MINUTES
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, February 10, 2014
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
Ms. Erica Wiese, Oro Valley resident commented on the Southwest and risk of water shortages. She also commented about balancing conservation and revenues.
Mr. Art Weise, Oro Valley resident commented on the California drought and Lake Mead reservoir water levels. ADWR reported that at current rate of development Arizona will need to obtain new sources of water. Mr. Weise was also concern about the increasing development and the 100 year water supply projections.
MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Davis and seconded by Commissioner Arriaga to Recomend Approval of the Water Utility January 13, 2014 Minutes.
MOTION carried, 7-0.
Mr. Rob Carruth thanked the Water Utility and Town of Oro Valley for their support with the USGS project. The U.S. Geological Survey has been increasing gravity monitoring in two recharge areas along the Santa Cruz and Avra Valley areas. Mr. Carruth gave an update on Land Subsidence and Aquifer-Storage Change Monitoring in the Tucson Active Management Area. Several Cooperating Agencies include the Town of Oro Valley, Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District, City of Tucson, Pima County and Town of Marana.
Ms. Karn Boyce, Conservation Specialist gave an update on the Water Conservation Program. She mentioned several of the accomplishments in Phase I, the High Water Use Action Plan and the Children's Water Education Activity booklet. Part of Phase II includes the Youth Education program and the Conservation Kids program which began February 3rd in Oro Valley schools. There are 26 presentations scheduled across four schools, but there are two other schools pending responses. The Youth Education program includes a 10 minute conservation video from Tucson Water adopted for the Town of Oro Valley. Ms. Boyce presented a Power Point presentation and the Conservation Kids video.
The following members were appointed to subcommittees:
Conservation Subcommittee
Rick Davis, Chair -Anne Campbell
Water Resources Subcommittee
Rick Reynolds, Chair -Javier Arriaga
Finance Subcommittee
Robert Milkey, Chair -Betty Shapiro -Rich Verlaque
Mr. Saletta gave a presentation on the Water Utility's Impact Fees. Mr. Saletta reviewed the Water Utility's Impact Fees compliance and requirements under the new law. The Land Use Assumptions and the Infrastructure Improvements Plan were approved by Town Council January 15th.
Mr. Saletta reviewed the various customer classes and fees listed in the existing and proposed water impact fees Table 4-5 of the impact fee report that was published in October 2013.
Mr. Saletta reviewed the Town and Water Utility impact fees approval process and schedule.
Staff will be preparing a Council Communication for the February 19th Town Council meeting. An e-mail copy will be sent to the Commission for their information, review and consideration at the March 10, 2014 Water Utility Commission meeting.
Council member Hornat thanked Chair Milkey for addressing Council and representing the Water Utility Commission on the Water Rates/Impact Fees items. He mentioned the WIFA loan and how it made good financial sense in terms of principal and low interest rates.
There were no subcommittee reports.
| b. |
Conservation Subcommittee |
| c. |
Water Resources Subcommittee |
Ms. Seng reported on the following:
-The WIFA Loan closed January 24th, Total of $5.0 million with an Interest rate of 2.65% and 15 year term.
-Customer Late fee charges -A $5.00 or 1% late fee will appear on the customer bills
-Advanced Metering Infrastructure presentation will be given in April
-Online credit card payment activity
Customer Service Report - January 31, 2014
-Total Metered Connections as of 1/31/14: 18,887
-Projected Meter Installations for FY 13-14: 200
-Actual New Meter Installations as of 1/31/14: FY 13-14: 75 -Month: 15
-Actual EDU's as of 1/31/14: 141 -Current Month: 28
Meter Replacements: FY 13-14: 155 -Current Month: 17
Water Audits: FY 13-14: 92 -Current Month: 9
Mr. Jacklitch reported on:
CIP Projects
-Delivery of additional 500 AF Tucson Water CAP Water wheeling. The design phase of the project was approved by the Town and Tucson Water. Staff is currently seeking approval from Pima County. Construction schedule: March 2014
-Delivery of additional 100 AF CAP Water wheeling to Countryside area
-Staff will review the Water Quality draft report for both areas.
Design Projects
-Reclaim Water facility -Finishing up several small projects in the area. Pipeline design for chlorine delivery is complete. Construction schedule: April 2014
-15 Year CIP program: The Water Utility staff prepared a 15 year CIP plan. The Water Utility developed a 15-year, 5-year and 10-year CIP plan.
Mr. Ruiz reported on the Potable and Reclaimed Water System - January 2014
-Total Annual Water Production
-2013-14 Monthly Water Production Report
-Precipitation & Storage Average - January 2014
-2013-2014 Monthly Reclaimed Water Deliveries
-Reclaimed Water System Yearly volume pumped
Mr. Saletta reported on the following:
-CAP River Water Total System Content: Lake Powell & Lake Mead
-Colorado Rio Grande, Arkansas River Basins Mountain Snowpack
-AZ Current Snow Water Equivalent
-Colorado Current Snow Water Equivalent
-Utah Current Snow Water Equivalent
-Wyoming Current Snow Water Equivalent
-Great Basin and California Mountain Snowpack
-03/10/14: A draft of the 2014 Annual Report will be presented to the Commission for review and consideration. The Annual Report will be forwarded to Council for approval in April.
-02/19/14: Town Council Agenda Item: Public Hearing on Water Impact Fees
-03/05/14: Town Council meeting
-03/10/14: Water Utility Commission meeting
-04/08/14: Water Resources Research Center Conference