UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on July 9, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. with Mr. Carey presiding in the absence of Chairman Ruane. Members present were Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. McGiffin moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
TIDEWATER AGREEMENT
The City of Dover has served potable water and provided fire protection service to the Wilmington College building located at 3282 North DuPont Highway since March 2004. This building is located within Tidewater Utility's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) territory. Staff has been working with Tidewater to develop an equitable agreement which results in the City receiving the right to serve this customer and Tidewater relinquishing its rights under the current CPCN. The result of these negotiations is an Agreement Regarding Water Service Rights. Conditions of this agreement include the following:
► Construction of a twelve-inch (12") diameter water main along the northern property line of Wilmington College in an easterly direction to a proposed interconnection location with Tidewater Utilities. (This project was completed in FY 2007.)
► Construction of valves, vault(s) and meter(s) at the proposed interconnection location. (This project is proposed for FY 2008. Work is to be completed by the Public Utilities Construction Division and expenses are to be equally shared between the City of Dover and Tidewater Utilities.)
Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager and Finance Director to execute the agreement with Tidewater Utilities regarding water service rights with respect to service at the Wilmington College property.
Responding to Mr. Snaman, Mr. DePrima, City Manager, stated that if the City bears the entire $50,000 expense of building the pipe, Tidewater will not challenge the loss of Wilmington College as a customer. He noted that the agreement benefits both the City and Tidewater by enabling the buying and selling of water when necessary to either party.
Mr. Snaman moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager and Finance Director to execute the agreement with Tidewater Utilities regarding water service rights with respect to service at the Wilmington College property (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
UPDATE - BROWN WATER
Mrs. Sharon Duca, Water/Wastewater Manager, provided a PowerPoint Presentation which included a water quality overview, expenses, strategy and capital improvements to address the brown water issue and staff’s desired results and resources (Attachment #2).
Responding to Mr. McGiffin, Mrs. Duca stated that the flushing schedule is advertised in the Delaware State News and an informative mailer, which included a flushing map, was sent to every customer. She also noted that it is available on the City’s website.
UPDATE - VERIZON FRANCHISE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director/Treasurer, advised members that they held their first negotiation meeting with Verizon on June 26, 2007. Both the City and Verizon had requests and concerns and each party will gather the requested materials and meet again.
Responding to Mr. Snaman, Mrs. Mitchell stated that she did not anticipate additional revenue from new customers. It was her feeling that some customers may switch from Comcast to Verizon.
Mr. Snaman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:44 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Acting Chairman
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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20077-09-2007 UTILITY.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Agreement Regarding Water Service Rights - Wilmington College
Attachments to Original Minutes and File Copy:
Attachment #2 - PowerPoint Presentation - Brown Water Update