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05/30/1990 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING May 30, 1990 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Richard A. Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner Sue Berfield Commissioner Members absent: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Also present: Ron H. Rabun City Manager M. A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney Charles Hunsicker Assistant City Manager William C. Baker Public Works Director Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 9:12 a.m. The purpose of this special meeting is to have a public hearing regarding the Reclaimed Water Master Plan. In the near future, the City of Clearwater will have completed the expansions and upgradings of its three wastewater treatment plants. During the time frame within which our wastewater design, permitting, financing and construction is taking place, certain considerations relative to our potable water supply have evolved. New rules relating to the allowed rate of pumping and chloride concentration in our water supply wells administered by the Southwest Florida Management District through its consumptive use permit has impacted our ability to produce water from our own wells and has greatly increased our dependency upon Pinellas County as a wholesale supplier. The highly treated wastewater, which could be made available, for general irrigation purposes has potential to become a valuable product if offered at a price less than potable water and even more so, should the existing drought become long term or if shallow well irrigation becomes illegal. A comprehensive plan, whereby the design, construction, operation and financing of a new infrastructure system is described in the reclaimed water master plan dated April 19, 1990 prepared by Camp, Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) In order to qualify for state revolving funds low interest loans and to be positioned for funds in 1992, it is necessary to adopt a resolution adopting a supplemental 201 facility plan entitled Reclaimed Water Master Plan as the planning document for expanding the City's reclaimed water system, adopting a dedicated revenue plan, authorizing financial certification to the capital financing plan and authorizing the City Manger to sign and certify all documents necessary to expand the reclaimed water system and to insure compliance with the State revolving loan requirements. Adopting the resolution does not commit the City of Clearwater to any form of obligation it might subsequently feel unwise. Bill Baker, Public Works Director, indicated use of the polished effluent for irrigation purposes will save ground water supplies. The purpose of today's meeting is to instigate the process. He stated this new infrastructure will be self supporting. Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated that the financing plan leads to steps of implementation. He stated we are two years away from actual work on the reclaimed water system. Staff is making efforts to keep the public informed regarding the proposal. Recommendations will be coming from the Environmental Advisory Committee. He reported that the Penny for Pinellas funding established implementation of a reclaimed water system in phases. Action taken today on the resolution will position the City to be in competition in seeking state loans for expansion of the reclaimed water system. He stated other communities will be seeking funds from the same source. Tom Burke of CDM stated this will be a continuation of existing programs for water treatment and use. He stated that the three wastewater treatment plants are being converted to advanced wastewater treatment and water from these facilities will be suitable for non-potable use. The plan calls for more substantial use of reclaimed water for irrigation and reclaimed water would be available for irrigation regardless of drought conditions. Jim Crook of CDM stated this is not a new concept and reclaimed water systems are in use in other communities in the country and in Florida. He stated Clearwater will conform to the standards established for reuse of wastewater with the advanced wastewater treatment upgrades at the plants. Tom Burke stated that reuse of reclaimed water is a very effective use and conservation method of water resources. He stated the City's comprehensive plan anticipated the reuse plan. Phase One will provide a good basis for measuring costs, time and value of the system. Phase Two accomplishes interconnecting all three wastewater treatment plants and provides the basic network for supply. Phase Three will make the reclaimed water system available throughout the City. Phase One would be completed between 1994 and 1995. Phase Two will take place between 1995 and 2000. It was stated that cost projection for Phase One is 13 million dollars. Diane Kemp, consultant for CDM stated the residential fees and charges could be estimated once the financing mechanism is firmly established. Proposals now show an annual fee of 7 to 11 dollars per month plus 30 cents for each 100 cubic feet of gallonage used. It was indicated that using water from the reclaimed system would be less expensive than irrigating through the potable water system. It was also emphasized that new rules and regulations could prohibit use of potable water for irrigation purposes. Staff is seeking permission to initiate the application for the loan. Revenues from the system would be dedicated to repaying this loan. It was emphasized that the resolution is indicating to the Division of Environmental Regulation that the City wishes to proceed. If at any point along the process, the system is not feasible, the City can stop the process. It is believed that use of potable water for irrigation will be prohibited in the near future. Each step will be brought back to the City Commission. Concern was expressed regarding the orientation of the phases, with it being stated that phase one is in a predominately shallow well irrigation area. A suggestion was made that phase one should possibly be in the beach area where shallow wells are not feasible. It was also suggested that we should include Safety Harbor in our plans. It was indicated that the City must plan within its jurisdiction and that Safety Harbor would need to approach Clearwater. In response to the concerns regarding phasing, it was indicated that shallow well irrigation may also be prohibited in the future. It was stated that the public needs to be educated regarding the need to water only once a week. Mr. Burke indicated that there is strong residential support for reclaimed water as some shallow wells are already running dry. The system has been planned in order to serve the whole City but 100 percent participation has not been assumed. He stated we are trying to position the City for state loans. In regards to service to the beach, it was indicated that there has been some consideration to a "double barrel" project currently being designed for replacement of potable water lines and installation of the reclaimed water lines at the same time. Bill Baker indicated that today staff is only requesting approval of the concept and authorization to proceed. The details regarding the phases can be worked out later. Mr. Hunsicker indicated that while the City of Clearwater has received a consumptive permit of six years, it is believed that the policy for issuance of additional consumptive permits will require the use of reclaimed water. Concern was raised regarding the safety in using this water. Mr. Burke indicated there should be no concern regarding use of this water for irrigation purposes. In response to a question regarding whether or not reclaimed water had uses other than irrigation, it was indicated that it can be used for cooling water and for fire fighting purposes. A question was raised regarding whether or not the system would supply enough water for all of Clearwater's irrigation needs and it was indicated that it would. The City Attorney presented resolution #90-25 authorizing the continued efforts to obtain state revolving fund financing for the establishment of a reclaimed water infrastructure system. Commissioner Regulski moved to adopt Resolution #90-25. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.