MINUTES
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, May 11, 2009
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
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PRESENT: |
David Powell, Chair
Winston Tustison, Vice Chair
Rick Davis, Commissioner
Robert Milkey, Commissioner
Elizabeth Shapiro, Commissioner
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| EXCUSED: |
John Hoffmann, Commissioner
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STAFF PRESENT:
Philip C. Saletta, Water Utility Director
Shirley Seng, Utility Administrator
David Ruiz, Engineering Division Manager
Robert Jacklitch, Project Manager
Karn Boyce, Conservation Specialist
Jim Peterson, Water Utility Regional Coordinator
Chair Powell expressed his appreciation to Staff for the Highlands Subdivision tour. The Commission will receive educational credits.
None
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Vice Chair Tustison to Approve
MOTION carried, 5-0.
Mr. Saletta introduced Bayer Vella from Planning & Zoning Department who was working on the Landscape Code Ordinance. He indicated that the Water Utility also had several representatives in the Landscape Committee, Commissioners R. Davis, R. Milkey and Staff K. Boyce.
Mr. Bayer proceeded with a power point presentation:
-Gray Water: Process of adopting an ordinance. The committee is also working on the Landscape Code.
-Review: Basic sources for Gray Water. (Washing machines, bathroom sinks, bathroom tub & showers. Gray water is a potential resource, and approximately 13,000 gals of water per household could be used for landscaping. The Town’s General Plan policy addresses the use of gray water. The Planning and Zoning department has implemented these issues into their Building Codes, the Utility has also included allowance for gray water use in the Water Code.
-Gray water requirements have been established for new home construction only, not commercial.
The following slides were presented:
-Diagram of Gray Water pipeline system per Tucson Ordinance. An explanation was given on the pipe installation and draining methods for gray water systems. A full storage system could cost $1000-$2000 for the pump and storage system.
-Washing Machines Water Re-Use per Tucson Ordinance: The washing machine method is the simplest way for gray water and the most inexpensive way it is also efficient because of its high pumping capacity.
-The Bottom Line Benefits & Cost
Benefits: -Water Savings -New Home Marketing -Intensive Cost to Retrofit System (Costs for an existing home = $10,000-$20,000 for a full system. Newer homes may not be able to take advantage of these systems due to the way slabs are built. -Best accomplished in Tandem with Landscape Design -Opportunity for Future Homeowners
-Cost: $300.00 per home (Includes a State income tax credit which builders can take advantage of when installing these systems)
-Next Steps for Gray water Ordinance: -Set up an internal committee -Four meetings scheduled within the next two weeks -Use the City of Tucson Ordinance as an example revise it to meet the Towns standard and details.
Mr. Vella indicated that the draft ordinance will be presented to the Commission at their next meeting. It will be presented to Council for formal consideration June 17th.
Question & answer session occurred (Gray water):
-When using a washing machine as a gray water resource are there any restrictions on detergents or chemicals? (Commissioner Milkey). Residential Permit: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has restrictions that indicate no hazardous chemicals or soiled items could not be used (e.g. diapers, bleach) Homeowners must be educated on the use of gray water devices and could be provided with brochures. As part of any ordinance proposal a backflow prevention device must be installed and inspected once a year by the Water Utility.
-What is the average household water usage (Commissioner Milkey). Mr. Saletta indicated that the average was about 120,000 gals per year. Does it impact the provisions of sewage and allocation for reclaim? Mr. Saletta indicated yes it could have an impact.
-Gray water irrigation and effects on plant vegetation & landscaping. (Commissioner Shapiro) Mr. Vella indicated it could hurt some vegetation if you are not using products low on nitrogen levels, but there are many cleaning products that are perfectly acceptable. ADEQ has determined that the use of gray water is low risk and mandated that all jurisdrictions permit the use of these systems.
Commissioner Davis indicated that Ms. Little from Water Casa has been using gray water for the past 15 years, and confirms that the use of detergents does not have any effect on vegetation. Mr. Vella indicated that Ms. Little would be meeting with Staff to work on the ordinance. Commissioner Davis also indicated that Ms. Little was very instrumental in passing the Gray water ordinance in Arizona.
-The cost of $300.00 is it for the basic system connected with the washing machine and sink or all four elements? Mr. Vella explained there were options. You can set up a system with a washing machine which is the best and most inexpensive method or bundle the two together under one system. The $300 includes bringing the fixtures together into the pipes and exterior wall and stubbing them out. Mr. Saletta explained that the builder is responsible for the setup if the gray water ordinance is passed.
-How much would a completed system cost? (Commissioner Milkey). Mr. Vella indiated that it would cost $1,000 - $2,000 on average for a very simplistic system.
-Is there any information or incentives made combining the gray water system with the rain water harvesting system on a house? (Jim Peterson). Mr. Vella indicated that it would be a great supplement combining the systems, but that it was important keeping the systems separate in terms of piping, irrigation and storage.
-Is it possible to use gray water for toilets? (Commissioner Shapiro). Mr. Vella indicated that it was possible to drained the cleaner water to a tank and than use it for flushing.
Chair Powell asked does the item need to come back to the Commission? Mr. Vella indicated that that he woud like to bring the draft ordinance back for review and input before presenting it to Town Council. Mr. Saletta mentioned that staff would bring it back to the Commission as an agenda item and request their support.
The Commission unanimously agreed that the draft Gray water ordinance be presented as an agenda item and at the next meeting.
Mr. Saletta pointed out that the Utility would require a backflow prevention device installed with any gray water system. The resident must have a permit in place at the time of installation.
A discussion occurred regarding homeowners education of gray water systems. Mr. Saletta pointed out that ADEQ regulations were in the website but the utility could also provide information on gray water. There were no further questions. No Action required on this item.
Rain Water Harvesting
-Rain Water Harvesting exterior techniques & examples
-General Plan Policies (Water Use & Aesthetic)
-Problem Statement Graphs (Average Annual Water Use for Irrigation & Annual Irrigation (Water Use) Presentation by K. Boyce
-Water Use -Solutions in General Plan (Plant type -Water plan) -Irrigation requirements -Water havesting (Supply side approach. Town’s main concern: raparian areas in commercial sites. Goal: Develop the difference between the level of runoff before development happens and level of runoff after development occurs.
-Private and Public Benefit & Cost
-Landscape Code (Next Steps) Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, May 14 Landscape Task Force (Attendees: Developer representative, Landscape architect, Development Review members, WUC members, (two members) Planning & Zoning. Goal: Present Landscape Code to Council by September. Requirements go in place by year 2010.
-Solar PV & Heating (Electric & Thermal Energy)
-General Plan Policy (2.21: The Town shall promote site planning and architectural design that reduces heating and cooling demands.) -Building Codes currently in place
-Solar Heating (Full solar hot water system, Conduit with stub out, Insulated plumbing from water heater.)
-Solar PV System (Breaker Space in Electric Panel, Area for Solar Equipment in proximity to Electric Panel -Other?)
-The Bottom Line - Benefits & Costs
Question & answer session occurred (Rain Water Harvesting):
-What is the overall increase cost of a building project for a commercial structure? (Vice Chair Tustison). Mr. Vella indicated that it was less than 1%.
-Are there any restrictions on rain water storage systems treatment requirements or circulation of water? (Chair Powell) Mr. Vella indicated that ADEQ did not have specific requirements in terms of treatment, but they were concerned about the use of closed system and mosquito infestation.
Mr. Saletta emphasized that it was important to keep track of organic debris and algae that may accumulate in these systems. A simple solution is the use of chlorine and that the public must be aware they they have to maintain these types of systems.
Commissioner Davis discussed the higher density of plant materials and water requirements.
A discussion occurred regarding water runoff and the concept of ramping possibilities.
Mr.Vella ended his report.
There were no further questions. No Action Required on this item.
Mr. Saletta gave a short report regarding: the pandemic flu, the Utility’s responsibility to public health and safety, water supply, system security, and vulnerabilty assessment.
Mr. Ruiz presented a power point presentation: Oro Valley’s Water Utility Security Program.
1. Vulnerability Assessment (EPA requirement by June 2004): -Bioterrorism Act 2002 -RAM-W Training -VA Security report -Emergency Response Plan -Business Continuity Plan
2. Program Parameters
-Identify Critical Assets - Identify Risks Prioritze Risks - Develope Risk Mitigation Plan
-Develop Risk Mitigation Implementation Schedule
3. Emergency Response Plan
-Addresses the procedures to be implemented in response to specific emergencies such as: (contamination, loss of power, infrastructure failure, SCADA intrusion, earthquake, wind damage, fire)
-Details the organizational structure used during emergencies -Details protocols to be used during emergencies -Provides parameters to classify emergencies.
4. Business Continuity Plan
-Ensures the continuity of vital business services by: Assessing business functions as critical and/or interdependent
-analyses disaster impacts -Explains risk mitigation measures -Contains response plans for disasters
5. Risk Mitigation Plan
Annual Training: -Practicing incident management using NIMS structure -Table top exercises -Full scale exercise
Photos: EOC Staff exercise, Naranja Road Reservoir, Booster & Well Site, Fire Hydrant Defender, Intrusion detectors (motion sensor & video.)
Question and answer session occurred:
Commissioner Davis asked, if there is pipeline contamination who pays for it? Mr. Ruiz explained that the Utility needs to notify ADEQ if the possibility of contamination existed. Mr. Saletta indicated that it would be the Utility’s responsibility to pay for any repairs. The Utility could apply for emergency funds but ultimately it is the Utility’s responsibility to flush the pipes until the contamination is cleared. Under AZWARN (Arizona Water Agency Response Network). If the Utility assists other water providers (e.g. Metro Water or Tucson Water) they are responsible for reimbursing the Utility. The same principle would apply to us if we requested their assistance.
-Various photos slides reflecting security measures were presented: Naranja Road Reservoir, Booster and Well Site, Fire Hydrant Defender.
Mr. Ruiz indicated that the Utility was keeping itself prepared by mitigating and lowering the level of risk.
Ms. Seng mentioned that in the Emergency Response Plan and Business Plan Continuity Plan there were several pages of contact information in case of emergencies. All contact information such as vendors and staff numbers are updated routinely.
There were no further questions, Mr. Ruiz ended his report. No Action required on this item.
Ms. Seng reported the following:
Budget:
-The Utility submitted its budget to the Town Manager. The Town Manager’s recommended budget to Council included layoffs of 2.5 employees.
-Study Session with Council: Council asked if the Utility could cut $130,000 from its budget to save positions. Staff reviewed the budget and was able to cut $131,000 (CIP) for Construction Inspection Services. With the slow down in develoment the Utility’s Inspectors will be able to do the majority of inspections and the technical work will still be performed by consultants. This option has been presented but no decisions have been made.
Other changes: Ms. Seng gave a brief update regarding:
-New connections and EDU’s (Equivalent Dwelling Units)
-Water revenues (no changes based on no growth and no rate increase)
-AWRDIF (revenue reduction $189,000)
-PWSDIF (revenue reduction $97,500)
-GPF (estimated increase .55 to .75 cents per 1,000 gallons)
-Debt Service Coverage Ratio (with changes = $1.31)
The tentative budget has not been adopted but is planned to be adopted by June. The final budget will be adopted in June or July.
There being no further questions, Ms. Seng ended her report.
Mr. Saletta indicated that Mr. Andrews, Town Manager was very supportive of the Utility’s budget and the proposed changes with no layoffs. The budget was in the Town Manager’s Office for Council’s approval and recommendation.
Mr. Saletta mentioned that on May 6th Town Council approved the early payoff of the Series 1999 Bond payment. The payoff will save the Utility some debt service and interest payments of approximately $450,000.00. The Municipal Property Corporation (MPC) also approved the bond payoff today.
Ms. Seng ended her report.
Vice Mayor Carter had a question on Item #3.
Are Tucson Water and Metro Water preparing for these types of emergencies? Mr. Ruiz explained that all water utilities had to do vulnerability assessments and have an Emergency Response Plan in place. He also explained that the utility, Tucson Water and Metro Water are members of AZWARN (Arizona Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network).
Vice Mayor Carter felt strongly that the correlation and effort amongst the water providers would payoff. Mr. Ruiz emphasized that the Utility has made an effort to cooperate and strenghten its relationship with the other water providers.
There were no other comments.
Chair Tustison had no report.
Commissioner Davis indicated that work continues on the Landscape Ordinance.
Commissioner Hoffmann had no report.
Mr. Jacklitch reported the following:
-Pusch View Lane: New production well in service as of April. Pumpage: 750 gpm
-Piloted cholorine generator system is operating as designed
-May 18: Advertise 16" Water Main replacement on Innovation - Bid Opening: Month of June
-June 09: Advertise -El Conquistador Booster station replacement upgrade -Construction of a 3 million gallon reservoir North La Canada Drive.
-Well E1: Permit application submitted to abandon existing well. Condition of the casing is poor and formation is soft.
All projects are included in the phase I WIFA loan application process. There no further questions, Mr. Jacklitch ended his report.
b. Northwest Water Providers/CAP Water
-Staff continues to work with Westland Resources on the routing study. The contract was recently approved by Metropolitan Water District board and Westland will be doing the additional work to the routing study.
-5/20 T.C meeting -6/3 T.C. meeting -5/22 Possible field trip to Palo Verde power plant scheduled by CAP.
Mr. Saletta ended his report.
-Update on Proposed Landscape Code and Gray Water
-Future agenda item on: How rates could be used to incentivize water conservation (Commissioner Milkey)
Commissioner Davis indicated that he was involved in a study group with Tucson Water regarding Commercial Incentives\Conservation and that he would be glad to give the Commission an update.
| 11. |
NEXT MEETING: June 8, 2009 LOCATION: HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM |
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Shapiro and seconded by Commissioner Milkey to Adjourn
MOTION carried, 5-0.