Water Committee Meeting
Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2002

Present:
Jim Davis
Rick Johnson
Will Potter
Tom Stephens
John Woods
Harriet Vaugeois

Summary

  1. On Wednesday, April 17, 2002, a revised engineering study was received from Clyde Young Company. When Vern Jaschke reviewed the report, he realized that Clyde Young had not been furnished with the correct informa- tion on the amount, location and specifications on the Poly pipe, which OPEC chose to substitute for PVC and use. The amended report reflected that information and copies were also sent to Bob Winter. A copy was cir- culated to the Committee members and the Metro District Board for their review.
     
  2. A copy of Clyde Young's letter to Ciarlo Excavating, requesting a bid for the completion work of the water system, outlining the scope of work was shared with the Committee. As of Friday, the 19th, no response had been received by Clyde Young Company.
     
  3. A copy of Bob Winter's correspondence to the bonding company was discussed. Mr. Winter had sent the letter after reviewing the engineering study of Clyde Young Company and after reviewing the volumes of "input" and documents he received from current and former Committee members and the transcript of the Town Hall Meeting last October. Basically, it said that OPEC's positions have been adequately addressed and are without merit and requested action, without delay, by the bonding company.
     
  4. The brief response to Mr. Winter's letter from the bonding company was discussed. In essence, it gave no indication of action on their part, other than to advise us to not proceed with a new contractor. After consulting with Mr. Winter concerning this response, it was determined that the best interests of the Metro District and the POA would be served by completing the system and seeking compensation in court.
     
  5. As Clyde Young's study concluded that the system will work as designed and engineered, but drew no stated conclusion as to why the system is not operating today, it was determined that we ask Clyde Young Company to render a professional opinion in that regard. Mr Young was contacted and is preparing that opinion as further evidence for our case.
     
  6. Mr. Young, with the assistance of Mr. Jaschke, will be asked by the Committee to immediately prepare the protocol for completion of the system. Mr. Jaschke had prepared such a protocol in the Spring of 2001 for OPEC, which they first agreed to, then walked away from and failed to return to.
     
  7. A follow-up letter is being prepared by Mr. Winter which will notify the bonding company of the Metro District's engagement of a new contractor, recommended by Clyde Young Company, to complete OPEC's respon- sibilities, together with Mr. Young's concluding opinion.
     
  8. The new contractor has been asked to submit his contract for the Committee, the engineers and the Metro District Board to review, approve and sign. It is estimated that work will commence one week after signing. The Committee is aiming at the week of May 13.
     
  9. As the new protocol for completion will allow water service to commence once a section is tested, sanitized and receives certification, property owners will again be notified of pending service, together with the details for signing up for service, costs for the tap and installation. The process will proceed the north end to the south. The contractor completing the system is also preparing a quote to install the meter pits, as he has such experience also.
     
  10. Members of the Committee recently met with San Isabel Electric and U.S. Filter Corporation to finalize the materials and specifications for the water meter and meter pits at each property. As there is a brief lead time for delivery of the pre-assembled components, it was recommended that any property owner who has not yet indicated their intent to hook into the system, contact Bill Quigley's office to get on the list.
     
  11. Tom Stephens recently attended a seminar on the operations of a water system in preparation for our resolution of how to manage and operate the system, once the completion work is done in the first section and service be provided. Committee members are pursuing a few leads for such a qualified operator. It has been determined that outside management of the system is necessary.
     
  12. Security, with respect to our current relationship with OPEC, was also discussed. All steps necessary will be taken to insure the integrity and efficiency of the completion process. All steps necessary will be taken to prevent interference with the completing contractor's work. As the completion experience, itself, will be material to our ultimate resolution with OPEC and the bonding company, it is imperative to take this course.
     
  13. It is hopeful that the funds available from the original Power Account will allow us to complete this task. However, until we get into the process, we will not know. The Committee will continue to look for and access further sources of funds, should the completion work unveil greater deficiencies in the original construction work than we anticipate.