|
PRESENT: |
Dave Powell, Chair Winston Tustison, Vice Chair Richard C. Davis, Commissioner John P. Hoffmann, Commissioner Robert Milkey, Commissioner Sue Novelli, Commissioner Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner |
At this time, Chair Powell indicated that there would be one speaker to comment on Item #3.
MOTION: A motion was made by Chair Tustison and seconded by Commissioner Shapiro
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Commissioner Hoffmann introduced Jim Leehouts, Associate Director of USGS and Rob Carruth, Hydrologist from USGS. Every year the USGS comes to brief the Water Utility staff and Commission on the U.S.G.S aquifer storage and land subsidence monitoring Program. It is a regional program with collaborating partners such as Pima County, Arizona Department of Water Resources, Metro Water, and the towns of Marana, and Oro Valley.
Mr. Carruth reported the following:
Handout- Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5190 of the USGS Land Subsidence. A new report is generated every two to three years.
USGS Background (Power Point Presentation)
Overview of slides:
~USGS Objective: Monitor Aquifer Storage in the Tucson AMA. Goal: Reach safe yield by year 2025.
~Recent InSar in the Tz AMA Sept 2006 - Feb. 2008 (Maximum Subsidence)
~Review Subsidence Components (sands,gravel, silts, clay)
~Water Level and Compaction of Extensometer - Depicts seasonal water levels.
~Storage Change in portion of the Tucson Basin 2004-2006. 160,000 a/f of change (-0.4 Ft per year)
~Land Subsidence in the TAMA 2006-2008 (Maximum Subsidence) (0.5 inch Tucson Basin) -1 inch Avra Valley
~Storage Monitoring site. Objectives of Projects, Monitor Aquifer Storage Change, Monitor Land Surface Elevation Change.
~Aquifer Storage Changes (Graphic table)
~Methods: Repeat gravity and GPS Survey
Mr. Carruth indicated that the program is very expensive. In 2007 Pima County contributed $50,000 and hired a contractor to do the survey with USGS.
ADWR contributes InSar data sets to the program. Mr. Carruth gave a brief explanation on InSar images.
Mr. Carruth explained that the USGS tries to keep the program dynamic and relevant for each service area. Additionally, the USGS has valuable and long term data sets that assist management with decisions regarding how the aquifer system responds to pumping and recharge needs.
Mr. Carruth thanked the Commission and ended his report.
Question and Answer Session
-Where is the land subsidence area geographically located in Tucson? (J. Peterson). The area is located South of University heading east from Craycroft and south of the freeway.
-Do you plan to expand the measurements up to our area? (Vice Chair Tustison). Mr. Carruth explained that USGS has not seen subsidence in the Oro Valley area and that USGS would like to get more bench marks of the area. Some rehabilitated wells will eventually have bench marks.
-The Spider Guide Map was shown to clarify Vice Chair Tustison question. Commissioner Hoffmann pointed out GPS & aquifer storage gravity stations between Magee and La Cholla Airpark.
There were no further comments or questions. No Action was taken on this item.
Chair Powell thanked the USGS staff for the presentation. The Commission will receive half- hour training education credit based on this presentation.
Mr. Ruiz reported on the following:
~Reclaimed Water Graph November 2009 Usage = 54,068,000 gallons. Experienced significant drop in October 2009 usage at 109,386,000 gallons. June & October are typically higher months of usage. Mr. Ruiz explained that he will begin to analyze usage on a monthly cycle now that all five golf courses use reclaimed water. Mr. Ruiz reviewed the October 2008 monthly reclaim data with the commissioners.
~Review October 2009 Monthly Reclaim Water Graph: The Utility has an existing IGA with the city of Tucson that guarantees 3.75 MGD maximum per day of reclaimed water. Mr. Ruiz explained that Oro Valley can exceed the 3.75 MGD limit without any penalties and that the city can deliver up to 4.4 MGD (Thornydale Booster Pump Limit) if needed and available.
~ADWR Meeting: Oro Valley water staff met with Arizona Department of Water Resources to help clairify the use of reclaim water and potable water. When using potable water the Arizona Department of Water Resources regulates how much water they use. Allotments are based on the total acreage used for irrigation such as (golf courses, landscaping areas and ponds). Allotments are approximately 4.6 a/f per year (approx. 1.500.000 gallons per acre). There is no allotment for the use of reclaim water. However, ADWR noted as resources decrease regulation of reclaim water use will be necessary.
~Future Forums for Golf Courses: Staff will arrange several forums to help the golf courses regarding the use of reclaimed water. In January, staff will invite David Kopeck,Ph.D University of Arizona to speak about reclaimed water use and management.
Discussion occurred on:
~Runoff or ponding of reclaim water (Commissioner Davis). Mr. Ruiz explained there was no evidence of ponding or runoff with the use of reclaim water at the golf courses.
~Stone Canyon Golf Course & Irrigation usage (Vice Chair Tustison). Mr. Ruiz explained that Stone Canyon also irrigates other areas outside their golf course such as roadway medians and common areas.
There were no further questions, Mr. Ruiz ended his report. No Action was taken on this item.
Mr. Saletta made several comments regarding Tucson’s IGA.
~Review of Tucson Water IGA: Oro Valley owns effluent Water and it is delivered through a segment of the Tucson Reclaimed Water System.
~The major issues: Amount charged for water. Currently the Town of Oro Valley only pays an Operating and Maintenance (O&M) charge.
~Oro Valley has made capital investments to construct the pump station at Mountain View along Thornydale Road and additional pumps at the Thornydale Reservoir site. Because of the capital investment. Oro Valley entered into a five-year agreement (delivery of reclaim water) in October, 2005. This agreement needs to be renegotiated with respect to charges that Tucson Water applies for treating wastewater to reclaim water standards and its delivery to Thornydale & Tangerine. Presently, they are only applying an O&M charge. Staff has discussed this issue with the new Tucson Water Director, Jeff Biggs and a meeting is being planned for January to begin discussions with respect to the IGA. The agreement must be renegotiated by October 2010.
Question & Answer Session:
~What will it take to upgrade the 4.4 MGD booster? (Commissioner Hoffmann). Mr. Ruiz explained that the Thornydale pump station has provisions for two pumps. The upgrade will involve adding the pump, electrical equipment and piping connection. However, there is a limitation in the supply line to Thornydale which has a capacity of 10 mgd.
~Do we anticipate any other reclaim water end users in the future? (Chair Powell). Mr. Ruiz explained that the Master Plan indicated that perhaps Hilton El Conquistador Golf course (9 hole), Riverfront Park, James Kreigh Park and CDO H.S are possibilities. We do not know if it is financially viable to head south.
~Any future plans O.V.Country Club ever going to reclaim water? Mr. Ruiz explained that it would be a policy decision Council would have to make. Mr. Saletta explained that the Country Club has its own wells but there would have to be some incentive for them to get onto the Town’s Reclaimed Water System and we would bear the cost of delivering water to them. We must recognize even though they are sharing the same aquifer to be able to supply them would be very difficult.
~If the Naranja Park Town Site ever became a reality what type of impact would it have? (Chair Powell). Mr. Saletta indicated it would be just 20 a/f per year and golf courses typically use 500.
There were no further questions. No Action required on this item.
Chair Powell recognized speaker Doug McKee who wanted to speak on this item. Mr. McKee covered the following:
~Requested that staff conduct a study for reclaim water potential at the O.V. Country Club, Naranja Park and schools. As the IGA agreement is developed make sure that the Town is not blocked from supplying other potential users. He mentioned an article regarding the possibility of Pima County not being able to discharge effluent into Santa Cruz River.
Mr. McKee requested that staff take these items into consideration in negotiating the IGA with Tucson Water.
Mr. Saletta reported the following:
~June 2007 T.C. approved the AWRDIF Fee. As part of the approval process Council requested that staff review the fees and costs the Utility would collect and/or incur connection with AWRDIF Fee. Staff is putting together a report, since the AWRDIF increase has been in effect for a full year. This report includes three periods: FY July 07 through October 08, Oct. 07 through Sept 08 and YTD FY 08-09. In all cases the Utility exceeded the expected revenues for the number of projected Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDUs) based on the meters sold and the size of meter.
~In FY 07-08 $92K over expected, Oct. 07 - Sept. 08 $296K over expected and FY08-09 YTYD $255K. The revenue increases were due to the number of commercial meters sold, but the increases could slow down because building permits have decreased. Staff will continue to keep the Commission and Council informed.
Staff Recommendation: Staff respectfully request that the Commission recommend forwarding the report to Council.
Mr. Saletta ended his report.
Question & Answer Session:
Were most meters in the Oro Valley Market Place installed by September 30th? (Commissioner Milkey). Ms. Seng indicated that the majority were installed between September and October and some in August.
Chair Powell entertained a motion to approve the Alternative Water Resources Development Impact Fee Report.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Shapiro and seconded by Commissioner Davis
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Council Member Gillaspie reported the following:
~General Plan Amendment was approved. Extensive negotiations will begin some time next year for the State land issue (Pre-Annexation Development Agreement). Some discussions will occur on whether or not the Town will get additional CAP allocations.
The State Land Department would like to do their own studies as to whether the Town has adequate need for additional water supply. In speaking with the State Land Commissions Office at this time they do not have any monies.
~A proposal was brought forward regarding appointments for Boards and Commission members by Council versus through a Committee process. Several letters have been received from other Commissioners regarding this issue. Council member Gillaspie encouraged the Commissioners to contact K.C. Carter or him regarding this matter.
Council member Gillaspie ended his report.
| 6. |
SUBCOMMITEE/COMMISSIONER REPORTS |
Commissioner Davis reported the following:
~Meetings: 12/1-Joint meeting with the City of Tucson regarding Control equipment moisture sensing versus evapotranspiration devices. Mr. David Williams made some recommendations.
12/5: Task Force Meeting - Attendees: Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Milkey, K. Boyce and C. Schneider. Topic: Revised ordinance- Discussed comments from the previous review however not all comments have been addressed.
Per Commissioner Hoffmann no meeting scheduled.
Per Vice Chair Tustison Finance Subcommittee did not meet.
Commissioner Milkey reported that he attended the CAP Board meeting with Mr. Saletta at the Westward Look he thought it was very interesting especially the discussions about the reliability reservoir for the N.W. Providers. The Bureau of Reclamation had a presentation. The key issue for the Bureau is the cost of the facility and CAP’s repayment schedule. The Bureau is also performing agressive engineering studies to examine what the costs will be. Commissioner Milkey indicated that there seemed to be a lot of support both from the Board and the Bureau.
| 7. |
STAFF REPORTS |
Ms. Seng reported the following:
~Handout: Update on Meter installations November 2008
-Total Meter Connections =18,315
-Projected New Meter Installations FY 08-09 =250
-Actual New Meter Installations as of 11/08 =138
-Projected EDUs FY 08-09 =312
-Actual EDUs as of 11/08 =413
-Total new connections FY 08-09 =138
Council approved funds in this years budget to begin a meter replacement program. With over 18,000 meters in the ground thousands have been in ground 10 to 20 years. Average life of a meter is about 10 years. Given the manpower and costs to buy the meters, the Utility may only be able to replace an average of 300 - 350 per year.
While the meters are read staff will identify or tag any meter that may need replacement. Since July 1st, 160 meters have been replaced. Staff is in the process of collecting data about the meters (3 mos of water use after installation and 3 mos of water use 1 year prior to the replacement meter installation). This data will give the Utility a gross estimate for unaccounted and unbilled water. Staff will keep the Commission updated on the information as it becomes available. In addition to the new program, 97 meters have been installed in the Highlands subdivision through the pilot AMR project. Estimated installation = 287. Staff will schedule a field trip with the Commissoners in the near future.
There were no questions, Ms. Seng ended her report.
Mr. Jacklitch reported the following:
~Pusch View Lane Well: The well will be online this week.
Design Projects
~La Canada Reservoir - 3 Mil gal. 24 inch main still undergoing design which will be complete by the end of the year. Construction will begin next fiscal budget.
~16 inch water main - The project is still in design. Location: Innnovation Park, replacing AC main. The design is about 95% complete. The project will be out for bid in January 09. Construction schedule: February 09 - March 09.
~Redrill & Replacement well - Location: Tangelo & 1st Ave. The existing well went out of service a year ago. Staff believes there is substantial water in the area. The new well will be 800 - 810 ft deep. The technical specs have been completed. The specs, bid schedule and contract have been submitted to two well drillers. Staff is expecting the cost proposal and bids by the first week of January. During the month of January, staff will arrange a meeting with local residents because the well is in close proximity to residential homes. The design will also include sound barrier walls to keep the noise level to a minimal. The well drilling is a 24/7 operation.
There were no questions, Mr. Jacklitch ended his report.
Mr. Ruiz reported the following:
Handout:
~Potable Daily Demand Chart - November 08 (Demand on the potable system has decreased due to the Reclaim Water System).
~Potable Overall Reservoir Storage -November 08 (Maintain 7,000,000 MGD storage)
~Several wells were down but the system did not have problems meeting demand.
There were no further questions, Mr. Ruiz ended his report.
Mr. Saletta discussed Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) letter regarding the GPCD calculation under the Third Management Plan and a copy of staff’s response memo to Council and Commission.
Mr. Saletta explained Oro Valley’s GPCD requirements and Oro Valley’s GPCD golf course allotment. Oro Valley’ GPCD was high due to the golf courses being on potable water, however this has been rectify since the Reclaimed Water System has been on line since 2006. In 2006 Oro Valley met its GPCD requirements under the Third Management Plan and expects to meet it 2007-2008 and in future through the use of reclaimed water.
Staff met with ADWR on Friday, December 5, 2008, and reviewed several options, such as Participating in the Non Per Capita Conservation Program which has a list of best management practices. However, we have to review these options and see what is best for the community in terms of the Third Management Plan. Mr. Saletta gave a brief explanation about the Third Management Plan. Staff will make some recommendations as to how to proceed, and in February or March will bring this issue for the Commission’s review and to Council in April or May.
Mr. Saletta reported that Mr. David Modeer was selected as the CAP/CAWCD General Manager after retirement of Sid Wilson.
There were no further questions, Mr. Saletta ended his report.
~12/11 - Volunteer Recognition Celebration
~12/17 - Council meeting ~1/7 - Council ~1/12 - WUC
~Commissioner Shapiro requested information on home foreclosures and its effects on water revenues. Ms. Seng indicated she would try to obtain the information for the Commission.
~Update N.W. Water/CAP Deliveries
No Speakers
Adjournment:
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Hoffmann
MOTION carried, 7-0.