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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 • PUAC 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 • • PUAC 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. • PUAC 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 1110 PUAC 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. mf • • - --_--- -- - - _ - _;.- -x-I'-..1'A s'.;.P - _ I FEB 22 °j 6 - - , , = I 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 LWH:mf Attach: r4i5ir'