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UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Kaleel, Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members: Craig Baskin, Barry Essig, Don Matheson, Michael Nevins, Dom Pallaria, Dr. Bob Smith, Peggy Smith and Jeffrey Willens.

It was noted that Sandy Foster would be arriving late.

Town Manager Dunham thanked the members for volunteering to serve on this board and summarized Resolution No. 98-20 outlining the duties of the board. He advised that the term could either be lengthened or shortened and pointed out that the board was expected to propose some sort of work plan prior to June 1999. He stated that the meetings needed to be open to the public, thus properly advertised, taped and minutes recorded so as not to violate the Florida Sunshine Law. He reminded the members that their goal was to make recommendations to the Town Commission.

At this point Mayor Kaleel commented that while he is not on the committee he was an Ex Officio member and he too also thanked the members for their participation on the board which was formed as a result of the Focus 2000 meeting held in May 1998. He advised that the priorities derived from that meeting included investigation of the drinking water, drainage, sewers, No Seeums, and underground utilities. He added that it was the responsibility of the committee to educate themselves on the subjects, determine what projects can be completed, how it could be achieved and whether the town can afford the project and by what means. He stated that the staff was available to assist in supplying information and scheduling speakers. He also stated that there are some funds available for professional services should it become necessary that can be approved by the Town Commission.

Regarding the No Seeums, Mayor Kaleel advised that St. Marks School in Boynton Beach was given a $10,000 Grant for participating in a special CO2 test that attracts and traps the no seeums in an attempt to control them. This may be an option that the committee would like to research further.

Mayor Kaleel commented that the Commission placed a one year life term on the committees in hopes of having a plan by the year 2000 even if it may result in being partially or totally rejected.

Mayor Kaleel stated that he had spoken with representatives from Bell South and FPL who advised that they would be willing to address the committee in regards to underground utilities. He added that this project can possibly be combined with the repaving of SR A1A in the year 2005.

Concerning the drinking water supply, Mayor Kaleel advised the board that the town is sitting on an aquifer that the town may possibly claim rights to. He stated that it would be necessary to apply for proper permits to preserve our rights and it could cost between $20,000 - $30,000.

Mayor Kaleel stress the importance of this board because their issues will affect the town for the next 50 – 100 years.

Sandy Foster arrived at approximately 6:30 P.M.

Mayor Kaleel stressed the importance of this board because their issues will affect the town for the next 50 – 100 years.

Dr. Smith questioned how the Sunshine Law would affect this board and whether they could form subcommittees. Mayor Kaleel advised that the Town Manager would request an opinion from the Town Attorney, however, he did not feel it could be done. He added that the town had just received clarification from the Florida Ethics that both committees would not be required to file financial disclosures as was previously thought. Mayor Kaleel commented that the Sunshine Law was not a major issue and just reminded the board that they must discuss all related issues at a public meeting.

Dr. Smith suggested that the board address one or two issues at a time, rather than all at once.

Mr. Willens suggested that summaries on all the issues be distributed to all members and that certain topics or items be designated to specific members who would then report back to the board for further discussion.

Mayor Kaleel agreed with Dr. Smith’s suggestion and mentioned the vacuum sewer system in Sanford and the possibility of arranging a field trip there. Dr. Smith advised that the easiest method to educate the members was to provide them with reading material.

In regards to the sewer system, Mayor Kaleel commented that the board needed to determine whether the town actually needed it, what type and how the town would fund the project. The board may realize that it would be too costly to employ our own utility department. He reminded the board that these are the reasons to formulate a plan.

At this point it was unanimously agreed that Jeffrey Willens be appointed Chairman and Dr. Smith as Vice Chairman of Utility Infrastructure Advisory Committee. It was also decided that the board would meet the 3^rd Wednesday of each month (at a minimum) at 6:00 P.M.

Regarding the drinking water issue, Mr. Pallaria questioned if there was a problem with the current process. Mayor Kaleel commented that the town could possibly supply its residents with water from the aquifer, thus becoming a revenue making venture which could offset the future sewer system costs. Sandy Foster stated that having its own water supply would make the town more independent. Town Manager Dunham mentioned that Manalapan has its own bulk water and added that they also supply it to Hypoluxo.

Chairman Willens suggested discussing the drinking water and drainage issues first since the South Florida Water Management (SFWM) would affect both.

Mr. Pallaria commented that he was in charge of the sewage treatment plant that serves Crown Colony, Colonial Ridge and Briny Breezes. He stated that they currently have a permit to release the effluent in the aquifer and questioned whether the aquifer would be suitable for drinking purposes commenting that the water does migrate. Mayor Kaleel stated the aquifer he was referring to was another one much deeper but agreed that is why the matter should be investigated. Mr. Pallaria questioned why the town would want to divorce itself from Boynton Beach when Briny Breezes still contracts with Boynton Beach. Mr. Pallaria inquired whether he could obtain some information from the City of Boynton Beach. The members concurred that the issued should be discussed together first.

Mrs. Smith reminded the board that the road widening/repaving of SR A1A by FDOT should be considered when discussing the sewers and underground utilities. Mayor Kaleel suggested discussing the underground utilities last.

At the conclusion of the meeting it was decided that the board would discuss the drinking water and sewer systems as their first items to investigate.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:25 P.M.