2018-05-01 Meeting to discuss Tacoma PowerMeeting to discuss Tacoma Power
May 1, 2018
3:04 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Stamper, Rodney Reynolds, Ross Petersen, Dianne Dorey,
Becky Butler, Arny Davis, Steve Walton
Guest: Jordan Naillon of The Chronicle
Recorder: Rieva Lester
City of Tacoma was late with its payment. The City of Tacoma
noted that the CPI used in the agreement no longer exists.
Becky said the question is whether the payments would stop
until a new agreement is reached.
Ross Petersen said it’s surprising that the agreement has not
yet been updated. He said it looks as though Tacoma Power
has not followed through with some of the items in the
agreement, such as the radio improvements. Ross said he
believes payment would be halted during a renegotiation.
Ross noted a stalemate would result in arbitration after 150
days.
Ross said negotiations wouldn’t negate payment, rather it would put it on hold. Ross briefly discussed a
2004 MOU.
Arny Davis discussed the PILT and asked if the state would then assess the properties if the
Arny said he’d like to see parameters on dates and time. He cautioned that negotiations will be intense.
Ross said the state Auditor’s Office would get involved after 90 days.
Ross suggested booking the 150-day arbitration out ahead of time.
Becky Butler discussed the need to negotiate a better CPI or annual increase.
Dianne said Tacoma City Light has not addressed the marina and other items in the agreement.
Ross said other items Tacoma Power hasn’t addressed includes trailheads, water management,
mapping, biologists’ work, flood control and conservation.
Arny asked if the commissioners would have a committee work on it. The commissioners said they
would use a committee.
Becky said Glenn Carter had suggested an RFP to have someone else work on a renegotiation.
TO-DO LIST / RECAP
Rodney Reynolds: Respond via
email and ask when Tacoma
Power will reach out to the
county (and then have Ross
Petersen review it).
Ross Petersen: Possibly draft a
letter, depending on Tacoma
Power’s response.
Ross said the unaddressed contract items could be viewed as a breach of contract.
Arny said he will have Rodney Reynolds draft an email response and have Ross review it. Ross said he
can draft a letter if needed.
Becky said she would add the discussion as an agenda item for her next update.
Meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.