MINUTES
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, July 11, 2011
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER - AT OR AFTER 6:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Dave Powell, Chair; Richard Davis, Vice Chair; Robert Milkey, Commissioner; Richard Reynolds, Commissioner; Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner; Winston Tustison, Commissioner.

Absent/Excused: None.
STAFF PRESENT:
Philip C. Saletta, Director
Shirley Seng, Utility Administrator
Robert Jacklitch, Project Manager
Bobby Drew, Meter Reader Supervisor
Karn Boyce, Water Conservation Specialist

OTHERS:
Sensus Metering Representatives: Ryan Carnathan, Martin Casillas, Frank Fenton
Dana Kepner Representatives: Frank Howe, Matthew Roeder, Terry Spencer 
CALL TO AUDIENCE - At this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Water Utility Commission on any issue not listed on today’s agenda.  Pursuant to the Arizona Open Meeting Law, individual Commissioners may ask Town Staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda, or respond to criticism made by speakers.  However, the Water Utility Commission may not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during "Call to Audience."  In order to speak during "Call to Audience" please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.

There were no speakers at this time.
1.

APPROVAL JUNE 14, 2011 MINUTES  Discussion and/or possible action.


Click here for Item #1
 
Motion: Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner moved, seconded by Richard Davis, Vice Chair the June 14, 2011 minutes.
Vote:Motion Carried 6-0.
Yes: Dave Powell, Chair, Richard Davis, Vice Chair, Robert Milkey, Commissioner, Richard Reynolds, Commissioner, Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner, and Winston Tustison, Commissioner.

Absent: John Hoffmann, Commissioner.

2.

PRESENTATION ON COUNTRYSIDE ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE  PROJECT      (S. Seng and B. Drew)


Presentation and update regarding the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project in the Countryside Water Service Area.  A representative from the manufacturer, Sensus, will describe the project and demonstrate the equipment and software using live data from temporary equipment installed in the Countryside Water Service Area.

Ms. Seng reported on the iPERL meters installation in the Countryside Area. She also mentioned that the project was included in the Utility's budget which was approved by Council on June 15th and that the Utility will be moving forward.  
Ms. Seng introduced the various representatives from Sensus Metering Company and Dana Kepner which is a Sensus Metering distributor. Dana Kepner representatives: Matthew Roeder, AMR Specialist, Frank Howe, Municipal Salesman-Southern Arizona, Terry Spencer, Branch Manager.

Sensus Metering Representatives: Ryan Carnathan, Western Region Manager of Technical Services, Martin Casillas, Arizona and Utah Territory Manager, Frank Fenton, AMR Sales Manager
 
Mr. Carnathan gave a presentation describing the Sensus Metering System its software potential, financial benefits, operations and customer service potential.
Sensus is a national and global company operating for over 100 years and has approximately 400,000 employees and over 41 worldwide operating facilities. Dana Kepner and Sensus. Dana Kepner is the sole authorized distributor of Sensus metering equipment in Arizona and the western United States.
-Commercial Smart Metering & Leak Detection: Contributes to significant revenue increases. This meter has no moving parts compared to other metering devices in the market. 
-Residential Smart Metering & Leak Detection:  iPERL meters will be installed in the Countryside area and because there are no moving parts it is extremely accurate.
-Sensus Wet Grid Advantage: These meters have advanced alarms with various advantages. They can detect backflow broken pipe problems and theft activity.
-Flex Net System Fixed Based Infrastructure: Sensus has worked with radio frequency meters since early 90’s. Flex Net system towers can listen for  readings from multiple Sensus meters.
-O.V  Flexnet AMI System: Improves customer service and satisfaction by checking for service and distribution line leaks and improves scada operations
-Coverage and View of Countryside Map: Well CS-1 in the Countryside area was identified 
-Primary Use Licensed Frequency: Sensus operates under Federal Communications Commission Wireless Telecommunications Bureau License. Sensus owns their own radio frequency. The radio transmitter has 20 year battery guarantee. 
-RNI Meter Data: Portal based connectivity data base management system
-Meter Information Live Web Demonstration: The web site can provide hourly consumption reads, alarms, leak and battery voltage detection.
-Reporting Capabilities: This software can run reports such as customer consumption, leak detection, radio meter failures and theft. 
-Distribution System Leak Detection Software: In the future the Utility may want to consider leak detection equipment and software. This acoustics device is very adaptable and can be attached to a water main valve. It listens for leaks in the distribution system and alerts the Utility of a possible problem.
A quick overview of several customer’s account via Flexnet Water Management System was displayed. There were no further questions, Mr. Carnathan ended his report.
Chair Powell thanked Mr. Carnathan for his presentation.
Ms. Seng distributed iPERL and Sensus FlexNet Communications information. No Action was required on this item.
Question and answer session occurred.
-Chair Powell asked what type of information will a customer be able to look for in the website? Mr. Carnathan mentioned that the data information was still under discussion by the utility staff. The software data belongs to the Utility and they can develop the program to fit their needs. The web base company can provide hourly meter reading data to the customer requiring a user name log in and password. 
-Commissioner Shapiro asked if a meter shows a zero read in a particular hour does it mean its not leaking? Mr. Carnathan confirmed that a 0 read indicates there is no leak.
-Commissioner Shapiro asked Mr. Drew, Meter Reader Supervisor if all Oro Valley’s broken water meters being replaced with the iPERL Meters?
Mr. Drew said yes, but the meters would not be connected to the network radio transmission system. The only customers connected are in the Countryside area. 
Mr. Drew mentioned if an Oro Valley customer had questions, Staff can perform a data log and retrieve information from the iPERL meter.
There were no further questions.
3.

UPDATE ON RAIN WATER HARVESTING PROJECT            (K. Boyce)  Update on the recent installation of rain water harvesting cisterns installed for the landscaping at Town Hall.  Town Staff, Parks Staff and Water Utility Staff are collaborating on this project to demonstrate water conservation.


Ms. Boyce gave an overview of the Rain Water Harvesting System Installation.
She also mentioned that the project was a collaboration between the Town, Water Utility, Parks and DIS Division.  These harvesting systems are ongoing projects and can be changed or adjusted at any time.
At the Water Utility’s court side area there was approximately 3,000 square feet of roof to collect from and Administration had about 3,000 square feet. Two tanks located in Water Utility area and one tank by Administration. 
-Gutter with splash guard and fascia modifications were made
-Installed overflow outlets
A rainwater collection table was displayed. The table showed that annually the three tanks could collect approximately 43,000 gallons of water. This annual potential could help to irrigate the 5,000 square foot of landscaped area within the courtyard area.   
-Diagram Culvert Cistern Detail: Screened down spout, tanks are covered, overflow pipe and valve were displayed. About 1-inch of water has been recently collected. A final inspection is pending.
In the near future we are looking at new landscaping with berms and basins and to capture overflow. We will create a landscape within the Water Utility’s budget based on the amount of water we can store and supplement with potable water. There will be interpretive signs installed. Ms. Boyce also mentioned the possibility of installing site glasses in the tanks.  
Question and answer session occurred.
In answer to Commissioner Reynold’s question, Ms. Boyce indicated that the hose bib was the only way to remove the water from the tanks.
Commissioner Davis mentioned if Rain Bird is willing to donate a small system volume pump to connect to the tanks would it be of interest to the Utility? Ms. Boyce indicated yes.
Chair Powell requested a tour of the harvesting tanks after the meeting. Ms. Boyce agreed to the tour and ended her report.  No Action was required on this item.
4.

UPDATE ON THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ON INTERIM DELIVERY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT WATER                   (P. Saletta)  Update on the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Oro Valley and the City of Tucson for the interim delivery of Oro Valley’s Central Arizona Project Water through the Tucson Water system.  The update will include the various activities and tasks related to this project.


Chair Powell mentioned that he attended the Council meeting along with Commissioners Milkey and Commissioner Shapiro. He thanked Mr. Saletta for his presentation to Council.
Mr. Saletta thanked the Commission, Staff for their support, and Council for the approval of the Intergovernmental agreement.
Tasks:
Water Utility’s Central Arizona Project Team: G. Kendrick, M. Kobida - Production and Distribution Operations, C. Soper - Water Quality, B. Jacklitch and D. Ruiz - Design and Construction, S. Seng - Public Information, P. Saletta - IGA and Permitting
Permitting Requirement: Storage and Recovery well permits will be necessary. Tucson Water is currently working on 3 draft permits which staff will be reviewing this week. 
Public Information: Ms. Seng and Mr. Saletta are currently working on the Public Information process. Over 18,000 customer inserts were mailed. The Utility only received 3 phone calls and 2 emails. More information will be available mailed out especially when we move forward with construction and other activity on this project. 
Mr. Saletta also thanked Tucson’s Council and Water staff for their cooperation on the IGA.
Mr. Jacklitch discussed Oro Valley’s and Tucson Water’s design process. 
OVWU Process: The interconnect piping to Tucson Water’s System is about 70% complete and is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Tucson Water Design Process:  At the reservoir and booster station site Tucson Water will require installation of a new pump, pipes and telemetry equipment. The design phase is expected to be completed in August. 
Mr. Saletta indicated that the Water Utility is on schedule and will have a bid opening next month. -Construction could start in October of 2011  -CAP Water Delivery is on schedule for January of 2012.
At Commissioner Reynolds request, Mr. Saletta explained Tucson Water’s draft permitting process. Oro Valley must have a consent letter from Tucson Water to store water in their facilities. Tucson Water’s facilities are already permitted. However, Oro Valley will need a recovery well permit in order to obtain the "wet water" from the Tucson Water recovery wells.
Commissioner Tustison asked is it still advantageous getting multiple bids and good pricing on these projects?
Mr. Saletta mentioned prices have not changed much and that labor costs are favorable at this time. We also have the opportunity to use the job order contracting methodology through Tucson Water, saving us time and money.
Commissioner Shapiro asked, if Metro Water, Flowing Wells or Town of Marana were interested in Tucson Water’s CAP water wheeling. Mr. Saletta explained that that Metro Water shared in the cost study but was not able to participate at this time because of other capital expenditures. However they are still interested and will probably consider the project at a later time. Flowing Wells District and Town of Marana have their wells located in areas that ground water levels are not dropping as much and therefore they are not pursing this sort of project. There were no other questions, Mr. Saletta ended his report. No Action was required on this item.
5.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/COMMUNICATIONS            (Councilmember Gillaspie)


Councilmember Gillaspie requested that Staff keep moving forward and keep Council updated with the potential expansion of Long Term CAP water deliveries and the monitoring of groundwater declines. Councilmember Gillaspie felt it was also important to consider the expansion of the iPERL Metering system for the rest of the Town. 
In answer to Councilmember Hornat’s question regarding rate increases, Mr. Saletta explained the 5-year water rates analysis process and that the Utility was in very good shape with respect to its fiscal position and debt service coverage ratio.
6.

SUBCOMMITTEE/COMMISSIONER REPORTS


a. Finance Subcommittee                    (Commissioner Tustison)

Commissioner Tustison had no report.
b. Conservation Subcommittee             (Commissioner Davis)

Commissioner Davis had no report.
c. Renewable Water Resources Subcommittee       (Commissioner Hoffmann)

Chair Powell had no report.
7.

STAFF REPORTS


a. Customer Service Report                      (S. Seng)

Click here for Item (a)
 
Ms. Seng reported the following:
Total Metered Connections as of 6/30/11:             18,502
Projected Meter Installations for FY 10-11:                  75
Actual New Meter Installations as of 6-30-11:              55
Projected EDU’s for FY 10-11:                                   94
Actual EDU’s as of 6-30-11:                                      95

Meter Replacements
Total:        1,516               FY 10-11: 533        Current Month: 30
Ms. Seng ended her report.
b. Capital Projects                         (B. Jacklitch)

Mr. Jacklitch reported the following:
-Lambert Lane 16-inch Water Main:  This project is bundled with Public Works Department road improvement widening project.
Bid Opening Schedule: June 28   -Project Start Date: September       -Contractor: Eagle Rock 
-El Conquistador Booster Station:  Bid Opening Schedule: May 27    Contract Awarded to: Smyth Steel -Pre-construction Meeting Schedule: July 11. A Notice to Proceed has been issued and the contractor will begin July 18th. A temporary booster pump station will be installed. 
-North La Canada 3.0 MG Concrete Buried Reservoir:  The reservoir successfully passed its leak test. The contractor is currently back filling around the reservoir. This project is about 85% complete. The reservoir will be on line October. 
 
c. Potable and Reclaimed Water System Report              (D. Ruiz)

Click here for item (c) Potable Water System Report - June 2011
 
Click here for item (c) Reclaimed Water Report - June 2011
 
Mr. Jacklitch reported for Mr. Ruiz.
2011 Pumpage Monthly Report-June 2011 
Sustainable rate: 5,500 AFY   -Monthly Accrued Pumpage: 3,900
2011 Annual Well Pumpage Report-June 2011
Sustainable Rate: 5,500 AFY -Annual Pumpage: 3,900
Potable Water Overall Reservoir Storage (MG) - June 2011
-Overall Storage Average: Under 7.0 million gallons (MG)
-Overall Daily Demand: 8.0 million gallons (MGD) 
Potable Water System Demand and Precipitation - June 2011
-Precipitation: No rain events
-Daily Demand: 8.0 million gallons 
Reclaimed Water System - June 2011
-Daily Demand Total: 106.7 million gallons
Year Total January - June: 381.9 million gallons
8.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT                          (P. Saletta)


a. Colorado River Basin Stream Flow

Click here for Arizona and Colorado Stream Flow - June 2011
 
Mr. Saletta gave a brief explanation regarding the Colorado River streamflow in the upper Colorado River Basin and Arizona.
Colorado River Chart-June 2011
Mid July: Experience above normal levels - 76%-90% percentile of stream flow from existing snow pack
There could be large releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead as much as 13.0 - 14.0 million AF of water.  
Arizona WaterWatch Report - June 2011
There is 25%-75% percentile of normal stream flow from existing snow pack in Arizona. However, these streams do not generally contribute much to the Colorado River flows.
b. Upcoming Meetings

-WUC August meeting cancelled
-9/12: Next WUC Meeting
-7/20: Town Council meeting
-Town Council August meeting cancelled
-9/07: Next Town Council meeting
-October: State of the Town Address
Mr. Saletta ended his report.
9.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS


There were no suggestions at this time. 
CALL TO AUDIENCE - At this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Water Utility Commission on any issue not listed on today’s agenda.  Pursuant to the Arizona Open Meeting Law, individual Commissioners may ask Town Staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda, or respond to criticism made by speakers.  However, the Water Utility Commission may not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during "Call to Audience."  In order to speak during "Call to Audience" please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.

There were no speakers.
10. NEXT MEETING:  SEPTEMBER 12, 2011    LOCATION: HOPI  CONFERENCE ROOM

ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner moved, seconded by Robert Milkey, Commissioner
Vote:Motion Carried 6-0.
Yes: Dave Powell, Chair, Richard Davis, Vice Chair, Robert Milkey, Commissioner, Richard Reynolds, Commissioner, Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner, and Winston Tustison, Commissioner.

Absent: John Hoffmann, Commissioner.

 
 POSTED: Posted: 7 07 11
Time:  11:00 a.m.
          tlg



 

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