NCUCC Meeting

January 9, 2001

Raleigh, NC

 

·        Call to order

 

Steve Nichols welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the year and thanked CP&L for sponsoring the meeting.  Introductions were made of the group.

 

·        Old Business

 

A.     Treasurer’s Report – The account balance for the NCUCC as of December 31, 2000 is $1,522.25.  There are no outstanding expenses or checks.

B.   Next Meeting - Steve reminded everyone the next meeting is March 13, 2001 sponsored by Carolinas AGC in Charlotte.

C.     Committee Reports

1.      Underground Marking Identification Committee – Wiley Cruise went over the committee’s recommendation to identify the temporary orange marks used for communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit.  The problem has been that excavators cannot identify the ID code for the temporary orange markings causing costly and safety related delays.  Now there are three ways to identify the marks: (1) the first 3 letters of NC One-Call member code; (2) flags or stakes with the name of facility owner; (3) other abbreviations of the facility owner as long and it is registered at the NC One-Call Center.  It is recommended these markings be placed every 50 feet along the temporary orange markings.  Wiley Cruise motioned committee adopt the new UG Identification policy effective February 1, 2001, second by Aydren Flowers, motion carried.  George Glenn reminded the group this new policy is not a NC One-Call Center policy and there is no Board involvement.  NC One Call is used only as a vehicle to advertise.  George also suggested group give copies of the policy to contract administrators within our respective companies.

  1. 2001 Joint Seminar – The Joint Seminar is May 16 – 18th in Charleston, S.C.  Registration forms were handed out.  Steve reminded group to bring door prizes to the seminar that are unique to your area.  Also, remember to make reservations prior to April 16, 2001.  See NCUCC website for more information.

 

·        New Business

 

  1. NCDOT – Aydren Flowers reported for the year 2000, the NCDOT let $1.1 billion projects with $250 million projects let in December.  All projects were let and awarded to contractor.  Aydren thanked all the companies for helping meet their construction schedule last year.   The new administration is now in place and the DOT anticipates a few more projects than last year.  New 2001 maps are out with new roads.  Draft TIPS are available. Also, the NCDOT has been awarded the pilot training program for the National Highway Institute.  The program will be in Raleigh this year on March 27 and 28.  Twenty seats are available for utilities.  Aydren will send out registration information in mid February and asked the group to let him know of folks interested in attending.
  2. One Call Center – The North Carolina One Call Center took 1,285,296 locate requests during 2000.  This was an increase of 8% over the previous year.  Notifications were sent to 8,317,418 members representing a 12% increase over 1999 (currently 235 members).  Effective January 1, 2001 the “life” of a ticket changed from 10 to 15 days.  Also implementing new feature of computer operations during the 1st quarter of 2001.  Will take tickets on line using two separate computers.  One is located in Conover and the other in Greensboro.  The value of this is that there will be zero down time resulting from a computer outage.  This change will be transparent to everyone except for one change.  That is those tickets taken over the Greensboro computer will be preceded by an alphabetic notation to indicate Greensboro and a separate alphabetic notation for Conover.  This will be done so that tickets from each location can be sequenced.  Currently updating database from input from members.  Update includes the option for members to grid their facilities utilizing gridlets (267’) grids, streets or places.  Doc Asbury has taken an opportunity with Verizion and will be missed by everyone.  Three marketing representatives now in North Carolina.  They are Wiley Cruise, Stephanie Saintsing and Wendy Bullins.  George also invited everyone to attend the annual board meeting and open house on January 19th in Greensboro.  The annual meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites and the open house will be at 1:30 p.m. at the call center.
  3. Power Companies – CP&L acquisition of Florida Power Corporation (FPC) is complete.  FPC and CP&L will be subsidiaries operating under the new parent company of Progress Energy.  Larry Morris with Duke Energy talked to the group regarding Duke working on a contract agreement to handle overhead line construction using web based project management and scheduling software.  Plans are for a turnkey project to include design, management and construction.
  4. Gas Companies – Dick Carter talked about the gas line project in the mountains being complete and tested.  The project was interesting because of the people living in the area and some opportunities with directional boring.
  5. Telecommunications – George Glenn reminded group to invite CLEC’s to local and state committee meeting.
  6. CATV’s – Charles Archie and Wallace Frazee represented Time Warner.  Time Warner in Cumberland County is trying to stay ahead of state road projects.  Digital services are also available in this area.
  7. Contractors – Alan Gray reported they now have a work zone video on work zone safety to  present to Drivers Education classes.  Also, there are new rules for highway signage.  See www.CAGC.org for more information.
  8. Railroads – no report
  9. Locate companies – ACLS has changed name to CLS (Central Locating Service)
  10. Local UCC’s -    Wiley Cruise reminded the group that the local UCC’s take damage prevention seriously and get a lot accomplished.  Also, the NCOCC marketing folks are the official liaison between the UCC’s and the NCUCC.

 

·        Program – CP&L presented a program demonstrating their Resource Management (RM) System.  The program was presented by CP&L employees, Eddie Caudle and Danny Crocker.  The RM System is CP&L's service truck based computer system that allows servicemen the ability to download their work on a computer mounted in their service truck.  The system is real-time and allows the serviceman to accomplish work and respond to customer needs in a more timely and efficient manner.  This system has been in use at CP&L since the early 1990's and has gone through several updates to enhance system speed and performance. 

 

·        Directions to the March meeting  at Carolinas AGC in Charlotte

 

Carolinas AGC Charlotte Office - 1100 Euclid Avenue

From I-77 driving North into Charlotte:

I-77 North to I-277 (also known as the John Belk Freeway). Take the South Boulevard Exit. Once on South Blvd., take the first Left on Caldwell Avenue. Take the first Right on Templeton Avenue. Go 1/2 block, Carolinas AGC’s parking lot sits on the Left corner of Templeton and Euclid Avenue.

From I-77 driving South into Charlotte:

I-77 South to the Morehead Street Exit. Take a Left on Morehead. About 7-10 blocks up, turn Right on Euclid Avenue. (There is a Longhorns Steak House at this intersection.) Go 1 block, pass through the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Lexington Avenue, take an immediate right into the Carolinas AGC parking lot.

From I-85 North or South:

I-85 to I-77 South. See above directions from I-77 South.

From Highway 74 coming from Monroe:

Highway 74 west to Charlotte. Once in the Charlotte City Limits, you will stay on Hwy. 74 for about 10 miles. (Hwy. 74 will become Independence Blvd. in Charlotte.)

Take the John Belk Freeway South. Take the South Blvd. Exit. Once on South Blvd., take the first Left on Caldwell Avenue. Take the first Right on Templeton Avenue. Go 1/2 block, Carolinas AGC’s parking lot sits on the Left corner of Templeton and Euclid Avenue.

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