Everson-Nooksack Wastewater Steering Committee

EVERSON-NOOKSACK WASTEWATER STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Agenda October 25, 2018 at 4:00 PM 1. ROLL CALL 2. SETTING OF AGENDA 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.) Sewer Committee Minutes- February 15, 2018 4. COMMITTEE BUSINESS a.) Review the recent P.S. #4 generator project b.) Update regarding WWTP operations c.) Discussion regarding future capital projects 5. OTHER ITEMS 6. NEXT MEETING DATE 7. ADJOURNMENT Sign language interpreter service, assertive listening devices and communication materials in alternative formats including Braille, large print, and audio tape are available upon 7 working days advance notice by contacting the telephone number listed below. Questions concerning special needs for persons with disabilities not covered above may also be addressed by contacting the City of Everson at (360) 966-3411. Written requests for material and/or special needs should be addressed to the Deputy Clerk, City of Everson, PO Box 315, Everson, WA 98247. Parking for disabled persons is available near the Everson Senior Center southeast entrance. Page 1 of 3 Sehome Planning & Development Services 103 E. Holly Street, Suite 206 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-6033 FAX: (360) 733-6461 Minutes of the Everson-Nooksack Wastewater Steering Committee Meeting Date: February 15, 2018 The Everson-Nooksack Wastewater Steering Committee met at a regular meeting held on February 15, 2018. The meeting began at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Everson City Hall. Members of the Committee present included Nooksack City Council Members Tom Jones and Marshall Judy, Everson City Council Members Eric Oettel and Jennifer Lautenbach, and Rollin Harper from Sehome Planning and Development Services. Also present were Everson Mayor John Perry, Dave Schoonover from Everson Public Works, Everson Clerk Jennifer Bell, Bob Skillman from Nooksack Public Works, and Mitch from L2. Setting of Agenda Committee member Harper summarized that the following items were included on the agenda: • Approval of minutes • A Update and proposal regarding radio transmitters • WWTP Report • Back-up power generator for Pump Station No. 4 Approval of Minutes Council member Judy made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2017 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Council member Oettel and passed 4-0 (with Council member Lautenbach not yet present). Committee Business: Update and Proposal regarding Radio Transmitters Mitch from L2 reported regarding the current system of radio transmitters that is working well, but that will need to be replaced within the next five years due to aging crystals that fail over time. Several alternatives were discussed, including a new cellular-based system that would more reliably transmit date, would be fully encrypted, and would allow L2 to provide remote support services. Mitch indicated that the existing transmitters could be repaired or could be replaced individually with the new cellular technology as old transmitters fail because the old and new systems can be used in combination. The Committee discussed the relative costs for the old and new systems and decided that at the current time based on the cost of the new system, including monthly cell phone bills, and the options for transitioning to the new system over time, no action was needed. Transitioning to the new cellular system would continue to be evaluated. Council member Judy said that he would research possible use of satellite-based technology. Wastewater Steering Committee Minutes – 02/15/2018 1 Page 2 of 3 WWTP Report Dave reported regarding the operation of the WWTP over the first year since the upgrade was completed. The costs for sludge hauling and disposal have all gone down as a result of the upgrade. Potable water consumption has also decreased substantially. The Committee briefly discussed the recent increases in sludge hauling volumes, which were understood to be due to the very wet winter weather this year. Back-up Power Generator for Pump Station No. 4 Everson staff provided information regarding the possibility of using the old back-up power generator from the WWTP at Pump Station No. 4. This would require electrical work by an electrical contractor, inspection and tuning up of the generator, and placement of the generator on a metal stand to place it above the FEMA base flood elevation. The Committee discussed options for using different electrical contractors, options for constructing the metal stand, and whether or not to hold off on the project until it could be included in an upcoming budget. Council member Judy said that he might have access to materials for the metal stand, and Nooksack staff indicated that they could work with Everson staff to construct the stand. Based on potential cost savings, the Committee agreed to support moving forward with the project this year. Other Items Clothing Allowance Nooksack council members raised concerns regarding clothing allowance for non-WWTP staff being charged to the WWTP. After some discussion, Mayor Perry said that Everson staff would review the current cost allocation policy to see if any adjustments were necessary. Next Meeting Date The date for the next Committee meeting was not set, but the meeting will be held at Nooksack City Hall. Council member Judy suggested that meeting should be held at least every six months. The Committee agreed that the next meeting should be in September or October. Meeting Adjourned Council member Judy made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Council member Oettel and passed 5-0. The February 15, 2018 meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m. Minutes prepared by Rollin Harper. Minutes approved on . Attested by: . 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