UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on November 9, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. Hogan, Mr. McGiffin, Major Kosior and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. McGlumphy, Council President Williams (arrived at 5:05 p.m.), Mr. Leary (arrived at 5:17 p.m.). Mayor Carey (arrived at 5:36 p.m.) was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. McGiffin moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Hogan and unanimously carried.
Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Infrastructure - Banning Street (Eden Hill)
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, advised members that the developer of the Eden Hill Medical District property, Eden Hill Medical Center, LLC, has requested that all public infrastructure improvements associated with the construction of Banning Street be dedicated to the City of Dover for permanent ownership and maintenance. He further advised that Eden Hill Medical Center, LLC, has constructed all of the improvements in accordance with City standards and specifications and that City staff inspected the public improvements and, as of this date, all work related to the public infrastructure has been completed by the developer. Mr. DePrima explained that a one (1) year maintenance agreement, letter of credit, and a release of liabilities has been submitted by the developer as part of the dedication process. In addition, as-built drawings of the right-of-way and infrastructure have been submitted to the City.
Mr. Hogan moved to recommend acceptance of the dedication of right-of-way and public infrastructure on Banning Street, including all referenced public improvements. The motion was seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Review of Utility Related CIP’s (Electric and Water/Wastewater)
Members were provided with the Public Works Utility and Grants, and the Electric Improvement and Extension Fund FY10 Project Tracking Reports (as of September 21, 2009).
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, briefly reviewed the reports and advised members that this report, which is similar to the report typically provided Council, would be submitted monthly to the Utility Committee. In the future, the report will include two additional columns titled “status” and “notes”.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the water projects were delayed due to the lengthy process involved in the State Revolving Fund Program.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is responsible for all infrastructure included in the Governors Avenue project, unless the City requests an upgrade. For example, if DelDOT was moving a 8" water line and the City wanted to change the line to 12", the City would be responsible for the difference.
In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that the water quality improvements on West and Pear Streets are almost complete.
Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. DePrima stated that the easements for the Route 13 Water Main are complete and the project is awaiting financing.
Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. DePrima stated that the CIP is a five (5) year program and the projects are listed by priority. He further noted that the goal is to budget realistically and have 90% of the CIP projects completed on time.
In response to Mrs. Williams, Mr. DePrima stated that once a project number is assigned, it is not changed regardless of the completion date or lender.
Mr. Hogan moved to recommend acceptance of the Utility Related CIP Report, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
Update - Green Energy Funding and Programming
On January 22, 2007, City Council adopted the Municipal Utilities’ Green Energy Fund Program Caps and Regulations. The program was developed by the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) and allows for the City to provide comparable grant limits and regulations to most other municipal and investor-owned utilities within Delaware.
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, advised members that the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) has rolled out programs such as residential reimbursement for appliances and a rebate program for commercial industrial lighting. He further explained that the SEU is working with companies that will perform energy efficiency studies for commercial and industrial users, and that the City will meet to see if they can take part in this program for City Hall.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the City of Dover has been verbally approved for $180,000 through the Green Energy Grant.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that the street light replacement will take begin on Walker Road.
In response to Mrs. Williams, Mr. DePrima advised that the $9,593,500 allocated to the State Energy Office is for the use of the SEU to finance and subsidize programs such as the residential appliance and commercial lighting programs.
Referring to Dover’s Green Energy Grant Program Fund Summary, Mr. DePrima stated that, although this fund demonstrates a $467 deficit, it is performing relatively well when compared to other municipalities who have a lengthy or closed waiting list, or who have chosen to use the funds for municipal projects only. He further explained that the City of Dover might need to take precautionary measures to avoid similar circumstance. (City Clerk’s Office Note: The fund summary indicated a $465 deficit; however, the actual deficit was calculated at $467)
Mr. Hogan moved to recommend acceptance of the Update on Green Energy Funding and Programming Report, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Mr. McGiffin moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hogan and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:38 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
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