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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-06 WUCFD MINUTESWATER UTILITIES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (APACHE JUNCTION WATER COMPANY) CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA REGULAR MEETING MAY 6,2002 The regular meeting of the District Board of the Water Utilities Community Facilities District (Apache Junction Water ComPany),City of Apache Junction,Arizona,was held ,on May 6,2002,at the Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law. CALL TO ORDER . Chairperson Coleman called the meeting ..toorder at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present:Chairperson Douglas Coleman Vice Chairperson Anne Surra Mr.Rick Dietz Mr.Joe Durbala Mr..R.E.Eck Mr.Brian Milkey Ms.Carol Urich Staff Present:,Interim District Manager George Hoffman Kathleen Connelly,District Clerk Keith Lewis,District.Treasurer Doug Dobson,District Operations Manager Brian Hall,District Water Superintendent John White.District Accountant Others Present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 18,2002 MINUTES OF MARCH 18,2002,BE APPROVED. VOTE:Unanimous. Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 Page 1 of 9 )Ms.Urich MOVED THAT THE Mr.Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN WATER UTILITIES FACILITIES DISTRICT (WUCFD/APACHE JUNCTION WATER COMPANY)AND THE CITY OF MESA AND ARIZONA WATER COMPANY FOR TREATMENT AND DELIVERY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT WATER TO ALSO INCLUDE ONE-TIME CHARGES FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $36,552.00 FOR SUCH CAPITAL COSTS )Chairperson Coleman announced the district counsel had requested this item be pulled from the agenda. District Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they had received a confidential memo from Mr.Farrell dated May 3.He requested i t be continued to the next meeting or,if necessary,a special meeting could be called.He believes there are some outstanding legal issues that need board direction. Mr.Durbala MOVED THAT WE POSTPONE THAT UNTIL OUR NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING. which date that would be. AVAILABLE MEETING. There was general discussion as to The motion was amended to read FIRST Mr.Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous.(Vice Chairperson Surra had temporarily left the room during the vote on this item and therefore no vote was recorded for her.) The motion carried. DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM REGARDING WATER CONSERVATION Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 Page 2 of 9 )Water Superintendent Brian Hall briefed the board on the item.They are currently giving information to the public through the press which is stressing conservation..April 16 through 22 the Apache Junction Independent will be partnered with Arizona Water to -Out together a piece to advise of the current water situation and urge them to do simple things to conserve water.They have participated in an information . sharing group.He suggested the district start monetarily supporting. the "Water,Use It Wisely"program..They are able to participate in the program without monetarily supporting it, but he feels they would be more comfortable if monies were given.They do many different things to promote conservation. The district is trying to make the users aware of the current expense and - future expense of non -conservation. Mry[Tietf.COMmented he thought they sent something out in the billing abouttwoyears 'ago : regarding - water conservation. DistriCtAperations Manager Doug Dobson stated they did some advertisements ..-:, Mr.Dietz commented they were talking abdut mailing something out with the billing. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated the bill goes out on a postcard,but there is room on the back. Vice Chairperson Surra stated they have sent out separate letters under separate envelopes that have given water conservation information. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated there are a lot of pamphlets that he would like to have,even if they do not do a mass mailing,which can be fairly expensive.He could have these pamphlets when the district participates with the city at the neighborhood meetings.Staff could speak on water conservation there and hand out some of the pamphlets. Ms.Urich commented she would like to see some kind of statement on the bill and possibly have different reminders each time the bill is sent. Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6:2002 Page 3 of 9 Mr.Dietz suggested little hints each billing. Vice Chairperson Surra commented i t is a very small bill. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated they would be able to print a paragraph on it. Mr.Durbala commented the district will eventually be reaching a saturation point due to the growth and residents will need to conserve water.The board may have to advise council to have people start looking at zero landscaping in the front yards.This needs to be put in the new building codes.He suggested giving a $5 rebate to those residents who purchase a low water flush toilet.He commented they could stock the small shower heads that use only a third of the water and possibly selling them at cost.They need to get everyone to start thinking to conserve water now because five years from now it will be harder.The $5 rebate on the toilets would end up saving the district money in the long run as they would not have to use as much water in the future and possibly have to buy less water from Mesa.These are other things they could do besides the -spot"on the bill. Vice Chairperson Surra stated she would like to see statistics showing the new commodes do use less water.She has experienced that you flush more often with those.The pressure has to be great enough for that small amount of water to be effective.She would be interested in seeing how much would be saved by making this a rebate item. She noted that when she converted from a propane gas to electric water heater she received a credit towards the purchase of the electric water heater.The dollar amount mandated means that you also have to find ways to insure that you are not being taken.They will need inspectors so make sure things are installed properly.The costs have to balance out to a degree.She .believes first step should be to make people more aware of conservation and encourage them to do things that can be easily done.She would like to see other methods before rebates. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated they have done a minor reorganization in the field group.They will two new people starting on May 13 and this will be the first time all the Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 ..Page 4 of 9 positions are filled.One of the responsibilities of one of the new senior utility workers is water conservation.He will head the program up and keep track of it.He added some low flow toilets work and some do not.He'will be getting more information before they institute this,program so that they will be assured the ones designated by the district,work.He commented they have some decent low flow shower heads.He installed two in his home when he had his fOur children with him and he cut the water consumption. 3,000 gallons a month by that act alone. Mr.Milkey commented on the landscaping program instituted by Chandler.He suggested talking to them and getting advice on what they have done. .Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated he was given a spreadsheet by one city so that he could do a survey and show them how much money they could save. Mr.Eck commented he would like to see this program encouraged,but not enforced.He added he would like new customers to be given pamphlets on water conservation.He described Mesa's program briefly.He asked if anything in had been put in the water quality report. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated there is one article on conservation,plus notes in the margins. Mr.Eck commented that is a good tool,and he would like to see information on the bill.He added they also need to talk to the council as they keep requiring grass tot lots. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated he would like to get rid of...the large retentiOn areas rather than the tot lots.There is a reason for grassed playgrounds-,.but the large retention areas do not need grass.They are seeing a large 'difference of consumption now that the new subdivisions are going in and -they are having to pour water on them since i t is getting hot. Mr.Eck stated the utility business always gets him because you are in business to make a profit,but you have to encourage the customer to use less. Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 Page 5 of 9 Vice Chairperson Surra asked if all the golf courses in the area are using effluent water. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated not all of them are yet.The third management plan of the Phoenix AMA has a cut off date wherein all existing golf courses have to be on effluent or recycled water. Vice Chairperson Surra asked if the sewer district has the ability to offer that: Water.Sperintendent Brian Hall stated the effluent is there to deliver,but they do not -have a system to deliver It.They would also have the opportunity to recharge the effluent into the ground and get credits for it. Mr.Eck commented they are using the effluent water in Tucson for the Diamondbacks spring training fields. However,they only use potable water on the field they are playing games,on in order not to risk the players getting sick.The non-starters still have a' fear of getting sick. Chairperson Coleman closed the item with no further discussion. DISTRICT WATER SUPERINTENDENT REPORT Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated the design of the interconnection between the District and the City of Mesa is moving ahead.The survey for the design is complete and they have a meeting next Thursday involving the engineering firm and the City of Mesa to work out the details of the pump station and whether a clear well will be needed to draw water from their system.Most of the land identified for the pump station is state-owned.US Homes has purchased the southwest corner of Baseline and Signal Butte;they have been in contact with them about obtaining some of that land.He believes. the cost of the property may be a little high.They want to be a little south of the corner.With a new subdivision coming in with low water pressure in the area,there have been discussion on partnering to boost the water pressure.They may share some property or a fenced compound to reduce the Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 Page 6 of 9 costs.He will come back with a proposed budget when things are more firm. They are currently discussing things with CAP regarding crossing the canal. Mr.Eck asked what the percentage of water would be that the District is getting from Mesa. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated they are setting i t up to treat .the current CAP allotment,or 2.5 million gallons per day,to be phased over the years.There have been discussions about obtaining more CAP water rights-to the south but the engineering firm feels it will be more prudent to plan another interconnect farther to the south so that there was repetition in the water supply. Mr.Eck commented he wanted to make sure they were capable of getting the water. Water Superintendent Brian Hall •stated they are confident they will be in good shape for the short term.The City of Mesa is purchasing land on Signal Butte between Guadalupe and Elliot for an additional treatment plant.The District may participate in the capital of that plant and possibly buy into the plant. They may also decide to pay a certain amount per thousand to cover the capital.They might have to run a mile of larger pipe in the future to get the mass quantities to supply the pump station. Mr.Eck commented he definitely would like to see the District as part of that plant. Mr.Durbala asked if the Mesa water qualifies under the new standards for arsenic level. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated i t varies according to the location. Mr.Durbala asked if we are going to make sure that the water received from them meets the standards. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated both Mesa and Arizona Water have promised to deliver water that meets federal standards.He briefed the board on the Royal Palm area water system replacement project.The contractor advised this morning that they are on schedule.Because of change orders, substantial completion of the project is scheduled by May 28.They will allow Water Utilities Community Facilities District . Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 , Page 7 of 9 30 days after completion for final trim and clean up and to take care of things on a punch list. Vice Chairperson Surra commented they paved over some of the square cuts and covered others with gravel. Water Superintendent Brian Hall stated there were some saw cuts missing.Some of those were not compacted correctly and they had to go back and tear it out. There was general discussion on the problems with the compaction. — Mr.Durbala commented on the new fire hydrants'that.Mere being installed. Residents are unsure if they work since they are, covered with plastic. Water Superintendent Brian Hall desCribed'the:prOcedure:for flushing the lines before the fire hydrants can be hooked .up.The whole area is to be flushed before they hook up the hydrants one Section at a tiMe.He then briefed the board on the exploration and construction of a newmell.They have identified three pieces of property for future wells:They are working with a real estate company to work Out some deals.They would like to lease the property, do a test well and find out if there is something there before i t is purchased.They will buy it and develop it if it turns out positive. DISTRICT' MANAGER REPORT None. DISTRICT TREASURER REPORT None: DISTRICT COUNSEL REPORT None. ADJOURNMENT meeting at 6:43 p.m. )Chairperson Coleman adjourned the Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 Page 8 of 9 ACCEPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF 'HINE ,2002,BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND DISTRICT BOARD OF THE WATER UTILITIES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (APACHE JUNCTION WATER COMPANY),CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 4TH DAY OF JUNE 2002. Douglas Qbleman Chairperson ATTEST: Kathleen Connelly District Clerk WATER UTILITIES COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Water Utilities Community Facilities District of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,held on the 6th day of May, 2002.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 29th day of May,2002. Kathleen Connelly District Clerk Water Utilities Community Facilities District Meeting Minutes of May 6,2002 -- Page 9 of 9