ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 12:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor DeBoer called the meeting to order at 12:13 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
City Council: Councilors Amarotico, Jackson, Hartzell and Hearn were present.
Councilors Morrison and Laws were absent. Staff: Dick Wanderscheid, Director
of Electric & Telecommunications, Community Development Director John
McLaughlin, Finance Director Lee Tuneberg, Public Works Engineer Jim Olson,
Electric Department Bill Plein, Electric Supervisor Scott Johnson and City
Administrator Gino Grimaldi.
I. Electric System 10-Year Planning Study Report.
Director of Electric & Telecommunications Dick Wanderscheid introduced
Jerry Witkowski and David Castor from Electrical Systems Analysis, Inc. who
presented the 10-Year Planning Study Report.
David Castor explained that the objective is to provide high-quality reliable power. The approach includes preparing a load forecast, developing planning criteria, evaluating transmission/substation/distribution, performing system modeling analysis and identifying improvements.
Caster presented historical data on population, energy and demand; weather impacts on average electric use and forecast basis on population/energy relationship. The result of projected growth equals new demand. Various charts were presented.
Caster explained the planning criteria as, 1) Single-contingency reliability, 2) winter and summer equipment ratings, 3) equipment capacity, substation/feeder/conductor loading and 4) voltage levels. Charts were presented to indicate various transmission systems.
He presented charts and explained the load data for our substations, transformer capacities and forecast comparisons.
Distribution system evaluations were completed to determine feeder peak loading versus capacity, feeder configuration, feeder switching flexibility, feeder backup/transfer reliability and identification of problem areas. Charts on the existing substation facilities and capacity of overhead conductors were presented. He explained that this information goes into the model that is used.
Jerry Witkowski explained that analysis methods and stated that the most important is the power flow analysis. This model would look at existing loads that would help to find the problem areas. The model also allows for short-circuit analysis and protective device coordination. Examples were presented to indicate power flow; power flow results and short-circuits. Charts were also presented in regards to cold weather conditions.
Recommendations under general comments were:
Consider Load Curtailment Plan
Prepare Planned Switching procedures
Ordinance Considerations and Standard Compliance
Reactive Loads
Non-linear loads
Distributed Generation Interconnects
Review Development Charges
Record Keeping Practices
Recommendations under Transmission System were:
Promote PacifiCorp 2006 Improvement
Lack of PacifiCorp Action = City Action
Alternative City Transmission Loop
City Transmission Loop Benefits PacifiCorp
Negotiate Cost Share
Recommendations under Substation System were:
Ashland Substation-expansion limitations
Oak Knoll Substation-locations limitations
Mountain Avenue Substation
Load Center Location + Expansion Potential
Consider purchase - transformation savings
Evaluate benefit/cost - payback period
Possible Negotiations with BPA
Add New Feeder Circuit <5-years
Expand Facility 10-15 years - Load Dependent
Recommendations under Distribution System were:
Equalize Feeder Loading
Correct Feeder Phase Imbalance
Circuit Conductor Replacement
Shift Loads
Improve Switching
Circuit Extensions
Redundant Services to Critical Loads
Add New Feeder Circuit from MAS
Limit Feeder Maximum Normal Loading
Castor concluded that present distribution system would equal good services, that system improvements would equal future reliable service and satisfied customers.
II. Update on the Stormwater Management Plan.
Public Works Engineer Jim Olson introduced Greg Stabach, Hydrologist from
Rogue Valley Council of Governments and Jim Harper, Project Manager from
Tetra Tech/KCM, Inc. Olson explained that this is part of the National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES Phase II). He stated that this program
began last year and under the city's permit, the city was given one year
to develop a Stormwater plan. He explained that all of the communities that
were involved in the NPDES chose to hire consultants to assist with this
plan. He stated that an advisory committee has been meeting for over a year
to address problems. The plan has six basic elements, 1) Stormwater public
education and outreach program, 2) Stormwater public involvement and
participation program, 3) Illicit discharge detection and elimination program,
4) Construction site Stormwater runoff control program, 5) Post-Construction
Stormwater management program and 6) Pollution prevention in Municipal operations
program.
Olson explained that Public Works has developed extensive mapping and will used in the plan. He stated that Public Works and the Planning Department have been working together to implement various elements of the program.
Jim Harper explained the DEQ five-year requirements to make sure that all the elements are implemented. He noted the Clean Water Act of 1972 and non-point and point sources. He noted the damage from Stormwater runoff and showed graph of a stream and floodplain before and after development and pictures of damage. He indicated the pollutants that are found in Stormwater runoff. Pictures of detention Swales, porous pavements, filtration basin, marsh wetlands, ponds, Stormwater Planters and vegetation were presented as ways to help with runoff.
He stated that Site designs would be looked at closely by DEQ for addressing Stormwater runoff. Noted Clean Water Act in regards to municipal Stormwater NPDES Permits. Reiterated the EAP/DEQ NPDES Phase II requirements and key elements as noted above. Harper gave several examples that could be used implement the six elements.
Harper stated that the DEQ program submittal would be March 10, 2004, that a public comment period would be established and then DEQ would issue the NPDES permits in June 2004.
Greg Stabach presented the Public Education and Involvement Program and spoke regarding the Stormwater Management Control Measures and Program Overview. He explained that the Control Measures would include public education and outreach along with public involvement and participation. He stated that the goal is to educate the public on what Stormwater is. He explained the strategy and tools that he would be using in order to reach out to the public. The following are some things that have already been done: Stormwater Open Houses, news articles and television interview, distribution of educational materials, presentations, seminars, and workshops, website and brochure development and involving local schools. He stated that the goal that they are trying to reach with the public is improving water quality.
Harper presented the "Big Picture" for water quality which includes setting goals and water quality standards, conduct monitoring to determine if meeting water quality standards, developing strategies and controls and implementing strategies.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
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