MINUTES
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, May 12, 2014
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
Chair Milkey called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
Chair Milkey introduced Senior Office Specialist Danielle Tanner as the recording secretary filling in for Iris L. Chaparro.
|
PRESENT: |
Robert Milkey, Chair
Richard Davis, Vice Chair
Javier Arriaga, Commissioner
Anne Campbell, Commissioner
Richard Reynolds, Commissioner
Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner
Richard Verlaque, Commissioner
|
STAFF PRESENT:
Philip C. Saletta, Water Utility Director
David Ruiz, Engineering Division Manager
Shirley Seng, Utility Administrator
OTHERS PRESENT:
Council Member Hornat
Elisa Hamblin, Senior Planner
There were no speakers.
MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Davis and seconded by Commissioner Shapiro to approve the April 14, 2014 Water Utility Commission minutes as written.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Chair Milkey reported this item is to select a representative and an alternate from the commission to serve on the Your Voice Environment Committee. Vice Chair Davis volunteered as the representative and Commissioner Reynolds volunteered to serve as the alternate. They will keep the commission informed on their progress.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Shapiro and seconded by Commissioner Campbell to select Vice Chair, Davis as the representative and Commissioner Reynolds as the alternate.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Water Utility Director Philip Saletta presented a PowerPoint on Post 2017 Hoover Electric Power Allocation. He mentioned that in year 2017, Hoover Dam electric power reallocation will be available to existing customers. The Town plans to apply. Arizona Power Authority (APA) has 400 megawatts to allocate however, there may be other interested parties and a limited amount of allocation is available. The Water Utility would need to negotiate a contract with Tucson Electric Power to transmit power to wells and booster pump stations.
Mr. Saletta explained the first step is to research power requirements and submit the data form to the APA. Priority is dependent on eligibility and need. The formal application process begins in January, 2015. An analysis will be performed to determine potential cost savings and benefits. Mr. Saletta informed the commission there may be a need to take action on this item later this year or early next year.
Engineering Division Manager David Ruiz presented a power point on the energy efficiency project. In 2012, the Town implemented an energy efficiency project. As part of the energy efficiency program, the Utility had the opportunity to look at three production sites to determine their operational efficiency. It was found that these sites were operating inefficiently. This required the Utility to replace several pumps and motors. It was further determined there could be additional inefficiencies within the system and the Utility developed a program to help reduce power consumption at additional sites in the future.
Mr. Ruiz reviewed the selection process: 1) Selected a consultant (NCS/NJSoft Engineers) 2) Developed a dashboard approach and goals
3) Developed a methodology 4) Identified resources required 5) Developed a budget.
Mr. Ruiz added that software will track efficiency. The combined operational efficiency and equipment efficiency will reduce future electrical demands and associated costs.
Utility Administrator Shirley Seng reviewed a handout on Central Arizona Project 2015-2020 rate schedule. Ms. Seng highlighted the following:
- Delivery rates for various customer classes
- Rate components
- Direct underground water storage - Tucson AMA
Ms. Seng reviewed the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) 2014/15 - 2019/20 rate schedule:
-Tucson Active Management Area rates will increases from $548 per acre foot in 2013/14 to $615 in 2014/15.
Ms. Seng reported Oro Valley Water Utility is delivering wet water and preserving its aquifer therefore we do not have any need for replenishment or financial obligations to CAGRD. Mr. Saletta reported that the utility had no excess groundwater in calendar year 2013 and still building up our long-term groundwater credits.
Councilmember Hornat reported on:
- Town's tentative budget was approved by Town Council after some concern and discussion about excessive spending. Additional funds are being reinvested in park infrastructure, new computers and salary adjustments.
- Review Board and Commission selection & interview process.
Chair Milkey had no report. The committee will meet in June to discuss the rates analysis process and financial reserves.
Vice Chair Davis had no report. A meeting will be scheduled in June.
There was no report.
Ms. Seng reported on the following:
- Total Metered Connections as of 04/30/14: FY 13-14: 18,936
- Actual New Meter Installations as of 4/30/14: FY 13-14: 124 Month: 22
- Actual EDU's as of 04/30/14: FY 13-14: 309 Month: 54
- Meter replacements as of 04/30/14: FY 13-14: 1,241 Month: 976
- Water Audits as of 04/30/14: FY 13-14: 120 Month: 11
Ms. Seng commented that she and Jeff Kane, Meter Operations Supervisor provided an AMI presentation at the Arizona Water AssociationConference in Phoenix.
Mr. Ruiz provided the following information in Bob Jacklitch's absence.
- Countryside area: A 6-inch line will be replaced with a 12-inch line next year. The Utility continues to be deligent in finding deficiencies in its water delivery system. The security wall in this area should be completed in July.
- Naranja Park: Reclaim main installation is under construction.
- Water Production Site: Work continues with the relining of a retention basin and installation of a conduit into the chlorine building
Mr. Ruiz reported the following:
- Total Annual Water Production Report
- 2013-14 Monthly Water Production Report
- Precipitation & Storage Average - April 2014
- Yearly Volume Pumped - Reclaimed Water System
- 2013-2014 Reclaimed Water Deliveries
Mr. Saletta reviewed the following:
- Colorado River Water Supply Report - Lake Powell and Lake Mead
- Colorado, Rio Grande, and Arkansas River Basins Mountain Snowpack
- Arizona and Colorado SNOTEL Current Snow Water Equivalent
Mr. Saletta mentioned the Central Arizona Project has developed a document on the Colorado River flows and how it affects Arizona and the Central Arizona Project. He has invited a representative from CAP to attend the next Commission meeting to report on future reservoir levels at Lake Meade and to discuss the shortage sharing agreement with the seven basin states.
- 5/21: Town Council meeting (budget)
- 6/04: Town Council meeting
- 6/09: Water Utility Commission Meeting
Mr. Saletta received many compliments at the Arizona Water Association Conference regarding Ms. Seng and Mr. Kane's presentation on the AMI project.
- CAP Colorado River Status presentation
- Update on: Water conservation issues (Commissioner Arriaga)
There were no speakers.
MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Davis and seconded by Commissioner Arriaga to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Prepared by:
Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the Water Utility Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 12th day of May, 2014. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.