1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,000 - Okay, it is 9.15 and we have a quorum. 2 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:08,220 So call to order the public utilities board meeting 3 00:00:08,220 --> 00:00:12,860 for the city of Denton on Monday, March 13th of 2023. 4 00:00:12,860 --> 00:00:14,660 Do we have any members from the public 5 00:00:14,660 --> 00:00:18,300 that wish to address the public utility board? 6 00:00:18,300 --> 00:00:23,740 Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. 7 00:00:23,740 --> 00:00:27,340 Does any board member wish to pull an item 8 00:00:27,340 --> 00:00:29,660 from the consent agenda? 9 00:00:29,660 --> 00:00:30,580 Do I get A? 10 00:00:30,580 --> 00:00:35,720 B? 11 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:37,180 Okay. 12 00:00:37,180 --> 00:00:40,960 Do we have a motion then to approve item C, D and E? 13 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:41,800 - So moved. 14 00:00:41,800 --> 00:00:43,000 - Second. 15 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:44,440 - All in favor say aye. 16 00:00:44,440 --> 00:00:45,880 - Aye. - Aye. 17 00:00:45,880 --> 00:00:48,120 - Carries, item A. 18 00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:48,960 - Okay, thank you. 19 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:53,320 Actually, I really liked this project going forward. 20 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:55,840 I just had a couple of questions and concerns. 21 00:00:57,360 --> 00:01:01,100 The loss of jobs here of the manual meter readers, 22 00:01:01,100 --> 00:01:04,680 is that something that we just would gain the benefit 23 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:07,160 of cheaper costs overall or will they be assimilated 24 00:01:07,160 --> 00:01:10,780 into the DME somewhere else along the line? 25 00:01:10,780 --> 00:01:14,840 - Apologize, Mr. Beck. 26 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:16,980 I've been doing this picture. 27 00:01:16,980 --> 00:01:18,460 Stephen Gay, Director of Water Utilities. 28 00:01:18,460 --> 00:01:19,680 Could you repeat your question, please? 29 00:01:19,680 --> 00:01:21,280 - Yeah, this is a good program. 30 00:01:21,280 --> 00:01:22,360 I'm looking forward to this. 31 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:23,720 I just had a couple of concerns. 32 00:01:23,720 --> 00:01:28,440 One was the log job loss for manual meter readers. 33 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:29,800 Were they gonna be assimilated 34 00:01:29,800 --> 00:01:34,400 into the organization anywhere else? 35 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:36,040 - Currently, that function is provided 36 00:01:36,040 --> 00:01:38,280 through contract services. 37 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:41,080 So, and you will see some need 38 00:01:41,080 --> 00:01:43,680 for like verification out in the field. 39 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:45,840 - So there will be some manual? 40 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:46,760 - There should be some. 41 00:01:46,760 --> 00:01:48,600 - Okay, okay. 42 00:01:48,600 --> 00:01:51,560 I was noticing here too, it says the return of investment 43 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:55,200 will be gained within 11 to 13 years 44 00:01:55,200 --> 00:01:58,920 compared to 20 years for the lifecycle of the water meters. 45 00:01:58,920 --> 00:02:00,720 Now, we're talking about the water meters 46 00:02:00,720 --> 00:02:02,840 that are now there now. 47 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:04,720 - Yes, sir, the physical water meters. 48 00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:08,960 So the current meters we use today are very mechanical 49 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:11,620 and the ones that we'll be evolving to are more ultrasonic. 50 00:02:11,620 --> 00:02:13,080 So there's no moving parts. 51 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:13,920 - Okay. 52 00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:14,740 - So it'll last a lot longer. 53 00:02:14,740 --> 00:02:16,880 - Okay, and they'll pretty much be put in the same place 54 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:19,160 as where we're seeing our water meters now. 55 00:02:19,160 --> 00:02:21,840 Okay, I guess the last thing here I've got a concern about 56 00:02:21,840 --> 00:02:23,600 with all things electronic. 57 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:27,480 Is there a concern about these things being hacked? 58 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:28,880 - No, not necessarily. 59 00:02:28,880 --> 00:02:33,880 The AMI technology is pretty well established. 60 00:02:33,880 --> 00:02:37,160 I think we're a little bit behind the curve on that. 61 00:02:37,160 --> 00:02:42,160 I've worked for four utilities and they all have AMI 62 00:02:42,160 --> 00:02:43,680 or have had it for several years. 63 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:46,000 So we don't foresee any challenges 64 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:47,480 with the hacking of the data. 65 00:02:47,480 --> 00:02:51,640 And it's nothing specific to the customer. 66 00:02:51,640 --> 00:02:54,160 It's really just the consumption 67 00:02:54,160 --> 00:02:57,000 is that we'll be seeing in the meters. 68 00:02:57,000 --> 00:02:58,400 - Okay. 69 00:02:58,400 --> 00:03:01,600 Okay, last thing is it's, let me. 70 00:03:01,600 --> 00:03:11,240 Okay, it says an improved meter reading accuracy 71 00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:13,320 if static meters are selected. 72 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:15,760 So we don't know whether or not. 73 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:17,900 - Right, and that's part of the project 74 00:03:17,900 --> 00:03:20,560 is to identify the technology and the actual meters 75 00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:22,000 that we'll be deploying in the system. 76 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,280 We're looking for the best in breed for the utility. 77 00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:27,320 - Okay, we are trying to get those static meters in. 78 00:03:27,320 --> 00:03:28,280 - Yes, sir. - Okay, very good. 79 00:03:28,280 --> 00:03:29,640 Thank you, sir. 80 00:03:29,640 --> 00:03:31,720 - I have a quick question that may be 81 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:37,640 reasonably construed as an odd question, 82 00:03:37,640 --> 00:03:40,800 but these meters, if they're ultrasonic, they need power. 83 00:03:40,800 --> 00:03:43,000 They're in the ground, so how are they gonna get it? 84 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:44,880 - Batteries, actually, the batteries 85 00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:47,080 have a 20 year life on them. 86 00:03:47,080 --> 00:03:51,360 - Okay, so these are ultrasonic meters, 87 00:03:51,360 --> 00:03:54,160 so they need water in the pipe to read. 88 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:56,560 So if you have any issues where you have water shutdowns, 89 00:03:56,560 --> 00:03:58,680 how does that affect them? 90 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:00,680 - We haven't seen any challenges 91 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:03,360 with there not being any water in the pipe. 92 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:05,080 It's just basically for when it breaks 93 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:08,720 those electromagnetic lines of flux for the meter reading. 94 00:04:08,720 --> 00:04:12,460 So it's been my experience that with no water in the pipe, 95 00:04:12,460 --> 00:04:14,680 with a dry pipe, it doesn't cause any challenges. 96 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:16,000 So it'd be just a zero. 97 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:18,720 It wouldn't register any consumption. 98 00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:20,360 - Well, the reason I ask is I've had some experience 99 00:04:20,360 --> 00:04:23,600 with some meter hanging for water 100 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:28,080 that if they didn't have enough water in the pipe, 101 00:04:28,080 --> 00:04:29,280 they didn't read very well. 102 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:30,120 - Right, and those are more 103 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:31,840 of a positive displacement meter, right? 104 00:04:31,840 --> 00:04:35,440 So you actually have mechanical pieces 105 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:38,520 that have to be displaced to register a reading. 106 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:40,660 So if you have a low enough flow, 107 00:04:40,660 --> 00:04:41,960 you won't see any reading. 108 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:45,480 So what you're really doing is you have a blank pipe 109 00:04:45,480 --> 00:04:48,520 that has an electromagnetic field around it. 110 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:52,240 And as you break that line with the flow, 111 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:55,180 no matter how slight it is, you register a reading. 112 00:04:55,180 --> 00:04:56,680 They're extremely accurate. 113 00:04:56,680 --> 00:04:58,520 - Okay, thank you. 114 00:04:58,520 --> 00:04:59,620 No further questions. 115 00:04:59,620 --> 00:05:02,720 - Yes, I have a question that said something 116 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:05,180 about detecting leaks quicker. 117 00:05:05,180 --> 00:05:07,780 - Yes, so with an AMI platform, 118 00:05:07,780 --> 00:05:11,880 it's basically connected to some type of a service. 119 00:05:11,880 --> 00:05:15,020 So when we detect a leak, we can receive notification. 120 00:05:15,020 --> 00:05:16,240 We don't have to wait a whole month 121 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:18,400 or a whole billing cycle to determine 122 00:05:18,400 --> 00:05:20,240 whether or not there's a leak. 123 00:05:20,240 --> 00:05:23,620 - Okay, and if I remember correctly, 124 00:05:23,620 --> 00:05:26,920 you don't have to go out to turn the water on anymore. 125 00:05:26,920 --> 00:05:28,720 - That depends. 126 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:31,640 And when we go through our analysis 127 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:34,040 and we identify the best in-breed solution, 128 00:05:34,040 --> 00:05:35,780 we'll determine whether or not we wanna have 129 00:05:35,780 --> 00:05:38,440 what they call a three-position valve installed 130 00:05:38,440 --> 00:05:39,720 or integrated into the meters. 131 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:42,840 Well, it will allow us to remotely turn them on, off, 132 00:05:42,840 --> 00:05:46,440 or just do a, they call it a life-sustaining flow. 133 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:48,720 But that has yet to be determined. 134 00:05:48,720 --> 00:05:50,680 - Okay, the reason I was asking is 135 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:54,080 because you charge extra if you get same-day service. 136 00:05:54,080 --> 00:05:57,320 And of course, I understand that if somebody calls at 445, 137 00:05:57,320 --> 00:05:59,540 you're not gonna get the water on that day. 138 00:05:59,540 --> 00:06:02,920 But if they call at like 10 o'clock in the morning 139 00:06:02,920 --> 00:06:05,800 and still have to wait another full day, 140 00:06:05,800 --> 00:06:08,320 I know a lot of people moving in and out 141 00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:11,680 and that gets to be a real inconvenience for them. 142 00:06:13,080 --> 00:06:16,480 - Just kind of wondered why they still charged for it. 143 00:06:16,480 --> 00:06:18,320 - Well, we deploy staff, people, 144 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:20,460 I mean, we're rolling equipment, people are going out 145 00:06:20,460 --> 00:06:23,120 and they're physically turning those meters on and off. 146 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:26,740 And even if we went to an electronic structure, 147 00:06:26,740 --> 00:06:29,260 there's gonna be an additional cost associated with that. 148 00:06:29,260 --> 00:06:31,520 Because when we communicate with those meters, 149 00:06:31,520 --> 00:06:34,460 depending on the platform that we decide we land on, 150 00:06:34,460 --> 00:06:37,440 there may very well be a cost associated with that as well. 151 00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:38,840 And so we'll be evaluating that 152 00:06:38,840 --> 00:06:41,160 as we roll this new system out. 153 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:42,680 - Okay, thank you. 154 00:06:42,680 --> 00:06:43,980 You're very welcome. 155 00:06:43,980 --> 00:06:44,820 - I had one. 156 00:06:44,820 --> 00:06:46,120 - Oh, go ahead. 157 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:48,080 - So the AMI system, 158 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:51,560 I know there are a lot of challenges with RF 159 00:06:51,560 --> 00:06:54,640 and in the soil, like inside of a metal, 160 00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:55,840 with a metal plate on top of it 161 00:06:55,840 --> 00:06:57,440 and all those sorts of things. 162 00:06:57,440 --> 00:06:58,720 But there are solutions, 163 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:01,740 but they often are moving the radio signal 164 00:07:01,740 --> 00:07:05,720 out of the 700 or 900 megahertz range 165 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:08,720 into like something that much lower frequency 166 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:10,440 that penetrates the ground better. 167 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:13,880 Does this require all new, 168 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:17,600 a second set of backhaul system, 169 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:19,000 like through the neighborhoods? 170 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:20,840 Like new antennas and. 171 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:23,520 - The focus of this project is to evaluate that. 172 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:26,440 What's gonna be the most appropriate backhaul system? 173 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:29,560 Are we gonna do a standalone radio system? 174 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:31,620 Are we gonna use cellular data? 175 00:07:31,620 --> 00:07:33,720 What are we going to utilize 176 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:35,920 to ensure the integrity of that 177 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:38,480 or the strength of those signals? 178 00:07:38,480 --> 00:07:40,720 - Historically, with an AMI, 179 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:42,720 what they'll do is on the top of the meter box, 180 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:44,280 they'll drill a hole and they'll put a puck 181 00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:46,120 on the top of the hole so you're not penetrating. 182 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:47,880 You don't have to go through the ground 183 00:07:47,880 --> 00:07:49,660 or you don't have to go through the lid. 184 00:07:49,660 --> 00:07:52,240 So it'll transmit right from the top. 185 00:07:52,240 --> 00:07:53,800 - And like a wire down to the meter? 186 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:55,520 - A wire down to the meter, yes sir. 187 00:07:55,520 --> 00:08:00,040 - Other questions? 188 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:04,820 All right, do we have a motion to approve? 189 00:08:04,820 --> 00:08:06,160 - Move approval. 190 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:07,360 - Second. 191 00:08:07,360 --> 00:08:09,640 - Okay, all in favor say aye. 192 00:08:09,640 --> 00:08:10,680 - Aye. 193 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:13,980 - Item B, there's someone here. 194 00:08:13,980 --> 00:08:25,300 Mr. Rybeck, what was your question? 195 00:08:25,300 --> 00:08:27,600 - I wanted to ask just a question or two 196 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:28,600 about this program. 197 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:31,640 This is kind of innovative and interesting. 198 00:08:31,640 --> 00:08:35,300 My experience with working around casual labor 199 00:08:35,300 --> 00:08:36,880 hasn't been very helpful. 200 00:08:37,640 --> 00:08:42,080 So I'm curious, A, what got the city 201 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:45,960 and the Solid Waste Department interested in doing this 202 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:49,600 and if the people do or do not show up, 203 00:08:49,600 --> 00:08:51,960 how do you plan to respond? 204 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:54,360 - Good morning, Brian Barner, Solid Waste Director 205 00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:55,420 with the City of Denton. 206 00:08:55,420 --> 00:08:57,760 And first, we're proud to be a partner 207 00:08:57,760 --> 00:09:00,680 in this Ready for Work program. 208 00:09:00,680 --> 00:09:03,240 As stated in the AIS, this is a partnership 209 00:09:03,240 --> 00:09:05,240 between the city and our Daily Bread 210 00:09:05,240 --> 00:09:09,120 to actually identify persons in our homeless community, 211 00:09:09,120 --> 00:09:10,440 provide training and supervision 212 00:09:10,440 --> 00:09:13,120 and bring them to the landfill to do, 213 00:09:13,120 --> 00:09:15,640 as you said, casual labor, things like litter picking, 214 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:18,180 site maintenance, things of that nature. 215 00:09:18,180 --> 00:09:20,640 Currently, the City of Denton Solid Waste 216 00:09:20,640 --> 00:09:22,960 utilizes a lot of temporary labor, 217 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:25,320 whether it's doing our litter picking, 218 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:30,280 whether it's backfilling vacant field operator positions, 219 00:09:30,280 --> 00:09:31,400 riding backs of trucks, 220 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:35,000 helping load bulk during heavy peak periods. 221 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:37,120 And currently, just like everybody else, 222 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:38,480 there are workforce issues. 223 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:40,800 So even though we may request five people 224 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:43,600 to show up the next day, we might get two. 225 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:45,240 Part of the commitment with our Daily Bread 226 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:47,600 is not only do they provide the supervision, 227 00:09:47,600 --> 00:09:49,200 but they provide the people. 228 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:53,160 So we'll train the supervisor, outline the program 229 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:55,560 and the jobs that are to be done not only that day, 230 00:09:55,560 --> 00:09:58,120 but sort of the universe of things that needs to be done. 231 00:09:58,120 --> 00:09:59,520 And then through that supervisor, 232 00:09:59,520 --> 00:10:02,600 they will deploy those people on site. 233 00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:06,560 So because they are currently being managed 234 00:10:06,560 --> 00:10:08,640 through the 288 facility, 235 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:11,540 it's not just whoever shows up that day for work comes in, 236 00:10:11,540 --> 00:10:14,280 it's more of a continuous labor force. 237 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:16,480 They'll load up the van, they'll bring them to us. 238 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:17,760 So what we're anticipating 239 00:10:17,760 --> 00:10:22,120 is actually a more reliable workforce availability 240 00:10:22,120 --> 00:10:25,760 than just your temporary labor call-in type service. 241 00:10:25,760 --> 00:10:26,600 - I got you. 242 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:29,160 Well, again, I applaud you all for doing this. 243 00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:32,760 I think it's a real interesting approach. 244 00:10:32,760 --> 00:10:35,320 My just concern would be if they don't provide the labor, 245 00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:36,640 then it's your fallback to go back 246 00:10:36,640 --> 00:10:38,560 to your contract labor pool. 247 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:39,400 - Correct. 248 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:40,720 - Okay. - Correct. 249 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:42,440 - So you're not excluding one for the other 250 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:44,280 if they fail to provide enough personnel. 251 00:10:44,280 --> 00:10:46,240 - Correct, there are fail safes and fallbacks 252 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:48,480 that are built into the whole process. 253 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:49,800 - Okay, very good. 254 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:50,640 That was my question. - Thank you. 255 00:10:50,640 --> 00:10:51,460 - Thank you. 256 00:10:51,460 --> 00:10:52,560 - I know I told you I wasn't gonna pull this, 257 00:10:52,560 --> 00:10:56,120 but I wanted to go ahead and just make a few comments on, 258 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:58,720 you know, there's three, maybe four shelters 259 00:10:58,720 --> 00:10:59,560 in the city of Denton, 260 00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:01,760 and this new shelter out on Loop 28, 261 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:03,140 it's Monsignor King also. 262 00:11:03,140 --> 00:11:04,840 It's not just our daily bread. 263 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:08,120 So, you know, it's a really good place. 264 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:10,960 We toured it the other day. 265 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:12,340 They have an emergency shelter 266 00:11:12,340 --> 00:11:14,560 for the people that initially get there. 267 00:11:14,560 --> 00:11:17,040 And then the front one is people that are moving up 268 00:11:17,040 --> 00:11:17,880 and getting training, 269 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:20,880 and they're also training them in traffic control. 270 00:11:20,880 --> 00:11:24,520 So we're gonna do a job fair out there with them as well. 271 00:11:24,520 --> 00:11:26,720 I've got Associated General Contractors 272 00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:28,720 that are gonna come in and work and try to steal 273 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:30,640 some of the good people you're trying to steal. 274 00:11:30,640 --> 00:11:32,080 (panelists laughing) 275 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:34,760 'Cause there are some good folks that just, you know, 276 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:36,760 had some bad things happen in their life, 277 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:37,880 and they just need a chance. 278 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:39,040 - Well, and to build on that, 279 00:11:39,040 --> 00:11:41,200 I think one of the things that we're hoping to do is, 280 00:11:41,200 --> 00:11:43,800 you know, like with everybody else right now, 281 00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:44,960 you know, labor is tight, 282 00:11:44,960 --> 00:11:48,200 and it's hard to find a person that will show up every day, 283 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:50,560 do a good job, and go home. 284 00:11:50,560 --> 00:11:52,280 And, you know, we get somebody out here 285 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:55,280 through this program, you know, for, you know, six months, 286 00:11:55,280 --> 00:11:57,040 and it looks like they've got an aptitude 287 00:11:57,040 --> 00:11:58,600 for what we need to have done, 288 00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:00,520 and expand, and give an opportunity. 289 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:03,120 Then, you know, hire 'em in as a, you know, 290 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:04,440 once we get 'em trained, you know, 291 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:05,800 hire 'em in as a city employee, 292 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:07,960 and then start giving 'em the training they need, 293 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:09,920 possibility to CDL or something else, 294 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:13,160 and actually start driving and working, you know, 295 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:15,800 beneficially within the, as a permanent employee. 296 00:12:15,800 --> 00:12:18,580 So, you know, it's not sort of the end of the road, 297 00:12:18,580 --> 00:12:21,040 it's really the first step on a long road. 298 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:21,880 - It's a win-win. 299 00:12:21,880 --> 00:12:22,720 - It is, it is. 300 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:24,680 - Yeah, I mean, you know, we hire employees 301 00:12:24,680 --> 00:12:26,780 all the time, it didn't work out, and they weren't homeless. 302 00:12:26,780 --> 00:12:27,800 - Yeah, exactly. 303 00:12:27,800 --> 00:12:30,040 (laughing) 304 00:12:30,040 --> 00:12:33,800 - All right, thank you very much. 305 00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:34,960 - Other questions? 306 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:39,960 I think it's a neat place, neat program. 307 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:43,000 Do we have a motion to approve item B? 308 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:44,720 Mr. Rybeck, move. 309 00:12:44,720 --> 00:12:47,840 And Mr. Beck seconds, all in favor, say aye. 310 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:49,360 - Aye. 311 00:12:49,360 --> 00:12:51,200 - Thank you. - Thank you. 312 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:56,000 Next item is approval of the February 27th, 2023 minutes. 313 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:58,200 Were there any changes or corrections? 314 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:01,840 Seeing none, do we have a motion to approve? 315 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:06,800 Mr. Chief Barbera, so seconded, yes? 316 00:13:06,800 --> 00:13:08,520 - Oh, I just had a comment about-- 317 00:13:08,520 --> 00:13:10,740 - Okay, go ahead, go ahead. 318 00:13:10,740 --> 00:13:15,420 - Oh, I wanted to thank Mr. Brown for the presentation, 319 00:13:15,420 --> 00:13:18,580 which I wasn't here for on the Hickory Creek project, 320 00:13:18,580 --> 00:13:21,100 but I did look at the presentation through, 321 00:13:21,100 --> 00:13:23,860 and I do appreciate the effort, it was a nice overview. 322 00:13:23,860 --> 00:13:25,680 And I hope the other members of the board 323 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:28,480 appreciated the opportunity to get a better long-term view 324 00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:29,600 of the project. 325 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:33,020 So, sorry I missed it, but thank you for doing it. 326 00:13:33,020 --> 00:13:35,840 - All right, so we have a motion and a second. 327 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:37,360 All in favor, say aye. 328 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:38,440 - Aye. - Aye. 329 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:39,760 That carries. 330 00:13:39,760 --> 00:13:43,760 Okay, the next item is PUB23051, budget change. 331 00:13:43,760 --> 00:13:50,960 - Good morning, PUB, Daniel Stanford. 332 00:13:50,960 --> 00:13:53,000 I'm the budget manager. 333 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:54,760 So this morning I have a presentation 334 00:13:54,760 --> 00:13:58,960 on a capital improvement program budget amendment for you. 335 00:13:58,960 --> 00:14:01,480 So the proposed budget amendment 336 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:03,160 will increase the expenditure authority 337 00:14:03,160 --> 00:14:07,000 for the capital improvement program by $29.2 million, 338 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:11,240 taking the budget from $738.8 million 339 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:15,280 to $768 million. 340 00:14:15,280 --> 00:14:19,000 So the increase focuses on DME projects, 341 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:21,800 more specifically the purchase of transformers, 342 00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:26,480 LED conversion, Hickory GIS, and text dot relocations. 343 00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:30,760 And this slide shows you the overall 344 00:14:30,760 --> 00:14:34,920 capital improvement program budget for electric 345 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:35,960 and the differences. 346 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:40,640 So we've reduced some budgets in this category, 347 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:43,480 but have offset those by increasing others, 348 00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:46,320 so the net difference is $29.2 million. 349 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:50,400 So with that, I'll take any questions, 350 00:14:50,400 --> 00:14:52,480 and we do have electric staff here 351 00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:55,440 to answer any operation-related questions. 352 00:14:55,440 --> 00:14:58,080 - Can we go back to the other-- 353 00:14:58,080 --> 00:14:59,080 - Oh, sure. - First. 354 00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:04,800 - For this slide. 355 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:05,920 - That one. 356 00:15:05,920 --> 00:15:10,160 Distribution transformers, $19 million budget change. 357 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:14,280 Is it supply chain, or? (laughing) 358 00:15:14,280 --> 00:15:15,640 I mean, wow. 359 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:21,160 - Jerry Fielder, Engineering Division Manager, DME. 360 00:15:21,160 --> 00:15:23,640 Transformers is the largest one we have. 361 00:15:23,640 --> 00:15:25,800 We've got transformers that we've been had on order 362 00:15:25,800 --> 00:15:29,520 for over two years, and new contracts are a year and a half. 363 00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:32,320 So what we've seen is we've seen 300% 364 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:35,680 or higher increases in the price of transformers, 365 00:15:35,680 --> 00:15:38,640 even with the old contract purchases. 366 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:42,440 And I believe you guys have seen several emergency purchases 367 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:45,320 of transformers that have all had an increased price. 368 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:46,760 So yes, over the time frame, 369 00:15:46,760 --> 00:15:48,880 all those transformers have increased, 370 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:51,760 and it's about $29 million, 371 00:15:51,760 --> 00:15:54,840 or about $20 million for the increase of transformers. 372 00:15:54,840 --> 00:15:57,160 - All right. 373 00:15:57,160 --> 00:16:01,880 Any other questions? 374 00:16:01,880 --> 00:16:06,280 Mr. Rybeck, and then we'll go to you, Barbara. 375 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:07,560 - Okay. 376 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:11,080 Just curious, the technology, software, hardware, 377 00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:12,760 that was a big drop. 378 00:16:12,760 --> 00:16:14,360 I'm a little surprised at that. 379 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:20,400 - 1.7, 1.8 million decrease. 380 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:23,600 - You're talking about everything going up. 381 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:25,680 All costs of all equipment's going up. 382 00:16:25,680 --> 00:16:27,000 Look at that going. 383 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:30,400 That's a heck of a drop on the other side, the flip side. 384 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:31,720 - And I'm gonna give you my understanding. 385 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:33,960 I'm not gonna tell you that it's 100% right. 386 00:16:33,960 --> 00:16:36,360 But my understanding is that we've had a lot of software 387 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:38,240 that has actually changed. 388 00:16:38,240 --> 00:16:40,440 We've actually been able to get it lower. 389 00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:43,160 In other words, it's gonna possibly go out over more years. 390 00:16:43,160 --> 00:16:45,200 And there was a lot of initiatives that we had wanted 391 00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:47,320 to start that weren't started this year 392 00:16:47,320 --> 00:16:50,000 that'll be started in later months or years. 393 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:50,960 - Okay, thank you. 394 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:51,800 - You bet. 395 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:53,080 - So Mr. Rybeck, I'll just mention, you know, 396 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:55,640 so the reason we're amending the budget 397 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:58,680 is really because finance will be bringing forward 398 00:16:58,680 --> 00:17:00,720 a notice of intent to issue bonds. 399 00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:03,120 And so this is really gonna set that ceiling for us. 400 00:17:03,120 --> 00:17:05,280 We're gonna continue to look at this budget 401 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:07,640 before we come back to you and the council 402 00:17:07,640 --> 00:17:08,720 to actually issue the bonds. 403 00:17:08,720 --> 00:17:09,880 And we'll firm some of these up. 404 00:17:09,880 --> 00:17:11,640 So some of these positive negatives 405 00:17:11,640 --> 00:17:13,680 may switch around a little bit. 406 00:17:13,680 --> 00:17:16,760 But that 102, that'll be the ceiling of the maximum 407 00:17:16,760 --> 00:17:20,000 that we think we'll need to issue for the notice of intent. 408 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:23,320 - And then Barbara, you had a question. 409 00:17:23,320 --> 00:17:26,240 - Well, as we see things continue to go up, 410 00:17:26,240 --> 00:17:31,240 do you see in your crystal ball that this is going to, 411 00:17:31,240 --> 00:17:33,440 that we're gonna get caught up 412 00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:36,720 and maybe the prices will at least level off? 413 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:39,000 What do you see coming? 414 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:43,520 - We're not seeing any slowdown to development, 415 00:17:43,520 --> 00:17:46,800 but we're all, we're still seeing a difficulty, 416 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,640 I guess you might say, in getting transformers 417 00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:50,040 and equipment like that. 418 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:52,200 So I'm not seeing anything right now 419 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:54,560 that within the next year or so that we can say, 420 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:57,560 hey, look, we're gonna be able to breathe at this point. 421 00:17:57,560 --> 00:18:00,240 Right now I have Randy Key, who's here, 422 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:02,960 who's kind of handling the logistics, the material purchases, 423 00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:05,000 and his staff is doing great things 424 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:06,720 to trying to acquire all the equipment we have, 425 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:08,080 not only transformers, 426 00:18:08,080 --> 00:18:09,840 but some of the other pieces of equipment we have. 427 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:13,600 So in some point in the future, hopefully, yes, 428 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:17,040 but I can't see anything in the near future 429 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:18,520 that we're gonna be settled down. 430 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:22,160 - So it's really the rapid growth we're experiencing 431 00:18:22,160 --> 00:18:25,200 plus less in supplies. 432 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:26,520 - Yes, ma'am. 433 00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:28,520 - Yeah, Barbara, and I'll also mention that, 434 00:18:28,520 --> 00:18:30,560 I mean, you're gonna see that spillover 435 00:18:30,560 --> 00:18:32,960 into our five-year CIP as well. 436 00:18:32,960 --> 00:18:35,040 You know, we've now looked at, you know, 437 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:37,360 projects that are coming up in the next five years, 438 00:18:37,360 --> 00:18:38,720 and we're increasing those based 439 00:18:38,720 --> 00:18:41,800 on those inflationary pressures that we're seeing currently, 440 00:18:41,800 --> 00:18:43,800 and until we see a change, 441 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:46,320 I think that's gonna be our reality going forward. 442 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:48,120 - Thank you. 443 00:18:48,120 --> 00:18:49,680 - You bet. 444 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:50,800 - Any other questions? 445 00:18:50,800 --> 00:18:54,680 All right, do we have a motion to approve? 446 00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:59,120 Are moved, and Mr. Ebeck, you're seconding? 447 00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:01,440 Okay, all in favor say aye. 448 00:19:01,440 --> 00:19:02,480 - Aye. - Aye. 449 00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:04,960 - Carries, okay, management reports. 450 00:19:04,960 --> 00:19:06,520 - So, Madam Chair, members of the POB, 451 00:19:06,520 --> 00:19:08,160 we have a couple of items here for you. 452 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:10,520 The first one is really a follow-up to a question 453 00:19:10,520 --> 00:19:14,040 that Mr. Rybeck had on the Solid Waste Diversion Program, 454 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:17,240 and so Solid Waste has provided a memo with some information. 455 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:20,360 Certainly, if you have questions regarding that, 456 00:19:20,360 --> 00:19:21,520 you know, they'll be happy to, you know, 457 00:19:21,520 --> 00:19:24,320 Brian and his staff will be happy to come up here. 458 00:19:24,320 --> 00:19:26,840 You know, they do plan to come back to the committee 459 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:28,400 or the board at the next meeting 460 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:31,040 to do a formal work session presentation, 461 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:33,480 but certainly, if you have any questions on the memo, 462 00:19:33,480 --> 00:19:34,480 he's here. 463 00:19:34,480 --> 00:19:35,880 If you don't have questions today 464 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:37,760 and you wanna send him an email, 465 00:19:37,760 --> 00:19:40,800 certainly you could do that between now and the next meeting, 466 00:19:40,800 --> 00:19:43,080 so it's whatever your pleasure is. 467 00:19:43,080 --> 00:19:47,160 - Any questions for now? 468 00:19:47,160 --> 00:19:48,160 No? 469 00:19:48,160 --> 00:19:51,600 - Okay, so the next item is future agenda items. 470 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:55,160 You know, this is just trying to list out for you 471 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:56,520 what we have on the schedule, 472 00:19:56,520 --> 00:19:59,160 major items we have on the schedule for you. 473 00:19:59,160 --> 00:20:01,040 Again, I'm just gonna keep saying it every time. 474 00:20:01,040 --> 00:20:04,160 Just know that the budget, you know, 475 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:05,240 we're in the budget process, 476 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:08,240 and so you're gonna have a series of meetings coming up 477 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:10,160 to review all the utility budgets, 478 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:12,680 so just make sure you're cognizant of those dates, 479 00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:14,080 and certainly, if you're gonna be out, 480 00:20:14,080 --> 00:20:16,040 just let us know so that we're aware. 481 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:19,880 And then finally, on the new business action items, 482 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:21,920 you know, we have, you know, 483 00:20:21,920 --> 00:20:24,120 the Hickory Creek project was completed. 484 00:20:24,120 --> 00:20:25,200 We got that information to you, 485 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:27,520 as Mr. Ryback referenced earlier, 486 00:20:27,520 --> 00:20:31,320 and then we have the diversion ordinance presentation 487 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:32,480 scheduled for the 27th. 488 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:34,720 Certainly, if there's any other items that you have 489 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:37,560 that you'd like to see, please let us know. 490 00:20:37,560 --> 00:20:39,320 That concludes my item. 491 00:20:39,320 --> 00:20:43,280 - All right, that brings us to concluding items. 492 00:20:43,280 --> 00:20:46,440 Does any board member wish to say anything to the public 493 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:48,360 or put something on a future agenda? 494 00:20:48,360 --> 00:20:52,400 Okay. 495 00:20:52,400 --> 00:20:55,760 Seeing none, it is 936. 496 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:56,920 Billy. 497 00:20:56,920 --> 00:20:58,560 - Motion to adjourn. 498 00:20:58,560 --> 00:20:59,480 - We're adjourned.