Versión en español a continuación. Meeting of the Electric Utility Commission October 12, 2020 The Electric Utility Commission is to be held October 12, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance of Sunday, October 11 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Electric Utility Commission meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-497-0966 OR jeff.vice@austinenergy.com no later than noon, Sunday, October 11. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak; each speaker will have up to three minutes to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to jeff.vice@austinenergy.com by noon, Sunday before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live la Reunión del Electric Utility Commission FECHA de la reunion (12 de Octubre 2020) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (11 de Octubre antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: junta en 512-497-0966 OR • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de jeff.vice@austinenergy.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al …
Item 14: Communication to Commissioner Hadden re Line Clearance From: Vice, Jeffrey (Jeff) Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2020 4:00 PM To: Hadden, Karen - BC <bc-Karen.Hadden@austintexas.gov> Cc: 'Hopkins, Marty' <martyhopkins@eversheds-sutherland.com>; Hopkins, Marty - BC <BC- Marty.Hopkins@austintexas.gov>; 'Karen Hadden' <karendhadden@gmail.com> Subject: EUC Follow-up Commissioner Hadden, At the EUC’s last meeting, during the Future Agenda Items discussion, you requested 1) some additional information/responses to questions re line clearance and herbicidal use; and 2) an update regarding electrification of the heavy-duty vehicles in the Austin Energy fleet (e.g., bucket trucks). Chair Hopkins and I reviewed the agenda for September, noting that it contained a briefing you had previously requested (from Office of Sustainability), as well as a long-delayed update on the SHINES project (requested by Commissioner Tuttle)…plus the 3rd Quarter Financial Report postponed from last meeting. Recognizing that this month we wouldn’t be able to take up your two concerns above, we wanted to 1) provide you with information that I hope will satisfy your request for additional information re line clearance…and 2) explain that we will schedule a fleet electrification update in the months to come (the last update was provided to EUC Nov 2019). Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Best, Jeff Herbicide Use in Line Clearance Activities a) Treatment or removal of dead vines information is located on the Austin Energy Website Tree Pruning (https://austinenergy.com/ae/residential/residential-services/tree-pruning/tree-pruning) FAQs section (https://austinenergy.com/ae/residential/residential-services/tree-pruning/faqs) regarding vines on utility poles (snap shot attached). In light of your concerns, we intend to change the verbiage from “treat” to “apply an EPA-approved herbicide to the base of the vine.” To clarify, AE/AE’s contractors will remove only vines from poles and not the remaining dead vines that may stretch out along a fence or into surrounding flora. b) You thought perhaps there was a prohibition of pesticide use at the City of Austin; we could not locate any such policy banning pesticide or herbicide use. Rather, the City maintains an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan (http://www.austintexas.gov/ipm) which is included in Austin Energy’s forestry contract solicitations (language excerpt provided below). 1 NOTE: The Contractor shall be responsible for all record keeping regarding pesticide application as required by the TDA Rules and Regulations and the City’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. The Contractor shall abide by the City’s IPM plan when using any general use chemicals, including fertilizer, herbicide or other chemicals, and shall obtain written approval …
Item 16 Electric Utility Commission Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: (A) The commission shall review and analyze all policies and procedures of the electric utility, including the electric rate structure, fuel costs and charges, customer services, capital investments, new generation facilities, selection of types of fuel, budget, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, billing procedures, and the transfer of electric utility revenues from the utility fund to the general fund. (B) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, the electric utility, city departments, and city boards, commissions, and committees on policy matters relating to the electric utility. All advisory information given shall simultaneously be forwarded to the city manager. (C) The commission may review, study, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on proposed electric utility projects for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Program. (D) The commission may request that the city council hire an outside consultant every five years to make a comprehensive review of the policies and procedures of the electric utility. The commission may initiate an external or internal review of the policies and procedures of the electric utility. If the commission initiates a review, it shall report its findings to the city council and the city manager. (E) The commission shall interpret the role of the electric utility to the public and the role of the public to the electric utility. The commission may hold a public hearing and briefing session every six months to explain new policies and to take citizens comments, suggestions, and complaints. (F) The commission may make recommendations to the city council before final council action on a policy or procedure of the electric utility. (G) The commission shall request from the city manager any information that it deems to pertain to the electric utility. (H) The commission shall, as a body, review customer complaint procedures, accept specific customer grievances and complaints, and make recommendations to the city council and city manager based on its findings. This duty does not supersede, replace, or substitute for the appeal procedures provided to customers in the City Utility Service Regulations. (I) The commission shall seek to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards, committees, and commissions, city departments and individuals, institutions and agencies concerned with the policies, procedures, and operations of the electric utility …
Electric Utility Commission 2021 Meeting Schedule The Electric Utility Commission meets monthly on the second Monday of the month, unless otherwise determined by the Commission. the regular meeting day conflicts with a holiday, the meeting will be held on the following Monday. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Shudde Fath Conference Room at Austin Energy HQ, Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Road, Changes to the above regarding date, time or location will be noted on meeting agendas. If CANCELLED DATES MEETING DATES January 11, 2021 February 8, 2021 March 8, 2021 April 12, 2021 May 10, 2021 June 14, 2021 July 12, 2021 August 9, 2021 September 13, 2021 October 11, 2021 November 8, 2021 December 13, 2021* *Due to no subsequent Council Meetings in 2021
Item 2 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of a Design Build Agreement with Stellar Energy Americas, Inc. for design and construction services for the Mueller Energy Center Chiller Capacity Addition in an amount not to exceed $15,600,000. [Note: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 22.50% MBE and 18.30% WBE participation.] ..Body Lead Department Capital Contracting Office Managing Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021 Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Best Value to the City of Austin of eleven offers received. Prior Council Action: February 20, 2020 – City Council authorized use of Design-Build type of Alternative Delivery Method. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to the City Manager’s Agenda Office, at 512-974-2991 or AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov. NOTE: Respondents to this solicitation, and their representatives, shall direct inquiries to Rolando Fernandez, 512-974-7749, Rick Selin, 512-974-7179, or the Project Manager, Annette Guerra, 512-322-6203. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission on October 12, 2020. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy constructs, maintains, and operates district chilled water plants that transform electrical energy into stored thermal energy that is then distributed, via a network of underground pipes, to external customers in the form of chilled water. The aggregation of loads enables superior efficiencies, reliability and quality when compared to stand-alone systems at each customer’s building. The thermal storage element enables Austin Energy to shift electrical consumption from on-peak to off-peak periods. Austin Energy owns and operates three district energy and cooling systems serving the Downtown Central Business District, the Domain, and the Mueller Redevelopment Zone. The project is to construct a new 6,000-ton Chilled Water Plant (including thermal storage) with an estimated design and construction budget of $15,600,000 to meet the cooling needs of the new Austin Energy Headquarters building, a new medical office building, expansion of the Dell Children’s Hospital and other new customers as they arise. Austin Energy will connect the plant to the existing chilled water distribution piping in the Mueller Redevelopment Zone. The plant equipment will include chillers, cooling towers, pumps and all other equipment for a remotely-operated chilling station. The goal is to have the plant operational in time for the summer 2022 cooling season to minimize the need for temporary …
EUC Report re Council Action October 12, 2020 Item 18 Items below recommended by EUC August 10; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 14. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize award and execution of a multi-term contract with Techline Inc, to provide design and fabrication for transmission poles, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $15,000,000. 15. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to an existing contract with Altec Industries, Inc., to provide customized utility vehicles, for an increase in the amount of $9,500,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $30,500,000. Item below not recommended by EUC August 10; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 13. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of various cooperative contracts during the Fiscal Year 2020-2021, for the purchase of computer, network and other technology hardware, software and related maintenance and technology services, in an amount not to exceed $62,000,000. Items below recommended by EUC September 14; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. 2. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to an existing cooperative contract with CDW LLC D/B/A CDW Government D/B/A CDWG D/B/A CDW Government LLC, to provide additional Trend Micro products and services, for an increase in the amount of $110,262, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $268,000. 3. (9/17) [Capital Contracting] Authorize award and execution of a construction contract with Flintco, LLC for the Domain Four Chillers Demolition project in the amount of $1,339,000 plus a $66,950 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,405,950. 4. (9/17) [Austin Energy] Authorize issuance of energy efficiency program rebates by Austin Energy during Fiscal Year 2020-21, in an amount not to exceed $2,700,000 for multifamily energy efficiency rebates and $3,350,000 for commercial and small business energy efficiency rebates, for a total combined amount not to exceed $6,050,000. 5. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Marsh USA, Inc. D/B/A Marsh Wortham, for Austin Energy property insurance and related services, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $38,565,000. 6. (9/17) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Daniel L Sun Inc D/B/A Sun-Net Inc., to provide maintenance, support and system upgrades for the transmission outage scheduler, for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,000,000. 8. (10/1) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of a multi-term cooperative contract with …
Electric Utility Commission October 12, 2020 Minutes The Electric Utility Commission (EUC) convened a regularly scheduled meeting via videoconference/Webex. Meeting called to order by Chair Hopkins at 1:03 p.m. Also present were Commissioners Boyle, Ferchill, Reed, Trostle, Tuttle and Weldon. Commissioner Hadden arrived after Item 13. Commissioners Funkhouser, Stone and Wray were absent. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Approve minutes of the September 14, 2020 regular meeting. Motion (Reed) to approve minutes; seconded (Trostle) passed on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioners Ferchill and Hadden off the dais and Commissioners Funkhouser, Stone and Wray absent. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type Motion (Trostle) to recommend consent agenda Items 2 - 8 and 10 - 11; seconded (Weldon); passed on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioner Hadden off the dais and Commissioners Funkhouser, Stone and Wray absent. Following discussion, motion (Reed) to recommend Item 9; seconded (Ferchill); passed on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioner Hadden off the dais and Commissioners Funkhouser, Stone and Wray absent. 2. (10/15) [Capital Contracting Office] Authorize negotiation and execution of a Design Build Agreement with Stellar Energy Americas, Inc. for design and construction services for the Mueller Energy Center Chiller Capacity Addition in an amount not to exceed $15,600,000. 3. (10/29) [Austin Energy] Authorize reimbursement of costs to GBD Properties Inc. for the engineering, purchase and installation of a service pipe connection to interconnect the second phase of the Shoal Creek Walk Building to the Austin Energy (AE) downtown District Cooling System in an amount not to exceed $175,616. 4. (11/12) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Atlas Copco Compressors LLC, for preventative maintenance and repair services for air compressors, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $440,000. 5. (11/12) [Purchasing] Authorize award of a multi-term contract with Absolute Testing Services Inc, to provide installation, repair and testing of electrical systems for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,500,000. 6. (11/12) [Purchasing] Authorize award of a multi-term contract with KBS Electrical Distributors Inc, to provide substation signs, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $550,000. 7. (11/12) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of three multi-term contracts with Asplundh Tree Expert LLC, Davey Tree Surgery Co, and Wright Tree Service, Inc, to provide vegetation management services …
