallons of treated water would be
diverted each day into the wetlands area to enhance the appearance of
the plant, provide a habitat for water fowl, and hopefully a public
park environment. The proposed wetlands would comprise about 30
acres and cost approximately $300,000 to develop.
Mr. Farmer explained that due to the fact that the Great Salt Lake
has risen so high this area has been flooded to provide this wetlands
park area. He presented to the committee an artists conception of
the proposed park. He noted that the area in question is approximately
20 to 30 acres of land. He noted that foot paths, various wildlife
namely water fowl would be present. He noted that this project
has been discussed with the Utah Department of Natural Resources,
Wildlife Resource Division and representatives from the division have
expressed much interest in the proposed project. Other agenices who
might have an interest in such a project are the Salt Lake City/County
Health Department, Salt Lake City Planning and Zoning Department, Utah
Bureau of Water Pollution Control, United States Army Corp of Engineers,
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City Airport Authority,
consulting eingineers CH2M Hill (who have offered engineering services
for the preliminary design) . Mr. Farmer pointed out that the appearance
to the water reclamation plant would be imporved, needed wetlands
area for bird migration and habitation would be provided, needed
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December 17, 1987
Page 5
urban wetlands for public enjoyment and education would be provided,
general recreation for the public through hiking and jogging trails
would be provided, wetlands displaced by airport growth would be offset,
a reuse for treated wastewater would be provided, a researach area
for treating storm water, which will become a requirement under
Environmental Protection Agency regulations in 1990's, would also be
provided. Ms. Margie Hepton, Urban Wildlife Specialist, from the
State Department of Natural Resources explained that the Division of
Wildlife is very excited about this project. Mr. Farmer again
mentioned that CH2M Hill Engineers have offered to do the preliminary
work without charge and that they have a wetland specialist on their
staff. He noted that the State Health Department will need to approve
the plan in order to prohibit a mosquito problem. He further noted
that the goal is to complete design work for the wetlands project
this winter, followed by earth work to form necessary flow channels
for the wetlands next summer, and begin filling the wetlands with
water from the reclamation plant in the fall of 1988. Mr. Hooton
explained that the Airport is planning to construct a new run way
that will do away with wetland area and it will need to be replaced.
He further noted that the proposed wetlands park will provide a bird
watching opportunity to the public. Mr. Hooton pointed out that this
project would be considered in the coming budget year.
Mr. Tuddenham expressed on behalf of the entire committee appreciation
to the staff and all those who he has served with on the Public
Utilities Advisory Committee.
Mr. Berggren moved that on behalf of the Public Utilities Advisory
Committee a special thanks be offered to the staff members for all their
help. Mr. Chong seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye".
The meeting was then adjourned.
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SALT
LEROY W. HOOTON, JR. _• _— .. —��,
DIRECTOR 'DEPARTMENT,Of PULIC B •UTILITIES"
JOSEPH S. FENTON ;WATER SL.(,PPL,Y & WAIERVI/ORKS PALMER DEPAULIS
SUPERINTENDENT, WATER RECLAMATION . VVAtEI RECLAMATION - MAYOR
WENDELL E. EVENSEN, P.E. ' .138. - OUffr(. .$T TEM,PLI`-`
SUPERINTENDENT SALT LAKE�`[7Y,YUTAH 84115
WATER SUPPLY & WATERWORKS
February 18, 1988 APPROVED
The Honorable Palmer A. DePaulis FEB 2 9 1988
Mayor of Salt Lake City CITY RECORDER
324 South State Street-Fifth Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Dear Mayor DePaulis:
RE: Public Utilities Advisory Committee
Attached is a copy of the minutes of the Public Utilities Advisory
Couunittee meeting held December 17, 1987, they received approval at
the Public Utilities Advisory Couauittee meeting held February 18, 1988.
I request that these minutes be approved at the Mayor's executive meeting
and filed in the City Recorder's Office.
Sincerely,
i Y W. '000 •N, JR.t„ U+60:5t5.•
Director
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