Water Committee
Meeting Minutes
July 27, 2001

Present: Jim Davis Will Potter Mike Shelton Harriet Vaugeois John Woods

Also Present: Michael Hughes Vern Jaschke Dave Olson

Absent: Don Canella of OPEC Rick Johnson

Agenda, Reports, Discussions, Action Plans

I.   System testing progress report

Dave and Michael have deemed that the line from the Holiday Inn to pump station #1 is sufficiently free of leaks to meet Colorado Rural Water Assn standards, based on data from system gauges. Vern is concerned that the Trinidad meter might not be providing an accurate reading. This issue must be resolved before the first section of pipe is accepted.

OPEC brought in an expert to test the quality of the water in the line from the Holiday Inn to pump #1. OPEC rep. Michael Hughes, POA Water Manager-in-training Dave Olson, and System Engineer Vern Jaschke worked for some time to get water flowing through the system to complete leak testing up to tank #1 and to provide for the sanitization test. Although the pump appeared to be working properly, air locked in the line prevented water from flowing through the pump and on into the system. This problem will be addressed Mon. at 2 pm when Michael, Dave, and Vern meet again. The sanitization report taken on a small amount of water indicated that bacteria are currently present in the line.

Jim Davis will contact Jim Fernandez of the Trinidad Water Dept. to discuss the possibility of a faulty backflow preventer in the Trinidad system and also to suggest that water might need testing in the Trinidad line going to the Holiday Inn.

In preparation for Monday’s work on moving water into the SFTR lines, Michael and Rick will come prepared to take whatever actions are necessary, including change order forms and parts.

II.   Installation of valves and meters in tanks

Vern has agreed to OPEC’s suggestion of adding meters in all three tanks during the testing process. Existing incoming valves will be used. Tapping saddles will be added to each side of the existing valves and a minimum sized meter will be installed to monitor water loss and prevent huge losses of water during the testing phase.

Michael has emptied tank 1 for the installation of the above meter. Water was let out into all lines connected to Tank one which has had the dual advantage of allowing for leak testing in those lines.

Michael will install the first meter this weekend. Meters and installation parts have been purchased and will be paid through the Metro fund.

III.   Meeting with Rural Water Association rep

Three important results from the meeting:

1. Some type of filter should be installed before each pump
2. The State Health Dept should be involved in the sanitization process in an advisory capacity as soon as possible
3. Sanitizing the system could be a fairly simple process despite the length of time the system has been idle

IV.   Confirm roles in testing and sign-off protocol

System testing remains as agreed upon in prior meetings:

1. System will be filled in sections, tested for leaks in sections, repaired as needed by OPEC.
2. System will be monitored by Michael Hughes for OPEC and Dave Olson for SFTR. When sections have been tested and deemed in acceptable condition, engineer Vern Jaschke will be contacted for concurrence.
3. Ultimate acceptance of the system will be based on total allowable leakage rates and performance, as approved by Vern and outlined in the construction contract.

V.   Confirm communication process during testing and signing-off

Dave and Michael will work together during the testing and sanitization phases. Michael will report progress to Don Canella and Dave will report same to Rick Johnson. Vern will be involved as much as possible in all testing, recording, and sanitization stages. At all times, Rick, Don, and Vern will be included in all system-related communications. Rick will keep David Kesler and the bonding company apprised of all system-related activities.

VI.   Other items

All parties agree that a detailed Completion Agreement Plan must be written and signed by all parties and on file at Quigley’s office. This document has been initiated by OPEC via Michael Hughes and has been reviewed by SFTR attorney to insure that the original contract is maintained. Jim Davis will present a revised Completion Agreement within the next couple of days. This document will include decisions concerning use and payment for water, definition of “allowable leakage rates,” date of roads sign-off, protocol for leak testing, standards for sanitization as established by the Colorado Department of Health, waiver of all past grievances on record between OPEC and SFTR Metro District, protocol for final acceptance of system.

Rick will ask Vern to keep Kesler informed about potential changes necessary to purge air in the lines prior to pump #1.

A Change Order will be created to address the addition of meters in water tanks.

Jim will discuss with Jim Fernandez the appropriate connection with the state Health Department at this stage of the system development.

Will will send a Meeting Follow-up letter to Don Canella with a copy to the bonding company.

Next meeting:  Will be scheduled once the action items above have been facilitated.