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City Council (View All)

Study Session

Agenda
Wednesday, February 04, 2004

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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