HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_GUS_07.08.2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Georgetown Utility System Advisory Board
and the Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Georgetown Utility System Advisory Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Friday , July 8,
2011.
Board Members Present:
John Nett - Chair, Robert Young - Vice Chair, Fred Beach - Secretary, Patty Eason, Brian Lindsey, Bill
Sattler (departed at 2:53pm), Arthur Yaeger
Board Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Jim Briggs, Glenn Dishong, Jimmy Sikes, Michael Hallmark, Chris Foster , Sheila Mitchell
OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Brooks/HDR Engineering
Minutes
Regular Meeting
Board may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene in Executive Session at the request of the
Chair, a Board Member, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council Member, or legal
counsel for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551,
and are subject to action in the Regular Session that follows.
CALL TO ORDER Called to order at 2:00PM
I. STAFF BOARD COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
(This is a short informational time regarding items where specific actions are not requested or needed)
A. Introduction of Visitors - none present during this time.
B. Project Progress Reports - Hallmark stated reports are included in packets.
-- Council Actions - report included in packet.
C. Industry Updates - Briggs stated the EPA received authorization to enforce some air quality
standards which will impact coal fired plants. This will impact power prices across the nation.
Beach commented on effects of some projects he has been involved on. Yaeger asked and Be ach
responded regarding the approximate fuel mix in TX; for both generation and capacity. Briggs
spoke in regards to natural gas. Eason asked and Briggs explained the recent test water release
from Lake Georgetown to attempt to recharge City wells. The test release occurred over a period
of approximately 72 hours and did have a positive impact on the wells. We are studying to
determine the overall areas affected, which will assist in future planning for expansion of
infrastructure.
II. LEGISLATIVE REGULAR AGENDA:
(This is for specific action items considered by the Board – greater than $50,000 in value)
D. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the regular GUS Board meeting held
on June 10, 2011. -- Sheila Mitchell
Discussion: None.
Action: Motion by Yaeger, seconded by Eason to approve the minutes from the regular
GUS Board meeting held on June 10, 2011.
Approved: 5-0-0-2 (Sattler, Lindsey abstained due to absence from meeting)
E. Consideration and possible recommendation to approve Task Order HDR 11 -003 with HDR
Engineering, Inc., of Austin, Texas, for design and construction support services for modifications
to the existing Glasscock Substation in the amount of $354,736.00. -- Jimmy Sikes/Glenn Dishong
Discussion: Sikes presented update on the project which started last fiscal year for the
purchase of two transformers for Rivery & Glasscock Substations. The Rivery
transformer
is in final stages of completion. This is the second part of the project, which is for the
Glasscock Substation engineering design for the transformer due to arrive in January
2012. Nett asked and Briggs noted staff can provide electronic copies or direct new board
members to the link on the City website for maps of City infrastructure. Sikes presented
a diagram of the Glasscock substation where transformer will be placed. Beach asked and
Sikes/Briggs explained load capability to handle growth. Briggs noted there will be a cost
savings by adding this transformer and moving load. Sikes commented further on the
reduction of power costs over an 8-10 year payback period. Sattler asked and Sikes
responded to HDR's electrical operations office being located in Billings, Montana, noting
they have worked with LCRA on substations since 2000 and are familiar with this area
and with municipals; they are all licensed in Texas. A local representative of HDR, Rick
Brooks, was present at meeting and noted there are over 200 HDR employees in the
Austin area. Staff does not feel there is an issue with their Montana location. Sattler asked
and Sikes stated this is a lump sum cost. Nett asked and Sikes responded costs are
all-inclusive. Sikes stated this will be a duplicate of the setup at Rivery Substation. Briggs
commented about applications and troubleshooting in the field and Sikes stated our staff
will be able to work with the HDR staff via maps and software for any power restoration
needs.
Action: Motion by Sattler, seconded by Young to approve Task Order HDR 11-003 with
HDR Engineering, Inc., of Austin, Texas, for design and construction support services for
modifications to the existing Glasscock Substati on in the amount of $354,736.00
Approved: 7-0-0
Motion by Young, seconded by Beach to enter into Exec Session to discuss item 'F' under competitive
matters. Approved: 7-0-0
III. STRATEGIC ISSUES / RATES:
EXECUTIVE SESSION Called to order at 2:40pm
Sec.551.086 Competitive Matters
The GUS Board will go into Executive Session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to
discuss matters or take action on a "competitive matter" of the Energy Services Department as provided
under Section 551.086
F. Discussion and update related to recent City Council Competitive Issue action or direction as it
pertains to Wholesale Power Contracts or Costs. -- Jim Briggs
Motion by Young, seconded by Lindsey to return to Regular Session. Approved : 6-0-1 (Sattler absent)
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION at 3:17PM
G. Recommendation from Executive Session.
Discussion: None
Action: None
ADJOURN
Motion by Young, seconded by Beach to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 3:18PM
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 03:18 PM.
Approved : Attest:
_______________________ ________________________
John Nett - Chair Fred Beach - Secretary