MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Morrison called the Study Session to order at 12:04 p.m. in the Civic
Center Council Chambers.
ATTENDANCE:
Councilor Hardesty, Amarotico and Silbiger were present.
Councilor Jackson and Hartzell arrived at 12:12 p.m.; Council Hearn arrived
at 12:18 p.m.
Public Works Director Paula Brown and City Administrator Gino Grimaldi were
also present.
1. | Talent Ashland Phoenix (TAP) Intertie Pipeline Update on Preliminary Engineering and Future Water Line Construction from Talent to Ashland. | ||||||||
Public Works Director Paula Brown explained that the purpose of the Study
Session was to provide an update on the progress of the TAP Intertie. Laura
Dutt of Carollo Engineers and Ed Olson, who will be filling in for Ms. Brown
while she is on military leave, were introduced. Also present were City employees
Pieter Smeenk, Mike Morrison and Keith Woodley.
Status of the TAP Project:
Reservoir Storage Analysis: Ms. Brown clarified that the City was already working to correct the existing deficit, and that the TAP was a separate issue and would help to accommodate the City's water needs in the future. Ms. Dutt explained the four recommendations that Carollo Engineers has proposed:
It was noted that the larger reservoir would not need to be constructed right away, but would be necessary for the TAP project. Ms. Dutt stated that there are two alternatives for the location of the TAP Reservoir. The first would be at an elevation of 1,970' on Ashland Mine Road and the other would be at a higher elevation of 2,160' on Grandview Drive. It was noted that because Ashland was at a higher elevation than Talent, the TAP water would need to be pumped uphill to the new reservoir regardless of where it was located. Ms. Dutt explained the pros and cons for each site. She stated that the construction costs would be the same for each alternative, but that there were other considerations including maintenance and operational costs.
Water Quality:
Water Rights:
Scheduling: Ms. Brown explained that Staff was recommending that they proceed with the TAP project as scheduled. The next step is to identify a location for the TAP Reservoir and Ms. Brown recommended that they follow Alternative 1 and locate a site on Ashland Mine Road. She explained that this location was closer to Highway 99 and it would be easier to install the pipes at this location.
Questions & Answers: Ms. Brown clarified that the reservoir would likely be a concrete structure. In regards to the site, Staff will test the soil conditions and perform other necessary tests before a site is purchased. Ms. Brown stated that due to the uncertainties of the future, she is recommending that the City continue to work on this project and complete the TAP ahead schedule. She stated that the City would not have to turn the water on until it was needed, but that it was important to have the groundwork completed in case there was a need for the TAP water before 2016. She also mentioned that the annual escalation of construction costs was approximately 4-5%. A comment was made expressing concern with the "build it, but not turn it on" concept. Ed Olson stated that after the TAP was ready, the City of Ashland would most likely only use it only a few days a year during the peak times and would increase usage as needed until 2016. Additional comment was made requesting a clear assessment of the costs. Ms. Brown stated that they are still in the preliminary design stage and stated that Staff will provide these figures to Council before they are required to make their next decision. She added that this issue will not come back before Council for a decision until 2007. She stated that she understands Council's request for hard numbers, but explained that Staff will not have those figures until some of the preliminary decisions have been made.
Conservation: Ms. Brown mentioned the Talent Irrigation District (TID), and stated that Staff would like to put more money toward the TID and that it is currently under-funded. Public Works Superintendent Mike Morrison informed the Council that there are approximately 300 TID users on the City side. He also spoke regarding Reeder Reservoir and stated that it has been filling with organics for several years. He stated that the organics are starting to rot and deteriorate and that this will affect the quality of water in the reservoir. Mr. Morrison recommended that Council look into options for cleaning out Reeder Reservoir. Council questioned what was being done by the Conservation Department to encourage water conservation. Comment was made that every drop of water saved is one that the City will not have to pay for in the future. Ms. Brown stated that she has met with the City Administrator in regards to the Conservation Dept. and has discussed the possibility her having more involvement with that department. |
ADJOURNED: Meeting adjourned at 1:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
April Lucas, Assistant to City Recorder