Utility Advisory Committee

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Utility Advisory Committee Contact: Eric Christensen 360.570.3741 Thursday, April 1, 2021 5:30 PM Online via Zoom 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Stephenson called the meeting to order. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Chair Cullen Stephenson, Vice Chair Dennis Bloom, Committee member Michael Bradley, Committee member Donald Krug, Committee member Kristin Lamson, Committee member Arland Schneider and Committee member Eleanor (Pat) Vernon Absent: 1 - Committee member Roger Wilson 1.B. STAFF PRESENT Water Resources Director/Staff Liaison Eric Christensen Water Quality Specialist Cheri Reimers Water Resources Planning & Engineering Manager Susan Clark Program Assistant Lindsay Marquez 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21-0313 Approval of March 4, 2021 UAC Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Jason Gano with Olympia Master Builders introduced himself but did not provide public comment. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM UAC AND STAFF Chair Stephenson asked whether it is a Committee or City decision to resume meeting in-person, now that more people are getting the Covid-19 vaccination. Mr. Christensen responded it is a City management decision and he will keep the UAC informed of any decision to allow committees to meet in-person again safely. City of Olympia Page 1 Utility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes April 1, 2021 Mr. Christensen provided the following announcements: Former Chair Buffo presented the UAC 2021-2022 workplan to the General Government Committee (GGC) on March 24. The workplan was accepted and the GGC acknowledged the great work by the UAC. The latest federal stimulus bill provided half a billion in relief money for low income citizens that are in arrears with utility payments. City staff are researching how the funds are being allocated and how to inform customers of their availability. Stipend payments for advisory committee member meeting attendance begins today, April 1. UAC members will receive an email with forms that need to be completed and emailed back to staff by June 1. The City received two applications for the UAC vacancy. UAC Chair and Vice Chair are reviewing the applications. The GGC will interview applicants on April 24. Update on the reservoir seismic upgrade projects. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS 21-0316 2021 Water Quality Report Ms. Reimers provided the briefing. The report was received. 21-0314 Water System Plan Update Project Briefing Ms. Clark provided the briefing. The discussion was completed. 21-0315 Stormwater Rate Structure Project Update Ms. Clark provided the briefing. The UAC will include staff's proposal for the Storm and Surface Water commercial rate changes in their recommendation to Council in the fall for the 2022 budget and rates. 7. ADJOURN Chair Stephenson adjourned the meeting at 7:01 pm. City of Olympia Page 2 Utility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes April 1, 2021 Upcoming Next UAC Meeting: May 6, 2021 Online via Zoom The meeting will include the following business items: Waste ReSources Plan General Facility Charges for Low Income Housing Asset Management - Renewal and Replacement Costs City of Olympia Page 3