Ad Hoc Infrastructure Committee

Wednesday, 9:00 a.m., November 4, 1998

Summary of Minutes
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Ad Hoc Infrastructure Committee
August 26, 1998

BE IT REMEMBERED that heretofore on the 26th day of August 1998, there came on to be heard matters under the regulatory authority of the Parks and Wildlife Commission of Texas, in the Commission Hearing Room of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters complex, Austin, Travis County, Texas beginning at 9:56 a.m., to wit:

I. COMMISSION ATTENDANCE

Chair: John Avila, Jr.
Lee M. Bass
Nolan Ryan
Dick Heath (absent)
Ernest Angelo, Jr.
Carol E. Dinkins
Mickey Burleson
Susan Howard-Chrane
Ray Clymer

II. OPENING STATEMENT

Andrew Sansom, Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, read the opening statement into the record.

III. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE PRESENTED FOR COMMITTEE BRIEFING

Mr. Patton, Director of the Infrastructure Division, gave an overview of the ongoing Capital Program, followed by a briefing on the water/wastewater assessment conducted over the past year. Mr. Patton reminded the Commission that the total Capital Program is approximately $43 million with over 680 projects. Since the last report of July 15, $2.1 million has been expended in the total Capital Program and another $1.7 million has been encumbered. Referencing our Bond Program, we have expended a total of $790,000. The goal was $800,000 putting us about $13,000 short of our projections. The shortage is due primarily to completing projects below the estimated construction cost. The savings will be reallocated to other bond projects. There is about $400,000 to be spent by September 15 to meet our $1.2 million requirement.

Mr. Patton explained that the water/wastewater assessment conducted by Camp, Dresser, and McKee (CDM) is nearing completion. He went on to explain that the assessment including on-site reviews of 116 different sites statewide. Mr. Patton said, based on the assessment reports, that there is about a $50 million need and the next step is to develop a 4-year strategy for addressing the needs. Mr. Patton stated that development of an automated facility management system is in the works and he plans to report on its status a the next meeting. The Executive Summary provided by CDM addressed five recommended priorities: $50 million critical repair needs, allocation of more staff time for operations and maintenance and increased funding for Operators; develop a formal preventative maintenance program; more operator training for field staff; and consider hiring professional consultant to lead operator training.

Commissioner Avila asked how CDM's $50 million estimate compares to the original estimate. Mr. Patton explained that it compares to the $76 million identified in the ITF report. CDM's estimate was very comprehensive and includes replacements and improvements of all types of utilities and systems. CDM reported that overall our water/wastewater systems in general are functional and that our operators have been doing good job with available resources.

Commissioner Howard-Chrane asked Mr. Patton is Garner State Park was included in the 116 sites assessed by CDM and whether it was going to need reevaluation in light of the recent flooding. Mr. Patton assured her that a team was already on the ground assessing the damage. Mr. Patton further explained that we are looking at mobilizing our Force Account with hope of getting the park ready for Labor Day.

In closing Mr. Patton shared with the Commission plans underway to seek the services of an outside consultant to develop a project delivery system to better manage capital projects for the agency. The intent is to refine our processes and give staff tools and training to manage projects more efficiently. Mr. Patton stated that the majority of this new project management system will be complete by late February 1999; which will allow us to manage the second bond issue of $18 million under the new system.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Avila adjourned the August 26, 1998 meeting at approximately 11:00 p.m. of the Ad Hoc Infrastructure Committee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Committee Agenda Item No. 1
Presenter: Andrew Sansom

Ad Hoc Infrastructure Committee
Briefing
Chairman's Charges
November 1998

(This item will be an oral presentation.)

Committee Agenda Item No. 2
Presenter: Dan Patton

Ad Hoc Infrastructure Committee
Briefing
Bond Program Status Report
November 1998

I. Discussion: Dan Patton will brief the Committee on the status of the FY98 Capital Program. The report will reflect current status of capital dollars expended, under contract, pending contract and projected expenditure goals. The report will also reflect the status of bond expenditures in meeting the September 1998 first quarter arbitrage deadline. Mr. Patton will also be briefed on organization, procedure, and system improvements made within the Infrastructure Division during the past year to provide efficient and effective management of TPW's $60 million bond program. Mr. Patton will discuss how these improvements address the recommendations made by the State Auditor's Office in their recent Management Audit Report.