HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-08-Utilities Committee MinutesWAUKEE UTILITY MEETING MINUTES
The March 8th 1997 Waukee Utility Committee meeting was called to order at 8:05am by Stan
Lawson acting Chairman.
The following members were present:Stan Lawson,Anne Pulliam,Francis Forret,Russ Wiesley,
Marsha Schmidt,Marge Schlaefer and Councilman Nick Gruber.Absent:Ron Olson.Guests:Kurt
Rueckel,City Administrator;John Wessehnann,Public Works Director;Bill Houston,US Energy;Tim
Royer,Gas Superintendent;and Jim Thompson.
Gas Purchasing Policy consideration/Alternative:Last year was the coldest winter in 20 years.
Gas inventory was less than o.Gas storage in November was 8 -10%lower than it should be.Bill
Houston of US Energy discussed two ways we could purchase gas in the future.One option is to
hedge the price now for the next 5 winter months which is about 2.15IMMBTU.If Waukee didn't use
all the gas US Energy could resell it for the City.If we have a warm December price can drop and
we'd be locked into the eg 2.15 price.
The second option would be to go to limited PGA (peak gas adjustment)Example:If our PGA is 2 and
goes to 3 the rate would be adjusted and the customer would be charged.If it goes down to 1 it would
be rebated back.Francis Forret made a motion to recommend to the Council to lock in a price of2.20
or less for the 5 months November to March,by March 30th.It would be more marketable but less
profit for the city.If we can't lock in than go to a limited PGA.Seconded by Pulliam.Motion carried.
~Weisley made a motion to recommend to the Council to up our pipeline capacity to 4000.Pulliam
seconded.Motion carried.
Gas Rebate Program:John Wesselmann feels a rebate program is needed in Waukee.Some
suggestions would be to encourage homeowners to switch over to gas appliances.For furnaces and
water heaters only high efficiency ones would qualify.A certificate would have to be provided with
signature of installer,serial number etc.Waukee has budgeted 2.22%or $20,000 now.John would
recommend 5%.The committee needs to study this issue more.
Gas Meter Change Out Program:Will discuss at the April meeting.
Collection of Solid Waste and Recycling at Dwellings of 4 or More Units:Wiesley made a motion
to recommend to the Council that dwellings with frontage on a public street where the lots are
individually owned,may have curbside collection by the City if there are 4 or more units.Lawson
seconded the motion.Motion carried.
The Waukee Utility Committee will now meet the 1 st Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at City Hall.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10am.
Respectfully submitted,
Marge Schlaefer,Secretary