|
|
Town of Ocean Ridge |
|
|
Town Hall: 561-732-2635 561-737-8359 (fax) |
Town Hall Hours: |
Police Dept.: |
|
|
Town Hall
Building & Zoning Police Department
Local Weather
Privacy and Usage Policy
|
UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M. Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members attended the meeting: Chairman Willens, Barry Essig, Peggy Smith, Craig Baskin, and Dom Pallaria. II. The Oct. 20, 1999 minutes could not be approved due to the lack of a quorum.
Town Clerk Hancsak advised that at the last regular Town meeting the Commission directed the UIAB to nominate the two new members to serve on the board. She added that although the board could not vote on the nominations they could still be presented to the Commission for approval. Craig Baskin nominated Michael DuBose, new resident at 36 Oceanview Drive. He stated that Mr. DuBose volunteered and thought it would be an asset to have more representation from the south end. The other board members concurred and stated that they did not have any other nominations at this time and they would discuss it again at the next meeting. Town Manager Dunham commented that Air Liquide cancelled again, however, they advised that they still want to meet with the board. He added that he would keep the board informed. Chairman Willens questioned if Air Liquide had a videotape available to which Town Manager Dunham stated he would investigate if one were available. Town Manager Dunham stated that he is a friend with the Town Manager of Highland Beach and they recently had a study completed by CH2MHILL concerning their potable water alternatives. He thought it would be helpful if a representative addressed the board since Ocean Ridge is very similar to Highland Beach. Mr. Dunham commented that Highland Beach currently has its own water plant that supplies the approximate 6,600-seasonal/3,600 non-seasonal residents. He added that they have full back up with Delray Beach and a partial back up with Boca Raton. Town Manager Dunham stated that investigating the water supply was a priority during the Vision 2000 discussion and he therefore felt that the board should be aware of the issues and the options facing the town in the future. He concluded by stating that Boynton Beach currently supplies the town with water and the town is totally dependent on them. Mr. Dunham introduced David Shoeman, CH2MHILL, who summarized Highland Beach’s water system by stating that they currently obtain water from a shallow aquifer near the coast to a plant located in western Boca Raton where it is treated with a lime softening treatment and distributed to the residents. He stated that the lime softening would not meet new standards being implemented in 2002. He added that they requested their study because of increased population, probable restrictions on the amount of water in the future and the requirement that small municipalities be included in the more stringent regulations. Mr. Shoeman stated that the alternatives for both towns included: purchasing land for the well and also the plant, purchasing another municipality’s well, desalinating salt water, or drilling a deep well on the island in the Floridan aquifer and treating the water with a membrane plant. He felt the last option was the most feasible for a smaller coastal community. He added that this option would require the well and a building approximately 7,000-8,000 square feet. This building would require 2 stories with 2-4 towers and room for a 20’x20’ well, an elevated or ground storage tank, back up pumps with an emergency generator on site, 2-3 persons per shift to man the plant (9-12), meter readers and the town should expect increased energy costs.. Chairman Willens questioned the approximate cost based on a deep water well to which he was advised between 3–6 million dollars. He then questioned the total years in operation before a profit would be generated, and incorporate the depreciation. Mr. Shoeman could not readily answer the question without a study being completed. Mr. Shoeman stated it was possible for someone else to finance, build and then sell the plant to the town after a certain amount of years with the town still receiving a portion of the profits. Chairman Willens stated that the town should be concerned if we have our own plant with insuring that the water supply will remain available and the sale of the water could assist with infrastructure development costs in the future. Mr. Baskin questioned what a town of this size could expect regarding sound generated from the plant. Mr. Shoeman stated that the blowers and pumps can be located within the building and then the noise should not be objectionable. He did state that is was possible for an odor to be emitted from the plant. Mr. Shoeman was questioned regarding the cost for an analysis for Ocean Ridge to which he advised that a study would be in the $7,000 range. The analysis would include proposed costs and "the steps and hoops required". Chairman Willens commented that the town would need an analysis on current costs through Boynton Beach and proposed costs with our own plant so the town can determine pay off period. Town Manager Dunham stated that a rate analysis could be completed. Mr. Pallaria questioned if state or federal funding was available. Mr. Shoeman stated that these monies were not available for affluent communities, however, low interest loans are set aside for small communities, usually with strings attached. After listening to the options Mr. Essig questioned even considering our own water supply if a long term agreement could be reached with Boynton Beach since we are included in their population and rationing of water. Mr. Shoeman commented that not many small communities have their own water supply. Town Manager Dunham questioned Mr. Shoeman on the effects Boynton Beach will have as a result of impending changes in 2002. Mr. Shoeman stated that their effects should be minimal because their requirements are already more stringent than Highland Beach which is similar in population. Chairman Willens asked the time frame before Boynton Beach reached its growth curve plateau and can’t serve anyone else. Mr. Shoeman stated that a decision regarding servicing a maximum amount of customers would be the responsibility of South Florida Water Management not Boynton Beach. He reminded the board that Ocean Ridge was included in Boynton Beach’s population and water consumption and if they were to drop the town then SFWM would decrease their permitted consumption. However, Mr. Shoeman commented that the shallow wells are being dug further west each time one is shut down. Mr. Baskin questioned Mr. Shoeman’s opinion on whether the town should continue its agreement with Boynton Beach. Mr. Shoeman stated the town should complete a rate study before making a decision. The board was concerned that they did not want to alert or alarm Boynton Beach into making any changes. Chairman Willens stated that the study could be completed as part of the long range planning efforts. Mr. Essig stated that the agreement probably provides a clause necessitating sufficient notice by either party to dissolve the agreement. Mr. Essig questioned the time frame to implement our own system. Mr. Shoeman advised approximately 2 – 3 years and approximately 2 – 3 months to complete a total analysis. Chairman Willens suggested recommending a rate study only using Highland Beach’s model water system and the current Boynton Beach costs. Town Manager Dunham stated that he would contact the Commission to inquire as to their concerns that Boynton Beach may increase its’ rates as West Palm Beach attempted to do with Palm Beach. Mrs. Smith stated that she was concerned with a comment from Commissioner Kaleel regarding losing the capability of tapping into the Floridan aquifer if the town procrastinates. Mr. Baskin suggested having a representative from South Florida Water Management present at the next meeting to discuss their predictions and options for the town. The board concurred. Mr. Pallaria suggested asking Boynton Beach to extend their contract to 50 years rather than the current contract and still investigate other options. He added that if Boynton Beach declined then the town should inquire why. Mr. Shoeman stated that he did not feel that Boynton Beach would cut off service, however, an increase in rates is possible. Chairman Willens summarized the meeting by stating that the board should still review possible potable water alternatives, possibly recommend a rate study after meeting with SFWM, and learn the Commission concerns before reaching a final decision. Town Manager Dunham thanked Mr. Shoeman for his input and advised the board that he would have a representative from the SFWM present at the January 19, 2000 meeting. ADJOURNMENT The informal meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:20 P.M. |
