06/17/2019-CC-Minutes-Work SessionCITY OF SANGER, TEXAS
MINUTES: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 17, 2019 — 6:00 PM
502 Elm Street, Sanger, Texas
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Thomas Muir; Mayor Pro Tern Gary Bilyeu;
Councilmember Marissa Barrett; Councilmember Dennis Dillon; Councilmember Allen Chick;
Councilmember David Clark.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
The Mayor and all five (5) Council Members were present constituting a quorum.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Manager Alina Ciocan; Public Works Director Jim Berman;
Director of Development Services Ramie Hammonds; City Engineer Tracy LaPiene; City Secretary
Cheryl Price, Josh Bishop, Police Department.
1. Call Meeting to Order.
The Work Session was called to order on June 17, 2019 at 6:16 PM by Mayor Muir.
2. Overview of Texas Electricity Market
Presentation by Schneider Engineering on the Electricity Market in Texas and Update on
Transmission Operator.
Mr. Steve Moffitt, Schneider Engineering was recognized. He provided a background and summary
of his company and the services they offer. He explained the Electricity Market in Texas, its
structure and its regulatory bodies. He also explained the wind and solar generation markets. He
noted that Electricity could be purchased years ahead of time which could save the city money as
the current forward electricity market is a "buyer's market". It was noted that the City needs to be
looking at purchasing the next block of power beyond and locking in our prices for the future. He
recommended that time is of the essence and for the City to consider what its options are. Mr
Moffitt proceeded to explain the history of the Transmission Operator requirement and the need for
the small public power groups such as Sanger to designate a Transmission Operator per ERCOT
protocol. He noted a Transmission Operator performs the function with authority of the operation
of the Market Participants Transmission Facilities and/or interconnections and also serves as the
agent for the Market Participant during Energy Emergency alert events. ERCOT needs to be able to
coordinate with someone for the entity during an emergency event, when there are power shortages,
to shed load and ensure that the entity complies with the load shed requirements. It was noted that
the City of Sanger's Transmission Operator is currently the Lower Colorado River Authority. Mr.
Moffitt described to the City Council the possible options, including self designation. To self -
designate a TO it would require a 24-hour operation. Brief discussion ensued regarding several
scenarios. Mayor Muir thanked Steve Moffitt of Schneider Engineering for the informative
information and noted that the City may be interested in looking into locking in wholesale rates on
power for the future at the current "buyer's market" wholesale rates.
3. Bridge and Retaining Wall Aesthetics
Discuss Bridge and Retaining Wall Design Aesthetics Relating to the FM 455 and the 1-35.
Expansion Project.
Director of Development Services Ramie Hammonds was recognized and presented the revised
designs from the graphics designer based on the feedback from the last meeting. There was
discussion regarding the prominence of Sanger on the sign. It was noted that the Council liked the
design on the right with the Sanger on the top of the circle and highlighted some revisions such as
they like they liked the white star where Sanger is on the Texas Map. To possibly look at reversing
the colors. They also suggested trying to get the sign backlit.
5. Overview of Items on the Regular Agenda.
No overview of items on the regular agenda.
6. Adjourn.
There being no further business, Mayor Muir adjourned the City Council Work Session at 7:09. PM.