ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Study Session

April 4, 2000
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers

Mayor Pro Tem Davis called the meeting to order at 7:06 P.M. noting Mayor Rocha was out of town and Council Member Sudario was absent. Mayor Pro Tem Davis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

STUDY SESSION

DELTA ENERGY CENTER GAS MAIN EXTENSION

City Manager Ramsey introduced the item regarding the proposed Pittsburg Power Plant's clean air gas line route through the City of Antioch. He noted alternatives have been discussed between Calpine and City staff and the proposed route would have the least impact on traffic.

Public Works Director Brandt reviewed the staff report of March 30, 2000 explaining the selected route for the gas line would serve both power plants in Pittsburg. The route would follow the railroad on Wilbur Avenue then detour beneath the river bottom in downtown Antioch. He noted various projects within the City the annuity payment could contribute to and discussed the lease and franchise agreement for the proposed location of the pipeline scheduled to return to Council for approval on April 11, 2000.

Doug Buchanan, Delta Energy Center Development Manager, noted Bechtel and Calpine were in partnership developing the Delta Energy Center and had recently acquired the Pittsburg District Energy Project, previously know as Enron. He introduced various employees involved with the projects. With the use of slides, Mr. Buchanan gave an overview of the proposed route for the gas line, the project sponsors and the description of the proposed pipeline.  In response to questions by Council Member Freitas, Mr. Buchanan advised jobs would be located at the plant sight and employ approximately 450 union construction jobs and 25 full time employees upon completion.

Mr. Buchanan addressed the use of recycled water from Delta Diablo Sanitation District for the use of cooling purposes and the terms of the agreement with Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) for their use of water for the purpose of a back-up supply. Council Member Freitas requested, in writing, any restrictions for future development of the riverfront regarding the pipeline. Mr. Buchanan further summarized the mode of operation, schedule and impact of construction, health issues, and benefits the community would receive from this project.

Council commended Mr. Buchanan on his informative presentation. Council Members' suggestions included: excess recycled water being diverted to athletic fields, various projects the annuity payments could contribute to throughout the City, a separate fund set up for the annuity payment, the earthquake faultline, and construction during the Fourth of July.

Jean Kuberra expressed various concerns regarding the proposed pipeline.

William Leroy felt the project would jeopardize the waterfront area.

Glen Overton questioned the detection technology and disaster planning regarding the line.

Compy Compomizzo commended Delta Energy for their donation to the City.

Ed McMunn applauded Calpine and City staff for their work on the project.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jean Kuberra commented on legal fees, her "News and Views" show, lack of public comment time period for the pipeline, and the emergency preparations within the City.

William Leroy remarked on the waterfront.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

JANET CHALK, Deputy City Clerk

Approved:  MARY H. ROCHA, Mayor