11/20/1986 - Minutes •
Minutes
PUBLIC UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting of November 20, 1986
Public Utilities Advisory Committee members present were: Chairman
Marvin Tuddenham, Genevieve Atwood, Ralph Steenblik, Viginia Lee, Vaughn
Wonnacott, Richard Chong, Paul B. Keyser and F.R. Robinson. Tom Krumsic
of CHM2 Hill was present as well as Ray Montgomery from the City Attorney' s
Office. Staff members present were LeRoy W. Hooton, Jr., Joe Fenton,
Wendell Evensen, E.T. Doxey, George Jorgensen, Craig Hansen, Jim Lewis,
Bill Farmer, Lin Fitzgerald, Barbara Facer, Barbara Despain.
Chairman Tuddenham called the meeting to order at 7 :05 a.m. in the
conference room of the Public Utilities Building at 1530 South West Temple.
Mr. Steenblik made the motion that the minutes of the meeting held Thursday,
September 18, 1986 be approved. Mr. Keyser seconded the motion, with
all voting "Aye" .
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Little Dell Project
Mr. Evensen explained to the Committee that the funding is in place for
the construction of the Little Dell Dam and that bids for the initial
construction contract of (the highway relocation) project have been
reviewed. The bid accepted is that of Kewit Western for the amount of
$2,790,682. He noted that the savings on the estimated cost of the
highway relocation and a change in the design of the outlet works has
already lowered the estimated cost of the dam from $51.3 million to
about $47.0 million. Mr. Evensen further explained that the actual
road relocation will commence later this Fall or early spring and is
scheduled for completion in May of 1988, with work on the dam itself
scheduled for July of 1988, looking for completion in September of
1990. Mr. Hooton noted that the Army Corp of Engineers has been working
on this project and they have been very helpful and cooperative as well
as sucessful in meeting deadlines.
WASATCH CANYON STUDY
Mr. Hooton explained that a public hearing regarding the Wasatch
Canyon Study was held on Wednesday, November 15, 1986, and that
the hearing was very profitable for all who attended. Mr. Steenblik
explained that all were invited to speak as well as send an account of
their views regarding this study. Mr. Hooton noted that they are encouraged
by the participation.
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TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS
Mr. Hooton noted that in 1983 a plan for obtaining privately owned
property in the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon was conceived. The
city, United States Forest Service and a group called the Trust for
Public Lands entered into agreement to acquire the properties. The
Trust for Public Lands group purchased the privately owned land in the
mouth of the Canyon with the intent of trading other purchased government
lands to pay for the purchase. Mr. Hooton noted that Senator Garn as
well as many others have been been in favor of this program because it
is a very good way to preserve the watersheds. It was noted that it is
important that frequent contact be made with the Trust for Public Land
Group.
Mr. Tuddenham made a motion that the Trust for Public Land Committee be
asked to provide the Public Utilities Advisory Committee with a formal
presentation of updated facts regarding this program. Mr. Keyser
seconded, with all voting "Aye".
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
Mr. Hooton noted that during the past week the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) released a study indicating that 38 million Americans were
exposed to high concentrations of lead in their drinking water. This
was reported locally and has caused some of the city' s customers to
question the quality of their drinking water. Presently, the drinking
water lead standard is at 50 parts per billion; however, a representative
from the Environmental Defense Fund called for the Environmental
Protection Agency to lower the standard to 20 parts per billion. The
Environmental Protection Agency proposed to issue a 20 parts per billion
standard for 1991. Mr. Hooton explained that Dr. Harry Gibbons of the
City/County Board of Health took tap samples from a number of homes within
the County and found that there was none that had lead levels above 10
parts per billion. Because limestone deposits exist in all of the
watersheds in Salt Lake City the water is not corrosive and therefore
does not leach out the lead from the solder. He noted that the tests
conducted by the Board of Health confirmed this. In addition, a program
is being developed by the Health Department to inform the public that
there is no reason to fear lead in their drinking water.
AGENDA ITEMS
Proposed Ordinance
Mr. Doxey explained that currently a person can install a water
main at his expense and is then required to contribute the pipe line to
the city. Neighbors may then connect to the water pipe without the
person who installed and paid for the pipe receiving any reimbursement.
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Therefore, the proposed new ordinance would be similar to the sewer
ordinace passed in July of 1984. The sewer ordinance now provides for an
annual reimbursement over a three year period to the resident who paid for the
installation of the pipe when lateral connections are made. Therefore,
the staff recommends that a new ordinance be recommended to the City
Council similar to the Sewer Ordinance. Also, a change in the existing
sewer ordinance be made to provide for a longer pay pack period, four
to five years where the money could be refunded to cover the expenses
of the installer and so the residents on the street can have a vote on
the project and not forced to participate. It was pointed out that it
would be helpful for the Committee to appoint a subcommittee to help in
the creation of the proposed water main ordinance and to aid in the
revision of the existing sewer reimbursement ordinance (Sec. 37-4-20) .
Mr. Keyser made the motion that Mrs. Lee replace Mr. Feathersone on the
already existing ordinance review committee, Mr. Chong replace
Ms. Atwood, as she is serving on the Canyon Review Committee and
Mr. Tuddenham remain as a member of this committee. Mr. Wonnacott
seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye".
Detector Check-Meters
Mr. Doxey explained that at the present time the ordinance states
if an individual wants fire protection and a hydrant exists on their
property they must install a detector check meter to prevent taking of
water unlawfully. In most cases the meters are expensive, $2,000 to
$7,000. In order to get insurance it is required that the hydrant exist;
however, in most cases the meter is not necessary because the individual
would not attempt to use the water from the hydrant. However, if an
automatic fire prevention system exists then a detector check meter
would not be required because use of water from the hydrant would
automatically signal an alarm to the fire department. Mr. Doxey
pointed out that many people object to the high fee involved with the
meter; however, Mr. Chong pointed out that in most cases insurance
rates are lowered with the close proximity of a fire hydrant, which
could be amortized to make up for the cost of the detector check meter.
It was pointed out that a seal could be placed on the hydrants and a
fee for tampering with the seal be implemented. Also, a standby charge
may be considered.
Property
Purchase of Property in Mouth of Millcreek Canyon
Mr. Doxey pointed out that at the present time the Public Utilities
Department owns a piece of property at the mouth of Millcreek Canyon.
He noted that the Utah Power and Light Company owns property adjacent
to the existing water storage tanks. The piece of property in question
is approximately 1-1/2 acres. He noted that the Power Company is
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interested in acquiring a piece of property from Public Utilities on
the west side of Salt Lake City (Andrew Avenue-2-1/2 to 3 acres) .
Appraisals for both pieces of property are in the process; therefore,
the purchase price has not been worked out. Mr. Hooton pointed out that
the City has water rights in Millcreek Canyon. It was again noted that
this acquistion of property would be very beneficial to the city for
the future construction of a treatment plant.
Ms. Atwood moved that the Public Utilities Department be instructed to
pursue acquisition of this property in Millcreek Canyon. Mr. Keyser
seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye".
Salt Lake County Fire Department Land Trade for Property on Northwest
Corner of Wasatch Blvd. and Little Cottonwood Creek
Mr. Doxey explained that the property in question is located south of
the La Caille Restaurant. He noted that the County had an appraisal
made of this property which is less than half an acre. This appraisal
was for approximately $37,000. The County is asking that the Public
Utilities Department accept in trade, for this property, approximately
160 acres east of the gun range in Parley' s Canyon. The transaction
may require the city to pay the county money in addition to the
small parcel of property. He noted that the City' s Property Manager
feels that the proposed arrangement would be favorable for the city.
The County would like to acquire the property for the construction of a
Fire Station. Ms. Atwood pointed out that this might not be the most
favorable location for a Fire Department because of the instability of
the land. She noted that a geological survey of the property should
be done. Mr. Doxey noted that the County is aware of this concern.
Mr. Steenblik made the motion that the Public Utilities Advisory
Committee recommend approval of this property trade subject to a
disclaimer being attached to the agreement and that a letter of warning
regarding the geological stability of the property be attached. Mr.
Keyser seconded the motion, with all voting "Aye", except Ms. Atwood
who voted "No" .
Financial Report
Mr. Lewis pointed out to the Committee that the both the water and
sewer funds are in a very strong financial position ; however, the
meter sales under the water fund is lower than last year, approximately
$244,000. This difference is anticipated to be even greater approximately
$1,000,000 by year end due to the extreme wetter than normal August.
This difference; however, is a comparison with last year' s actual
sales, we are still expecting to collect the budgeted amount for this
which justifies our department' s logic in budgeting water revenue on a
five year basis which levels out extreme weather changes. He further
noted that the sewer fund is above last year regarding revenue due to
the fact that the University of Utah has been brought on line.
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Industrial Pretreatment Discharge Permit for Mountain Fuel Supply
(treated toxic waste discharge)
Mr. Farmer explained that in August of 1983, it was discovered that the
Mountain Fuel Supply Company' s Operation Center located at approximately
South Temple and 1000 West contained gasification residues. Therefore,
Mountain Fuel initiated a preliminary soil and ground water sampling
and analysis program to assess the nature of the residues. The study
confirmed the presence of naphthalene and other organic residues.
Phase I of the sampling and analysis program was completed by Mountain
Fuel 's contractor, Dames & Moore, in August 1985. This showed that the
residues were limited to the Operations Center property and a depth of
less than 30 feet. Phase I and Phase II activities would call for
wastewater to be generated on site as a result of drilling test wells
or other activities related to the investigation and any wastewater
that is generated on the site must be disposed of as a hazardous waste
even though the concentration of toxic substances may be relatively
low. Wastewater generated during Phase I activities was placed in
drums and disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill . In order to reduce
the cost of disposing of wastewater generated on the site during Phase
II activities, Mountain Fuel and Dames & Moore have proposed to the
city treating the wastewater on site and discharging it into the city' s
sewer system. The wastewater would be treated by passing it through
activated carbon canisters before discharging it into the sewer system.
the estimated volume of wastewater to be generated by Phase II activittes
is 2,000 gallons. which would be discharged in 1,000 gallon batches.
Mr. Farmer noted that the city' s Wastewater Control Ordinance provides
legal authority to reject the proposed discharge from Mountain Fuel or
set specific terms and conditions for the discharge. He noted that the
city's first concern in this matter is protecting the health and welfare
of its citizens as well as the integrity of its wastewater treatment
facilities. The plan for the treatment of the wastewater is a proven
technology and the wastewater can be successfully tested. The treatment
criteria setforth in the proposed permit requires Mountain Fuel to
reduce contaminant levels to meet either United States EPA water quality
or safe drinking water standards; therefore, no pollutants would be
removed by the system. He noted that on October 22, 1986, the City
presented the proposal to the Westside Community Council for consideration.
He noted that a staff member from the city, City/County Board of Health,
State Health and a citizen from the westside Community Council will
witness the testing as well as the release of the 2,000 gis. of wastewater.
He noted that both Dames & Moore as well as the State Department of
Health will participate in the testing. Mr. Hooton pointed out that
it is imperative that this procedure be well thought out and planned
because it is the first of its kind in the city. Mr. Farmer noted
that Mountain Fuel Supply Company has agreed to the stipulations set
forth by the Department of Public Utilities.
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Sewer Adjustments
A. Ms. Fitzgerald explained that Mr. Alma Sachs is requesting that he
be relieved of the sewer charges on the subject account for the
following reasons:
1. The home was built on speculation and was completed May 28,
1986; however, it has not been occupied until it was sold
October 16, 1986, at which time he had a final reading on the
property.
2. The total charge to October 16, 1986, was $22.01 and he has
made a formal request these charges be abated.
Mr. Sachs claims that because of the fact that there was no
one occupying the home there should be no charge.
Mr. Chong moved that Mr. Sachs request for relief be denied due to the
fact that when the meter was installed, unless otherwise requested, the
water is turned on. In addition, during the period in question the
dwelling was occupiable. Mr. Keyser seconded, with all voting "Aye" .
B. Sun Communities Development has written requesting some relief on their
sewer charges for properties at 1876 West North Temple for the
following reasons.
1 . The water meter was installed on august 15, 1985. The sewer
connection was paid for on May 7, 1986.
2. The construction of the 540 unit complex was done in phases for
which certificates of occupancy were issued on the following
dates. November 1, 1985, November 6, 1985, December 20, 1985,
January 3, 1986, February 7, 1986, February 11, 1986 and June 6,
1986.
3. The account was not set up on our records until after the reading
on March 18, 1986, and when the meter was first read on April 25,
1986, there was a total consumption of 5779 units of water used.
Ms. Fitzgerald noted that the reason for the request is that the amount is
excessive for the buildings not being occupied but still in construction
phase.
Based on the certificate of occupancy records the charges they have
received totaling $43,329.02 could be reduced to $16,792.34, for a
total credit to their account of $26,536.68.
She noted that when the meter is installed the water is turned on
unless it is specified by the owner that it not be. She further
noted that charges accumulated by Sun Communities Development were
incurred during the construction of the dwellings. The dwellings were
not inhabitable; however, Mr. Sachs dwelling was inhabitable.
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Mr. Chong moved that Sun Communities Development' s request for relief
be granted due to the fact that during the period of time they were
billed the buildings were not occupiable. Therefore, the $43,329.02
charge would be reduced to $16,792.34, for a total credit to their
account of $26,536.68. Mr. Keyser seconded, with all voting "Aye" .
C. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that Sandia Savings and Loan has written
requesting relief on sewer charges of $210.60 for the following
reasons:
1. This is the SST building for which the Federal Savings and
Loan Insurance Corporation is the trustee.
2. The building has been vacant for almost two years.
3. The only thing running during the winter in the building was
the boilders, used in winter to keep the pipes from freezing.
4. They have had a plumber check for leaks and have been unable
to locate any on the premises.
She further noted that since the only usage was in the winter
months and there has been none since the March 1986 reading;
therefore, she recommends that only a base rate charge be made to
them for the FY 1986/87.
Mrs. Atwood moved that Sandia Savings & Loan be granted relief due
to the fact that the sewer has not been used, as the building is
vacant, subject to the applicant paying the accumulated water
charge. Mr. Chong seconded, with all voting "Aye" .
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
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LEROY W. HOOTON, JR. � � C ION
DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
JOSEPH S. FENTON WATER SUPPLY & WATERWORKS PALMER DEPAULIS
SUPERINTENDENT, WATER RECLAMATION WATER RECLAMATION MAYOR
WENDELL E. EVENSEN, P.E. 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE
SUPERINTENDENT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84115
WATER SUPPLY & WATERWORKS r
April 14 , 1987 Xr •
RECEIVE
The Honorable Palmer A. DePaulis APR 141987
Mayor of Salt Lake City
324 South State Street-Fifth Floor PRY R'S CFFICF
Salt Lake City , UT 84111
Dear Mayor DePaulis :
RE : Public Utilities Advisory Committee
Attached are the following minutes of the Public Utilities
Advisory Committee .
November 20 , 1986 - approved December 18 , 1986 , PUAC .
January 15 , 1987 - approved February 19 , 1987 , PUAC .
February 19 , 1987 - approved March 12 , 1987 , PUAC .
I request that these minutes be approved at the mayor' s
executive meeting and filed in the city recorder ' s office .
Sincerely ,
APPROVED
E Y W H00 IN, JR.
Di recto APR 211
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Attach : CITY cG ...:!e.�t
cc: City Council U