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UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on April 25, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane
presiding. Members present were Mr. Bonar, Mr. McGiffin, and Mr. Snaman. Major Kosior was
absent. Members of Council present were Council President Hogan and Mr. Leary. Mayor Carey
(arrived at 5:24 p.m.) was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
By unanimous consent, the agenda was approved, as presented.
East Dover Hills Water Line Replacement Project
Mr. Ronald Lunt, Director of Public Utilities, introduced Mr. Jason Lyon, Civil Engineer, who is
serving as the Project Engineer. Mr. Lyon stated that the Bayard Avenue area is known as East
Dover Hills and that the Water Line Replacement Project began on April 4, 2011 with preparation
of the area. Installation of the water line began on April 25, 2011 at the intersection of
Division Street and Bayard Avenue. Mr. Lyon stated that this phase of the project includes
Bayard Avenue in its entirety, from Division Street south to the Bayard Tower Tank. Once
completed, staff will test the line to assure there are no chemical concerns and the project will then
continue with Greenhill Road, from Park Drive to Route 13. After this section is complete, the next
phase will include the alley between Bayard Avenue and Park Drive. Once all water lines are
complete and positive test results achieved, each individual lot will be provided new water service.
Mr. Lyon advised members that he is in the process of going “door-to-door” to explain the project
to each resident, determine if they have any questions or concerns, and provide his contact
information. The anticipated project completion date is September 2011.
Responding to Mr. Ruane regarding the purpose of the replacement, Mr. Lyon reminded members
that this project was identified in 2006 by the water model study as one of the main projects needing
completion. He advised members that this area serves as a thoroughfare from Division Street to the
Bayard Tower tank and that 16-inch pipe is used to provide the maximum pressure possible in the
transmission of water. In addition, Mr. Lyon stated that there have been numerous complaints of
brown water, explaining that there are undersized (two (2) inch) mains in the area; therefore, all
mains are being upgraded to eight (8) inches. The cost of this project is approximately $450,000.
In response to Mr. Bonar, Mr. Lyon stated that, in addition to contacting the residents personally,
correspondence has been sent to residents who are not home during the day.
Division Street Inflow & Infiltration Project
Mr. Jason Lyon, Civil Engineer, advised members that the Division Street Inflow and Infiltration
(I & I) Project is part of a larger I & I project that encompasses the northwest interceptor, which
includes William Street and Washington Street behind the Capital School District property. The
project was put out for bid and was anticipated to begin during the week of April 25, 2011; however,
since this is a heavily traveled area, staff determined that it would be better to delay the project until
July 9, 2011, after upcoming festivities (Old Dover Days, Race Weekend, the African American
Festival, the Fourth of July, etc.) have concluded.
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 25, 2011 PAGE 2
Mr. Lyon stated that the contractor will work 24 hours per day until the project is complete and that
the project will require closure of Division Street, from King’s Highway to West Street, for
approximately 5-7 days. He assured members that all required permits will be obtained and there
will be customer “outreach” to businesses and residents. Mr. Lyon advised members that the overall
project cost will be approximately $1.8M.
Responding to Mr. Bonar, Mr. Lyon stated that there have been no difficulties in obtaining necessary
approvals from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), including the road closure.
Review of Utility Related Capital Investment Plan (CIP) (Electric and Water/Wastewater)
(January and February)
Members were provided Project Tracking Reports, as of January 31, 2011 and February 28, 2011,
for the Utility (Electric and Water/Wastewater) Related Capital Investment Plan (CIP). Noting that
there will be new Committee members, Mr. Ruane suggested that staff provide members a summary
of each project to allow them full understanding.
Referring to the Route 13 Water Main Project, Mr. Ronald Lunt, Public Utilities Director, stated that
there have been many challenges related to the Delaware Department of Transportation’s (DelDOT)
involvement with this project. He indicating that DelDOT has delayed approval of the project for
over one (1) year and has required a traffic maintenance plan, which added substantial cost to the
project. It was Mr. Lunt’s feeling that, although this project exemplifies some of the problems with
the relationship between the City and DelDOT, the Division Street Project reflects some of the
successes. He explained that the City has routine meetings with DelDOT to discuss upcoming
projects, which help the City to better understand the needs of DelDOT and vice versa.
PACE/NAES REPORT
The PACE/NAES Monthly Report for February 2011 was provided to members to enable them to
monitor electric sales and revenues received, which will provide a better understanding of any
fluctuations that occur and allow the opportunity to make improvements if deemed necessary.
Mr. Ronald Lunt, Director of Public Utilities, noted that sales were greater than projections by
approximately 4,000 hours due to cold weather. He noted that Units 3 and 11 successfully achieved
capacity rating, which is approximately102 megawatts for Unit 3 and 43 megawatts for Unit 11.
In response to Mr. Bonar, Mr. Lunt indicated that there were no environmental impact concerns at
this time; however, this could change depending on potential actions of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Lunt stated that the agreement for the contract with the The Energy
Authority (TEA) will soon be complete and services will begin July 1, 2011. He stated that PACE
has been very cooperative with this transition and has provided assistance.
Mr. Snaman moved to recommend acceptance of the PACE/NAES Monthly Report for
February 2011, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
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UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 25, 2011 PAGE 3
Update - Green Energy Funding and Programming
Mr. Ronald Lunt, Director of Public Utilities, stated that there have been no changes in Green Energy
Funding and Programming since the previous report. He advised members that he approved an
additional application submitted by a psychiatric center. He noted that the application was for
delayed grant program funds, which are estimated to be received in approximately two (2) years.
State Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) Programs and Legislation
Mr. Ronald Lunt, Director of Public Utilities, advised members that the City has sent a letter of
support for a proposed legislative change that was spearheaded by the Delaware Electric Co-op,
requesting that demand response programs would also apply toward the Renewable Energy Portfolio
Standards (RPS). He stated that a hearing was recently held and that the Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) views this as “double dipping” since there is
legislation that requires the City to lower usage. Mr. Lunt indicated that there is a usage reduction
bill that impacts the City and DNREC feels that allowing demand response would be “double
dipping” resources; therefore, DNREC is not supporting the bill. Mr. Lunt stated that he was not
aware of any other energy-related legislation pending.
Noting that several members will no longer be serving on the Committee, Mr. Ruane relayed
appreciation on their behalf for all the work provided by staff, including Mr. Anthony DePrima,
City Manager; Mr. Ronald Lunt, Director of Public Utilities; Mrs. Sharon Duca, Water/Wastewater
Manager; Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works; and
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development. Since this was
his last time serving as Chair, Mr. Ruane also commended and thanked the Committee members and
all those in the utility field for their assistance provided to him over the past 10 years.
Mr. McGiffin echoed the comments of Mr. Ruane and also thanked Mr. Ruane for his leadership
serving as the Committee’s Chair.
Mr. Bonar thanked Mr. Ruane and Mr. McGiffin for their service and noted that their actions played
a significant role in utility improvements made by the City. He also thanked the Council President
for appointing these members to the Committee.
Mr. Ruane also relayed appreciation to the City Clerk’s Office for their support and the
Controller/Treasurer for the guidance she provided.
Mr. Snaman wished those who will no longer serve on the Committee well in their future endeavors
and relayed his enjoyment serving the Committee.
By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
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