UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee meeting was held on April 13, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mrs. Williams, Major Kosior, and Mr. Snaman. Mr. McGiffin was absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Leary, Mr. McGlumphy, and Mayor Carey (arrived at 5:05 p.m.).

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. William moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Major Kosior and unanimously carried.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review - Public Utilities

Members were provided the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Public Utilities. In addition to Fiscal Year 2009-2010, the Plan included Fiscal Years 2010-2011 through 2013-2014. Mr. Ruane suggested that members complete their review of projects slated for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 prior to their review of the following years.

At the request of Mr. Ruane, Mr. Lunt, Public Utilities Director, identified those projects that have been included in the Plan that staff will be presenting for funding consideration during the current fiscal year due to excess revenues remaining from the 2008 Bond Issue, as follows:

            Distribution Upgrades (partial funding through bond proceeds)

            Mid City Substation (entire funding through bond proceeds)

            VanSant CT Mark IV Upgrades (entire funding through bond proceeds)

            Plant Driveway Repaving (entire funding through bond proceeds)

 

Mr. Lunt reviewed details regarding the CIP’s for both Electric and Water/Wastewater for Fiscal Year 2010, which were provided to members.

Responding to concerns relayed by Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Lunt indicated that, with the exception of the Mid City Substation project, which is a critical project, the remaining projects are considered capital maintenance projects.

Mr. Lunt advised members that, although the City was not awarded stimulus grant funding for the Water/Wastewater projects, the federal government has offered low interest loans in lieu of the grants, which would be administered through the State of Delaware.

Mr. Ruane requested that, during the next committee meeting, staff provide a list of those Electric projects that will be eliminated from the CIP and paid for through the residual bond money, as well as a list of those Water/Wastewater projects that may be eligible for a revolving low interest loan program.

Due to time constraints, Mr. Ruane noted that the review of the CIP would continue at the “Water Management” items during their next meeting and that the additional information requested regarding the residual bond money and revolving low interest loan program would be provided to members for their review at that time as well.

Energy Block Grant

Due to time constraints, and there being no objections, Mr. Ruane requested that the Energy Block Grant be deferred until the next meeting and suggested that the meeting time be set for 4:30 p.m.

PACE/NAES Monthly Report (February)

Due to time constraints, and there being no objections, Mr. Ruane requested that the Energy Block Grant be deferred until the next meeting and suggested that the meeting time be set for 4:30 p.m.

Mr. Snaman moved for adjournment, seconded by Major Kosior and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:56 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Eugene B. Ruane

                                                                                    Chairman

EBR/ALC/jg/tm

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