Council Agenda - City of Burbank

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Agenda Item - 10


 

 
                                         Burbank Water and Power

                                                   MEMORANDUM

 
 

 

DATE: November 7, 2006
TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager
FROM: Ronald E. Davis, General Manager, BWP
SUBJECT:

Water and Electric Operations Update for November 2006


 

WATER UPDATE

 

Water Quality

Financial and Operations Update

 


 

Fiscal Year 2006-07 Water Fund Financial Reserve balances as of September 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table:

 

     

 

BOU Water Production

  • BOU production was at 93.38% of plant capacity for September. This is an average flow rate (24/7) of 8,404 gallons per minute (gpm). All of the Liquid Phase Granulated Activated Carbon filters, and all of the Vapor Phase Granulated Activated Carbon (VPGAC) filters were available for service.  All water wells were available for service and the water table is still higher than the last few years.  This is a significant change in what has been a persistent low water problem in the aquifer.  Higher water levels may also be attributable to a significant reduction in groundwater pumping by the City of Los Angeles through much of this year.  Los Angeles has begun to increase their pumping and it�s not clear at this time if the higher production rates from our wells will be sustained for an indefinite period. The upcoming VPGAC screen project will significantly improve the mechanical reliability of the plant to process and treat water at the full nameplate capacity.     

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • The EPA has granted conceptual approval of the design for the reconfigured VPGAC filter screens and issued the VPGAC discharge requirements in mid-February. Calgon and ECO Resources, Inc., our BOU O&M Contractor, are finalizing a contract for the design of the VPGAC project.  This is taking more time than was anticipated.  The final design package will include an updated construction cost estimate for the project.  The last step in the design process is the EPA�s review and approval.  The EPA�s approval is the controlling feature in proceeding with the project.  Construction is projected to take three months.  It will begin after the EPA approves the final design and after the materials are ordered and received. Some long lead materials have already been purchased. Construction will likely take place during the winter. The Treatment Plant will experience reduced operating capacity during project construction. Consequently, there will be an increased need for purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) during construction.

San Fernando Basin Groundwater Credits

  • Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles are discussing the issue of an over statement of Import Return Groundwater Credits in the San Fernando Basin.  The discussion is centered on the calculation of the credits within the context of the 1979 Judgment that adjudicated the basin and is under the administration of the Upper Los Angeles River Area Watermaster.

Capital Projects

  • Construction continued on 615 lf of new 12-inch water main in Cordova St., from Warner Blvd. to Olive Ave.

  • Relocation of fire hydrants and water services was completed in Empire Ave. to facilitate the installation of new storm sewers by the Public Works Dept.

  • Obsolete Water Wells No. 17 & 18 were demolished.  The demolition was inspected and signed off by the County Health Department.   

  • The exterior painting of water storage tanks at Haven Way and Starlight was completed.  The interior painting of one of the Wildwood water storage tanks was begun. 

  • Segments of the MWD San Fernando Tunnel were inspected on June 8, 2006 and August 22, 2006.  BWP�s Assistant General Manager of Water Systems participated in the inspection.  The tunnel appears fit for service.  An inspection report, including the results of the laboratory analysis of water and mineral samples taken inside the tunnel, has been completed.  A meeting with MWD management to discuss the plan and schedule for the Pacoima B-6 connection project is scheduled for October 17.

Legislative Update

  • Refer to the attached legislative reports.

ELECTRIC UPDATE

 

Electric Reliability

 

There was one 4 kV feeder outage in September. This outage interrupted service to 391 customers for a total of three minutes.

  • On September 16, 2006, at 12:05 a.m., a scheduled outage was performed disrupting service to 4 kV Feeder McCambridge M-13. A phase regulator was stuck in position +9 and needed to be removed from service.  The feeder was placed on the transfer bus and re-energized three minutes later. Three hundred ninety-one customers (1 commercial and 390 residential) lost power for three minutes.

Despite the power outage in September, BWP�s overall reliability continues to be strong. As of September 30, 2006, the system-wide average is 0.0986 outages per year, compared to an industry average of 1.2 outages per year. As of September 2006, the average service availability is 99.9940%, exceeding the City goal of 99.99%. The average outage length is 86.16 minutes, compared with the industry average of 80 minutes.

The following table shows the system-wide reliability statistics for Fiscal Year 2006-07 through September 2006, as compared to the same time period for Fiscal Year 2005-06:

 

Reliability Measure

Fiscal Year 2005-06

Fiscal Year 2006-07

(through Sept. 30, 2006)

Average Outages Per Year

0.0357

  0.0986

Average Outage Duration

60.33 minutes

  86.16 minutes

Average Service Availability

99.9984%

  99.9940%

 

Financial and Operations Update

  • Fiscal Year-To-Date 2006-07 Electric Fund Financial results as of September 30, 2006:

 

 

( ) = Unfavorable

(A)           Higher than planned purchased power costs correspond with higher than planned sales.

(B)           To date no Aid-in-Construction, Work for Others or misc. revenues have been recorded. 

 

Fiscal Year 2006-07 Power Fund Financial Reserve balances as of September 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table:

 

     

 

Local Generation Operations Update

 

Unit Status

  • Olive 1 is in hot-standby and available for normal service.

  • Olive 2 is in wet lay-up.

  • Lake One is available for normal service.

  • The Landfill Micro-Turbine Facility is operating normally and producing approximately 109,000 kilowatts of energy per month.  BWP has applied for the Renewable Energy Production Incentive Program which is sponsored by the Department of Energy.  BWP will receive $3,784.00 for our use of landfill gas during Fiscal Year 2004-05.

  • As of October 2, 2006, MPP is off-line to facilitate the R zero blade inspection.

September 2006 Unit Data

 

Unit

Availability

Operating Hours

MWH Net

NOx, lbs.

L-1

100%

99

2795.5

558

O-1

100%

0

0

100

O-2

40

0

0

512

MPP

89

615.8

123,945

6351

 

Magnolia Operations Update

 

Workforce Safety Statistics:

  • No loss time accidents for September, zero year-to-date.

  • No reportable accidents for September, zero year-to-date.

Performance Information:

  • Availability:  89% for September, 89.7% year-to-date.

  • Maximum Generation Capacity:  290 MW

  • Fired Factored Hours:  615.8 Hours

Actions Taken by Operating Agent:

  • A �Planned Outage� was performed during this reporting period.  The CTG �Off Line Waterwash� was performed and the unit was made available for service.

  • Two �Forced Outages� occurred during this reporting period. The Fuel Gas Compressor required re-wiring due to poor workmanship during assembly at the factory.  In addition, the �Lube Oil Flow Switch� failed and required removal and replacement.

  • The ZLD continued to improve during this reporting period.  Aquatech has submitted a �Recovery/Improvement� plan and is currently procuring equipment and engineering isometric drawings and packages as required. Weekly meetings and conference calls continue in order to track and maintain the goals set forth as delineated last month.

  • The Operating Agent continued negotiations with G.E. regarding the STG Turning Gear issues and the extended outage performed earlier this year.

  • The Operating Agent continued working towards final reconciliation with Aker Kvaerner this reporting period.

Renewable Energy Procurement Update for September 2006

 

During the month of September, several negotiating sessions were held with a wind developer for a project located in Utah.  Considerable time was spent determining a mechanism and pricing that would enable contract holders to buy the project from the developer some time in the future.  Crafting language that gives buyers surety regarding the future price, and is consistent with IRS regulations has proved to be challenging.  During September, the developer indicated that an order was placed for wind turbines.  At our insistence, the developer has agreed to meet the requirements of the National Energy Policy Act rather then just complying with the local County�s permitting process.  It is hoped that a definitive agreement can be worked out in the next several months. 

 

Work continued on a potential solar development.  The cost of energy from this source is very expensive so considerable time and effort has gone into participant efforts to understand the cost structure and explore ways of reducing it.  The developer is reviewing a counter-proposal by the participants and a follow-up meeting is being scheduled for early October. 

 

As contemplated last month, SCPPA issued a new RFP for renewable energy during August.  Responses were due at the end of September and will be reported when available.

 

SCADA/EMS

 

BWP engineering staff continues to work with Siemens New Energy to implement the New Energy Scheduling software that is being used for Magnolia.

 

The SCADA Web server is operational. The application to allow authorized personnel to view SCADA screens has been installed in many BWP PC�s and is in use.  The IT Department has installed the application in additional PC�s.

 

Telecom

 

Engineering developed a fiber optic service proposal for Film Leaders to connect 2607 W. Magnolia Blvd. to Warner Brothers Building 157.

 

Engineering developed a fiber optic service proposal for the City of Glendale to connect Disney KABC to Glendale Airway Electrical Station.

 

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job to splice traffic fiber strands for the Public Works Department.

 

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job for SohoNet to connect the Magnolia Co-Locate Room to FotoKem at 2801 W. Alameda Ave.

 

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job for SohoNet to connect the Magnolia Co-Locate Room to Universal Studios at 3801 Barham Blvd.

 

Engineering personnel released a fiber optic job for Warner Brothers to connect Warner Ranch to Pinnacle #2 at 3300 W. Olive Ave.

 

Engineering personnel released, and BWP Field personnel completed, a fiber optic job for Costco to repair fire damaged fiber optic backbone cable.

.

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job to re-configure the entire SONET multiplexer ring.

 

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job to disconnect fiber links for Technicolor at 250 E. Olive Ave. to 2255 Ontario St.

 

BWP field personnel completed a fiber optic job to disconnect fiber links for Team Disney to Disney at 620 Paula in Glendale.

 

BWP Facility Improvements

 

BWP Administration Building - Phase III Interior Remodel

 

The project appeared in newspaper advertisements on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, and Saturday, August 26, 2006, and was officially posted at Purchasing. On Wednesday, September 13, 2006, a mandatory pre-bid job walk was conducted at the Administration Building. The project generated substantial interest with thirty-three (33) contractors in attendance. The bid opening is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2006.

 

BWP Service Center and Warehouse Project

 

BWP staff has been working with the SGS Group, a consultant hired to perform the programming and space needs assessment study for a proposed new Service Center and Warehouse to be constructed on BWP�s campus. As the result of an RFP, staff completed the review of past and current projects submitted by three candidates for architectural services. A decision was reached to hire Kennard Design Group (KDG) of Los Angeles. Professional Services Agreements were drafted for both SGS Group and KDG and presented to the BWP Board for approval. PSA�s are in place and purchase orders have been issued to both consultants. SGS submitted the final program for space allocation and needs assessment. A kick-off meeting was held with SGS and Kennard Design Group�s project team. All requested documents (MPP Service and Control Building as-builds, Electric Shop Building as-builds, sub-structure drawings, topographical site survey, etc.) were provided to SGS and KDG. Arroyo Geotechnical completed the geotechnical investigation for BWP�s yard improvements and submitted their report. BWP received authorization from the City Council at its September 19, 2006 meeting to solicit design-build proposals. BWP and SGS drafted a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), which is under review by the City Attorney�s Office and Purchasing. This will be used to select the Design/Build Team. Construction is scheduled to begin in June of 2007 with an anticipated completion of July 1, 2008.

 

Security Wall Construction

 

This project involves constructing a new 320 foot long security wall along the southerly side of the Magnolia covered parking lot, east of the Magnolia gate. The wall will be identical in height to the wall on the west side of the gate and will correct security concerns identified during the construction of MPP.   Preliminary construction drawings and specifications were developed by Bibb Engineering. BWP drafted a contract with McLean & Schultz Architects to finalize the documents and provide contract administration for the project. The contract will be presented to the BWP Board at the October 5, 2006 Board meeting.

 

Auxiliary Warehouse

 

The Float Shed has been disassembled and removed. The remaining concrete support piers and foundations will be demolished by the contractor. The canvas was rolled up and stored for BTORA use. The cargo containers were relocated. New welding circuits and electrical outlets were established. Soil borings were completed for the geotechnical analysis and report. The BWP Board approved an award of contract to Gonzales Construction for the new Auxiliary Warehouse. Purchasing sent an award letter to Gonzales Construction on June 9, 2006. Gonzales submitted all required documents, including bonding and insurance, back to Purchasing on June 26, 2006. A purchase order was issued on July 14, 2006.  A thirty-day design period and approval process (Butler Buildings currently has 80 projects in queue) brought us to August 14, 2006. It will take eight to ten-weeks to fabricate and ship (October 23, 2006).  Erection of the building will take three to four weeks (November 23, 2006), and fire sprinklers another week (December 1, 2006). BWP personnel will install the electrical, lighting, bathrooms and kitchen. Based on this revised schedule, BTORA will remain in the former fleet building until mid-January of 2007.

 

Communication Shop Relocation

 

McLean & Schultz submitted 90% completed construction drawings for review by BWP. Documents need to be finalized and technical specifications developed to begin the competitive bid process. BWP drafted a contract with McLean & Schultz Architects to finalize the documents and provide contract administration for the project. The contract will be presented to the BWP Board at its October 5, 2006 meeting. Tenant improvement work is planned to begin in February of 2007, with completion at the end of May 2007. Communication Shop staff can then be relocated which will allow for construction of the new Service Center and Warehouse. 

 

Electrical Distribution

 

Construct a new Olive-Valley #2 Line.  The consultant, ORSA, has completed the design for pads and underground power conduits for the extension of the ring bus at the Valley Switching Station. Bock Company has completed the duct work inside the substation and in the direction of Ralph Foy Park. They also completed all duct work required on Victory Blvd. up to Fairview, except for the underground conduits to the new riser pole.  The final design for ground grid and equipment pads was completed and issued for construction. Construction work for the control and communication conduits is in progress. Pouring the equipment pads, and related civil work, is also in progress and expected to be completed by the end of January 2007. Steel fabrication is also underway and will be galvanized before being delivered on-site in January 2007 for installation.

 

34,500-Volt Subtransmission System

 

Field crews upgraded the underground cable, and upgraded the relay protection between the Olive Switching Station and the Burbank Substation to increase the capacity of the Burbank-Olive #2 line. The remaining underground cable work including termination, cable support, cable enclosure, and protection work was started on June 2, 2006 and completed by June 9, 2006. The line was energized by June 16, 2006 along with the A-5 transformer bank at the Olive Switching Station. ABB finished the remaining small bus upgrade related to the A-4 transformer bank at the Olive Switching Station as well as all related drawing as-builds. A Notice of Completion for ABB�s contract in the amount of $3,911,988 was recorded at the L.A. County Offices on August 14, 2006, and a ten-percent retention will be released after September 14, 2006.  All work related to undergrounding the 34,500-volt cable is completed until construction starts on the Replacement Burbank Station Project. 

 

Replacement Burbank Station Project.

 

On June 27, 2006 the City Council approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Replacement Burbank Station under RFP NO. 1216.  After completing all technical specifications, preliminary drawings and terms and conditions, the RFP went out on August 9, 2006.  A pre-bid conference was held on August 30, 2006. The last date to submit proposals is October 10, 2006.  Evaluation of the proposals will be done between October 11, 2006 and November 9, 2006. The oral presentations will be scheduled for the week of November 13, 2006, and the awarding of the contract is expected to happen on December 19, 2006.

 

34,500-Volt Distribution System

 

At the Winona Distributing Station, field crews upgraded relay and control switches for the Winona Industrial Circuit in preparation for reconfiguring the line.

 

Compliance with NBC Master Plan - Planned Development 96-1

 

BWP staff provided comments to the Community Development Department regarding the compliance with Planned Development 96-1, expanding the parking under LADWP�s 230 kV high voltage lines near NBC and the method of service for M. David Paul Development on the Catalina property.  Providing electric service for this development will involve an extension of the 34,500-volt line (ducts and cable) from Willow St. along Fredrick St. to Alameda Ave., and along Alameda Ave. from Fredrick St. to Naomi St.  It also involves adding a new 34,500-volt line position at Naomi Station as well as a small amount of work at Capon Switching Station. On the Catalina site, two padmount switches and four padmount transformers will be required to transform power to utilization voltage for the parking structure and both office buildings.  Under the current BWP Rules and Regulations,  M. David Paul will pay 100 percent of the cost of the work directly related to its service as aid-in-construction charges, and will also reimburse BWP  its prorated  share of system improvements in the amount of $30 million completed since July 2001.  The M. David Paul service will not have a negative fiscal impact on BWP customers nor impact reliability of service to existing customers.

 

12,470-Volt Distribution System

 

The engineering and construction work to rebuild the 4 kV feeder areas A-8, A-96, and A-97 is in progress. This will ultimately convert the area to 12 kV service from the new Hollywood Way Station (HW-4 and HW-6).  As a part of this effort, customer stations will be rebuilt to 12 kV.  Alameda Feeders A-8, A-96 and A-97 will be physically removed from the Alameda Distributing Station after the conversion is complete. This fits in with BWP�s plan to transfer load to a new state-of-the-art substation like the Hollywood Way Station and will eliminate the 50 year old plus substations like Alameda. This work is also required as a part of the Caltrans SR-134 project. Two work orders were issued in September to reconductor 37 spans of feeder conductors in preparation of the 12 kV conversion.

 

Progress continues on rebuilding deteriorated pole lines and single pole replacements.

 

 

MTD

YTD

Pole replacements engineered

21

76

Pole replacements completed

12

66

 

Keystone and Golden State Distributing Stations were included in the under-frequency load shedding scheme to provide better capability to automatically shed load and balance load with generation. This addition will help to stabilize and restore the system much faster in the event of the loss of a big generation source such as the tie with LADWP or MPP.

 

4,160-Volt Distribution System- Impacts of heat wave and follow up action plan

 

After the July 2006 heat wave, the Energy Control Center (ECC) initially reported 32 distribution circuits showing overloads. BWP Electrical Engineering carefully reviewed the loading of those circuits and identified 11 distribution circuits where corrective measures are required to prevent future outages. It was determined there is a need to upgrade and replace underground cable with a larger size cable, and to replace overhead conductors with a larger size that will increase capacity in neighborhoods where the circuit loads went beyond the emergency rating of the conductors. This may have possibly shortened the life of the conductors. In order to maintain reliability of service and proper voltage, these upgrades must be completed before next summer. Those circuits include Victory-13, Victory-14, Victory-1, Victory-3, Victory-7, Town-19, Town-4, Winona -11 and Flower-3.

 

In September, a job order was issued to reconductor 124 spans of Victory-13 and Victory-14 feeders and primary conductors. The job order to reconductor Victory-1 and Victory-7 will be issued by October 31, 2006, with the remaining to be issued in the Winter of 2007.  Replacement of underground cable is in progress for Victory-13 and Victory-14 and will be completed in October 2006. Replacement of the underground cable for Town-19 is expected to be completed by November 30, 2006. The cable replacement for Winona-11 and Flower-3 is expected to be completed by December 31, 2006. Although necessary, this work will have an impact on the budget and resources. It will have a financial impact of $1.7 million ($1.1 million for labor/overhead and $600,000 for cable and other materials). It will also add approximately 10,800 man-hours of field crew work out of which 10,000 man-hours will be the overhead line construction crews. These additional man-hours have a major impact on other planned projects such as pole line rebuilds, 12 kV conversion jobs, and other customer service related work. Staff is reviewing options for the best possible solution. A shortage of resources is not a unique problem for BWP, and the neighboring utilities have the same challenge.

 

Although our substations are well maintained and loading has been light in the past, some substation loads exceeded the N-1 contingency rating of the substation power transformers during the heat wave.  Most of our substations are 50 plus years old, with some as old as 66 years. The age of the transformers is a concern to staff specifically if we lose one of the substation power transformers.  If that were to happen the remaining two would have to carry the load and would become overloaded. Loss of a station power transformer may have a more serious impact on customer reliability then losing one distribution circuit. It could have a cascading impact and cause the whole substation to go down.  Staff is analyzing the loading on the substation power transformers and is considering an Assessment and Potential Risk study to prevent sudden failure of any power transformer during the peak time. Staff is in discussions with two potential firms and will make the decision after having a chance to determine how accurately the study can predict the remaining life of the transformers.

 

Secondary Voltage System and Electric Metering

 

Remote read meters installed in September:

 

 

MTD

YTD

Customer Service requests

89

213

Change-outs or new service by Line Crews or Test Shop

92

224

Remote meter route saturation

0

0

Change outs for disconnects by FSR-III's

38

100

Total

219

537

 

Engineering is working with AT&T on providing services to 127 fiber optic nodes for Project Lightspeed.  Engineering is also impacted by a large volume of excavation permits for this project.

 

Customer Transformer Stations

 

Since July, Engineering responded to 33 various requests for review and comments from the Community Development Dept.

 

New business and a strong residential real estate market have created a demand for new customer stations.

 

 

MTD

YTD

New customer stations engineered

1

2

New customer stations completed

1

1

 

Engineering has completed the design for the padmount transformer service for a condominium building at 1601 Scott Rd. and padmount transformer temporary power for the Marriott Hotel. BWP Engineering continues working with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport and its consultant KSG on improving the reliability and back-up of its existing service for the main terminal building located at Empire Ave.  The airport will pay all BWP aid-in-construction charges currently applicable under the Rules and Regulations. The permanent power design for the Marriott Hotel is almost complete.

 

 

 

 

MTD

YTD

Padmount transformers replaced due to deterioration and overload conditions

0

4

Customer stations rebuilt to 12 kV

1

1

 

In September, Engineering issued another 12 kV rebuild of a customer station.

 

Undergrounding

 

BWP has worked with the City Attorney�s Office, the Public Works Dept., and the Community Development Dept. in forming Underground Utility District 1 (UUD1) to underground all overhead lines (power and communications) along Olive Ave. from the I-5 Bridge to Victory Blvd., and along Lake St. from Olive Ave. to Magnolia Blvd. BWP has been successfully working with SBC, Charter Communications, and other affected communication companies as well as the affected customers. On May 30, 2006, the City Council passed a Resolution of Intention.  After a public hearing on June 20, 2006, the City Council voted and approved to establish the first Underground Utility District within the City of Burbank. BWP Engineering proceeded with the final design of the conduit system and went out to solicit bids on July 18, 2006.  The pre-bid meeting was held on August 9, 2006. Nine companies attended the pre-bid meeting but only two submitted bids on the day of the bid opening, September 5, 2006. Both bids were greater than the engineer�s estimate. Most of the major contractors such as Bock Co, W.A. Rasic, Irish Construction and Doty Bros. did not submit bids. On September 15, 2006, BWP requested the City Manager reject both bids with the intention to solicit new bids. The City Manager accepted our request and rejected both bids.  The submitted bids have been re-analyzed and discussed with the Public Works Dept. A few changes have been made including allowing more time for completion, working hours, and the amount of paving required.  Three major contracting companies, Pouk and Steinle Inc, PAR Electrical, and Contra Costa Electric, have shown an interest.

 

BWP Engineering is working on two projects related to Caltrans. One project involves the Alameda, Hollywood Way and Pass Ave. bridge widening on the SR-134, and a new on-ramp at Hollywood Way. The second project involves the I-5 freeway, Empire Exchange, and San Fernando Realignment. Staff is working with consultants and Caltrans on design work that requires relocation of existing underground and overhead facilities.

 

BWP Engineering is working with the consulting firm of Black and Veatch to place all projects on MS Projects.  This is tentatively scheduled to be completed during Fiscal Year 2006/07, and will help with the assessment of resources and improve the planning process.

 

In anticipation of the new work order and asset management system, BWP has assigned engineering and field personnel to work with Black and Veatch on construction standards, bills of material, compatible units, and developing tools for quicker and better cost estimates for in-house pole line rebuilds and 12 kV conversion jobs. That concept will be extended to other areas of construction such as underground, customer station installation, streetlight, and substation work.

 

Streetlighting System

 

In response to customer requests in September, field crews installed one streetlight standard and nine lights on power poles in alleys.

 

The first annual contract to construct a new underground streetlight conduit system and related substructure improvements City-wide (Bid Schedule 1200) was awarded to Dynaelectric. The first project will be undergrounding the streetlight system on Olive Ave. Engineering issued to the Operation complete project packages for undergrounding the streetlight system on Olive Ave. and on South San Fernando Blvd.

 

Engineering is working on a BWP Streetlighting Master Plan.

 

Engineering continues working with Public Works and the Traffic Signal Division on other street/traffic improvement projects. Construction is almost complete on the Olive/Alameda Intersection Widening Project, and is in progress on the Empire Ave. Streetscape Project and South San Fernando Streetscape Project. The San Fernando Intelligent Transportation System Project is complete.

 

Radios

 

The bulk of the new handheld radios arrived at the end of September. This was two weeks earlier than the last estimate. Staff will begin programming and engraving them. The rollout is proceeding on time.

 

The revised radio schedule is as follows:

  

  • CDD has had new handhelds since June, including those for their inspectors. The control station will be installed in December. (Control stations can be temporarily replaced by handhelds.)

  • Park, Recreation and Community Services has had new handhelds for their new buses, and several new handhelds for emergencies since June. The rest of the radios, including mobiles, will be installed in November.

  • Public Works has had new handhelds for their inspectors, and several new handhelds for emergencies since June. The rest of the radios, including mobiles, will be installed in December.

  • BWP has had new handhelds since July. It will get new mobiles in October and control stations in December.

  • The City Manager, Management Services, Public Information Office and Library will be done by the end of October.

Motorola installed new upgrades on the system. This is an ongoing part of the ICIS network.

The radio system is working well, but battery life has become an issue. Staff is working on finding better batteries.

 

The airport is very close to signing the contract with Burbank to be part of our cell.  This is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

 

Phones and Miscellaneous

 

All systems are working.

 

BWP Customer Service is installing a new Interactive Voice Response (IVR), and while it is not a part of Fund 535, Communications staff is helping with the support.

 

Customer Service:

 

Burbank Water and Power celebrated Public Power Week by hosting an Energy Expo on Saturday, October 7. 

 

With close to 1,000 attendees, the event was a huge success.  During the three-hour event, the public enjoyed exhibits, displays and activities for the kids, received compact fluorescent lights, and took tours of the Magnolia Power Plant and BWP�s solar installation. 

 

Some specifics:

 

  • Our largest display area highlighted solar and wind energy and advances in hybrid car development.  The South Coast Air Quality Management District demonstrated a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle and a local company called Q-Electric showcased numerous electric vehicles.

  • Children were engaged in understanding the use of the sun�s power by making solar ovens out of pizza boxes and then actually cooking S�mores.

  • Educational displays on electrical safety and power generation were provided, along with energy-efficiency information.

  • 873 Wienerschnitzel hot dogs and fries were distributed free to attendees.

  • Kids enjoyed a clown, BWP�s �Utility Bill� mascot, and had their pictures taken with a lineman in a bucket truck.

  • 1,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs were distributed.

  • Over 300 residents took tours of our award-winning Magnolia Power Plant, learning about the benefits of a community-owned utility.

A hearty thanks go to our 47 volunteers from John Burroughs and Burbank High Schools, the Jocelyn Center, Leadership Burbank, and the Luther Burbank Middle School Spirit Squad!  Special recognition and thanks go to Mark Reyna, BWP Customer Programs Assistant, who took the lead in coordinating and planning this major event. 

 

Legislative Update:

 

Refer to the attached legislative reports.

 

 

 

RED:BL:FCF:WOM:GLS:JLF

 

Attachments

 

 

 

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