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LAKEHAVEN UTILITY DISTRICT
King County, Washington
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
October 13, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of
Commissioners of the Lakehaven Utility District, King County,
Washington, was held on October 13, 2005 at the Lakehaven Center, 31531
First Avenue South, Federal Way, Washington, 98003.
President Stewart opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and asked Don Perry
to lead the flag salute. Members/officials present were as follows:
Ed Stewart - President of the Board
Beverly Tweddle - Vice President of the Board
Don Miller - Secretary of the Board
Tom Jovanovich - Commissioner
Don Perry - General Manager
Morgan Dennis - Director of Finance/Information System
Upon motion of Commissioner Miller, which was duly seconded by
Commissioner Tweddle, the Board unanimously excused Commissioner Mayer,
Mr. Pritchett and Mr. Ross from the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon motion of Commissioner Tweddle, which was duly seconded by
Commissioner Miller, the Board unanimously approved the minutes
of the September 22, 2005 Board meeting as submitted.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Upon motion of Commissioner Jovanovich, which was duly seconded by
Commissioner Miller, the Board unanimously approved the evening’s
agenda as presented.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Marsha Wohlwend and Brenda Oliver from the Adelaide Beach area were
in the audience to speak to the Board. There are seven property owners
in this area wishing to hook up to sewers and discussions with District
staff have been ongoing since spring. They both stated their concerns
with the information they had received from staff since that time. They
went on to explain the basis of their issue to the Board as the Board
had no knowledge of it prior to this meeting. The property owners had
retained a consultant to develop the design of the potential sewer
system for them. A discussion followed regarding this item and the
different issues the property owners had encountered. During the
discussion, Commissioner Tweddle stated she had been contacted by a
person who had indicated that he had been told the Board of
Commissioners was opposing the project. Subsequent to the discussion, it
was determined that staff would compile all the information regarding
this issue and provide it to the Board at the next regularly scheduled
meeting. The Board thanked the women for bringing their issue to them.
CONSENT ITEMS
- Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll Transactions Approval:
Warrant dates of 9-29-05, 9-30-05, 10-6-05, 10-7-05 and 10-14-05.
Upon motion of Commissioner Miller, which was duly seconded by
Commissioner Tweddle, the Board unanimously approved the Consent
Item as presented.
INFORMATION ITEMS
#1, CIP Budget Status Report: Mr. Dennis introduced this item
and then turned the presentation over to Mr. Perry. Mr. Perry stated
that he would be reviewing projects for Wastewater Operations.
The presentation began with a discussion of the Lakota Sludge Dryer
project. Mr. Perry stated the delivery date for the equipment was
scheduled for November, 2005 with installation being anticipated to be
completed in 2006. Also discussed was the Redondo Outfall Pipe project.
Mr. Perry stated staff had received an archeological review request to
investigate the beach within the project area. This project might be
delayed until 2008; however, Mr. Perry added that the District will not
be found out of compliance of the permit because of any delays.
Mr. Perry also reported on two projects of which Mr. Canfield, the
District’s temporary engineer, was the project lead. The first was the
Pump Station 44, Hylebos SE Diversion project and the second was ULID
No. 62, Lakota Beach. He stated the pump station project was moving
along and the Lakota Beach project was scheduled to be complete in early
November. A discussion followed related to the Lakota Beach project.
During the discussion, Mr. Perry reported that the side sewer inspection
will be performed by District staff to ensure connections are done
properly.
Mr. Perry also reported on the status of the projects that had been
assigned to Howard Moreland, the District’s Electrical/Instrumentation
Technician – Lead. Those projects included the Lakota AutoCAD Plant
drawings, Pump Station Control Panel Upgrades and/or Replacement and
Pump Station-Sewer Telemetry. He stated the District has a contract with
an outside firm to draft the District’s Mylar drawings into an AutoCAD
format for a cost that is very reasonable and much less than it could be
done in-house. The second project regarding pump station control panels
has been deferred due to workload. In addition, Mr. Perry stated the
Pump Station-Sewer Telemetry Project has also been deferred, due to
workload.
John Bowman, the District’s Water Manager/Special Projects Manager,
reviewed the next three projects for Stan French, the District’s Water
Quality/Projects Engineer. These projects included Well 19/19A Standby
Generator Design; Well 29 Phase IV Construction and Wells 25 & 17B
Standby Power. Mr. Bowman explained the basis for each project and
provided updates.
John Lee, the District’s Project Engineer, was next to report on the
status of the projects that he manages. These projects include the 12th
Avenue S.W. & Marine View Drive S.W. Water Main Replacement Project; 1st
Avenue S. and S. 320th St. Water Main Relocations; Area #14 Sewer
Survey, West of Five Mile Lake; I-5 and S. 320th Water Main Relocation;
Pacific Highway S. Water Main Relocation, 284th–299th, Phase III;
Pacific Highway S. Water Main Relocation, 324th–340th, Phase II; Pump
Station 33, Force Main to Panther Lake Trunk; Pump Station 33, Third
Pump; S. 370th/23rd Avenue S. Sewer Relocation, Sewer Main – Lower
Woodmont N. Beach Line, Southwest District Pump Station #48, SR 161
Sewer Main Relocation at S. 365th St., SR 161/SR 18 Water Main
Relocations; ULID Formation for Marine Hills – 295th/298th St.; Water
Main – Pacific Highway S. @ 288th; Water Main – Pacific Highway S.
W.S.D.O.T. Phase, 272nd/284th. All of these projects were updated for
the Board and discussions followed. During the discussion, Mr. Lee
pointed out the projects that included interlocal agreements with the
City of Federal Way. Mr. Perry added that he had recently spoken to Paul
Bucich, Surface Water Manager from the City of Federal Way, who had
indicated that the South 356th Street project was no longer on the
City’s project list, and a brief discussion followed relative to this
issue.
Gene Yoder, the District’s Field Operations Manager, was next to
review the projects under his lead. These projects included Pump
Stations 10 and 22 Odor Control, Pump Replacements at Pump Stations 24
and 32, the Service Connection Replacement Program, Variable Message
Sign Board purchase and Washer and Dryer Purchase and Installation (for
the purpose of cleaning District uniforms, on-site). It was noted that
the last item had been discussed in the past and it had been determined
at that time to be impractical. Mr. Yoder indicated staff was currently
researching this project to determine actual cost savings. A discussion
followed relative to this potential project with Board members providing
their opinions. Subsequent to the discussion, Mr. Yoder stated staff
would have additional information in approximately one month.
John Bowman addressed the Board next. The first project discussed was
the Balance of the Second Supply Project. Mr. Bowman stated that water
from this project was currently running through the pipe for testing
purposes. A discussion followed and Mr. Bowman explained the testing
process currently underway that is necessary before releasing the water.
It was noted that before the water was released into the District’s
distribution system, staff intended to send out postcards to all
District ratepayers informing them of this action. In addition,
information will be put on the District’s web site as well that will
provide additional information about this project. The discussion
continued and Mr. Bowman reviewed turbidity issues that will occur when
the water is lowered in the Howard Hansen Dam in order to work on the
outlet for the fish ladder being built for the fish coming back to
spawn. Mr. Perry added that the use of the water will be ramped up
slowly to determine how the system will acclimate to the change. Mr.
Bowman next reviewed the OASIS Program. The Department of Ecology
recently issued a favorable Report of Examination on the proposed
project. Mr. Bowman stated staff will be updating budget figures to
address some of the components that will go into field studies. The next
project was the OASIS Treatment Plant for Wells 17, 17A, 17B, 20A and
23A. He reported that Well 20 and 23 sites are complete and operational
and the Well 17 Site is scheduled to be completed in late 2006. He then
stated the OASIS Water Main at 1st Avenue from 316th to 320th project
was deferred. The Water Reclamation Feasibility Study was next and Mr.
Bowman stated this was underway. The Bureau of Reclamation is currently
not assisting the District as lead agency on the NEPA process which has
put the project behind schedule. The SEPA process must also be completed
before proceeding. Mr. Bowman went on to explain the current issues with
the Bureau of Reclamation and stated staff are thinking of completing
SEPA and including the reclamation information in the Comprehensive
Water System Plan update that is currently underway. Lastly, Mr. Bowman
updated the Board on the filtration at Wells 19/19A and 21.
Mr. Perry updated the Board on the projects for which Mr. Ross was
responsible and began with the 2004 Comprehensive Water System Plan. He
reported the plan was moving along with a planned completion date at
year end and submittal to the various regulatory agencies early in 2006.
He added staff planned to include the Water Reclamation Feasibility
Study and OASIS information in the plan, if possible, which might delay
the plan. Mr. Perry then reported on the GIS Development project and the
S. 336th St./1st Way South Water Main Relocation/Replacement project;
both are moving forward.
Mr. Dennis was the last project manager to report and he began with
the Computerized Maintenance Management System. Mr. Dennis stated staff
was currently negotiating with Advantis, the vendor retained to perform
a site assessment to review in detail the District’s business operations
and provide an implementation plan as well as the cost of the project.
He added that until the site assessment is complete, it cannot be
determined if this project will be an advantage to the rate payers.
Subsequent to the presentation, the Board thanked staff for the
updates to the various District projects.
#2, Manhole Lids: Mr. Yoder began by stating staff
received a quote for the design of custom-made sewer manhole lids. He
went on to explain the proposal and how these lids would be incorporated
into use within the District, should the Board have an interest.
Subsequent to the discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
direct staff to move forward with this project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Jovanovich reported he received a call from one of the
council members from the City of Des Moines who had expressed his
concerns with the recent Woodmont Beach sewer project. He added that he
had explained the issue to this person. Commissioner Miller reported he
had attended both a Safety and EMAC meeting the prior day and added he
felt that both went well. Commissioner Tweddle stated she had attended
an Insurance Committee meeting to review claims. She added there had
been a Personnel Committee meeting earlier in the week and the committee
members had discussed outstanding issues such as union negotiations.
Commissioner Tweddle went on to report that Mr. Pritchett had met with
IUOE’s two business agents and a union employee earlier in the week to
informally discuss contract negotiations and added the next mediation
was scheduled for Monday of the next week.
STAFF REPORTS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Mr. Dennis
reported he was currently working on a presentation for the Board to
discuss rates, Capital Facilities Charges and the Operation and
Maintenance Budget over the next few meetings. He added there would
be a presentation from Ed Cebron, a consultant retained to assist
staff with some of these issues, the first meeting of November. Mr.
Dennis next told the Board of his wish to replace the current
utility billing system. The system is nearly five years old and the
District has outgrown it. He went on to state that the current
system met the District’s needs when it was purchased; however,
there are many tasks that have been added since then, which requires
considerable additional staff time. He added the company has been
designing the new program for a while and it has been installed at
other agencies. Mr. Dennis noted the cost for the replacement was
approximately $170,000, if purchased before the end of the year;
after that, the cost would increase by $30,000. In response to a
question relating to the Documatch system, Mr. Dennis noted that
even though these were two different issues, he felt there were
advantages in replacing both systems. The discussion moved forward
and subsequent to this, Mr. Dennis stated he planned to give a
presentation to the Board at a future meeting to provide them with
more detailed information.
GENERAL MANAGER: Mr. Perry reported the new Director of
the Department of Ecology (DOE) had attended a Coalition for Clean
Water meeting that Mr. Perry had also attended the prior week. He
added that he felt this director was the most open director he had
met in 20 years. Mr. Perry stated he had asked Mr. Bowman to attend
the Coalition meeting as well since Mr. Bowman had met with
representatives of DOE and the Department of Health the prior day to
discuss water re-use issues - the same issues were discussed with
both agencies. Mr. Perry went on to state that a group would be
formed to lobby the State Legislature on the topics of interest to
both of these agencies and the District as they relate to re-use
issues. Lastly, Mr. Perry stated that a community meeting had been
scheduled with the property owners in the Northlake area.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting
was adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m. |
