City Council

Water Committee Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2013 - 6 pm City Hall, 1840 Second Street, Columbia City of Columbia City Members Present- Josh Fromm, Finos Lunsford, John Burdett, and Bill Guy Attendees- Leahnette Rivers, City Administrator/Recorder Micah Rogers, Public Works Superintendent Meeting called to order at 6 pm. 1. Columbia City Water Conservation Project for Automated Meters, PRV Improvements, and Line Abandonment: Leahnette said the City has received the funding award, and loan and contract documents should arrive this week. She said as soon as the documents are executed, staff will begin work on the project. She said the City Engineer is currently working on the proposal for services. She said the project will be completed under separate contracts - one for the automated meters, one for the PRV improvements and one for the line abandonment. If the leak detection survey is needed, it will be performed under another contract. Micah noted that the meter project may be performed under two separate contracts - one for the purchase of the meters, and another for the installation - because it would be more cost effective for the City. Leahnette said we hope to complete the projects during this construction season. 2. Water System Master Plan: Leahnette updated the Water Committee on recent changes made to the draft plan involving the removal of the groundwater well project, which was determined to not be cost effective. She said the City’s current well source, coupled with the St. Helens supply, is projected to provide the City with the needed capacity during the 20-year planning period if the City of St. Helens continues to serve water to the industrial site. She said the City Council will hold a public hearing to obtain comments about the plan during their meeting this Thursday. 3. Water Rate Study and SDC Update: Leahnette said the consultant will present the draft funding analysis chapter for the City’s master planning project, which consists of the water and sewer rate study and SDC updates, during the City Council Meeting this Thursday. She said the rate studies recommend 3% annual increases in water and sewer rates during the next five years. They anticipate the capital projects being completed with loan funds and existing SDC revenues. She said the amount the City charges for SDC’s will drop as a result of the SDC study updates. 4. Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2013-14: Leahnette presented a proposed five-year capital improvement plan for water projects for the Committee’s review. She said the proposal represents the projects identified in the City’s draft Water Master Plan completed as proposed during the development of the rate study. It was the consensus of the Committee that we move forward with the proposed changes to the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. 5. Other Business: Committee Members and staff discussed Erik Hoovestol’s performance as contract engineer for the City. It was the unanimous consensus that he’s doing an outstanding job and he’s a pleasure to work with. Micah said he does an excellent job of communicating with staff, which has proven to be a very cost effective approach for the City. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.