1997 ADJ MIN JAN 09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT AND WATER/WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT. Utilities Director Clark reviewed the combined Public Utilities Department, a $40 million enterprise, staffed by 79 authorized positions, to serve 42,000 residences: For Electric Department, Director Clarke described the electric rate structure and identified its goals: To aggressively pursue opportunities under deregulation of electric power; to continue a cost containment program; to offer expansion of services through fiber optic and technical support; to address the need for system improvements for distribution activities; and the need to stabilize rates over short term for no rate increases. Director Clarke declared the Water system safe and reliable; however, he said components needed upgrading, replacement and expansion, now. The Water Utility's Goals are to expand services to neighboring communities; for staff upgrades for proper certification, to include rate increase necessary for capital infrastructure improvements and to cover the debt service. He said the Master plan was near completion. The State Engineer reissued a permit to the City for a safe and reliable operation and preparation is underway for an aggressive capital improvement program to comply with the State Engineer's recommendation. Director Clarke reported that, In response to a cease and desist order, the treatment plant expansion complied with mandates and was on target, with the project expected to start in the spring and completed in timely fashion, to increase the reliable capacity of the plant. The RIX facility is operating as expected and the water quality discharge has met the anticipated levels. He said problems with collapsed lines and flow leaks, dictated the need for upgrades to the collection system, for full utilization of the RIX facility, for the need to utilize the SARI line, as a diversion system, the need to follow the rate plan previously adopted to follow the capital improvement program and to pay debt service on loan. He stated that the Master plan is near completion. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, Project Manager Cassel -Short described the current staffing. She said that funding of the Redevelopment Agency was realized through tax increment; a base share, of which 20% must be used to provide, maintain and create affordable housing for residents. RDA's responsibilities are to monitor and administer the Agua mansa Enterprise zone and Recycling Market Development Zone. Economic Development strives for business retention and expansion and business recruitment and redevelopment. Its purpose is to eliminate blight. It is a funding tool to help implement economic development programs There are seven project areas, including graffiti abatement, and preserving affordable housing, namely, the Colton Palms, the Mortgage Assistance Program, Rancho Mediterrania Rehabilitation Project and the Colton Cottages Project. She described the Graffiti Abatement program, handled by one individual, who responds to 8-10 calls a day and eradicates the blight within 48 hours. City Council Minutes - January 9, 1997 Page 4