There were no speakers.
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Arriaga and seconded by Commissioner Campbell to approve the November 10, 2014 Water Utility Commission minutes.
MOTION carried, 4-0.
Ms. Karn provided an update on conservation. She discussed that audits are provided to residential customers, Homeowner's Association and Commercial customers. The residential audit evaluates water usage both outside and inside the home by checking toilets and other water using appliances, outdoor irrigation, pools and fountains.
The Outreach and Education program included providing Conservation Activity booklets for students in grades 1 through 3. A pre and post activity booklet is also available for teachers on the Water Utility's website.
Ms. Boyce mentioned that Smart meters provide better accuracy for measuring water volume and improves staff efficiency.
Once Smart meters are installed the AquaHawk customer portal provides customers with real time data water consumption. All customers who register for this service can receive leak alerts. She explained the dash board and showed an example of a customers account as displayed in AquaHawk. Customers are sent notifications by AquaHawk if they are registered and have established thresholds. Customers not registered are contacted by the Water Utility if leaks are severe or go undetected.
The Conservation subcommittee met in November and discussed encouraging customers to use AquaHawk with incentives and easy access to information and education. There was also discussion to promote the education campaign through social media, news releases and customer referrals.
Mr. Saletta reported that Council unanimously approved the water rates.
There was discussion at the Council meeting regarding customer impacts. Mr. Saletta mentioned that the water rates analysis was essentially revenue neutral. There were increases only to the high water use customers which was consistent with conservation pricing and tiered rate structure. Council requested as a future agenda item looking into the GPF (Groundwater Preservation Fee). The Commission also previously discussed the possibility of looking at the cash reserve requirements policy. Mr. Saletta mentioned that the items would be included at the next Water Utility Finance Subcommittee meeting.
Vice Chair Davis gave a brief history and background in regards to Your Voice/Our Future Environmental Committee and the Environmental Committee. He mentioned the Environmental Committee main objectives were the Sonoran Desert Resources and Water Resources policy. Vice Chair Davis mentioned that the Committee work would be presented to Council by the end of the year.
Mr. Saletta thanked Commissioner Rick Davis and Robert Milkey, previous Chair of the Commission, for their participation in the Environmental Committee. Mr. Saletta handed out pages 10 & 11 of the Environmental Committee workbook.
Mr. Saletta will forward the complete workbook by email to the Commission.
The final draft will be forwarded to Council as part of the General Plan and voted upon in 2016 November election.
Vice Chair Davis introduced two new members of the Water Utility Commission. Commissioner Shanna Weagle and Commissioner Winston Tustison.
Councilmember Hornat reported on:
-12/17/2014 T.C. meeting: -Agenda Item: Purchase of El Conquistador Country Club & Golf Course
-1/07/2015 T.C. meeting: - Agenda Items: Sale of recreational vehicles at the Oro Valley Marketplace -Review Oro Valley Zoning Code and revisions to Senior Care Uses. -Public Hearing: Authorizing & Approving Water Rates, Fees and Charges for OVWU. -2014 Bond Election
-Ventana Medical building expansion -Discussion on Council Powerpoint presentations
Commissioner Davis reported that the next meeting will take place in January to discuss AquaHawk program and water usage.
Commissioner Reynolds reported the subcommittee did not meet. The application for the Arizona Power Authority 2017 Hoover Dam power reallocation was approved by Council January 7, 2015. Mr. Jacklitch reported on the allocation and what power could be available. An update will be given in the future.
Ms. Seng reported the following:
New Metered Connections & EDUs
-Total Metered Connections as of 12/31/14: 19,112
-Projected Meter Installations: FY 14-15: 211
-Actual New Meter Installations as of 12/31/14: 86 December: 9
-Projected EDU's for FY 14-15: 345
-Actual EDU's as of 12/31/14: 199 December: 16
AMI Meter Installations: AMI installations for FY 14-15 will resume in January. The Meter Division is currently working in the Oro Valley Country Club area. Next scheduled areas for this FY include: Copper Creek and Sun City.
Water Conservation Audits
-Water Audits for FY 14-15 as of 12/31/2014: 64
-Total audits completed from inception: 1,865
-AquaHawk - Staff will provide a graph showing the number of registered customers as well as AMI connections.
Mr. Jacklitch reported the following:
Design Projects
-Countryside service area: The 12-inch water main design is complete -Construction Schedule: February 2015
-Tangerine Road widening: The Water Utility is working with Development Infrastructure Services department and RTA on this project. This project will consist of relocating the existing reclaimed water and potable water mains. Design schedule: February 2015
-Lambert Lane/La Canada: The existing water main will be abandoned. A new 12-inch water main from intersection of Lambert and La Canada will be installed.
-Energy Efficiency: Continuing installation of pumps and motors through this fiscal year.
Construction Projects
Naranja Road: DIS department will be making road improvements on Naranja west of La Cholla. The Water Utility will install a 12-inch water main across Naranja Road for future CAP and groundwater blending. A future booster pump blending station will be constructed on the south side of the road. Construction of the 12-inch water main will begin in January into February.
Mr. Ruiz reported on the following:
-Total Annual Water Production - December 2014
-2013-14 Monthly Water Production Report through December 2014
-Precipitation & Storage Daily Demand - December 2014
-2013-14 Monthly Reclaimed Water Deliveries
-Reclaimed Water System deliveries - Calendar Year Total Delivery: 710,866,000 gallons
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DIRECTOR’S REPORT (P. Saletta) |
Mr. Saletta reported on the following:
Colorado River Water Supply - December 21, 2014
-Colorado Snowpack
-Utah Snowpack
-Wyoming Snowpack
-Arizona Snowpack
A billing insert will be mailed in February advertising for a Water Utility Commission Countryside Water Service Area
-A Commission and staff contact list will be emailed.
-3/06: Southern Arizona Water Users forum will be held. All Commission members are invited.
Ms. Wiese expressed concern about the purchase of the El Conquistador, the .50% tax increase, and possible loss in revenue for reclaimed water fees. Mr. Saletta mentioned there were no losses in revenue for potable or reclaimed water to the Water Utility and that the Town pays for its water use.
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NEXT MEETING: FEBRUARY 9, 2015 LOCATION: HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM |
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Tustison and seconded by Commissioner Arriaga to adjourn the Water Utility Commission meeting.
MOTION carried, 6-0.