Oro Valley resident Doug McKee commented on California's mismanagement of water and declining levels and including average residential water usage in the next annual report.
Commissioner Weagle suggested a correction to Item 2 of the minutes. There was also a suggestion change to Item 4 which was not changed due to Granicus live streaming. In addition, there were corrections that needed to be made to the graphs on-line for Item 4 and those will be corrected in Grancius by staff.
MOTION: A motion was made by Vice Chair Reynolds and seconded by Commissioner Arriaga to approve the minutes as amended. Minutes were approved 3-1. (Commissioner Weagle)
Commissioner Arriaga opened the discussion indicating that the Finance Subcommittee met March 31, 2015 to discuss the Groundwater Preservation Fee Policy and Cash Reserve Policy.
Ms. Seng reported there was discussion on use and purpose of the Groundwater Preservation Fee (GPF). She indicated that six financial scenarios were prepared and reviewed. The consensus among the subcommittee members was that CAP wheeling costs could be paid with Groundwater Preservation Fees (GPF). Staff will prepare an additional financial scenario regarding the GPF and will draft language for policy changes regarding use of the GPF.
The subcommittee also discussed potential policy changes regarding the Cash Reserve Policy. These financial scenarios and changes to the policy language will be reviewed at the finance subcommittee meeting to be held the week of May 18. These items will then be brought back to the Water Utility Commission for review June 8.
No formal action was taken or required.
Vice Chair Reynolds opened the discussion indicating that the Water Resources Subcommittee met April 7 to discuss the Hoover Arizona Power Authority, Groundwater Extinguishment Credits, Water Resources and Water Policies and Code. Mr. Jacklitch gave a brief update on the 2017 Hoover Arizona Power Authority application process and that the application will be submitted no later than April 27, 2015.
Mr. Saletta discussed the opportunity to purchase about 2,000 AF of groundwater extinguishment credits by June 30th and that funds are budgeted in FY 14/15 to make this purchase. Currently Oro Valley has about 25,000 AF in its storage accounts. It is planned to potentially increase these accounts up to 42,000 AF over the next 5 years.
The Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) currently has 404,000 AF of credits in the Tucson Active Management Area (TAMA) and in 2015 this is estimated to increase 428,000 AF. There was discussion regarding AWBA storage, and that it is accessible and will be allocated during any water shortages to CAP M&I subcontractors.
Mr. Saletta presented several graphs for review. After discussion, the Commission preferred the stacked Total Annual Water Production and the side-by-side 2-year Water Production graphs and these graphs be presented quarterly. Customer Service reports will also be presented on a quarterly basis. Capital Improvement Project reports will remain on a monthly basis.
Councilmember Hornat reported on the recent Council meetings:
-Naranja Park Strategic Plan, Town Sign Code, La Cholla road improvements 2017 (Overton to Tangerine), Approval of WUC Annual Report 2015, IGA Childrens Museum IGA approved.
-4/15: T.C meeting: Presentation of Managers Budget, La Cholla, Glover to Lambert Lane changes in General Plan, -Zoning issue S.E. corner La Cholla and Lambert Zoning
-4/18: Spring Triathlon
Commissioner Davis reported that the Conservation Subcommittee met April 10. There was discussion about water conservation in the Southwest and the AquaHawk program and assisting customers with setting tresholds and leak alerts in AquaHawk. There was discussion about setting up a booth with volunteers at the Steam Pump Ranch Farmers Market on weekends. Commissioner Davis also mentioned that the committees which participated in Your Voice and our Future program have gathered their information and a final draft is being reviewed.
Ms. Seng reported the following:
-Total Metered Connections as of 3/31/15: 19,136
-Actual New Metered Connections: Month of March: 19
-Projected Meter Installations for FY 14-15: 211 Tracking: 150
-Actual SU's as of 3/31/15: 240
-Projected SU's for FY 14-15: 345
SU= Service Unit (1 service unit is equivalent to a 5/8-inch meter)
AMI Meter Installations: 12,308
Project is estimated to be completed by March 2016
Water Conservation Audtits as of 3/31/15: FY 14-15: 86 -Month of March: 4
-Registered accounts in AquaHawk: FY 14-15: 1,119
-Total audits completed from inception: 1,886
Mr. Jacklitch reported on:
Countryside Water -12-inch water is 90% complete. The project will be closed in June.
Design Projects
-Tangerine Road - This project is ongoing and is part of the RTA
-Lambert Lane - Design process has started for the potable water line is ongoing. 60% of the roadway plans are in.
-Energy Efficiency Project - This project is on track and will continue until next fiscal year.
-Naranja CAP Crossing - This project is complete.
Mr. Saletta reported on:
-Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming Current Snow Water Equivalent - April 13, 2015
-Colorado Streamflow - Colorado, Rio Grande, and Arkansas River Basis Mountain Snowpack - April 1, 2015
-Colorado River Water Supply Report: - March 17, 2015
The Water Resources subcommittee will discuss whether these reports will be presented on a monthly basis.
Mr. Saletta reported on:
-T.C. approval of the WUC Annual Report 2015
-4/15: T.C. meeting Agenda item: Town Manager Budget
-4/22: T.C. Study Session. Water Utility budget presentation time: 4:00 p.m.
-4/29: T.C. Study Session. Remaining Town budget presentations
-5/11: WUC meeting
-5/20: T.C tentative budget adoption
-6/17: T.C. Final Budget approval
-6/9-6/10: Water Resources Research Center Conference will be held in Phoenix. The Water Utility Director will attend. The Commissioners were also invited to attend for a day.
Water Resources items
-Recovery of stored water, storage facilities and existing assets now and in the future. (Commissioner Weagle)
-Fourth Management Plan and impact to the Water Utility
Conservation Subcommittee items
-Drought Preparedness Plan (Commissioner Weagle)
These items will be addressed at the subcommittee meetings and if approved by the subcommittee could be forwarded to the Water Utility Commission for further discussion.
Oro Valley resident Doug McKee commented on the Consumer Confidence Report, CAP water blending and hardness and CAP water versus groundwater pumping.
|
NEXT MEETING: MAY 11, 2015 LOCATION: HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM |
MOTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Arriaga and seconded by Vice Chair Reynolds to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION carried, 4-0.