20150820Comments (13 Total).pdf

0 1 0 Ronald L.&Maryann Giddings
ft
August 15,2015
Chris Hecht
PUC Commission Secretary,IPUC
P0 Box $3720
Boise,ID 83720
Re:Case No.Schweitzer-W-15-01 /Schweitzer Basin Water LLC (SBWLLC)
Dear Mr.Hecht:
I have a few additional comments regarding the SBWLLC (aka SBW)application to operate as a
public water utility in Bonner County in the geographical area indicated on the application.Our
family is a property owner and we utilize SBW as our sole supplier of domestic water and fire
protection/suppression.Our Schweitzer address is 122 Mogul Hill Rd.,Unit 202,Sandpoint,ID
1.As is common knowledge to most Schweitzer property owners,the water company was
created by Jack Fowler to provide domestic water supplies as its sole function.The
current owners have diligently managed and upgraded the system(s)since they purchased
it from Mr.Fowler in the late eighties.The company is and has been managed in an
exemplary manner.In addition,it has voluntarily provided a most valuable additional
asset with fire protection and suppression by allowing owners to connect hydrants to their
system at owner’s expense.It appears the fire district and a few others do not appreciate
this voluntary cooperation (hence the current lawsuit by the fire district against
SBWLLC).
2.SBW need not have,nor were they required to,allow connection of fire hydrants to their
service lines but did so as a good neighbor effort.SBW could easily have declined any
involvement with the fire hydrants and the fire district.Had such been the case the
district would have been required to design and construct their own fire system at much
expense to local taxpayers.
Continued...
Chris Hecht
Page 2
August 15,2015
3.Without doubts,SBW will continue to provide excellent water quality,service,and
system upgrades to those fortunate enough to own property in their service area.My
family and I are most appreciative of the service and quality we receive...and at a most
reasonable and fair cost.
4.It is interesting to read the comments from some who appear to be unsupportive of SWB
application given their comments to the conunission.Appearance could be that they
might they may have mutual association with each other as friends,involvement
politically,or otherwise aligned with some of the local associations/organizations for the
Schweitzer area.I would hope that these comments were not authored because of issues
with the SBW owners,unrelated to the water company and its operations.Certainly,
some comments might be construed as ambiguous negative criticisms,and/or innuendos.
My comments in my letter dated April 5,2015 to the commission are strongly reaffirmed and I
recommend the commission approve the $BWLLC application.
Sincerely,
Ronald L.Giddings
499 Meadowood Road •Sandpoint,ID 83864-4945
208 290-5673 •E-mail:[e-mail]
August 16,2015 —
2J5AU2O Ml 8:?7
Chris Hecht
Public Utilities Commission HI ii
P0 $3720
Boise Id 83720-0074
Comments on Case SCH-W-15-01 Schweitzer Basin Water Company.
A good day to you folks.have lived on Mogul Hill Rd.for almost 15 years now (year round)and
would like to comment on the high copper levels in our drinking water.
After a while of drinking a lot of the water here,I developed extreme head-aches.My doctor tried
different tests to figure out why I had such bad head-aches.I even had a MRI brain scan to see if I
had a brain tumor.None was found.My doctor could not find a reason for my head-aches.
I continue researching what would cause head-aches.Noticing the shower stall,tubs and toilet,I
would see a blue-ish color.For years I used a chemical to clean that blue-ish color off.I came to
find out that copper leaves a blue-ish tinge to things and in higher concentrations can cause head
aches.A few years ago I began drinking bottle (RO)water and the head-aches have dramatically
lessened.
I don’t want to cause any harm,but hope the high copper amounts can be addressed and pray the
‘good quality of drinking water can be meet.Thank you for your time &concern.
Peace,dan m e
Dan Malone
1017 Mogul Hill Rd.
Schweitzer Mt.
Sandpoint,Id.$3864
20$265 4292
CC:Schwietzer Basin Water Company
P0 Box 772
Sagle ID 83860
t’rChrisHecht
8 00IdahoPublicUtilitiesCommissionSecretary,IPUC J ht;
-P0 Box 83720 .“-;.ic
Boise,Idaho
Case Number SCHW15O1
We have been condo owners at Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint since
1986....we have moved around the mountain and have experienced first hand
the importance of having a consistent source of water.Schweitzer Basin Water
Company has been able to solve restoring and providing water in extreme
weather conditions.We have observed during our time on the mountain the
Constant repairing,maintenance and upgrades to provide their customers with
The highest care and professionalism.It is very easy to make contact with
Schweitzer Basin Water Company and response time is minimal.Because of our
Different ownerships of many condo’s on the mountain,we have experienced
a different water company....the taste of that water is more chlorinated and not
as good.I am very pleased with the service that Schweitzer Mountain provides
us.The value of having water with great taste and providing the service to us
with extreme weather conditions makes our enjoyment of our ownership on
the mountain.
Please renew Schweitzer Basin Water LLC application for a Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity.
Sincerely,
Anne and Mark HaIl,200 5.Marina Drive,Coeur d’Alene,Idaho.23814
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Thursday,August 20,2015 12:04 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Tracie Szybnski
Name:Tracie Szybnski
Case Number:SCH-W-15-01
Email:tszybnski(me.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:288 Elkins Road
Nordman ID,83848
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water Company Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I own a condo that is serviced by the Schweitzer Basin Water Company,am also the
Secretary/Treasurer of our building.I have always had great experience with the Schweitzer
Basin Water Company.They have always been responsive to questions and provided water
without interruption.The rates are very fair.Thank you for your consideration.
Unique Identifier:70.199.172.144
1
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Thursday,August 20,2015 10:32 AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Daniel Aeschliman
Name:Daniel Aeschliman
Case Number:SCH-W-15-01
Email:danaesch75(gmai1 .corn
Telephone:[phone]
Address:41441 SW Sandstrom Rd
Gaston OR,97119
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water Company Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I am writing to express my appreciation for Schweitzer Basin Water Company.I own a
condo at Schweitzer and have been impressed with both the service and the rates of SBWC.I
know from personal experience that the owners respond immediately to any problem or question,
and that they inform customers well in advance of any planned service.I feel that I receive
excellent value for the cost.
Unique Identifier:50.38.122.161
1
Jean Jewell
From:tkgrayl @frontier.com
Sent:Thursday,August 20,2015 1:16 AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean ]ewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:tkgrayl @frontier.com
Subject:Case Comment Form:Tim Gray
Name:Tim Gray
Case Number:SCH-W-15-01
Email:tkgray1(frontier.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:415 South First Ave
Sandpoint Id,83864
Name of Utility Company:Mountain Utilities Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:As president of the Blue Beetle Building #4 condominium association,I have noticed
a drop in the quality of water provided by mountain utilities on Schweitzer mountain resort.
Specifically,the chlorine levels are excessively high per testing.I feel the cost of
providing a reliable,safe drinking water supply is inflated compared to similar public water
utilities.Furthermore,it has come to my attention that the water infrastructure on the
mountain is not adequate to maintain hydrant pressure in the case of a fire.It appears the
water fees are not going towards improvement of the water infrastructure but rather towards
pure profit.
Unique Identifier:64.234.49.205
2
Jean Jewell
From:clay.hutchison@gmaiLcom
Sent:Thursday,August20,2015 12:21 AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Clay Hutchison
Name:Clay Hutchison
Case Number:SCH-W-15-0l
Email:clay.hutchison(gmaiL corn
Telephone:[phone]
Address:439 Euclid
Sandpoint Idaho,83864
Name of Utility Company:SBWC
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:At Schweitzer mountain I have built 6 homes and was the initial developer of The
Spires PUD,which,as the highest residential development on the mountain,required the
creation of an entirely new and separate water system.Creating a water system is a complex
and costly undertaking,which is only viable when undertaken as part of a development that
can look forward to initial lot sales.
Newer developments have a comprehensive set of regulations &guidelines as promulgated by the
IDEQ regarding water requirements,as well as the County development requirements that
include fire flows:older developments did not have these same requirements.
The service area of SBWC is comprised of the oldest developments at Schweitzer,the platting
and initial sale of which predate the purchase of the original water system by Mel Bailey,
and the formation of the SBWC as it is today,in its role as a water service provider.
Though there may be some pressure and fire flow ratings that are not at modern day desired
standards,Mel Bailey has made tremendous infrastructure and capital improvements to the
original system in an ongoing effort to modernize the system infrastructure,to maintain and
improve water quality,and to increase both storage and source capacity.
The IDEQ is charged with the oversight of water systems,and is especially concerned with
water quality (safe water)and system capacity.It is my understanding the IDEQ has given
SBWC quite favorable ratings in its reviews.
My dealings with Mel Bailey and the SBWC have always been favorable.SBWC,in a very
challenging environment,provides a good &responsive service,at a very fair rate.
Unique Identifier:73.169.244.142
3
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Wednesday,August 19,2015 12:38 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Krystal HInkle
Name:Krystal HInkle
Case Number:SCH-W-15-Ol
Email:office(isfca.org
Telephone:[phone]
Address:922 5.Red Sand Ave
Kuna IDAHO (ID),83634
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water Company Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Re:Case No.SCH-W-15-0l
To whom it may concern:
The Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association (ISFCA)is a non-profit association whose
purpose is to support Idaho Fire District in the preservation and protection of life and
property from fire and other emergencies.One of our member fire districts,the Schweitzer
Fire District (SFD),operates within the area served by the Schweitzer Basin Water Company
(SBW).SED has provided ISFCA information indicating that the water system operated by SEW
may not provide minimum water flow rates required under the International Fire Code at fire
hydrants located within the SFD.
Adequate water flow at fire hydrants is critical to public safety and protection of property
from fire emergencies.Accordingly,ISFCA supports this application for a Certificate of
Public Convenience and Necessity to the extent Idaho Public Utilities Commission oversight of
SBW will increase the likelihood that SEW will be required to upgrade its system such that
minimum flow requirements under the International Fire Code are met.
Sincerely,
Krystal Hinkle
Executive Director
ISFCA
Unique Identifier:65.129.77.56
4
Jean Jewell
From:kathyjacobsoni 7 @ gmail.com
Sent:Tuesday,August 18,2015 1:03 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Bill &Kathy Jacobson
Name:Bill &Kathy Jacobson
Case Number:SCH-W-15-@l
Email:kathyjacobsonl7(a)gmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:400 Parallel run
Sandpoint Idaho,83864
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water LLC lic Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Dear Mr.Hecht,
We have owned a condo here at Schweitzer serviced by SBW LLC.for 10 years.We have found the
water to be of excellent quality for taste,ph,clarity,volume and pressure.We have had no
issues of service or communications.We recommend that the above referenced application be
approved.
We do however have an issue with the location of a fire hydrant installed during construction
of the Black Diamond Lodge condo at the request of the Fire District.It is located above
our driveway atop a retaining wall.It is therefore very difficult to keep clear of snow
and would be awkard to use fighting a fire.It should be moved down to the road right of way
to the approximate property line between us and the adjacent,Der Kastle,condo building.
This would make it easier to keep clear and access.It is my understanding that we (Black
Diamond Lodge Condo Assoc.)are responsible for the maintenance of this hydrant,which was
not an option but a requirement during the building approval process.I know it is tested
for pressure from time to time,but I have never seen any results.It all seems rather odd
to me.
Kind Regards,
Bill &Kathy Jacobson
Black Diamond Lodge,400 Parallel Run.
Unique Identifier:104.240.18.136
5
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Tuesday,August 18,2015 12:36 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Everett Coulter
Name:Everett Coulter
Case Number:SCH-W-l5-0l
Email:evcou1tergmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:P0 Box 370
Saint Regis MT,59866
Name of Utility Company:Schweiter Basin Water Co.
Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I have been a customer of the Schweitzer Basin Water Company since 1988.I have
familiarity with the water system going back to the start in the 1960’s.My wife and I own a
Condo in Cornice Condos and prior to Cornice the Alpine condo.
The current owners of the water system have greatly improved the water system over the years.
The water quality and flow rates have improved.
The owners have improved the infrastructure greatly.There are few to no service
interruptions.
the owners have responded to problems very,very quickly and the service is superior.
The owners have been proactive in contacting the property owners re service and testing.
We feel the owners are providing a superior water delivery system and a good value.
Unique Identifier:74.95.69.29
6
Jean Jewell
From:brownievmat203@ hotmail.com
Sent:Tuesday,August 18,2015 17:54 AM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:brownievmat203 @ hotmail.com
Subject:Case Comment Form:MATTHEW BROWN
Name:MATTHEW BROWN
Case Number:SCH-W-15-01
Email:btownievrnat203hotrnai1.com
Telephone:
Address:P0 BOX 10842
SPOKANE WA,99209
Name of Utility Company:SCHWEITZER BASIN WATER LLC Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Dear Commissioners,
My family and I have been customers of SBWLLC for almost 6 years.We have enjoyed nothing but
solid performance and reliability from the water system we use at Schweitzer.As there is
very limited competition for other utilities on the mountain,we also enjoy the competitive
nature of having a choice of providers to keep prices and services in focus.
The opposition to SBWLLC is the combined effort of former and current elected officials in
and around the Schweitzer area to perpetuate unfortunate and petty personal grievances they
have with the owners of SBWLLC.These disingenuous thugs have a long and storied history at
Schweitzer of abusing their various elected positions by colluding,and expending public
funds by use of legal action to shamelessly further their personal grudges.
Scrutinizing the discretionary financial expenditures which are incurred by the day to day
operations of a private business should be the least of our concerns.As stated before,the
water quality,quantity,reliability and cost to the end users is highly competitive given
our location.
Finally,my understanding is that as a private utility,the fire hydrants were installed as a
matter of convenience and NOT a mandate.We must underscore the necessity of individual
responsibility when we discuss each owners safety,much as I ensured that our building had a
modern and water efficient sprinkler system prior to purchasing our residence.I invite other
owners to invest in a similar system if they desire a heightened sense of safety and property
loss mitigation in the event of fire.
Thank you for your time,
Matthew Brown
Unique Identifier:75.233.63.218
7
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Sunday,August 16,2015 4:49 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:J.Bart Rayniak
Name:J.Bart Rayniak
Case Number:SCH-W-15-O1
Email:jbrayniakhotmail.corn
Telephone:[phone]
Address:PC Box 783
Otis Orchards WA,99027
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water Company Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:Chris Hecht
Idaho Public Utilities Commission,Secretary
Re:Schweitzer Basin Water LLC (SBWLLC)Case #SCH-W-15-81
Dear Mr.Hecht:
I have owned a condominium in the Red Cricket Condominium at Schweitzer Mountain Resort since
1997.In addition,I am a Board Member and speak for the Red Cricket.We utilize the water
services of Schweitzer Basin Water LLC for our association and appreciate this opportunity to
comment on the quality of these services.
We have always received excellent and timely service from Mel Bailey and SBWLLC,most
recently during a freezing/thaw event at Schweitzer when our water line to the Red Cricket
(originally installed in the 60’s)finally ruptured.We are the oldest building on the
mountain and appreciate dealing with Mel Bailey and SBWLLC.
Being familiar with the building,the owners (Mel Bailey and Marsha Bell)provided us with a
quick response to our leak in a timely manner,despite adverse weather conditions and record
snowpack.We were notified immediately of the break,and were in constant communication with
Mel and Marsha.The crew immediately went to work to find the problem,digging,both by hand
and with backhoes,through the record snowpack.For the next three days,he provided water to
the building for at least an hour each morning so all the units could have some water.After
two days of arduous digging and listening for the leak,his crew found it,and was able to
fix it.
I/we have personally witnessed their diligence and concern for resolving a problem to any and
all service issues,no matter what the time of day,season,or existing weather condition.
Anyone who knows the owners is very aware of their determination to furnish a quality product
at an affordable and reasonable cost.
Afterwards,Mel then worked with the Red Cricket and the Snow Ghost Condo next door to
separate our “community line”,and replaced the main line to our condo later that summer.He
also upgraded our Hydrant.
Being in a mountaintop resort community,with the resultant conditions of winter weather,
unattended residences and potential for severe freezing of water mains as well as service
lines to separate buildings,timeliness of response to emergencies is paramount.Under severe
(and often nighttime)conditions,SBWLLC has always responded quickly and efficiently.SBWLLC
has maintained and improved its system and delivery of water to the point where emergencies
rarely occur.Most often these emergencies are a result of homeowner negligence,and Mr.
Bailey has always provided a response that is professional and thorough.And in our case,he
has provided direct assistance to improve and upgrade water line placement.
Our water quality and supply has always remained excellent.And,as the oldest building on
the mountain,we appreciate dealing with Mel Bailey and SBWLLC.
8
The owners (Mel Bailey and Marsha Bell)provided us quick response to out leak in timely
manner despite adverse weather or conditions,and do so for the community.The owners have
consistently been improving their service and system as the years have passed and without a
doubt will continue to do such in the future.
Their dedication and quick responsiveness to the needs of the community are to be commended.
The quality of the water has been excellent in clarity,taste,and purity.
While we are pleased with the water quality and services provided by the SBWLLC,we are also
satisfied with the services provided the community by the Schweitzer Fire and Rescue
District.
We appreciate the SFRD’s concerns over the water pressures and resultant flows in some areas
but hope as customers that the quality of the SBWLLC services,product,and fees survive in
any resolution.
It is our understanding that SBWLLC is primarily a domestic water service company.Hydrants
are a great addition but not the primary reason the company was formed.
We at The Red Cricket have full confidence in Mel Bailey and Marsha Bell.
Respectfully Yours,
J.Bart Rayniak
Red Cricket #1
ibrayniakhotmail .corn
Unique Identifier:67.185.65.164
9
Jean Jewell
From:[e-mail]
Sent:Friday,August 14,2015 8:10 PM
To:Beverly Barker;Jean Jewell;Gene Fadness
Cc:[e-mail]
Subject:Case Comment Form:Thomas Pitzer
Name:Thomas Pitzer
Case Number:SCH-W-15-01
Email:tdpitzer1aol.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address:7911 E Woodview Dr.
Spokane WA,99212
Name of Utility Company:Schweitzer Basin Water Co Acknowledge public record:True
Comment:I have owned a ski home for over 15 years that is serviced by SBWLLC at Schweitzer
Mountain (982 Mogul Hill).They have done several improvements to minimize water outages that
I am aware of.They work with me to insure safe,reliable water and provide test results on
water quality.During the last water leak,I was informed very quickly and advised when it
was fixed.I recall one outage that was planned and I was notified in advance in a timely
manner.They are very responsive to any questions I have had in the past.
I feel that the value I receive is comparable to what I pay for the water.They have raised
their prices in the last year or so by a nominal amount and as I recall it has been several
years at the previous price.
Thomas D Pitzer for Solitude Condominiums
Unique Identifier:97.115.165.48
10