10/11/1995 - Minutes INTERGOVERNMENTAL WATER BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 11, 1995
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Scheiderich, John Budihas, Beverly Froude, Paul
Hunt and Peggy Manning
STAFF PRESENT: Ed Wegner, Mike Miller and Kathy Kaatz
VISITORS PRESENT: Jack Polans, Eric Rothstein (CH2M Hill) and Robert
Tomlinson (CH2M Hill)
1 . Call to Order
The meeting of the Intergovernmental Water Board was called to order at 5:34
p.m.
2. Roil Call
Roll call was taken and all members were present as noted above.
3. Visitor Comments
Jack Polans commented on the IWB Minutes of August 16, 1995 on page 1 ,
number 3 (Visitors Comments) and stated that a) Mr. Leland's referral to a
misunderstanding about population in effect made the City of Tigard in violation
and, b) City Manager of Lake Oswego asked Mr. Polans to mail him the
Oregonian article and did verify with the City of Lake Oswego, information
regarding the lead content of their water and after telephoning the City of Lake
Oswego was told by the City Manager that their people knew of the report of
the minor violation.
Mr. Polans continued by commenting on the need for the media, newspapers
and writers to get public input, which is a democracy in action and therefore
Mr. Polans stated he requests that same consideration from government
agencies. Mr. Polans continued by stating c) in the May 17, 1995 meeting of
the IWB at 5:30 p.m., Chairman Scheiderich promised to hear Mr. Polans
questions on item 5 (Water Rate Study Presentation) and then refused his
questions. Mr. Polans then discussed EES's presentation on the Water Rate
Study and stated he will discuss at a later date.
Chair Scheiderich stated that the State law allows the public attendance at
meetings, which is not the same as public input and this is what representative
democracy is about. Mr. Scheiderich continued by saying that Mr. Polans has
a representative on the Board (Mr. Budihas) and he can meet with him.
4. Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Hunt to approve the minutes of the
August 16, 1995 meeting of the Intergovernmental Water Board. This motion
was seconded by Commissioner Manning and passed unanimously.
5. Water Rate Study Contract - Wayne Lowry/CH2M Hill
Mr. Lowry stated that back in May of 1995 this Board heard presentations from
three consultants regarding the Water Rate Study and the Board made a
recommendation to select CH2M Hill (Debra Davis and David Hasson). In June
of 1995 the City Council approved this recommendation through the purchasing
process and established a Contract with CH2M Hill. In August of 1995 both
Debra Davis and David Hasson departed the firm of CH2M Hill within a few
weeks of each other. It was discussed that Mr. Lowry learned of their
departure from the firm by a phone call placed to CH2M Hill. In September of
1995 the City Manager went to City Council with this information and they
looked to EES who was the second choice, although their initial proposal was
considerable higher. EES did reduce their initial bid price to $24,590 although
Council felt that was still enough higher that they should talk with CH2M Hill
and see if their replacement staff would meet the needs of our study.
Mr. Lowry stated that Mr. Rothstein and Mr. Tomlinson were asked to attend
this meeting tonight to discuss their qualifications and background and the
firms commitment to this study. CH2M Hill has stated that they are committed
to complete the study under the original proposal with basically the same
timeline. Mr. Lowry did state that no serious work has been completed on this
study at this time. Mr. Lowry stated that the Board can proceed with CH2M
Hill or can make another recommendation to the City Council.
Mr. Rothstein and Mr. Tomlinson distributed information regarding their
qualifications and background. Mr. Rothstein stated that he appreciated the
opportunity to meet with the Board at this time.
Commissioner Manning question why CH2M Hill did not notify the City of the
departure of the consultants? Mr. Rothstein stated that the timing of Mr.
Lowry's call was approximately at the time that David Hasson had given his
notice to CH2M Hill.
Mr. Rothstein continued by addressing his background and qualifications as well
as re-introducing the firm of CH2M Hill.
IWB Meeting Minutes - October 11 , 1995 Page 2
Mr. Rothstein stated that he would be the Project Manager with Mr. Tomlinson
as one of the Project Economist assigned to the project and even though this
would be a substantial change, the scope of work would continued as outlined
in the original proposal.
Mr. Rothstein stated that the study objectives would remain the same which
includes:
• Adequate revenue to meet system costs;
• Equitable rates;
• Conservation-oriented rate structure;
• Fairness between current and future users;
• Consistency with Oregon SDC laws;
• Affordable rates and charges; and
• Public acceptance.
Mr. Rothstein stated that CH2M Hill would anticipate retaining the project
schedule and they have currently been reviewing some of the basic system
data and have begun the rate model development, at this point.
Chairperson Scheiderich questioned the public acceptance aspect and generally
was fairness perceived? Mr. Rothstein stated the there is always some element
of controversy, although he is confident that during the preparation and
distribution there is creation of understanding. Mr. Rothstein continued to state
that there would be no further changes unless the City was notified.
Commissioner Budihas questioned the time element with this notification? Mr.
Rothstein stated it was not clear to him why the delay in notification since he
was not in the office at the time of Mr. Hasson announcement. Mr. Lowry
stated that he had placed a call to CH2M Hill on the day that Mr. Hasson had
returned from vacation and had made the announcement to CH2M Hill that he
was leaving the firm, although the City was never formally notified when Ms.
Douglas left the firm. Mr. Budihas continued and asked what work had been
completed to date? Mr. Lowry stated that at that point the work had stopped
until this issue was resolved and brought back before this Board. Mr. Lowry
continued by saying that at this point the highest priority was not to get the
study completed but would rather have a higher quality study and have the
work completed by mid January.
Commissioner Manning stated that the Board was presented with the modeling
assumptions and questioned whether they would weigh all assumptions and
present all alternatives considered? Mr. Rothstein stated that they can provide
those alternatives, but was not sure at what point would be the best
preliminary results.
IWB Meeting Minutes - October 11 , 1995 Page 3
With no further discussion, Chairperson Scheiderich asked if there was a
motion with a recommendation to City Council on proceeding with this project?
Commissioner Hunt made a motion to continue the project with CH2M Hill
which was seconded by Commissioner Manning. A voice vote was taken and
passed three to two (Hunt, Manning and Scheiderich for and Budihas and
Froude against).
6. Facility Use Survey - Randy Volk
Mr. Wegner stated that the facility use requested from the Board has become
more involved than anticipated. Mr. Wegner distributed a memo from Mike
Miller with the preliminary information that has been gathered. Mr. Scheiderich
stated that these results would also be beneficial to the City of Tigard. Mr.
Wegner continued by discussing the contract with the School District for use
at the Canterbury site, the City of Tigard use of Canterbury for storage, as well
as the City of Durham's use of the Canterbury site for storage of duplicate
records. Mr. Wegner also stated that the City of Tigard would be replacing the
carpet in the Auditorium as of November 6, 1995.
There was a brief discussion held on the use of this facility for the homeless
shelter. Commissioner Hunt stated that last year this facility was used as a
severe weather shelter but this year it has been proposed that it be used on a
daily basis. The Board further discussed the use of this building for community
purposes. Items discussed included limiting the food allowed within the
building and the need to charge users to cover damages or periodic replacement
of carpeting. Chairperson Scheiderich questioned when the Board could expect
a full report? Mr. Wegner stated that a full report would be made available at
the next meeting.
7. Director's Report - Ed Wegner
Mr. Wegner distributed an information packet to the Board which included the
water monthly report for August.
Commissioner Hunt questioned the tour of the water facilities during the month
of September? Mr. Wegner stated that the staff had been very busy, but
would attempt to schedule that in the near future and will notify the Board.
8. Commissioner's Comments
There were no further comments by the Board.
IWB Meeting Minutes - October 11 , 1995 Page 4
9. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Manning to adjourn the meeting which
was seconded by Commissioner Hunt which passed unanimously. The meeting
was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
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