HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-0416 Study Session MIN MENUTES
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 16, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
Councilor Laws called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers.
In Attendance: Councilor Laws, Reid, Hagen and DeBoer. Guests Talent Councilor Lisa
Shapiro, Talent Joy Riley, Phoenix Mayor Parducci and Phoenix Public Works Director,
City Staff Scoles, McLaughlin, Pearce, Barnts, Clements, Woodley, Turner, Nolte and
Wanderscheid, Zach Brombacher, Darrell Boldt, George Jensen, Joan Jensen, Jon Gasik,
Jennifer Lee, Susan Hunt, JoAnne Eggers, and Tom Kennedy.
A. Discussion on Medford-Ashland-Phoenix Water Intertie
Paula Brown explained the proposed inter fie, the current status of the options involved with
the intertie and the costs associated. Stated that there were three different options which
involve or do not involve, Medford, Phoenix and Ashland. Cost was estimated on the
amount of mileage for piping, size of pipe and the amount of water being delivered.
Final design will take place next month and then construction would begin, funding would be
sought for final design and construction. Next month there will be an opportunity to file for
grant assistance.
Brown clarified that the 25% was based on an estimated percentage on estimated delivery of
water and size of pipe. 100% was discussed, but at the time feasibility was the issue.
Cost figures quoted are based on piping to Talent only and do not include costs of piping to
Ashland. Total of estimated costs which includes all three cities for a 24" line from Medford
to Talent is about $5.4 million. The costs do not include the costs associated with obtaining
right-of-ways from the railroad. The Ashland share based on these costs is estimated at $1
million.
Brown stated that the only way for Ashland to participate without being included in the initial
cost is if Ashland were not to use the water immediately. There may be a way for Ashland
to "buy into" the intertie at a later time, but this option has not been thoroughly discussed at
this time.
Councilor Laws explained that the decision to participate or not to participate has not been
made. Suggested that council hear this issue during a regular council session and make a
policy decision at that time. Councilor Reid clarified that council did vote to send her as a
liaison to these committee meetings.
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Shapiro shared that some of the problems that the City of Talent has had deals with obtaining
water rights and that the City of Ashland may want to attend a meeting on this with the water
master.
Public Works Superintendent, Dennis Barnts answered questions for council regarding size of
pipe and delivery of water through this size of pipe. Barnts explained that during the winter
the city water usage is 1.8 to 2.2 million gallons, during the summer months it doubles. The
city has a 6.5 million gallon total reservoir capacity. It was explained that water brought
over from the intertie would need to be pumped up to the reservoirs and re-chlorinated to
bring it back up to proper level of chlorination.
The estimated length of piping for the intertie varies from 3-5 miles, depending on where the
connection is made. Very estimated figures on cost is based on $500,000 per mile.
Discussion on buying rights or storage rights from Lost Creek Dam. Water rights vM
begin from the day the rights were purchased.
Discussion on impact of the use of Lost Creek Dam water and how it impacts instream flow
and fish. Impact of the use of this water is not known at this time.
Attending public shared concerns about the city not being ready to make a decision when a
decision needs to be made. Question regarding the lack of water during the flood crisis was
• believed to be a lack of water. It was explained that the problem was not a lack of water but
needed repair of piping to deliver water within the distribution system due to the damage by
the flood.
It was explained that once the pipe is in place, water could be turned on and off at Talent
when the need in Ashland is necessary. Pipe would need to be kept clean and maintained
which could involve additional costs. It may be necessary to keep water flowing at all times
once the pipe is in place.
Ashland will be asked to make a decision as to whether the city would like to participate with
Medford and Phoenix, possibly on May 24, 1997 which would be at the time funding is
sought for the final design and construction costs. A commitment of money is not requested
from Ashland at the May meeting, only a decision as to whether they want to participate or
not.
It was agreed that there will need to be time to hold a public hearing to allow public
testimony and deliberation on this subject. It was suggested that the options be presented in
a conceptional presentation with pros and cons, and any possible questions submitted in
writing to council and then a time set for a public hearing.
Brown was requested to bring back a time-line which outlines dates of decision deadlines and
additional methods of calculating costs associated with the intertie.
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I/
r B. Communication Plan Update
Dick Wanderschied presented an update on the Communication Plan. Committee would like
to bring the plan for adoption at the next council meeting. Plan has eleven items which total
$18,725.
Councilor Reid shared costs associated with printing a newsletter from the City of Coos Bay.
It was agreed to pass this on to the sub-committee for Central Services.
ADJOURNED
Meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
Barbara Christensen
City Recorder
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