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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/2015 - Meeting Minutes 00. Minutes DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES -(Z-j ADMINISTRATION m '''-•,,�' I T �,.••'`, Salt Lake City ..."" Public Utilities Advisory Committee Minutes May 28, 2015 The Public Utilities Advisory Committee meeting was held at 7:oo am on May 28, 2015 at 1530 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Committee members present were Larry Myers, Dixie Huefner, Dwight Butler, Colleen Kuhn, Roger Player and Ted Boyer. Salt Lake City Public Utilities employees present were Jeff Niermeyer, Tom Ward, Jim Lewis, Kurt Spjute, Laura Briefer, Larry Alserda, Jason Brown, Jesse Stewart, Carly Castle, Kristeen Schumacher and Janine Calfo. Also in attendance were Rusty Vetter, SLC Attorney's Office; Mike Wilson, MWDSLS; Mike Collins, Bowen & Collins; Mark Chandler and Aimee McKinlay, CRS Engineers; Jeff DenBleyker, CH2M Hill; and Trevor Lindley, Brown and Caldwell; and Jim Olson. Welcome of New Committee Member: Ted Boyer and Sydney Fonnesbeck— Roger Player Roger Player welcomed a new Committee Member, Ted Boyer, who will be representing the Cottonwood Heights area. Ted has previously chaired the Utah Public Service Commission, where his responsibility was to financially regulate the utilities company in the State. Sydney Fonnesbeck is the other new member, who was unable to attend the meeting this morning. Sydney will be in attendance at the next meeting in June. Sydney is a former City Council member who served on the council in the late 198os. Approve Minutes of March 23, 2015 Meeting Committee member Dixie Huefner moved and Committee member Larry Myers seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2015, meeting as amended. All members present voted aye. Water Supply Update — Laura Briefer According to the US Drought Monitor,we are currently in a severe drought in our area. US NOAA models also forecast higher than normal temperatures during the months of June, July and August of this year. The modeled precipitation forecast for the next three months is looking to be a little bit wetter than normal. We had a wet May, and models are indicating that we may have a wetter than normal summer through August. This is fortunate, because it will help ease the water demand, since people will generally turn off their sprinklers when it rains. However, it does not change the overall water supply situation, in terms of runoff and significant reservoir storage. May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES The stream runoff models for the Wasatch Front are forecasting well below average flow of around 30% of normal. This model was generated by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center and shows the six creeks area of the Great Basin. Salt Lake has good and solid reservoir storage at this time. Deer Creek is 95% full and Jordanelle is 14% full. Parleys System (Mountain Dell and Little Dell) are also showing good storage. The water demand chart shows that we have done very well in conservation this year. The water demand chart shows decreased demand during the rainy parts of May. In April of this year, an assessment was made about the water supply after reviewing the reservoir and stream flow charts. While we are not anticipating a water shortage, the fact that our stream flow and snow pack are so low this year has triggered the criteria to enter into a Stage 1 Water Conservation Advisory, pursuant to Salt Lake City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan. There has been a press release and we have been talking to the public about what that means. The objective of the first stage is to: 1) prepare for a potential water shortage, 2) minimize the need for more stringent and mandatory actions later and 3) minimize water waste. The goal is to maintain levels of water use/demand at or below last year's use. SLCDPU has new website for public use called"Garden Wise" (http:www.slcgardenwise.com). It educates the public about outdoor landscaping, when to water and what types of plants are optimal. Again,we do not anticipate a shortage because of the thoughtful water management decisions that have been made over the last century into present day. The key points that apply to water management are: - Diversity of Water Resources - System Monitoring and Modeling - Proactive Water Resource Management - Seasonal and Multi-Year Decisions - Alignment of Infrastructure Improvements - Coordination with other water agencies and government Dixie Huefner asked, if we continue to experience reduced snow pack and an increase in precipitation during the spring,what are the options for being able to track and use more of the runoff. Jeff Niermeyer explained that the Metropolitan Water District has done some piloting with Aquifer Storage and Recovery(ASR). When water is available during times of plenty, or when a snow driven hydrology becomes more of a rain driven hydrology,you have the opportunity to collect that and inject it into the ground for (V aA In. SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 2 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES storage that you can then tap during the dry period. Care has to be taken that no contaminants are introduced into groundwater through ASR development. We also have additional resources that we can use, such as ground water and surface water resources. We have been trying to understand what our future will look like and how it is going to change from what we have known in the past. We want to make decisions that match up with the range of futures that are out there. There are water rights where we can move water from other drainages into the Little Dell drainage system. Ted Boyer asked Jeff what the City does to preserve the water rights that aren't currently being used. Jeff informed him that the state code basically says that the municipality can hold the water rights for future benefit of the public. Mountain Accord Update — Laura Briefer The public comment period has concluded. There were over 3,000 comments received. There is overwhelming public support for watershed protection. The Draft Accord is set to be reviewed on May 29th by the Executive Board. There is a range of possible actions to be pursued through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and through local processes. Consensus has not been reached. The actions that will be put forward for discussion are: • Federal Lands Legislation (provide further protections): • Area-wide designation • Wilderness or other similar land protection • Land Exchange o Ski resort owned lands in watershed for permanent preservation (exchanged for) o USFS owned lands at ski resort base areas into resort ownership • Ski Area Boundaries • Solitude Expansion (want to officially expand their boundary into Hidden Canyon) • Brighton Expansion (into Silver Fork Canyon to align with a ski lift) • Transit to and within mountains (include bus, bus rapid transit, train and tunnels). At this point, Mountain Accord is not proposing a connection between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon. • Salt Lake City may provide additional water for snow making and water that would apply to any transit related water supply needs, on the condition of widespread land preservation. M a� an a SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 3 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES Financial Report — Kurt Spjute Kurt reported that current sales charges are over $87.2 million, or 4.25% above last year. Aging receivables that are at 12o days are $114,620. This is mainly due to the "Hive"bus passes and should dissipate over time. Water that was delivered is 4,184 acre feet and is less than the io year average. Water sales were $2.5 million less than anticipated (Average Year). Water delivered through May 25 was 1.62o acre feet less this calendar year. Operation expenses are at least 6% less than budgeted. Capital/Projects/Purchases are under budges in all Funds (about $22.6 million total). Cash in all funds (less current obligations) is $79 million. This is down $2 million from February 2015. Outstanding bonds or debt is currently $6o.2 million (Water = $14 million, Sewer- $35.5 million and Storm Water- $10.7 million). We had a wet August and September last year that brought us a little behind in revenues. Between May 1 and list, water usage is down 46,366 CCF (ioo cubic feet billing units) per day, or $50,000 loss of revenue per day since April 30th, Dixie Huefner asked why we are doing as well as we are on the different budgets. We budget a bit conservatively. There has not been anything terribly unusual that has occurred. 70% of the budget goes to operations and maintenance. The other 30% goes to projects and is our best opportunity for savings. Ted Boyer noted in the budget that was circulated that there were some significant capital expenditures that are forecasted. He asked if those expenditures will be paid by cash or will be bonded. Kurt indicated that about $75-ioo million may be bonded in the next 3 years. There will be a combination of sewer rate adjustments and bonding. We will do as much "pay as you go" as we possibly can. Municipal Wastewater Planning Program Annual Report for 2014 — Tom Ward The State of Utah requires an annual review of our sewer system. The report assists that Department of Water Quality to "...identify and solve potential problems before they become serious and costly." We are the largest utility in the state, but there are smaller utilities that may not have the management or oversight capability to keep on top of things. This report helps to ensure that there is no trouble brewing. The state wants to make sure that there is a good management system. "The lower the numbers, the better the score." We've got a plan that includes the bonding that was previous discussed. Our mechanical plant is 20-50+years old and counts against us. However, we are on top of that. In. SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 4 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES We are responsible if our sewer system plugs. However, if an individual's lateral line plugs, it is not our responsibility. Plant performance is in the list year of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies Platinum award. We are one of less than five utilities in the nation that have 21 years of perfect compliance going back to the early 199os. We are well below the permit limit requirement. Dixie Huefner asked what"headworks" means. Tom explained that is where the untreated wastewater is received from all of the collection system, and the headworks is where the first screening of the waste takes place. This is the first step and the facility is located by the Rose Park golf course. The next slide showed the series of pipes that make up the entire sewer collection system. The purple dots indicate a lift station. It is a testimony to our staff on operations and maintenance that we don't have any problems. In the last io years, there have been some Sanitary Sewer Overflows,but those are due mainly to root growth. We are well below the industry standard. The goal is zero overflows. The national benchmark is viewed per ioo miles of pipe. We have increased our sewer inspection and monitoring and are well above the national standard. We have increased our sewer cleaning program. The city has purchased new equipment to take over the sewer cleaning from outside contractors and has lowered the cost for the operation. The following actions have been taken by the Public Utilities Advisory Committee: - Reviewed the Municipal Wastewater Planning Program Report for 2014 - Believe that the Department of Public Utilities has taken all appropriate actions necessary to maintain effluent requirements contained in the UPDES permit. Roger Player made the motion to approve the resolution and the motion was seconded by Dixie Huefner. Motion was passed by unanimous vote by the rest of the Advisory Committee. Roger signed the resolution to be sent to the Division of Water Quality. Energy Management Plan — Kristeen Schumacher Kristeen Schumacher is the Asset Management Coordinator for the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Utilities. L.n The EnergyManagement Plan was brought about b an Executive Order b Mayor Io g g Y Y Y � In. SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 5 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES Ralph Becker that is trying to make Salt Lake City and our operations a leader in sustainability. The Mayor is very concerned with air quality and energy use. As a municipal agency, we are doing everything we can to reduce our energy use and impact on our environment. The order identifies and requires the implementation of energy management best practices for City owned and operated facilities and buildings. It requires the development of Departmental Energy Management Plans by September 30, 2015 and incorporates two additional Executive Orders: Net-Zero and LEED Gold. These orders apply to new building projects and major renovations. The Executive Order also creates a Steering Committee led by the Division of Sustainability. The Steering Committee provides oversight and aids departments in complying with the Executive Order. Laura Briefer and Kristeen Schumacher represent Public Utilities on this Steering Committee. Public Services and the Airport are also represented. Each of these three departments will develop their own internal teams and prepare departmental Energy Management Plans. The Order requires classification into four tiers for all City-owned buildings and systems. Tier 1 incorporates the smallest building from 300 to 21,999 square feet and requires: - Annual Benchmarking - Building Operator Supervision - Net-Zero Executive Order(>io,000 ft) - LEED Gold Executive Order(>io,000 ft) Tier 2 incorporates buildings from 22,000 to 49,000 square feet and requires: - Annual Benchmarking - Building Operator Supervision - Energy Audit (Every 5 years) - Continuous Re-Tuning - Retro-Commissioning (io years) - Identify and document energy-saving opportunities - Guidelines for energy efficiency standards - Net-Zero Executive Order - LEED Gold Executive Order Tier 3 incorporates buildings 50,000 feet and above. - Requirements are the same as for Tier 2. Other Tier (relates to systems) - Physical system or component < 2,999 square feet - Energy use > Tier 2 facility - Water-related and other industrial systems Other Tier Requirements: - Annual Benchmarking Io In. SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 6 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES - Energy Audit (every 5 years) - Identify and document energy-savings opportunities Pump stations (an"other"facility) make up to 53% of Public Utilities' energy use. Energy Management Plan Components: Summary: Requires a look at the recent past energy management goals, as well as what we plan to implement for energy related best practices. Benchmarking: Requires us to lay out a strategy for benchmarking through an industry recognized tool. Energy Savings Opportunities: Will have to be identified using an energy audit program that will have to be developed. Efficient Operations: Applies for Tier 2 and 3 facilities —to make sure they are operating to energy efficiency standards and also requires Retro-commissioning and Re- Tuning standards. Building Operator Training: Is a requirement to have all of our building operators trained and certified by a program that relates to energy management — as far as building operation. Employee Engagement: Requires a plan on how we want to engage employees on how to implement these energy management strategies. Renewable Energy Opportunities: Is required in this plan and we've already done a renewable energy study. There has been a team of experts assembled that will be working on data collection, developing goals and strategies and compiling a plan. They are currently in the data collection phase. Ted Boyer asked where the benchmark criteria came from and what we are doing in that regard. Efficient operators could be penalized by having to cut back more from where they are already operating at. Kristeen indicated that we are looking at what we've done before and that we should not be penalized for what we have done in the past. The Executive Order requirements allow each department to establish their own goals for benchmarking. Jeff indicated that we will re-visit this project again as we get closer to submission. Consumer Confidence Report — Jesse Stewart Jesse Stewart is the Water Quality Treatment Administrator. The consumer confidence is an annual report that we are required to do based on the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Consumer Confidence Rule. Jesse provided copies of the previous years' report for review. These reports will be mailed with the next bill and will also be posted to the website. We a SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 7 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770 May 28,2015 PUAC MEETING MINUTES are required to give a brief summary of our water quality, our sources and our water management in Salt Lake City. The report is to assist consumers with making decisions regarding potential health risks pertaining to quality, treatment and management of their drinking water supply. The report talks about our water resources and where our water comes from. A lot of information can be found regarding water resources, ground water aquifers and the health standards of the water supply. There are also a lot of links to our website and various other safe drinking websites. This report is also used for educational purposes. Final Comment — Jeff Niermeyer Jeff indicated that there was still a question as to moving back the starting time for the PUAC meetings. After a short discussion, it was decided to move the next meeting time back to 7:3o AM. The next meeting will be Thursday, June 25th at 7:30 AM. Jeff also mentioned that there will be a discussion at the next meeting regarding the Northwest Quadrant and Prison. Meeting Adjourned at 8:31 am Minutes approved June 25, 2016 00 a) Ion In. SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC UTILITIES 1530 SOUTH WEST TEMPLE STREET WWW.SLCGOV.COM SALT LAKE CITY,UTAH 84115 8 of 8 TEL 801-483-6770