HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0520 Study Session PACKET City Council Study Session
March 20, 1998
Agenda Items:
1. Office Space Issues (Greg) — 30 Minutes
2. Cost of Service Follow-Ups (Mike & Jill) — 30 Minutes
3. Fiber Network Update (Mike & Pete) — 15 Minutes
CITY OF ASHLAND
Department of Public Works
a
Public Works Administration
EGO
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 20, 1998
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Paula C. Brown, Public Works Director/City Engineer
RE: HEAVY RAIN AND SPRING RUN-OFF CONCERNS
Background
The 1997 New Year's Flood left a lasting impression with our City. There are continuing concerns
with regard to potential flooding,flood prevention measures,and future flood mitigation efforts.This
year's outstanding snow pack brings with it an additional concern regarding spring snow melt and
it's potential for high water events. Recent extended periods of rain and apparent saturation of the
surrounding lands have brought high run-off and higher water levels in the creeks.
Current Conditions
The rain events we have experienced through April and this late into May are not problematic
themselves as we have also had lower than normal temperatures. The amount of rain yesterday
(5/19) and last night has increased water levels and velocities in the creek,but with the snow level
above 4000 feet(there was snow at the reservoir this morning), we are not as concerned with rapid
run-off. The lands are saturated, but again, with colder temperatures, this has not been a big
problem.
The rain is expected to let up over the weekend,which will help with the direct rain run-off amounts
into the creek. Warmer temperatures are expected this weekend as well(70s). One of these days,
we will get warm weather. After all, it is Memorial Day weekend upcoming. I would expect that
unless we get very warm temperatures(high 80s)combined with heavy rains, we will see a higher
than average flow in the creek, but no real "flooding" potential.
We will keep an eye out this weekend and into next week. We will also contact the Ashland Ranger
District for latest updates on snow pack, extra snow, moisture levels and anticipated rain events to
track possible events.
The good news is that we do not expect any water supply problems this year.
Questions?
I would be happy to answer questions, or take questions to get back to you if I do not have the
answers. I can be reached at 552-2411.
Cc: Ashland Daily Tidings and Medford Mail Tribune
•a,y�pf Agy -
CITY OF ASHLAND
Administration v -
MEMORANDUM '
'a EGO
DATE: May 20, 1998
TO: Mike Freeman, City Administrator
FROM: Greg Scoles,Assistant City Administrat r
RE: Status of Proposed Civic Center Buildin n East Main
As you are aware, the Planning Commission has held a hearing and given preliminary approval for
the new Civic Center Building which was designed to house Public Works Administration, Fire
Administration and Computer Services. Staff has asked the Planning Commission to postpone
adoption of the final findings for approval so that the proposal could be reexamined. This change
is being prompted by the following, among others:
• The City's space needs have changed over the past few years and the basic design was
developed nearly a decade ago.
• There is a need to improve the public meeting space in the community. This could include
improved Council Chambers which would be available to not only the City Council but
also, the School District, Parks Commission, City Commissions and Boards, Staff
Training, and other public meetings. It should be noted that RVTV has recommended a
complete overhaul of the video and sound system which is currently in the Council
Chambers.
• This is a good opportunity to reconsider the proposed design of the facility, including the
architectural detailing, location and internal layout.
• Modification of the proposal might provide an opportunity to develop a plan which allows
for a more efficient u�f^�resources(i.e., combined reception area, etc.)
In order to accomplish the above the Staff intends to:
Phase I
• Postpone indefinitely the Planning Commission's consideration of the current application.
• Retain the services of a qualified architect to prepare alternatives for the proposed project.
• Develop a public involvement process for review of the various alternatives
Phase H
❑ Develop a plan to maximize the existing space in the current City Hall building
Phase III
❑ Obtain Council approval of Phase I and II, prior to modifying the Planning Commission
Application.
City of- Ashland, OR
Memo
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Mike Freeman, City Administrator
Date: 05120/98
Re: Update on the Ashland Fiber Network
Update on Ashland Fiber Network
Revised financial pro-formas
The City has retained the services of R.W. Beck to develop five differing scenarios for
the fiber network. Beck has been directed to provide these scenarios by the end of
this week. Those scenarios are:
♦ Refine existing pro-forma — update existing pro-forma to include changes
in operations, financing, overall business plan
♦ Falcon—develop a scenario that is based on the underlying data provided
by Falcon cable
♦ Breakeven — develop a scenario that depicts lowest level of cable and
internet subscribership that will still make the project financially viable
♦ Independent operator — develop a scenario that depicts the City
constructing the fiber network and a CATV company actually providing the
cable service �p 32 C
♦ Most likely—develop a scenario that is the most likely
The Mayor and City Council will be fully briefed upon completion of these scenarios.
•Page 1
Conduct an Independent Analysis of the Fiber Optic Plan
City staff have contracted with Miles Fidelman of the Center for Civic Networking to
conduct an outside review of the business plan for the fiber network. Miles visited the
City on May 18 and 19 and will be submitting his final report late next week.
Public InformatiorvEducation
City staff have retained the firm of Northern Connections to develop an overall public
information and education program for the fiber network. Staff will present concept
pieces for Council review.
Ashland Chamber Forum
The Ashland Chamber is hosting a"Chamber Forum" on June 8. The purpose of the
forum is for the public to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the fiber
network project, history on such projects, financing of the system, etc. It is expected
that City officials will be on the panel, as will representatives from the cable TV
industry.
Strategic Steering Committeelrechnical Committee Update
The following individuals have agreed to serve on these two committees:
Strategic Steering Technical Advisory
yi .
David Kelly Paul Mace
Charlie Lanusse Don McKay
Charles McHenry Pricilla&Allan Openheimer
Lance Pugh Jim Teece
Russ Silbiger Eric Turner
Jim Teece
•Page 2
The staff has not confirmed that all these individuals are available to serve at this
point. The staff is drafting committee purpose statements and will be initiating the
committee meetings within the next month.
•Page 3
oF asy �o MEMORANDUM
.�REGO�
To: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jill Turner
DATE: May 20, 1998
SUBJECT: Electrical Cost of Service and Rate Study Wrap Up
Background: RW Beck was hired to prepare a cost of service and rate study for the
electric utility. The cost of service and rate design were presented at two previous
council study sessions. The study was necessary for the following reasons:
• Operational savings primarily in the cost of wholesale power.
• Council's adopted goal of reducing.the General Fund and Street Fund
dependence on the electrical utility.
• Preparation for future electrical deregulation through more competitive rates.
The recommendation by staff results in an average 7.4% rate decrease. The most
significant staff recommendation is the elimination of the in-lieu tax adjustment for
institutional/government customers. The recommended rates provide financial stability
for the utility for the next three years, move the utility toward competitive pricing,
encourage conservation through increasing rate blocks, and are easier to understand.
The reductions in the electrical rates and related reductions in the General Fund were
anticipated in the 1998-99 budget.
Action Requested: Discussion of various options for each rate class. If these
recommendations are acceptable staff will prepare the necessary resolutions for your
consideration and adoption at the next appropriate council meeting.
a
RESIDENTIAL. There currently are 7,874 residential accounts. They comprise slightly
over 50% of electrical billings. Approximat i 1! 11 these-accounts-are-mul I
accounts, the balance are single fa All three options result in an average reductio
0 4.7%
b�,� �t � y
Option 1 — This option takes the overall 4.7%�ion from the cost of service and
spreads it across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option increases the customer service charge to cost of service and
adjusts the energy charge to a single block. This results in a rate
increase for 21% of the small customers.�Larger customers receive
greater savings. -7 C✓e� a�f enC O— GJ% dX—
Option 3 — This option is a compromise between full cost of service and Option 1.
The very smallest customers show some increase, moderate users
4111, benefit more th large users. 11, p CvtA�
Staff recommends that City Council adopt Option 3 for the Residential Class.
This rate design is a move toward cost of service, while minimizing the effects on
the smaller customer. It also will encourage conservation.
SEASONAL RESIDENTIAL. This customer class is made up of Bed and Breakfast
operators. The City billed 66 cu om rise a little less
than 1% of electrical revenue . There is no overall increase or decrease in t is ra
class.
Option 1 — This option leaves the current rates in effect. Q
Option 2 — This option increases the customer service charge to cost of service and
adjusts the energy charge to a single block. This results in a rate
increase for 48% of the customers. Larger customers receive greater
savings.
Option 3 — This option is a compromise between full cost of service and Option 1.
The very smallest customers show some increase, moderate users
benefit more than large users.
Staff recommends that City Council adopt Option 3 for the Seasonal Residential
Class. This rate design is a move toward cost of service, while minimizing the
effects on the smaller customer. It will also encourage conservation.
-2-
COMMERCIAL SINGLE PHASE. This account is primarily made up of smaller
commercial accounts: The City billed 1,062 customers at this rate in April. Thi's class
represents o of electric revenue accounts fed a fee,
demand charge, and energy char.=All options result in average 5.7% rate
reduction.
Option 1 — This option takes the 5.7% reduction from the cost of service and spreads
it across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option leaves the demand charge at the current level and increases
the basic customer charge to cost of service. This results in an increase
to the majority of customers who have small load factors.
Option 3 — This option leaves the demand at cost of service, and reduces the basic
customer charge to minimize the effect on smaller users.
Option 4 — his option further decreases the basic charge and increases the demand
charge towards cost of service.. This reduces the impact on small
customers.
Staff Recommends that City Council adopt Option 4 for the Commercial Single
Phase Service Class. This rate design is a move toward cost of service, while
minimizing the effects on the smaller customer.
COMMERCIAL THREE PHASE. This account is made up of larger commercial
accounts. The ed 102 custemers4n-A il;th' a class represents 8% of total
electric revenu All options show an average decrease of 8.1170—)
Option 1 — This option takes the 8.1% reduction from the cost of service and spreads
it across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option leaves the demand charge at the current level and increases
the basic customer charge to cost of service.
Option 3 — This option leaves the demand at cost of service, and reduces the basic
fee to minimize the affect on smaller users.
(Option 4 — This option further decreases the basic charge and increases the demand
charge towards cost of service. This reduces the impact on smaller
customers.
Staff Recommends that City Council adopt Option 4 for the Commercial Three
Phase Service Class. This rate design is a move toward cost of service, while
minimizing the effects on the smaller customer.
-3-
INSTITUTIONAL SINGLE PHASE. This is the governmental rate for single phase
customers. The City has 123 customers, representing 5% of electrical revenues. All of
the following options with the exceptio
historical in lieu tax adjustme he cost of service shows a decrease of 29.41% fo
this customer class.
Option 1 — This option takes the 29.41% reduction from the cost of service and
spreads it across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option leaves the demand charge at the cost of service level and
increases the basic charge to cost of service level. This results in a-
reduction of 21.6%.
Option 3 — This option simplifies the basic charge, and moves the demand to the cost
of service level. The in-lieu tax adjustment is included in the rate. This
option shows a decrease of 2%.
Option 4 — This option further decreases the basic charge and sets the demand
charge to be uniform with commercial customers. This minimizes the
impact on more customers. This option results in a 21.6% average rate
decrease.
ct��=ion wil l result in an overall reduction of 29.41% and moves most
to the cost of service level.
Staff Recommends that City Council adopt Option 5 for the Institutional Single
Phase Service Class. This rate design is at the cost of service level.
Iytept
-4-
I
INSTITUTIONAL THREE PHASE. This is the governmental rate for three phase
customers. The City currently has 18 customers in this class, representing 4% of
electric revenues. All of the following options with the exception of Option 3 are based
on eliminating the historical in-lieu tax adjustment.
Option 1 — This option takes the 20.6% reduction from the cost of service and
spreads it across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option leaves the demand charge at the cost of service level and
increases the basic charge to cost of service level. This option results in a
reduction of 21.6%.
Option 3 — This option simplifies the basic charge, and moves the demand to cost of
service level. The in-lieu tax adjustment is included in the rate. This
option shows a decrease of 2%.
Option 4 — This option further decreases the basic charge and sets the demand
charge to be uniform with commercial customers. This minimizes the
impact on more customers. This results in a 21.6% average rate
decrease.
Option 5 - This option will result in a overall reduction of 20.6% and moves most
charges to the cost of service level.
Staff Recommends that City Council adopt Option 5 for the Institutional Three
Phase Service Class. This rate design is at the cost of service level.
-5-
GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMER. This is one large account for the University
representing 5.5% of electric revenues. All of the following options with the exception of
Option 3 are based on eliminating the historical in-lieu tax adjustment.
Option 1 — This option takes 14.9% reduction from the cost of service and spreads it
across the board to all customers.
Option 2 — This option sets the demand charge at the cost of service level and
increases the basic charge to the cost of service level. This option results
in a reduction of 21.6%.
Option 3 — This option simplifies the basic charge, and sets the demand to cost of
service level. The in-lieu tax adjustment is included in the rate. This
option shows a decrease of 2%.
Option 4 — This option increases the basic charge and places the demand at the cost
of service level. This schedule sets a lower energy charge and
corresponding higher basic fee. This results in a reduction of 21.6%.
Option 5 - This option will result in a over II reduction of 14.91% and m es most
(/ charges to the cost of service lev
Staff Recommends that City Council adopt Option 5 for the General Service
Customers. This rate design is at the cost of service level.
N:%ACCtgNATES�LECTIstUdy season frost -19.wpd
-6-
4
CITY 60, ASHLAND <, CITY HALL
DEPARTMENT•oO ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ASHLAND,OREGON 97520
90 N7Mduntain Avenue telephone(code 541)482-32-3211
Ashland OR 97520
(541)488-5 357;fax:(541)488-5320
�� Y«N
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 20, 1998
TO: Mike Freeman, City Administrator
FROM: Peter V. Lovrovich, Director of Electric Utilities
RE: Available CATV Channel Line Up
Please see the attached comparison of existing channels provided by TCI/Falcon and a
proposed channel line up for the City Network. Please note that this channel lineup is not
the final version. A Programming Committee will need to make final determination for
the Ashland Fiber Network.
All channels shown for Ashland Fiber Network are Digitally formatted.
Peter V. Lovrovich
Director of Electric Utilities
CATV CHANNEL LINE UP COMPARISON
TCI/Falcon Channel Line Up Ashland Fiber Network
Proposed Channel Line Up
BASIC CABLE CHANNELS BASIC CABLE CHANNELS
2TBS 2 ABC-KDRV
3 Northwest Cable News 3 Animal Planet(AP)
4 Discovery 4 Black Entertainment TV(BET)
5 NBC -KOBI(Ntedford) 5 C-SPAN 1
6 QVC(Quality,Value,Convenience) 6 Cable News Network(CNN)
7 Previte Guide/Blazers 7 Cartoon Network(TOON)
8 PBS -KSYS (Ntedford) 8 CBS -KTVL
9 RVTV/ Access 9 Country Music TV(cm'r)
10 CBS - KTVL(Ntedford) 10 Discovery Channel (DISC)
I l Lifetime 11 Educational Access
12 ABC -KDRV(Medford) 12 ESD
13 FOX-KMVU(Ntedford) 13 FOX Family Channel (eANI)
16 The Learning Channel 14 FOX -KM VU
17 Univision 15 Government
18 C-SPAN I (House of Reps) 16 Headline News(HN)
23 Fos New Channel 17 Home& Garden TV(HDTV)
24 Home Shopping Network 18 Home Shopping Network (IISN)
29 Odyssey 19 Inspirational Network(INSP)
30 Access/Government 20 Knowledge Television(KNO-TV)
31 Access/Educational Access, Reader Board 21 Lifetime Television(LIFE)
32 ESD/Educational Access 22 The Learning Channel (TLC)
33 public Access 23 Music Television(M'l'v)
24 NBC-KOBI
25 Outdoor Life(OL)
26 PBS -KSYS
27 Public Access
28 QVC
29 RVTV
30 School Access
31 Superstation TBS(WTBS)
32 Superstation WGN(WGN)
33 The Weather Channel (TWC)
34 Univision
CATV CHANNEL LINE UP COMPARISON
M/Falcon Channel Line Up Ashland Fiber Network
Proposed Channel Line Up
EXPANDED BASIC EXPANDED BASIC
19 MTV 35 Arts&Entertainment Network(A&E)
34 FX 36 BBC America(BBC)
35 CNN 37 BET on Jazz(BJz)
36 TNT 38 SPAN 2
37 ESPN 39 Cable News Network Espanol(CNN EsP)
38 The Cartoon Network 40 Cable News Network/Financial Network(CNNFN)
39 Headline News 41 Cable News Network/Sports Illustrated(CNNSI)
40 The Nashville Network 42 CBS Eye on People(EOP)
41 The Family Channel 43 Classic Sports Network(GSN)
42 The Disney Channel 44 Comedy Central(COM)
43 USA Network 45 Consumer News and Business Channel(GNBC)
44 American Movie Classics 46 Court TV(CTV)
45 FOX Sports Northwest 47 Do It Yourself(DIY)
46 Country Music Television 48 Disney Channel (DIS I)
47 Nickelodeon 49 E! Entertainment Television(EO
48 Arts&Entertainment 50 ESPN 1
49 Animal Planet 51 ESPN 2
50 Encore Plex 52 ESPN News(ESPNNEws)
51 E! Entertainment TV 53 FIT-TV(FIT)
52 C-SPAN 2(senate) 54 FLIX 1
53 The Weather Channel 55 Food Network(FN)
54 The Golf Channel 56 Fox Movie Studio(FxM)
55 SCI FI 57 Fox Sports Net(FSN)
56 ESPN 2 58 Game Show Network(GSN)
57 The History Channel 59 Golf Channel (GOLF)
58 The Travel Channel 60 The History Channel
59 TV Food Network 61 Lifetime Movie Network(LMN)
60 FIT TV 62 Microsoft NBC(MSNBC)
61 Home& Garden 63 Mystery(MYs)
62 MSNBC 64 Nickelodeon West(NICK w)
63 Video Hits 1 65 Discovery Kids(DKIOS)
66 Discovery Living(DLIV)
62 MSNBC 67 Discovery Science(DSCI)
63 Video Hits 1 68 SCI-FI Channel
64 CNBC 69 Speedvision(sPv)
65 Photo AD, Leased Access 70 The Nashville Network(TNN)
71 Travel Channel(TRAVEL)
72 Turner Classic Movies(TcM)
73 Turner Network Television
74 USA Network
75 Video Hits 1
76 Westerns
77 C-SPAN Extra
78 Arts&Entertainment Network 2(A&E 2)
3
CATV CHANNEL LINE UP COMPARISON
M/Falcon Channel Line Un Ashland Fiber Network
Proposed Channel Line Up
PRF_MIUMSERVICF_S PREMIUM SERVICES
14 ENCORE(Movies of the 60's,70's&80's) 79 Cinemax
15 STARZ!(Hit Movies) 80 Cinemax 1 (movies,Movies,Movies)
20 CINEMAX(Movies,Movies,Movies) 81 Cinemax 2
21 SHOWTIME(Movies,Boxing,Concerts) 82 Cinemax 3
22 HBO(Blockbuster Movies,Comedy,Sports) 83 Cinemax 4
84 Cinemax 5
85 Cinemax 6
86 Encore(ENCt)
87 HBO i (Blockbuster Movies,Comedy,Sports)
88 HBO 2
89 HBO 3
90 14BO 4
91 HBO 5
92 HBO 6
93 Independent Film Channel
94 Showtime West(SHO W)(Movies,Hosing,Concerts)
95 Showtime2 West(SHO2W)
96 Showtime3 West(SHO3W)
97 STARZ(Hit Movies)
98 STARZ l
99 The Movie Channel 1 (TMC 1)
100 The Movie Channel 2(TMC 2)
PAY-PER-VIEW PAY-PER-VIEW
( 4 Channels of Movies On Demand) ( 24 Channels of Movies On Demand)
25 Playboy, "What's on Pay-Per-Vices" 27 Request Action(ACT)
26 Action 28 Request