COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on July 27, 1998, at 6:45 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Weller and Mayor Hutchison. Mr. Salters was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Councilman Leary presiding in the absence of Chairman Salters. Members present were Councilwoman Malone, Mr. Gorman and Mr. Merritt. Mr. Carey was deputized to serve in the absence of Mr. Salters.

Refurbish Electric Tree Trimming Bucket Truck

The 1992 International Bucket Truck utilized by the Electric Tree Trimmers is scheduled for refurbishment. Refurbishment is done to extend the life of the truck and chassis which will delay the need to purchase a new bucket truck for approximately five (5) years. The truck was taken to Morse Manufacturing, Inc. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the manufacturers of this truck, for a complete evaluation. An estimate for repairs and painting of the bucket truck, to include a 20,000 pound capacity front bumper assembly winch, was submitted in the amount of $26,403.30. A new bucket truck would cost approximately $110,000.

Funding for this refurbishment is available in the Electric Department’s budget. The amount budgeted for this item is $34,035, which includes rental of a replacement bucket truck as needed. Staff recommended awarding the refurbishment of the 1992 International Bucket Truck to Morse Manufacturing, Inc., in the amount of $26,403.30.

Mr. O’Connor explained that the total overhaul of the hydraulic system meets the National Electrical Code for safety standards and the truck would be certified for work around power lines.

Mrs. Malone moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:51 P.M.

UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Carey and Weller, Mr. Farling and Mr. Kramedas.

Evaluation of Bids - Fiber Optic Pilot Wire Relay

The planning and design construction of the first phase of the City’s fiber optic communication line requires a fiber optic “backbone” (trunk line) to be installed. Installation will originate at the Electric Administration Building and go to North Street with tap loops provided at key locations, including a smaller line to the North Street Substation. This will allow the protective pilot wire relaying to be re-commissioned for both 69KV lines from McKee Run to the North Street Substation.

Staff solicited bids from six (6) vendors. Wesco was the only vendor to submit a bid, therefore, staff recommended that a purchase order be issued to Wesco in the amount of $49,240.

Funding for this project was provided in the City’s 1997-98 Improvement and Extension Fund. The relays were budgeted as part of the fiber optic line budget ($180,000) and the funds are available in the beginning balance.

Responding to Mr. Lambert, Mr. O’Connor stated the $180,000 figure was an estimate for connecting City Hall, Weyandt Hall, the Electric Administration building and the SCADA system. Eventually they would like to tie in the Parks and Recreation building.

Mr. Weller moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Evaluation of Bids - Kent Acres Development Revamp (Phases I, II, III and IV)

In an effort to improve electric service, the entire electrical system for Kent Acres Development is being revamped. The upgrade of the City’s distribution circuit to our current construction standard will substantially increase service reliability. Currently, the existing wires, poles and equipment are in need of constant repair and maintenance, especially during severe storms. The proposed upgrade will utilize tree wire and related components to reduce outages. In addition, greater wire clearances will be established for operating safety. These utilities are in the rear of properties and not easily accessible for expedient repair.

Bids were solicited from four (4) vendors with three (3) “labor only” bids received as follows:

                                             Phase I           Phase II         Phase III         Phase IV             Total

Fry Electric                         $28,040           $22,800           $25,950           $14,700           $91,490

EMT Const.Corp.               $46,500           $53,900           $49,000           $38,500         $187,900

Emory Line Const.             $25,500           $24,400           $33,475           $17,500         $100,875

The cost of material is estimated at $40,500 and will be handled through the City Warehouse. Funding for this upgrade is available through the Improvement and Extension Fund.

Fry Electric was the low bidder on three (3) of the four (4) phases. For continuity of construction, staff recommended that a purchase order be issued to Fry Electric for all four (4) phases in the amount of $91,490.

Mr. O’Connor stated that the complete re-build of the electrical system in Kent Acres, to be completed in four (4) phases, would be performed by outside contractors using City materials.

In response to Mr. Farling, Mr. O’Connor stated that the work would be completed overhead, as opposed to underground, to avoid additional costs to customers. Heavier gauge “tree wire”, which can sustain limbs falling on it, will be used.

Mr. Carey questioned whether Kent Acre residents were contacted regarding the installation of underground service and suggested that it may be a better long-range plan for the City to install the lines underground. Mr. O’Connor stated that no requests have been received for underground service and that the City did not contact customers regarding the matter. Mr. O’Connor explained that it is more cost effective to maintain overhead lines than to install underground lines.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend that a purchase order be issued to Fry Electric for all four (4) phases in the amount of $91,490, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:03 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin R. Christiansen

Council President

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