WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 - Okay, it is 9.15 and we have a quorum. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:08.220 So call to order the public utilities board meeting 00:00:08.220 --> 00:00:12.860 for the city of Denton on Monday, March 13th of 2023. 00:00:12.860 --> 00:00:14.660 Do we have any members from the public 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:18.300 that wish to address the public utility board? 00:00:18.300 --> 00:00:23.740 Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. 00:00:23.740 --> 00:00:27.340 Does any board member wish to pull an item 00:00:27.340 --> 00:00:29.660 from the consent agenda? 00:00:29.660 --> 00:00:30.580 Do I get A? 00:00:30.580 --> 00:00:35.720 B? 00:00:35.720 --> 00:00:37.180 Okay. 00:00:37.180 --> 00:00:40.960 Do we have a motion then to approve item C, D and E? 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:41.800 - So moved. 00:00:41.800 --> 00:00:43.000 - Second. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:44.440 - All in favor say aye. 00:00:44.440 --> 00:00:45.880 - Aye. - Aye. 00:00:45.880 --> 00:00:48.120 - Carries, item A. 00:00:48.120 --> 00:00:48.960 - Okay, thank you. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:53.320 Actually, I really liked this project going forward. 00:00:53.320 --> 00:00:55.840 I just had a couple of questions and concerns. 00:00:57.360 --> 00:01:01.100 The loss of jobs here of the manual meter readers, 00:01:01.100 --> 00:01:04.680 is that something that we just would gain the benefit 00:01:04.680 --> 00:01:07.160 of cheaper costs overall or will they be assimilated 00:01:07.160 --> 00:01:10.780 into the DME somewhere else along the line? 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:14.840 - Apologize, Mr. Beck. 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:16.980 I've been doing this picture. 00:01:16.980 --> 00:01:18.460 Stephen Gay, Director of Water Utilities. 00:01:18.460 --> 00:01:19.680 Could you repeat your question, please? 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:21.280 - Yeah, this is a good program. 00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:22.360 I'm looking forward to this. 00:01:22.360 --> 00:01:23.720 I just had a couple of concerns. 00:01:23.720 --> 00:01:28.440 One was the log job loss for manual meter readers. 00:01:28.440 --> 00:01:29.800 Were they gonna be assimilated 00:01:29.800 --> 00:01:34.400 into the organization anywhere else? 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:36.040 - Currently, that function is provided 00:01:36.040 --> 00:01:38.280 through contract services. 00:01:38.280 --> 00:01:41.080 So, and you will see some need 00:01:41.080 --> 00:01:43.680 for like verification out in the field. 00:01:43.680 --> 00:01:45.840 - So there will be some manual? 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:46.760 - There should be some. 00:01:46.760 --> 00:01:48.600 - Okay, okay. 00:01:48.600 --> 00:01:51.560 I was noticing here too, it says the return of investment 00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:55.200 will be gained within 11 to 13 years 00:01:55.200 --> 00:01:58.920 compared to 20 years for the lifecycle of the water meters. 00:01:58.920 --> 00:02:00.720 Now, we're talking about the water meters 00:02:00.720 --> 00:02:02.840 that are now there now. 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:04.720 - Yes, sir, the physical water meters. 00:02:04.720 --> 00:02:08.960 So the current meters we use today are very mechanical 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:11.620 and the ones that we'll be evolving to are more ultrasonic. 00:02:11.620 --> 00:02:13.080 So there's no moving parts. 00:02:13.080 --> 00:02:13.920 - Okay. 00:02:13.920 --> 00:02:14.740 - So it'll last a lot longer. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:16.880 - Okay, and they'll pretty much be put in the same place 00:02:16.880 --> 00:02:19.160 as where we're seeing our water meters now. 00:02:19.160 --> 00:02:21.840 Okay, I guess the last thing here I've got a concern about 00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:23.600 with all things electronic. 00:02:23.600 --> 00:02:27.480 Is there a concern about these things being hacked? 00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:28.880 - No, not necessarily. 00:02:28.880 --> 00:02:33.880 The AMI technology is pretty well established. 00:02:33.880 --> 00:02:37.160 I think we're a little bit behind the curve on that. 00:02:37.160 --> 00:02:42.160 I've worked for four utilities and they all have AMI 00:02:42.160 --> 00:02:43.680 or have had it for several years. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:46.000 So we don't foresee any challenges 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:47.480 with the hacking of the data. 00:02:47.480 --> 00:02:51.640 And it's nothing specific to the customer. 00:02:51.640 --> 00:02:54.160 It's really just the consumption 00:02:54.160 --> 00:02:57.000 is that we'll be seeing in the meters. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:58.400 - Okay. 00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:01.600 Okay, last thing is it's, let me. 00:03:01.600 --> 00:03:11.240 Okay, it says an improved meter reading accuracy 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:13.320 if static meters are selected. 00:03:13.320 --> 00:03:15.760 So we don't know whether or not. 00:03:15.760 --> 00:03:17.900 - Right, and that's part of the project 00:03:17.900 --> 00:03:20.560 is to identify the technology and the actual meters 00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:22.000 that we'll be deploying in the system. 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:24.280 We're looking for the best in breed for the utility. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:27.320 - Okay, we are trying to get those static meters in. 00:03:27.320 --> 00:03:28.280 - Yes, sir. - Okay, very good. 00:03:28.280 --> 00:03:29.640 Thank you, sir. 00:03:29.640 --> 00:03:31.720 - I have a quick question that may be 00:03:31.720 --> 00:03:37.640 reasonably construed as an odd question, 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:40.800 but these meters, if they're ultrasonic, they need power. 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:43.000 They're in the ground, so how are they gonna get it? 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:44.880 - Batteries, actually, the batteries 00:03:44.880 --> 00:03:47.080 have a 20 year life on them. 00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:51.360 - Okay, so these are ultrasonic meters, 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:54.160 so they need water in the pipe to read. 00:03:54.160 --> 00:03:56.560 So if you have any issues where you have water shutdowns, 00:03:56.560 --> 00:03:58.680 how does that affect them? 00:03:58.680 --> 00:04:00.680 - We haven't seen any challenges 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:03.360 with there not being any water in the pipe. 00:04:03.360 --> 00:04:05.080 It's just basically for when it breaks 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:08.720 those electromagnetic lines of flux for the meter reading. 00:04:08.720 --> 00:04:12.460 So it's been my experience that with no water in the pipe, 00:04:12.460 --> 00:04:14.680 with a dry pipe, it doesn't cause any challenges. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:16.000 So it'd be just a zero. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:18.720 It wouldn't register any consumption. 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:20.360 - Well, the reason I ask is I've had some experience 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:23.600 with some meter hanging for water 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:28.080 that if they didn't have enough water in the pipe, 00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:29.280 they didn't read very well. 00:04:29.280 --> 00:04:30.120 - Right, and those are more 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:31.840 of a positive displacement meter, right? 00:04:31.840 --> 00:04:35.440 So you actually have mechanical pieces 00:04:35.440 --> 00:04:38.520 that have to be displaced to register a reading. 00:04:38.520 --> 00:04:40.660 So if you have a low enough flow, 00:04:40.660 --> 00:04:41.960 you won't see any reading. 00:04:41.960 --> 00:04:45.480 So what you're really doing is you have a blank pipe 00:04:45.480 --> 00:04:48.520 that has an electromagnetic field around it. 00:04:48.520 --> 00:04:52.240 And as you break that line with the flow, 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:55.180 no matter how slight it is, you register a reading. 00:04:55.180 --> 00:04:56.680 They're extremely accurate. 00:04:56.680 --> 00:04:58.520 - Okay, thank you. 00:04:58.520 --> 00:04:59.620 No further questions. 00:04:59.620 --> 00:05:02.720 - Yes, I have a question that said something 00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:05.180 about detecting leaks quicker. 00:05:05.180 --> 00:05:07.780 - Yes, so with an AMI platform, 00:05:07.780 --> 00:05:11.880 it's basically connected to some type of a service. 00:05:11.880 --> 00:05:15.020 So when we detect a leak, we can receive notification. 00:05:15.020 --> 00:05:16.240 We don't have to wait a whole month 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:18.400 or a whole billing cycle to determine 00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:20.240 whether or not there's a leak. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:23.620 - Okay, and if I remember correctly, 00:05:23.620 --> 00:05:26.920 you don't have to go out to turn the water on anymore. 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:28.720 - That depends. 00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:31.640 And when we go through our analysis 00:05:31.640 --> 00:05:34.040 and we identify the best in-breed solution, 00:05:34.040 --> 00:05:35.780 we'll determine whether or not we wanna have 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:38.440 what they call a three-position valve installed 00:05:38.440 --> 00:05:39.720 or integrated into the meters. 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:42.840 Well, it will allow us to remotely turn them on, off, 00:05:42.840 --> 00:05:46.440 or just do a, they call it a life-sustaining flow. 00:05:46.440 --> 00:05:48.720 But that has yet to be determined. 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:50.680 - Okay, the reason I was asking is 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:54.080 because you charge extra if you get same-day service. 00:05:54.080 --> 00:05:57.320 And of course, I understand that if somebody calls at 445, 00:05:57.320 --> 00:05:59.540 you're not gonna get the water on that day. 00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:02.920 But if they call at like 10 o'clock in the morning 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:05.800 and still have to wait another full day, 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:08.320 I know a lot of people moving in and out 00:06:08.320 --> 00:06:11.680 and that gets to be a real inconvenience for them. 00:06:13.080 --> 00:06:16.480 - Just kind of wondered why they still charged for it. 00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:18.320 - Well, we deploy staff, people, 00:06:18.320 --> 00:06:20.460 I mean, we're rolling equipment, people are going out 00:06:20.460 --> 00:06:23.120 and they're physically turning those meters on and off. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:26.740 And even if we went to an electronic structure, 00:06:26.740 --> 00:06:29.260 there's gonna be an additional cost associated with that. 00:06:29.260 --> 00:06:31.520 Because when we communicate with those meters, 00:06:31.520 --> 00:06:34.460 depending on the platform that we decide we land on, 00:06:34.460 --> 00:06:37.440 there may very well be a cost associated with that as well. 00:06:37.440 --> 00:06:38.840 And so we'll be evaluating that 00:06:38.840 --> 00:06:41.160 as we roll this new system out. 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:42.680 - Okay, thank you. 00:06:42.680 --> 00:06:43.980 You're very welcome. 00:06:43.980 --> 00:06:44.820 - I had one. 00:06:44.820 --> 00:06:46.120 - Oh, go ahead. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:48.080 - So the AMI system, 00:06:48.080 --> 00:06:51.560 I know there are a lot of challenges with RF 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:54.640 and in the soil, like inside of a metal, 00:06:54.640 --> 00:06:55.840 with a metal plate on top of it 00:06:55.840 --> 00:06:57.440 and all those sorts of things. 00:06:57.440 --> 00:06:58.720 But there are solutions, 00:06:58.720 --> 00:07:01.740 but they often are moving the radio signal 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:05.720 out of the 700 or 900 megahertz range 00:07:05.720 --> 00:07:08.720 into like something that much lower frequency 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:10.440 that penetrates the ground better. 00:07:10.440 --> 00:07:13.880 Does this require all new, 00:07:13.880 --> 00:07:17.600 a second set of backhaul system, 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:19.000 like through the neighborhoods? 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:20.840 Like new antennas and. 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:23.520 - The focus of this project is to evaluate that. 00:07:23.520 --> 00:07:26.440 What's gonna be the most appropriate backhaul system? 00:07:26.440 --> 00:07:29.560 Are we gonna do a standalone radio system? 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:31.620 Are we gonna use cellular data? 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:33.720 What are we going to utilize 00:07:33.720 --> 00:07:35.920 to ensure the integrity of that 00:07:35.920 --> 00:07:38.480 or the strength of those signals? 00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:40.720 - Historically, with an AMI, 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:42.720 what they'll do is on the top of the meter box, 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:44.280 they'll drill a hole and they'll put a puck 00:07:44.280 --> 00:07:46.120 on the top of the hole so you're not penetrating. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:47.880 You don't have to go through the ground 00:07:47.880 --> 00:07:49.660 or you don't have to go through the lid. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:52.240 So it'll transmit right from the top. 00:07:52.240 --> 00:07:53.800 - And like a wire down to the meter? 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:55.520 - A wire down to the meter, yes sir. 00:07:55.520 --> 00:08:00.040 - Other questions? 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:04.820 All right, do we have a motion to approve? 00:08:04.820 --> 00:08:06.160 - Move approval. 00:08:06.160 --> 00:08:07.360 - Second. 00:08:07.360 --> 00:08:09.640 - Okay, all in favor say aye. 00:08:09.640 --> 00:08:10.680 - Aye. 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:13.980 - Item B, there's someone here. 00:08:13.980 --> 00:08:25.300 Mr. Rybeck, what was your question? 00:08:25.300 --> 00:08:27.600 - I wanted to ask just a question or two 00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:28.600 about this program. 00:08:28.600 --> 00:08:31.640 This is kind of innovative and interesting. 00:08:31.640 --> 00:08:35.300 My experience with working around casual labor 00:08:35.300 --> 00:08:36.880 hasn't been very helpful. 00:08:37.640 --> 00:08:42.080 So I'm curious, A, what got the city 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:45.960 and the Solid Waste Department interested in doing this 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:49.600 and if the people do or do not show up, 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:51.960 how do you plan to respond? 00:08:51.960 --> 00:08:54.360 - Good morning, Brian Barner, Solid Waste Director 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:55.420 with the City of Denton. 00:08:55.420 --> 00:08:57.760 And first, we're proud to be a partner 00:08:57.760 --> 00:09:00.680 in this Ready for Work program. 00:09:00.680 --> 00:09:03.240 As stated in the AIS, this is a partnership 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:05.240 between the city and our Daily Bread 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:09.120 to actually identify persons in our homeless community, 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:10.440 provide training and supervision 00:09:10.440 --> 00:09:13.120 and bring them to the landfill to do, 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:15.640 as you said, casual labor, things like litter picking, 00:09:15.640 --> 00:09:18.180 site maintenance, things of that nature. 00:09:18.180 --> 00:09:20.640 Currently, the City of Denton Solid Waste 00:09:20.640 --> 00:09:22.960 utilizes a lot of temporary labor, 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:25.320 whether it's doing our litter picking, 00:09:25.320 --> 00:09:30.280 whether it's backfilling vacant field operator positions, 00:09:30.280 --> 00:09:31.400 riding backs of trucks, 00:09:31.400 --> 00:09:35.000 helping load bulk during heavy peak periods. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:37.120 And currently, just like everybody else, 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:38.480 there are workforce issues. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:40.800 So even though we may request five people 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:43.600 to show up the next day, we might get two. 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:45.240 Part of the commitment with our Daily Bread 00:09:45.240 --> 00:09:47.600 is not only do they provide the supervision, 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:49.200 but they provide the people. 00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:53.160 So we'll train the supervisor, outline the program 00:09:53.160 --> 00:09:55.560 and the jobs that are to be done not only that day, 00:09:55.560 --> 00:09:58.120 but sort of the universe of things that needs to be done. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:59.520 And then through that supervisor, 00:09:59.520 --> 00:10:02.600 they will deploy those people on site. 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:06.560 So because they are currently being managed 00:10:06.560 --> 00:10:08.640 through the 288 facility, 00:10:08.640 --> 00:10:11.540 it's not just whoever shows up that day for work comes in, 00:10:11.540 --> 00:10:14.280 it's more of a continuous labor force. 00:10:14.280 --> 00:10:16.480 They'll load up the van, they'll bring them to us. 00:10:16.480 --> 00:10:17.760 So what we're anticipating 00:10:17.760 --> 00:10:22.120 is actually a more reliable workforce availability 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:25.760 than just your temporary labor call-in type service. 00:10:25.760 --> 00:10:26.600 - I got you. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:29.160 Well, again, I applaud you all for doing this. 00:10:29.160 --> 00:10:32.760 I think it's a real interesting approach. 00:10:32.760 --> 00:10:35.320 My just concern would be if they don't provide the labor, 00:10:35.320 --> 00:10:36.640 then it's your fallback to go back 00:10:36.640 --> 00:10:38.560 to your contract labor pool. 00:10:38.560 --> 00:10:39.400 - Correct. 00:10:39.400 --> 00:10:40.720 - Okay. - Correct. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:42.440 - So you're not excluding one for the other 00:10:42.440 --> 00:10:44.280 if they fail to provide enough personnel. 00:10:44.280 --> 00:10:46.240 - Correct, there are fail safes and fallbacks 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:48.480 that are built into the whole process. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:49.800 - Okay, very good. 00:10:49.800 --> 00:10:50.640 That was my question. - Thank you. 00:10:50.640 --> 00:10:51.460 - Thank you. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:52.560 - I know I told you I wasn't gonna pull this, 00:10:52.560 --> 00:10:56.120 but I wanted to go ahead and just make a few comments on, 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:58.720 you know, there's three, maybe four shelters 00:10:58.720 --> 00:10:59.560 in the city of Denton, 00:10:59.560 --> 00:11:01.760 and this new shelter out on Loop 28, 00:11:01.760 --> 00:11:03.140 it's Monsignor King also. 00:11:03.140 --> 00:11:04.840 It's not just our daily bread. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:08.120 So, you know, it's a really good place. 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:10.960 We toured it the other day. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:12.340 They have an emergency shelter 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:14.560 for the people that initially get there. 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:17.040 And then the front one is people that are moving up 00:11:17.040 --> 00:11:17.880 and getting training, 00:11:17.880 --> 00:11:20.880 and they're also training them in traffic control. 00:11:20.880 --> 00:11:24.520 So we're gonna do a job fair out there with them as well. 00:11:24.520 --> 00:11:26.720 I've got Associated General Contractors 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:28.720 that are gonna come in and work and try to steal 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:30.640 some of the good people you're trying to steal. 00:11:30.640 --> 00:11:32.080 (panelists laughing) 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:34.760 'Cause there are some good folks that just, you know, 00:11:34.760 --> 00:11:36.760 had some bad things happen in their life, 00:11:36.760 --> 00:11:37.880 and they just need a chance. 00:11:37.880 --> 00:11:39.040 - Well, and to build on that, 00:11:39.040 --> 00:11:41.200 I think one of the things that we're hoping to do is, 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:43.800 you know, like with everybody else right now, 00:11:43.800 --> 00:11:44.960 you know, labor is tight, 00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:48.200 and it's hard to find a person that will show up every day, 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:50.560 do a good job, and go home. 00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:52.280 And, you know, we get somebody out here 00:11:52.280 --> 00:11:55.280 through this program, you know, for, you know, six months, 00:11:55.280 --> 00:11:57.040 and it looks like they've got an aptitude 00:11:57.040 --> 00:11:58.600 for what we need to have done, 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:00.520 and expand, and give an opportunity. 00:12:00.520 --> 00:12:03.120 Then, you know, hire 'em in as a, you know, 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:04.440 once we get 'em trained, you know, 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:05.800 hire 'em in as a city employee, 00:12:05.800 --> 00:12:07.960 and then start giving 'em the training they need, 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:09.920 possibility to CDL or something else, 00:12:09.920 --> 00:12:13.160 and actually start driving and working, you know, 00:12:13.160 --> 00:12:15.800 beneficially within the, as a permanent employee. 00:12:15.800 --> 00:12:18.580 So, you know, it's not sort of the end of the road, 00:12:18.580 --> 00:12:21.040 it's really the first step on a long road. 00:12:21.040 --> 00:12:21.880 - It's a win-win. 00:12:21.880 --> 00:12:22.720 - It is, it is. 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:24.680 - Yeah, I mean, you know, we hire employees 00:12:24.680 --> 00:12:26.780 all the time, it didn't work out, and they weren't homeless. 00:12:26.780 --> 00:12:27.800 - Yeah, exactly. 00:12:27.800 --> 00:12:30.040 (laughing) 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:33.800 - All right, thank you very much. 00:12:33.800 --> 00:12:34.960 - Other questions? 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:39.960 I think it's a neat place, neat program. 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:43.000 Do we have a motion to approve item B? 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:44.720 Mr. Rybeck, move. 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:47.840 And Mr. Beck seconds, all in favor, say aye. 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:49.360 - Aye. 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:51.200 - Thank you. - Thank you. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:56.000 Next item is approval of the February 27th, 2023 minutes. 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:58.200 Were there any changes or corrections? 00:12:58.200 --> 00:13:01.840 Seeing none, do we have a motion to approve? 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:06.800 Mr. Chief Barbera, so seconded, yes? 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:08.520 - Oh, I just had a comment about-- 00:13:08.520 --> 00:13:10.740 - Okay, go ahead, go ahead. 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:15.420 - Oh, I wanted to thank Mr. Brown for the presentation, 00:13:15.420 --> 00:13:18.580 which I wasn't here for on the Hickory Creek project, 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:21.100 but I did look at the presentation through, 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:23.860 and I do appreciate the effort, it was a nice overview. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:25.680 And I hope the other members of the board 00:13:25.680 --> 00:13:28.480 appreciated the opportunity to get a better long-term view 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.600 of the project. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:33.020 So, sorry I missed it, but thank you for doing it. 00:13:33.020 --> 00:13:35.840 - All right, so we have a motion and a second. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:37.360 All in favor, say aye. 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:38.440 - Aye. - Aye. 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:39.760 That carries. 00:13:39.760 --> 00:13:43.760 Okay, the next item is PUB23051, budget change. 00:13:43.760 --> 00:13:50.960 - Good morning, PUB, Daniel Stanford. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:53.000 I'm the budget manager. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.760 So this morning I have a presentation 00:13:54.760 --> 00:13:58.960 on a capital improvement program budget amendment for you. 00:13:58.960 --> 00:14:01.480 So the proposed budget amendment 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:03.160 will increase the expenditure authority 00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:07.000 for the capital improvement program by $29.2 million, 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:11.240 taking the budget from $738.8 million 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:15.280 to $768 million. 00:14:15.280 --> 00:14:19.000 So the increase focuses on DME projects, 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:21.800 more specifically the purchase of transformers, 00:14:21.800 --> 00:14:26.480 LED conversion, Hickory GIS, and text dot relocations. 00:14:26.480 --> 00:14:30.760 And this slide shows you the overall 00:14:30.760 --> 00:14:34.920 capital improvement program budget for electric 00:14:34.920 --> 00:14:35.960 and the differences. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:40.640 So we've reduced some budgets in this category, 00:14:40.640 --> 00:14:43.480 but have offset those by increasing others, 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:46.320 so the net difference is $29.2 million. 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:50.400 So with that, I'll take any questions, 00:14:50.400 --> 00:14:52.480 and we do have electric staff here 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:55.440 to answer any operation-related questions. 00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:58.080 - Can we go back to the other-- 00:14:58.080 --> 00:14:59.080 - Oh, sure. - First. 00:14:59.080 --> 00:15:04.800 - For this slide. 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:05.920 - That one. 00:15:05.920 --> 00:15:10.160 Distribution transformers, $19 million budget change. 00:15:10.160 --> 00:15:14.280 Is it supply chain, or? (laughing) 00:15:14.280 --> 00:15:15.640 I mean, wow. 00:15:18.280 --> 00:15:21.160 - Jerry Fielder, Engineering Division Manager, DME. 00:15:21.160 --> 00:15:23.640 Transformers is the largest one we have. 00:15:23.640 --> 00:15:25.800 We've got transformers that we've been had on order 00:15:25.800 --> 00:15:29.520 for over two years, and new contracts are a year and a half. 00:15:29.520 --> 00:15:32.320 So what we've seen is we've seen 300% 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:35.680 or higher increases in the price of transformers, 00:15:35.680 --> 00:15:38.640 even with the old contract purchases. 00:15:38.640 --> 00:15:42.440 And I believe you guys have seen several emergency purchases 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:45.320 of transformers that have all had an increased price. 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.760 So yes, over the time frame, 00:15:46.760 --> 00:15:48.880 all those transformers have increased, 00:15:48.880 --> 00:15:51.760 and it's about $29 million, 00:15:51.760 --> 00:15:54.840 or about $20 million for the increase of transformers. 00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:57.160 - All right. 00:15:57.160 --> 00:16:01.880 Any other questions? 00:16:01.880 --> 00:16:06.280 Mr. Rybeck, and then we'll go to you, Barbara. 00:16:06.280 --> 00:16:07.560 - Okay. 00:16:07.560 --> 00:16:11.080 Just curious, the technology, software, hardware, 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:12.760 that was a big drop. 00:16:12.760 --> 00:16:14.360 I'm a little surprised at that. 00:16:17.640 --> 00:16:20.400 - 1.7, 1.8 million decrease. 00:16:20.400 --> 00:16:23.600 - You're talking about everything going up. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:25.680 All costs of all equipment's going up. 00:16:25.680 --> 00:16:27.000 Look at that going. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:30.400 That's a heck of a drop on the other side, the flip side. 00:16:30.400 --> 00:16:31.720 - And I'm gonna give you my understanding. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:33.960 I'm not gonna tell you that it's 100% right. 00:16:33.960 --> 00:16:36.360 But my understanding is that we've had a lot of software 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:38.240 that has actually changed. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:40.440 We've actually been able to get it lower. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:43.160 In other words, it's gonna possibly go out over more years. 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:45.200 And there was a lot of initiatives that we had wanted 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:47.320 to start that weren't started this year 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:50.000 that'll be started in later months or years. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:50.960 - Okay, thank you. 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:51.800 - You bet. 00:16:51.800 --> 00:16:53.080 - So Mr. Rybeck, I'll just mention, you know, 00:16:53.080 --> 00:16:55.640 so the reason we're amending the budget 00:16:55.640 --> 00:16:58.680 is really because finance will be bringing forward 00:16:58.680 --> 00:17:00.720 a notice of intent to issue bonds. 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:03.120 And so this is really gonna set that ceiling for us. 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:05.280 We're gonna continue to look at this budget 00:17:05.280 --> 00:17:07.640 before we come back to you and the council 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:08.720 to actually issue the bonds. 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.880 And we'll firm some of these up. 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:11.640 So some of these positive negatives 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:13.680 may switch around a little bit. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:16.760 But that 102, that'll be the ceiling of the maximum 00:17:16.760 --> 00:17:20.000 that we think we'll need to issue for the notice of intent. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:23.320 - And then Barbara, you had a question. 00:17:23.320 --> 00:17:26.240 - Well, as we see things continue to go up, 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:31.240 do you see in your crystal ball that this is going to, 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:33.440 that we're gonna get caught up 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:36.720 and maybe the prices will at least level off? 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:39.000 What do you see coming? 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:43.520 - We're not seeing any slowdown to development, 00:17:43.520 --> 00:17:46.800 but we're all, we're still seeing a difficulty, 00:17:46.800 --> 00:17:48.640 I guess you might say, in getting transformers 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:50.040 and equipment like that. 00:17:50.040 --> 00:17:52.200 So I'm not seeing anything right now 00:17:52.200 --> 00:17:54.560 that within the next year or so that we can say, 00:17:54.560 --> 00:17:57.560 hey, look, we're gonna be able to breathe at this point. 00:17:57.560 --> 00:18:00.240 Right now I have Randy Key, who's here, 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:02.960 who's kind of handling the logistics, the material purchases, 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:05.000 and his staff is doing great things 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:06.720 to trying to acquire all the equipment we have, 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.080 not only transformers, 00:18:08.080 --> 00:18:09.840 but some of the other pieces of equipment we have. 00:18:09.840 --> 00:18:13.600 So in some point in the future, hopefully, yes, 00:18:13.600 --> 00:18:17.040 but I can't see anything in the near future 00:18:17.040 --> 00:18:18.520 that we're gonna be settled down. 00:18:18.520 --> 00:18:22.160 - So it's really the rapid growth we're experiencing 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:25.200 plus less in supplies. 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:26.520 - Yes, ma'am. 00:18:26.520 --> 00:18:28.520 - Yeah, Barbara, and I'll also mention that, 00:18:28.520 --> 00:18:30.560 I mean, you're gonna see that spillover 00:18:30.560 --> 00:18:32.960 into our five-year CIP as well. 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:35.040 You know, we've now looked at, you know, 00:18:35.040 --> 00:18:37.360 projects that are coming up in the next five years, 00:18:37.360 --> 00:18:38.720 and we're increasing those based 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:41.800 on those inflationary pressures that we're seeing currently, 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:43.800 and until we see a change, 00:18:43.800 --> 00:18:46.320 I think that's gonna be our reality going forward. 00:18:46.320 --> 00:18:48.120 - Thank you. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:49.680 - You bet. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.800 - Any other questions? 00:18:50.800 --> 00:18:54.680 All right, do we have a motion to approve? 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:59.120 Are moved, and Mr. Ebeck, you're seconding? 00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:01.440 Okay, all in favor say aye. 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.480 - Aye. - Aye. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:04.960 - Carries, okay, management reports. 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.520 - So, Madam Chair, members of the POB, 00:19:06.520 --> 00:19:08.160 we have a couple of items here for you. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:10.520 The first one is really a follow-up to a question 00:19:10.520 --> 00:19:14.040 that Mr. Rybeck had on the Solid Waste Diversion Program, 00:19:14.040 --> 00:19:17.240 and so Solid Waste has provided a memo with some information. 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:20.360 Certainly, if you have questions regarding that, 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:21.520 you know, they'll be happy to, you know, 00:19:21.520 --> 00:19:24.320 Brian and his staff will be happy to come up here. 00:19:24.320 --> 00:19:26.840 You know, they do plan to come back to the committee 00:19:26.840 --> 00:19:28.400 or the board at the next meeting 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:31.040 to do a formal work session presentation, 00:19:31.040 --> 00:19:33.480 but certainly, if you have any questions on the memo, 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.480 he's here. 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:35.880 If you don't have questions today 00:19:35.880 --> 00:19:37.760 and you wanna send him an email, 00:19:37.760 --> 00:19:40.800 certainly you could do that between now and the next meeting, 00:19:40.800 --> 00:19:43.080 so it's whatever your pleasure is. 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:47.160 - Any questions for now? 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:48.160 No? 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:51.600 - Okay, so the next item is future agenda items. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:55.160 You know, this is just trying to list out for you 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:56.520 what we have on the schedule, 00:19:56.520 --> 00:19:59.160 major items we have on the schedule for you. 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:01.040 Again, I'm just gonna keep saying it every time. 00:20:01.040 --> 00:20:04.160 Just know that the budget, you know, 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:05.240 we're in the budget process, 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:08.240 and so you're gonna have a series of meetings coming up 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:10.160 to review all the utility budgets, 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:12.680 so just make sure you're cognizant of those dates, 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.080 and certainly, if you're gonna be out, 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:16.040 just let us know so that we're aware. 00:20:16.040 --> 00:20:19.880 And then finally, on the new business action items, 00:20:19.880 --> 00:20:21.920 you know, we have, you know, 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:24.120 the Hickory Creek project was completed. 00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:25.200 We got that information to you, 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:27.520 as Mr. Ryback referenced earlier, 00:20:27.520 --> 00:20:31.320 and then we have the diversion ordinance presentation 00:20:31.320 --> 00:20:32.480 scheduled for the 27th. 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.720 Certainly, if there's any other items that you have 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:37.560 that you'd like to see, please let us know. 00:20:37.560 --> 00:20:39.320 That concludes my item. 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:43.280 - All right, that brings us to concluding items. 00:20:43.280 --> 00:20:46.440 Does any board member wish to say anything to the public 00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:48.360 or put something on a future agenda? 00:20:48.360 --> 00:20:52.400 Okay. 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:55.760 Seeing none, it is 936. 00:20:55.760 --> 00:20:56.920 Billy. 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:58.560 - Motion to adjourn. 00:20:58.560 --> 00:20:59.480 - We're adjourned.