ACTION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONERS

CITY OF TULARE

August 6, 2009

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners, City of Tulare, was held on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers of the Civic Affairs Building.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:  Ron Quinn, Dick Johnson, Darlene Jensen

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:  Wayne Hinman, Scot Hillman

STAFF PRESENT:  Ken Ramage, Mike Whitlock, Lew Nelson, Jennifer Gomez

              I.    CALL TO ORDER:

Commissioner Quinn called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.

            II.    CITIZEN’S REQUEST OR COMMENTS:

There were no comments given.

           III.    COMMUNICATIONS:

There were no items of communication.

           IV.   CONSENT CALENDAR:

It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously carried that the items on the consent calendar be approved.

(1)      Approve minutes of the July 16, 2009, regular meeting.

(2)      Accept June Investment Report.

(3)      Final acceptance of the Dairy Wasteline Replacement Project, Project No. 04-10.

           V.    GENERAL BUSINESS:

(1)      Approve Resolutions 09-11 and 09-12 adopting documents entitled “City of Tulare Sewer System Master Plan” and “City of Tulare Water System Master Plan” prepared by Carollo Engineers, and dated July 2009.  City Engineer, Ken Ramage discussed the proposed improvements in the updated master plans for sewer and water.  Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution 09-11.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution 09-12.  Commissioner Quinn offered his congratulations and thanks to Mr. Ramage for his work with the City and wished him well with his retirement.

(2)      Extend a contract with FPM Group, Ltd. of Edwards CA to sample and analyze the groundwater monitoring wells at the wastewater treatment plant for one year for a cost of $107,815.88.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson provided background information for the Board’s review and consideration.  The consensus was to extend the contract this year, but next year to take it out to bid.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.

(3)      Authorize the Public Works Director to an agreement with Carollo Engineers of Walnut Creek to prepare drawings and specifications for the installation of fuel cell No. 4 at the wastewater treatment plant for $138,227.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson provided background information for the Board’s review and consideration.  Commissioner Quinn expressed his concern over Carollo’s previous work.  Mr. Nelson reassured that a different office and staff will be doing these plans and is confident that they will do satisfactory work.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.

(4)      Adopt Resolution 09-13 authorizing the Public Works Director to sign documents related to Federal ARRA grant funding for fuel cell No. 4 at the wastewater treatment plant.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson briefly discussed the grant funding.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution 09-13.

(5)      Adopt Resolution 09-14 authorizing the Public Works Director to sign documents related to Federal ARRA grant funding for Advanced Energy Storage at the wastewater treatment plant.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson provided information on Advanced Energy Storage.  It was moved by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution 09-14.

(6)      Authorize the Public Works Director to sign change order No. 1 to the contract with Floyd Johnston Construction of Clovis for construction of Ponds 11 and 12 for a cost increase of $87,977.70.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson provided background information for the Board’s review and consideration.  It was moved by Commissioner Jensen, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.

(7)      Approve the purchase of 1,060 green and 1,060 brown automated refuse cans from Cascade Engineering of Grand Rapids, MI for $95,261.30, including tax and shipping.  Public Works Director, Lew Nelson provided background information and responded to comments by the Board members.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously carried to approve the item as presented.

           VI.    CLAIMS:

It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and unanimously carried that the claims in the amount of $5,957,874.37 be approved as submitted.

         VII.    ITEMS OF BOARD INTEREST:

Items of interest were briefly discussed among the Board and staff.

The Board requested to receive hard copies again of their packets due to the volume associated with the agenda.  Staff will continue to receive their packets via email.

        VIII.    ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Quinn adjourned the regular meeting at 3:42 p.m.

                                                                                                                                                             _________________________________

President of the Board of Public Utilities

Commissioners of the City of Tulare

ATTEST:

__________________________

Secretary of the Board of

Public Utilities Commissioners