There were no speakers.
MOTION: A motion was made by COMMISSIONER SHAPIRO and seconded by VICE CHAIR TUSTISON to Approve the February 13, 2012 minutes as written.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Commissioner Hoffmann introduced Mr. Fred Tillman a Research Hydrologist from the USGS Geological Survey in Tucson, Arizona. Mr. Tillman mentioned that the USGS studies were supported by the USGS Groundwater Resources Program. The presentation covered the following details:
-USGS Regional Groundwater Studies -Arizona Groundwater Availability Pilot Study
-Groundwater in Arizona Total Water Demands -Groundwater Withdrawals Physical Environment -Estimated depth to bedrock Potential pumping effects -Water budgets
-Indicators of groundwater conditions -CAP canal projects and agricultural fields
-Summary of water level trends in wells and observations between 1997-2006 and 2000-2008.
Mr.Tillman indicated that the USGS would like to participate in a full scale regional groundwater availability study and continue monitoring of groundwater levels & subsidence, and create a regional groundwater flow model. Mr. Tillman ended his report.
A discussion occurred about declining water well levels and that during the period of 2007 through 2011 Oro Valley experienced a total average of 2.6 foot drop in well levels, but Oro Valley has also experienced a 1 foot rise since last year.
Discussion occurred regarding Oro Valley’s 5,500 AF per year groundwater sustainability level and that the USGS did not get involve in any sustainability water levels in the aquifer.
Commissioner Hoffmann reported that the subcommittee met 3/1/2012 and a number of topics were discussed.
Mr. Saletta also reported on the following:
-Discussed 142 acre feet of CAP water has been delivered to date -Develop a water quality monitoring program to track CAP water through O.V. distribution system
-Discussed future planning and the possibility of CAP water deliveries through TW system south area along Oracle Road and possibly Countryside area
-Discussed the possibility of constructing a booster station for CAP future water deliveries if increased from 1,500 to 3,000 acre feet per year. This will help with blending water from D to E pressure zones.
-Staff will present data on groundwater levels, well levels and water production levels on a periodic basis to the Commission.
-Discussed the Reclaimed Water System expansion and the potential of including the Pusch Ridge 9-hole golf course and River Front Park however cost estimates determined that these areas were not feasible at this time.
-Discussed that the Naranja Park town site could be best site for expansion when it is developed
-Discussed possibilities that some HOAs could connect if they are close to the system
-Discussed the need to renegotiate Reclaimed Water IGA with Tucson Water. Evaluate options for environmental rate (interruptible) versus (non-interruptible rate)
-ADD Water Program - This is a long-term project to acquire, develop and deliver Colorado River water through the Central Arizona Project Canal. Oro Valley is involved through the Southern Arizona Water Users Association and we are working closely with the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) and Bureau of Reclamation.
-WRSC Future Agenda Item: Move forward with Renewal of Assured Water Designation
A discussion occurred.
-ADD Water’s involvement with additional future CAP water deliveries
-Reclaimed Water IGA renewal period and reviewing the environmental rate (interruptible) versus the non-interruptible rate
-Effluent water rights through Tucson Water and delivery limitations.
There were no further discussions. No Action was required or taken on this item.
Mr. Saletta gave a presentation and reviewed the various sections of the Oro Valley Water Utility Commission Annual Report. Mr. Saletta ended his presentation.
Chair Milkey asked for a motion to consider approval of the Annual Report and stated that any additional Commission comments were due back to Staff no later than March 15, 2012.
MOTION: A motion was made by COMMISSIONER SHAPIRO and seconded by COMMISSIONER DAVIS to Approve of the Annual Report - April 2012 and forwarded to Council for acceptance after some final editing.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Councilmember Hornat mentioned that Council was very appreciative of the CAP Water Project and was pleased to handout the recognition certificates to the Water Staff.
Vice Chair Tustison had no report.
Commissioner Davis had no report.
Commissioner Hoffmann had no other reports.
Ms. Seng gave a brief presentation on:
-Conservation Study Results: Complied October 2010 by Western Resource Advocates
Ms. Seng also provided information on the Customer Service Report for February 2012, Meter replacements and Countryside AMI project.
Ms. Seng reported that the National Groundwater Association has declared the week of 3/12/2012 as groundwater awareness week.
Mr. Jacklitch reported on several projects: Lambert Lane Water Main improvements; El Conquistador Booster Station; Campo Bello Water Main Replacement Project.
Mr. Ruiz presented several slides on Potable and Reclaimed Water Systems.
-Monthly Water Production Report-2011-12
-Reclaimed Water System - February 2012
-Potable Water System Overall Reservoir Storage and Precipitation - February 2012
Mr. Saletta reported that the Water Utility Staff, Finance Department and Financial Adviser were evaluating the possibility of refinancing 2003 series bonds. These bonds are at a higher rate and the Utility is looking to refinance at lower rates. A Finance Subcommittee meeting will be scheduled to discuss the bond refinancing process. Staff will also present this information to the Commission at the next meeting and to Council on April 18th.
Mr. Saletta also mentioned that depending on the year and terms of the bonds the differential rates could be set as low as 3.5% to 4.0%.
Mr. Saletta presented information on the following topics: Arizona & Colorado Streamflow reports; Arizona Snow Water Equivalent; Current Snow Water Equivalent, Lake Mead & Powell Colorado River Water Storage.
Mr. Saletta reported on his Washington, DC trip and AWWA’s support of the Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act.
-Finance Subcommittee Meeting: To be determined.
-4/4: Town Council Meeting
-4/9: WUC Meeting
-Discuss the 5,500 AF Groundwater Sustainable rate process and how it was determined
-Update on 2012 Refunding of the 2003 Bonds