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03/26/1996 - North Greenwood Community Meeting NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 26, 1996 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner-Elect Karen Seel Commissioner-Elect Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager William C. Baker Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Rich Baier Engineering Director Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Absent: Fred A. Thomas Commissioner The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Rich Baier, Engineering Director, presented an overview of the reclaimed water project. He also presented aerials of the Marshall Street Water Pollution Control Plant from the 1920’s to date, showing how development had occurred around the plant. He reported all Wastewater Pollution Control Plants were upgraded to the most technologically advanced possible in 1990. He emphasized the expansion being proposed is for the storage of reclaimed water only. There will be no additional digestive tanks. He stated Clearwater is the last municipality in Pinellas County to implement a residential reclaimed water program. He stated reclaimed water, an alternative source for non-potable water uses, is advantageous to the community. A lady spoke indicating that she lives off Tangerine Street. She stated the main purpose of tonight should be to discuss the property next to the plant. She requested consideration of putting parking on the property with revenues from that parking going back to the Greenwood Panthers. She thanked the Commissioners for coming to the meeting and requested there be a review of the types of businesses coming into the area, as she felt some of them where trying to take advantage of the young people. Mr. Baier indicated the proposed site plan includes a parking lot, however, the number of spaces to be provided has not been determined. The Mayor emphasized the parking will be for the employees during the day, but the community will be able to use it on nights and weekends. Lois Bell expressed concern regarding the storage of raw sewage. Mr. Baier indicated the amount of wastewater coming into the plant will not change. The only change will be the storage of reclaimed water and the pumping of that reclaimed water to the locations requesting it. A question was raised regarding from where the sewage being treated at the plant is coming. It was indicated some comes from Island Estates. Ms. Bell felt the property values in the North Greenwood area around the plant had decreased due to the plant. She expressed concerns Island Estates is benefiting from something that is hurting her community. Mayor Garvey did not believe the storage tank will devalue the properties in the area. Dee Leverson questioned why the plant that was originally on Island Estates was moved. Mr. Baier indicated the Island Estates Plant was very small and in 1977 was exceeding capacity. He stated the other plants in the City had room and all were upgraded. In response to a question, Mr. Baier indicated the North East Plant has a 13.5 million gallon per day capacity, the Marshall Street Plant a 10 million gallon per day capacity, and the East Plant a 5 million gallon per day capacity. Ms. Leverson expressed concern regarding the odor, noise level, and environmental problems from the plant. She stated she felt things were being put in her community in order to suit others. Mayor Garvey emphasized the proposal is for a holding tank of treated water and the odor would be no different from that which occurs now. She stated there is an odor from Stevenson’s Creek which is natural and has nothing to do with the plant. Ms. Leverson again questioned the noise level that will occur from the pumping from the storage tanks. Mr. Baier indicated the pumps will be enclosed and the noise will be negligible. Concern was expressed again regarding the odors from the plant. The Mayor again stated the majority of the odors are from natural plant life in Stevenson’s Creek. Tom Miller, Assistant Engineering Director-Environmental, indicated there are current odor problems all along the coastline of Clearwater because of sea grasses dying due to the cold weather. He stated what is being proposed is to use reclaimed water rather than potable water for irrigation purposes. This will reduce the demand on the potable water sources which will result in an overall improvement for the environment. He stated there will be some reduction in the need for fertilization of lawns due to the high nitrogen in the wastewater. Another benefit will be this treated effluent won’t be placed in the bay which causes unwanted plant growth in the water body. Joe Reckenwald, Superintendent of the Water Pollution Control Division, indicated steps are being taken to alleviate some of the odor problems by enclosing two of the facilities. In response to a question, he indicated he hoped this will be done by the end of the calendar year. Cherry Harris indicated she believed dredging Stevenson’s Creek would take care of the problem. Deborah Turner indicated this issue is not regarding weather or not reclaimed water is beneficial. She stated that if this community excepts the tanks at this point it will have to except additional expansion in the future. She indicated there is a group in the process of putting together an ordinance to exempt this plant from further expansion as well as requiring the rerouting and dismantling of the Water Pollution Control Plant within the next five to ten years, along with a plan to dredge Stevenson’s Creek within that same time frame. She questioned if the Commission could say they would never have to expand this plant again. Mr. Baier indicated the Plant is not currently running at capacity. He also indicated the site plan includes an expansion to the east side for the North Greenwood Panthers, which would allow expansion of their concession stand and ball field. The Mayor indicated there is no intent to expand the actual plant. Ms. Turner responded the plans are to add the holding tanks, a laboratory, and pumping station. She stated this will be additional expansion of the plant. Mayor Garvey stated there will also be a holding tank in North Clearwater. Ms. Turner questioned why the dismantling of the plant could not be considered. Juanita Washington expressed concerns regarding the possibility of reclaimed water and potable water becoming confused because they look similar. Mr. Baier indicated a licensed plumber will be required to connect to the system. Purple fittings will be used and the lines will not be easily confused. Ms. Washington questioned her having been told the southern plumbing code is in conflict with the state code. Mr. Baier indicated he would get back with her regarding that. An opinion was expressed that all options should be looked at. Mr. Baier indicated there are other sites being considered. He stated it is difficult, however, because land is not plentiful. He stated they were also considering something other than a tank, for example, a small lake. He stated however, small ponds or lakes have maintenance and operating problems. He presented a picture that showed how the proposed tank could be obscured by landscaping and berms. David Grice questioned how the reclaimed water would be transported from the area. He also questioned weather or not the Greenwood Community could have a reduced rate as the water is being housed in that community. The Mayor indicated that a reduced rate may be possible. Mr. Baier indicated the reclaimed water will be piped out from the storage facility. He stated the routing plans for that piping are currently being reviewed. The route will try to go by as many community areas as possible in order to make the reclaimed water available to them. A concern was expressed there would be no guarantee the service would be cheaper for the community. Opposition to the second storage tank was expressed by a gentleman and he indicated the odor is bad. Mr. Baier indicated the reclaimed water will not stain, but also cautioned that any water that leaks out will form algae. A question was raised regarding the chemicals to be used. Mr. Baier indicated the same chemicals currently being used at the plants will continue to be used. He emphasized again the issue is only for the placement of a storage tank. He indicated the effluent will not be discharged into Stevenson’s Creek. In response to a question, Mr. Baier indicated the water is safe. He stated St. Petersburg has had a reclaimed water system since the late 1970’s and there have been no links to illness or death due to reclaimed water. He stated it is actually cleaner than the water into which it is being discharged. Ms. Fell questioned as to where the waste was taken to be disposed. Mr. Baier indicated it is trucked away and is used for fertilizer on farms, etc. The Mayor encouraged the community to tour the plant. William Roberts expressed concerns about Stevenson’s Creek and indicated it needs to be dredged. It is his belief silt in the creek came from the plant. The Mayor emphasized the City does not pump raw sewage into Stevenson’s Creek. Mr. Reckenwald stated the City started its sludge process in the 1960’s. He stated throughout Florida, except for the Tampa Bay area, the standard for effluent is 20 parts per million. He indicated that the City of Clearwater’s is 5. Regarding fecal chloroform he stated the City’s test must show zero and 75% of the time and not more than 20% ever. Mr. Roberts expressed concerns regarding a pop off valve he believed let sewage go into the creek. Bill Baker, Assistant City Manager, indicated samples will be taken from the creek and analyzed. He stated staff believes the silt is coming from the yards upstream. Ms. Smith indicated she can smell an odor from the plant. She also expressed concerns regarding dirty water and sewer rats coming up in the toilets. She stated they do not need this in their community right now. Mr. Baier indicated the average water bill on Island Estates is $44.80 per month. The Mayor emphasized the reclaimed water will be added to that bill. She emphasized the water rate is the same throughout Clearwater. Mr. Baier stated the average utility bill on Island Estates totals over $100 because they use potable water for outdoor watering. He stated the base rate is the same for the entire community. A question was raised regarding weather or not the community would have a choice weather or not this is placed in their community. Mr. Baier could not answer that question at this time. He stated after the new Commissioners are seated this will come back to them for a decision. He emphasized there aren’t many other locations at which this can be located. However, he said, anything can be done given unlimited money. MacArther Boykins stated he has seen a lot of things in the North Greenwood Community that are very positive. He stated reclaimed water is a good idea but, the community needs to know it will be beneficial for them. There are things going on in Clearwater for the Economic Development and uplifting of the entire community. He stated, however, the information does not reach the North Greenwood Community. He emphasized there is an odor problem at the plant. He stated there are limitations to the technology available to deal with that. He stated the issue is how do we help the people in the community understand where we are going and that we are going there together. He said the City needs to learn how to distribute their information. He was concerned this project sounds like centralization. He questioned weather or not there could not be smaller tanks located close to where the reclaimed water will be used. He stated the alternatives need to be looked at and explained to the community. The Mayor stated she felt the Commission was listening and she felt both sides needed to be sure they listened to each other. She stated this is the City’s first venture in reclaimed water and it is being done on Island Estates and the beach because they can not put in shallow wells. A question was raised regarding the traffic on Harbor Drive and Fairmont Street. Mr. Baier indicated 2 to 4 parking spaces have been added in that location and the traffic had been counted with the response sent to the North Greenwood Association. A question was raised regarding the water meters with concern being expressed the meter holes fill up with dirt and the meters can not be read. Gardner Smith, Public Works Director, indicated the meters are changed out every ten years and he would check with the meter readers to see if they are having difficulties with dirt filled cavities. Ms. Fell again express concerns that Island Estates is getting what they want. She stated the Greenwood Community needs to be looked at and there is rust in the water. Mr. Smith indicated new water lines have been put in the community. Ms. Fell stated the City needed to think very carefully regarding the placement of the water storage tanks. She again stated there is need for additional parking in the area. Curt Brown stated ever since he can remember there has been a stench from the plant and the City has kept promising it would be dealt with. He stated he does not have confidence this expansion will not be a problem. A question was raised regarding weather or not there are complaints about odors from other areas that also have Water Pollution Control Plants. Mr. Baier indicated complaints have been received from the Countryside area. In response to a question, Mr. Baier stated this whole process began in December 1995. Design for the plant will not be complete until 1997 and alternatives are being reviewed. Again concern was expressed regarding the community not having an choice. The Mayor indicated this is not a closed situation. In response to a question it was indicated the City no longer owns property on Island Estates that will accommodate a storage tank. Ms. Carson thanked the Commission for coming out. She stated they have been asking about the dredging of the creek for sometime. Mr. Baier indicated this could be one of the proposed Penny for Pinellas projects should that funding source be extended. Ms. Carson indicated she did not think odor came from the creek until the plant was built. Mr. Baier indicated over the last 20 years the bottom of the creek has been layered with decaying plant life and silt. He stated the same thing is happening at Devon Drive and at Island Estates in front of the Flagship Restaurant. He stated there is a similar smell when the tide is out. Ms. Carson requested they please help find the funds to dredge Stevenson’s Creek. Cherry Harris expressed concerns that money has come to the City for everything but the dredging of Stevenson’s Creek. Johnny Young indicated there is a smell from the plant as sludge is there. He stated he worked for Pinellas County and he understands this process. Concerns again expressed regarding how the odor would be taken care of. Mr. Baier indicated a consultant is now reviewing plans to enclose lines coming into the plant. It is hoped this project will be completed this calendar year. A question was raised regarding from where the funds would come to finance the reclaimed water project. Mr. Baier indicated it would come from the fees being paid by the Island Estate’s residents and a grant. A question was raised regarding the size of the lines. It was indicated that 30 inch mains were already in place, 20 inch mains will go from the golf course to the bridge and they will go down to 16 inches out to Island Estates. A question was raised regarding the grant. Mayor Garvey indicated the grant is from the South West Florida Water Management District which is strongly supporting reclaimed water efforts. In response to a question, Mr. Baier indicated Federal funds for the reclaimed water project are not available at this time. Jonathan Wade expressed concerns regarding problems with the plant. He stated new property owners are saying their property values are going down. He stated the community does not want the plant in this location and he would like to see it cleaned up. A lady expressed concerns regarding the plant and questioned how far from Harbor Drive the tanks would be placed. Mayor Garvey indicated the tanks will be where the old sanitation plant had been located. The lady expressed concerns this would place the tanks right in front of her door. A concern was expressed the North Greenwood Community was having to house something to benefit other areas and questioned how much is enough for the North Greenwood area to take. Tal Rutledge questioned the fee for the Island Estates reclaimed water. The Mayor indicated that they would be paying $14 a month weather they use the service or not. Mr. Rutledge expressed concern regarding the Utility Department and its fees. He stated they need to be more sensitive in how they charge their customers. He expressed concerns the City waste money. He stated a business owner can not always pass all the cost on to the consumer. The Mayor emphasized the revenue collected by the utility funds stays in that fund to pay for those services and does not go for other City projects. Arthonia Godwin question if the City was willing to look at proposals that this plant not be further expanded. The Mayor indicated the purpose of this meeting was to get the input from the citizens. Muhammad Abdur-Rahim, representing the North Greenwood Association, stated they have mixed feelings particularly regarding the reclaimed water. He stated their purpose is not to disconnect Island Estates from reclaimed water. He stated enough is enough and the majority of the comments have been regarding the smell coming from the plant. He stated he wants the Commission to understand the issue is not reclaimed water but, that the plant itself must go. He stated how we get there is negotiable. Ms. Smith indicated a lot of the talk goes back to the need to dredge Stevenson’s Creek. She also questioned weather or not the community would be getting a fair shake on their bills. She questioned from where Island Estates was getting its water now. Gardner Smith indicated there is a water main that goes from the mainland to the beach to a storage tank. He stated several areas, including Island Estates, Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Morton Plant, and South Clearwater, waste water goes to the Marshall Street Plant. He stated east of Stevenson’s Creek goes to the East Plant and the Countryisde area goes to the North East Plant. Ms. Smith questioned why there could not be smaller but more numerous tanks. Mr. Baier reemphasized the City is looking at other options. A question was raised regarding weather or not any of the storm water utility fee had been set aside for Stevenson’s Creek. Tom Miller, Assistant Director of Engineering-Environmental, indicated a water quality study currently being done will include Stevenson’s Creek and Clearwater Harbor. He stated there is an odor from Clearwater Harbor due to the sea grasses. He stated a number of projects using the storm water utility fee moneys will be coming to the Commission for approval. Mr. Baier indicated there had been a project on Harbor Drive that had already used storm water utility fee. Ms. Lafferty indicated not everything had been done as promised. A questioned was raised about what could be done about the odor now. Mr. Baier reemphasized the City is currently designing an enclosure of the lines bringing raw sewage into the plant. This should eliminate a majority of the odor from the plant. He stated they are also looking at other chemical treatments. Ms. Turner indicated when Commissioner-Elect Hooper was running for office he came up with an idea of putting the tank on the golf course. She also questioned weather or not the Airpark property can be considered. A question was raised regarding weather or not the North Greenwood Community alone would have a vote on this issue. The Mayor stated the issue effects the whole City. She stated there will not be a vote of the community but, the Commission has heard their comments and will consider them when they make the decision. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.