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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 5C_8/8/1996 VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING #11-96 MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 I. CALL TO ORDER The Tequesta Village Council held a joint workshop meeting with the Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District at Jupiter Beach Resort, Jupiter, Florida, on Thursday, June 27, 1996. The meeting was called to order at 7 : 10 P.M. by Chairman Joe Ellis. II. ROLL CALL A roll call was taken, with those in attendance from the Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District being Chairman Joe Ellis, Rick Dent, George Gentile, Snag Holmes, Tommy Thompson, and Al DeMott. Those in attendance from the Village of Tequesta were Mayor Ron T. Mackail, Vice Mayor Elizabeth A. Schauer, Joseph N. Capretta, Carl C. Hansen, and Michael R. Meder. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford, Village Clerk Joann Manganiello, and Cindy DeFillipo, representative from Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen Marcus' office. Martin County Commissioner Janet Gettig arrived during the opening statements portion of the meeting. VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 2 III . APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Mackail made a motion to approve the Agenda as submitted. ENCON Board tuber Tommy Thompson seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as submitted. IV. OPENING STATEMENTS Mayor Mackail thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting, and the ENCON Board for inviting the Village to attend. Mayor Mackail explained that a letter from Village Manager Bradford dated May 13 had outlined specific questions regarding the Harbor Branch study, and on May 16 the ENCON board had met and called this joint workshop to authorize this group to engage in conversation regarding specific questions and preliminary figures relative to sewering the Tequesta peninsula. Mayor Mackail stated that his position as Mayor of the Village had been made clear in a January 23, 1996 meeting, and the May 13 letter had contained seven specific questions which the Village Council would like to have answered. Mayor Mackail expressed the hope that this workshop would result in a better understanding of the ENCON proposal and would make known what actions were needed. Councilmember Meder commented that he had attended the January 23 meeting where the Harbor Branch study had been presented to Tequesta residents which he did not believe should be the basis for installing sewers, and he hoped to present information later in the meeting which would clearly show where problems on the river should be addressed. Councilmember Hansen commented that he did not regard the study very highly and felt that to base a decision to sewer the peninsula with that information and the technical knowledge available was not right. Councilmember Hansen expressed the hope that the ENCON Board would consider coming up with much clearer information before action was considered. Councilmember Capretta commented that he believed the study had created a big problem, since the VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 3 Village Council could not recommend its results to the residents of the Village because the Councilmembers did not believe the results. Councilmember Capretta explained that the residents did not support the idea of sewers because they had not been convinced that septic tanks were polluting the river, and if the top five pollutants were listed, septic tanks would not be included. Councilmember Capretta commented this seemed like a very ineffective way of approaching the problem and suggested establishment of a priority list of actions to stop pollution of the river, along with the most cost effective ways to accomplish those priorities. Councilmember Capretta commented that the IQ water sold to the golf courses by ENCON was one of the biggest pollutants, and another was the stormwater drainage problems throughout the whole region. Councilmember Capretta expressed his opinion that ENCON was not addressing the major causes of pollution to the river because they were difficult and costly to fix, and not profitable; therefore, ENCON had changed their charter to go after septic tanks, which was very profitable, and would work on the major pollutants after sewers had been installed. Mr. Capretta commented that the Village was questioning data presented to them which did not prove that septic tanks were polluting, or if they were that they were very trivial in comparison to the major pollutants. Councilmember Capretta explained that the Village saw no indication on the part of ENCON that they were willing to make a valid study to prove that septic tanks were one of the major causes of pollution to the river. Vice Mayor Schauer commented that the Harbor Branch study had not demonstrated that septic tanks were polluting the river and did not address the possible negative impact of sewering the Tequesta peninsula. Vice Mayor Schauer commented that she would like to see a task force of qualified people set up by the end of this meeting to establish a regional plan for now and in the future. Chairman Ellis commented that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss ENCON's program to eliminate septic tanks throughout the District with primary focus on the program to install sewers on the Tequesta peninsula. Mr. Ellis VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 4 commented that the Board knew stormwater was a threat and it was not entirely their fault they were not conducting the stormwater attack. Mr. Ellis stated that on tonight' s agenda the following would be discussed: Known pollution sources, potable water conservation, river enhancement and citizen involvement. Mr. Ellis deplored the trend of various governments fighting more than cooperating. Mr. Ellis explained that this was a workshop meeting and that no motions would be made and no votes would be taken, and that there would be no formal communications from citizens. Mr. Ellis requested that each topic be limited to fifteen minutes, if possible. Mayor Mackail stated that Commissioner Gettig had arrived and invited her to sit at the head table. George Gentile expressed the hope that other issues not on the agenda would be discussed which were important to ENCON and the Village. Mr. Gentile explained that the District had started on a direction for river enhancement which established a strong stormwater initiative for the region and were stopped by local northern county governments who did not want ENCON to tread on their jurisdictions, and any action had been delayed until December, 1996. Mr. Gentile stated that upon ENCON's establishment they had received a grant from the federal government to stop sewage effluant from going into the Loxahatchee River, and their finances remained approximately the same amount as that initial grant, which showed they were not providing service to make a profit, but rather to expend those funds in carrying out their mandate. Mr. Gentile expressed the hope that discussion at this meeting would clear up misinformation that was continually coming out at meetings, and explained that he had requested this workshop so that both the Village and ENCON could take advantage of the opportunity to work together. Mr. Thompson explained that this subject was not new and had been an issue in Juno Beach 25 years ago, and now those residents were very happy they had sewers. Mr. Thompson pointed out that in 1989 when Country Club Drive was being VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 5 repaved that the Village advised its residents they should make arrangements with ENCON to hook up to the sewer system. Mr. Thompson stated that he favored a sewer system, and had inspected other systems, including one recently in Ontario, New York. Mr. Thompson expressed the opinion that everyone wanted to help the environment, but when it affected their pocketbooks it became a difficult issue. Mr. Thompson stated that the Harbor Branch organization was highly credited and despite all of the criticism, they stood behind the study they had made. Mr. DeMott explained that this was the sixth year he had been involved in this sewer controversy which began when he was President of Tequesta Country Club Association and suddenly with no notice, it had been announced that sewers would be put into the peninsula, with no study and no information. Mr. DeMott stated that he had had to dig to find out why this was happening. Mr. DeMott commented that he wanted to make sure everyone at this meeting represented the area under discussion, since at previous meetings people in the area claimed they had not been notified, and stated that representatives were present from County Commissioner Marcus' office and also from Bermuda Terrace. Mr. DeMott stated he was not against sewers, however, he had not anticipated a study which had cost $60, 000 of taxpayers money to be challenged by Tequesta residents, and agreed with Vice Mayor Schauer that a task force should be set up to include representation from the five different areas causing the pollution of the river. Mr. DeMott commented he did not want to spend 8 or 10 million dollars on sewers and have another report given to ENCON showing the same pollution still existed, that he could not spend taxpayers' money that way, and that during his two years on the Board he had tried to look out for residents' tax money. Mr. DeMott expressed the opinion that this problem must be solved and that the ENCON staff should provide the proper information. Cindy DeE'illipo from Commissioner Marcus' office reported various comments received by their office from residents in unincorporated areas: That they did not feel homeowners VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP. MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 6 insurance protected against sewer backup; that they questioned whether liens could be subordinated so that residents needing second mortgages would not be penalized; that liens had been placed on properties in Jupiter River Estates although no work had been started; and that coordination with other agencies was needed so that roads would not be torn up more than once. Ms. DeFillipo explained that the County did not place liens until work had been completed. Mr. Ellis explained that work would start in approximately one week. Martin County District 3 Commissioner Janet Gettig commented that in her area there were several areas subject to the sewering under discussion, complimented the Board on its extraordinary efforts to bring the communities together, expressed her opinion that the Harbor Branch organization had done a commendable job on their study, and expressed their hope that ENCON could move this matter along. V. PROGRAM TO ELIMINATE SEPTIC TANKS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Chairman Ellis explained that he had been the author of the Ellis Rule, imposed by the District upon itself and not by mandate, which states that ENCON shall install sewers in neighborhoods which existed in 1985 only if there is a health hazard or environmental degradation of the river, or if over 50% of the homeowners agree to sewers. Mr. Ellis explained that in the mid 1970's the plan had been to install sewers in all existing neighborhoods, however, in the late 1970's had been modified to conform to the Ellis rule. Mr. Ellis demonstrated on a graphic a study conducted in the early 1980 's, and explained where sewers had been installed throughout the area since that time. Mr. Ellis explained that in 1991 ENCON had set up three committees--a citizens committee, a technical committee, and a governmental advisory committee to evaluate ENCON's activities and advise what programs ENCON should undertake. These committees had recommended that the stormwater problem be addressed and that sewers be provided in older septic tank areas; therefore, VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 7 ENCON had offered a low pressure system to homes next to the river under a voluntary program, but it had received such heavy opposition that ENCON had commissioned the Harbor Branch study. Mr. Ellis presented another graphic to illustrate the locations of septic tanks in use at the present time, and explained that ENCON's current program was located in six areas: Jupiter River Estates, Limestone Creek road area, Tony Penna area, the County Line road area, the old Jupiter Beach road area, and the Tequesta peninsula. Mr. Ellis explained that their program to address septic tanks had been ongoing for over two decades and would continue, and that although it had been modified many times, many septic tanks had been replaced with sewers over the years. Vice Mayor Schauer questioned why she should remain at this meeting since her impression was that no matter what transpired tonight, ENCON intended to install sewers in the Tequesta peninsula, and she explained that most residents were upset because the Harbor Branch study indicated that septic tanks were polluting the river and because the program was mandatory, when the residents did not believe it had been proved that septic tanks were indeed polluting the river. Vice Mayor Schauer explained that residents had indicated they would not have a problem with installation of sewers if they believed the septic tanks were polluting the river, and some residents did want sewers. Mr. Gentile responded that the current program was the result of the residents' objections to the proposed voluntary low pressure system, which as a result of a study had been replaced with a mandatory gravity system. Mr. Ellis stated that his presentation had been an attempt to show that a program had been in place for some time. Councilmember Hansen commented that everyone loved the river and if solid evidence were available proving that septic tanks were polluting the river that the Village Council would be trying to help ENCON in every possible way; however, the feeling was prevalent that conclusive proof had not been presented that septic tanks were polluting or if they were it was to such a small degree so that it was felt there were VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 8 other major pollutants that should be addressed. Mr. DeMott recommended that Agenda Item 9 be addressed, which he believed would answer many of the questions of the Tequesta Council . Councilmember Meder made a motion to reorder the agenda to consider item 9 next. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. IX. KNOWN POLLUTION SOURCES - PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND RANK Mr. Gentile explained that the District had had ongoing programs to identify pollution sources since its inception and identified agricultural runoff, boats, urban stormwater, septic tanks, industrial discharges, animal waste, and even rainfall as sources which had been addressed over the past 25-30 years. Mr. Gentile explained that the goal established in 1992 not to let the river be degraded beyond a certain level had been accomplished. The area had been divided into eleven sub basins with common issues such as drainage, land use activities, etc. A handout was provided, illustrating the sub basins and their further division into 43 sub basins (recently upgraded to 48 sub basins) to facilitate tracking and monitoring pollution from stormwater, land use, development intensities, whether there were septic tanks or sewers, lot sizes, industry, etc. Mr. Gentile explained that the District continually monitored and evaluated the sub basins and the pollutants, since they had no control over local government actions regarding changes in land use, etc. , and the criteria was ranked and priorities established based on all available data. Mr. Gentile referred to a graphic illustrating the ranking process, explained the process and the goal of trying to get all areas upgraded by means of various programs with other agencies for pollution abatement, which included working with Jupiter to sewer the Old Jupiter Beach Road area and Jones Creek area and stormwater pond cleaning; working with Palm Beach County regarding the Limestone Creek area; working with DERM on a dissolved oxygen study; working with Jupiter River Inlet District on the Simms Creek Environmental Study; a saltwater intrusion study; the Oxbow Restoration Project; and working with Martin County VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 9 regarding septic tank issues, agricultural discharge, and other issues. Mr. Gentile reported work with DEP in which the District continually evaluated stormwater and had monitoring stations set up for that purpose. The District was also involved in an aquatic weed management program; in establishing an industrial pre-treatment authority with DEP; and also in several other issues with other agencies. Mr. Gentile explained that all of these projects, no matter how small, added up to enhancing the river water quality. Mr. Gentile discussed the stormwater issue which had been delayed to allow local municipalities time to establish their own stormwater utilities. Mr. Gentile stressed that ENCON was making an effort to clean up pollution and that they did not spend tax dollars. Any resident not on a sewer system did not pay anything to ENCON, and the District was spending the money only from people who were on sewers to do all of the programs. Mr. Gentile stated that he kept hearing that residents were spending their tax dollars for the $60, 000 study, which was misinformation. The color key on the graphic was discussed. Councilmember Meder questioned why some of the basins were coded red, or highest priority, to which Mr. Gentile responded that a grading system was in place with a number given for the size of those basins, for the intensity of development, type of development, proposed or existing land uses, and the other criteria used, which all contributed to a total number, and the totals were then ranked in order. Mr. Meder questioned whether conditions of the river played a part, to which Mr. Gentile's response was yes. Mr. Meder explained that he had three charts from ENCON--one each for January, March and May 1996, and he had taken the numbers from those charts and plotted them on a map, which illustrated that the highest fecal coliform counts were in Martin County in an area that did not have septic tanks, and on the Southwest Fork where there were sewers and were consistent over the 5-month period. Mr. Meder commented that the numbers for total nitrates were worst on the Southwest Fork of the Loxahatchee and were also bad on the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee, showing that the counts were far worse in areas other than VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 10 the Tequesta peninsula. Mr. Meder questioned the focus on sewering the peninsula and why sewering was not proposed first off stations 54 and 55 where the numbers were worse than on the peninsula. Mr. Gentile explained that work was being initiated with Martin County in the area mentioned by Mr. Meder, and that area had a lower priority than sewering the Tequesta peninsula because it was not as intensely developed. Mr. Meder expressed the opinion that river conditions should outweigh other factors, and that the river should be what was worried about most. Mr. Gentile explained that some figures had not been weighted because the effort had been to do the ranking evenly, and that there were many other ways the priorities could have been established. Mr. Meder expressed his opinion that the "best bang for the bucks" should be pursued by fixing problems that can be seen today, such as the high fecal coliform count. Mr. Meder stated that the numbers off the western Tequesta peninsula were 1/10th of those he spoke about and he could not understand the priority system. Mr. Dent commented that the data used was a compilation from over the past 25 years, which might reflect something different than information only covering a 5-month period. Mr. Dent explained that in trying to take care of all of the different problems that the pace of addressing them might not be what ENCON would like to see, but that sometimes they were different because of the various governmental entities involved. Councilmember Capretta commented that he did not understand how the Loxahatchee River could be cleared of pollution no matter how successful ENCON and other various agencies were in trying to prevent pollution from going into the river, unless fresh water was added to the other end to flush it out. Mr. Gentile responded that ENCON could not initiate that because of development, and that a major activity was now in progress because of the October flood in regard to the Indiantown Road widening project to back the water up again into the south side of Indiantown Road back to the slough to increase water in the slough area to keep it wet so that • VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 11 there would be less development pressures in that area as well as to increase the health of the slough. Mr. Gentile explained that the situation was very difficult because different governments were doing different things, and all ENCON could do was to try to work with them to let them understand they needed to work all the way through the river, however sometimes the governments turned a deaf ear because of their own priorities. Mr. Gentile also commented that ENCON could do nothing about a possible sale of a part of the slough. Councilmember Capretta suggested a talk with the Governor. Mayor Mackail commented that from what he had heard at this meeting it seemed inevitable that sewers would come about in every community in future years, however, it seemed clear that in order to work under a regional program that the major pollutants should be identified and taken care of first, such as the C-18 Canal which was a known major polluter, and after the major polluters were taken care of then the smaller polluters could be addressed. Mr. Gentile responded that he had explained ENCON's plan, which took in a tremendous number of factors other than pollution; and that ENCON believed its grading process was the most comprehensive they could have. Mr. Gentile explained that the factors changed constantly and were reviewed as to how the priority system would be affected; however, ENCON had no land use authority and could not change land use categories or stop agricultural uses on private properties, but had to work with local governments to try to bring about change. Mr. Gentile explained that the amount of pollution did not matter to him since he believed that as ENCON kept addressing all the little pieces that the big picture would eventually be taken care of. Mr. Gentile commented that stormwater had not been addressed because local governments had objected that ENCON should not address stormwater since they had not fixed the sewers. Councilmember Capretta commented that ENCON was trying to stop pollution into the river and believed that every little bit that could be done added up, however, questioned why there was no report card which graded the quality of the river 25 years ago and now. Mr. Gentile responded that VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 12 information did exist. Mr. Dent commented that the water quality data was very important, and that ENCON had developed a report card which was provided twice a year to local governments and showed the raw water quality data and summaries of that data. Mr. Dent explained that Florida DEP had developed a water quality index which used items present in the water such as nutrients, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, etc. , which were placed into a formula so that comparisons could be made over time and to other areas. Mr. Dent explained that some areas improved, while others declined, however in general terms there had been a decline in water quality since the early 1970's. Mr. Dent commented that the information was put into blocks which encompassed approximately four years for graphic purposes, and they did show a general decline. The estuary showed a general decline, while the wild and scenic portion of the river showed an improvement--one major reason being that the C-18 canal water had been dispersed. Mr. Dent reported that the decline had become somewhat stabilized, and the goal was to make the red and orange coded high priority areas change to blue and green coded low priority areas and to keep them from becoming high priority areas again. Mr. Holmes discussed silting, and explained that he had an infrared picture which could be seen in his office which showed sand silting on the Tequesta peninsula facing east and that the sandbar and the silting was so bad that at times he could not go 2-1/2 inches into the river, and he could walk all the way to the sandbar. Mr. Holmes explained that there was no way to get the pollution out after it was behind the sandbar. Mr. Holmes discussed the testing residents had done on their own; stated that they had not asked ENCON to verify their samples; and although he did not want to question their integrity that they were questioning the integrity of Harbor Branch. Councilmember Hansen commented he was sure the residents would love to do their tests again with an ENCON representative present, and suggested it be done again and that ENCON work with them. VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 13 VI . SEVERING PROGRAM FOR THE TEQUESTA PENINSULA - TIMING AND COSTS Mr. Thompson explained that the engineering firm of Shalloway had conducted a preliminary assessment of costs which would be available in approximately one week to ten days, and that timing was important because of inflation. Mr. Thompson explained that the sewer system would be gravity except in the Pinetree service area and on six lots in the Anchorage Point area where gravity sewers were not economically feasible, so that low pressure sewers were recommended only in those areas, which the District would maintain. Mr. Thompson explained that when the gravity system was installed that roadway paving would be necessary, therefore the roadways would be improved. The number of required new lift stations was estimated at seven. Mr. Thompson reviewed the areas to be sewered, and stated that the assessment was based on the whole area. Mr. Thompson explained that construction would be in two phases, the first phase encompassing all areas except Tequesta Country Club, and the second phase being the Tequesta Country Club. Mr. Thompson explained that the design phase for the entire area would be done during the first five months, permitting during the next two months, testing, certification, etc. during the next 18-19 months for Phase 1, and a total completion time including Phase 2 of 27 months. Mr. Thompson concluded that construction on the Tequesta Peninsula would not begin until a year and a half after initiation of the program, with completion after two and a quarter years. Mr. Thompson explained that the engineers had been engaged to arrive at costs which included capital costs, assessment, construction costs, etc. Mr. Thompson discussed the fact that although ENCON was not supported by taxes that they maintained one of the lowest sewage rates in the State of Florida. Mr. Thompson stated that connection charges, monthly charges, and the charges for plumbing from the home to the sewage system were separate from those being discussed. Mr. Thompson listed the possible costs per lot as ranging from $6, 757 to $6, 500+ per lot according to whether gravity sewers were installed on all lots or whether the 20 lots for which a low pressure system VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 14 was recommended did in fact receive low pressure. Mr. Thompson stated that the District would pay 10% of the cost as an incentive and that 90% would be paid by the assessment. If all lots were gravity except 20 lots on low pressure system, the financable amount would be $5, 959. 94; connection charges would be subsidized up to $500; and financing would be available for 20 years at 8%. The on-site piping would be the responsibility of the homeowner, however the District would install it if requested. Mr. Thompson explained that the District was agreeable to a 6-month delay in paying the connection charge and a 12-month delay in paying the first assessment installment, with no prepayment penalty. Existing septic tanks would be dumped at no charge. Mr. Thompson commented that one way of billing would be via county tax rolls; that the district would maintain low pressure systems free of charge; and that there were housing and community development funds being used by the Jupiter River Estates area, which might be available to others. Mr. Thompson summarized by explaining that the engineers had been asked to look into the assessment side; that the assessment would be roughly $6, 000 plus on-site costs, and the monthly cost should be in the range of $13 to $15 per month, billed quarterly. Councilmember Meder questioned whether all cost would total approximately $8, 000 to replace one septic tank, to which Mr. Thompson responded affirmatively, and that homeowners could finance the capital part of it through the District and possible get an equity loan. Councilmember Meder suggested that the District could provide a great incentive by using their borrowing power to obtain a lower rate than an equity loan rate, and could loan the whole amount to homeowners over 20 years at 8%. Mr. Thompson agreed to obtain a legal answer whether that could be done. Mayor Mackail questioned whether the ad valorem tax bill had been considered as a method of payment, to which the response was that the Board would look into it. Mr. Dent commented that the District would look into possibly financing the additional $2, 000 initial cost, and that if ENCON proceeded with large sewering projects and could borrow money at less than 8% they would pass that lower rate on to the homeowners. Mr. Dent stated that ENCON would try to reduce the costs as VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 15 much as possible. Mr. Holmes commented the cost would have been between $1, 700 and $2, 000 if done when originally planned in 1975. VII . STORMWATER - TEQUESTA PROGRAM, DISTRICT RULE AND LINKAGES Mayor Mackail commented that the Village had formed a Stormwater Utility and that he would like to see some form of link with ENCON for a shared Stormwater program to help the Village with such items as street cleaning, etc. Councilmember Meder commented that he would like to negotiate with ENCON to provide certain services the Village would need to support its stormwater utility, but would not want the District to take over management and governing power of the Village's Stormwater Utility. Mr. Holmes commented ENCON had a deep well and a way of treating stormwater to help the Village get rid of it, and that ENCON was definitely willing to work with Tequesta. Mayor Mackail expressed concern that the federal MPDES mandate would create exorbitant costs for stormwater utilities and that it would be necessary to work together to identify problems and costs. Councilmember Hansen commented that in the Village's letter of May 13 that seven points had been raised regarding cooperating with ENCON and requested answers to all seven points as soon as possible, since ENCON's answers would affect Tequesta's stormwater utility. Mr. Gentile stated that ENCON had made a commitment to expend funds in stormwater planning aspects throughout the entire district, and that the planning program would be stepped up to allow ENCON to monitor and identify stormwater problems in the entire district. Mr. Gentile commented that ENCON could be used as a resource for the planning aspect of the Village's stormwater utility, which was an aspect the Village should utilize as much as possible, and that SFWMD planned to use them as a planning resource. Mr. Gentile commented that SFWMD had a very, very, long priority list on which unfortunately the Loxahatchee River was not near the top. Mr. Gentile mentioned that through sewering programs stormwater issues were taken care of, and that equipment used in sewering was beneficial in cleaning out stormwater pipes. Mr. Gentile urged that dialog stay VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 16 open between ENCON and the Village so that taxpayers' funds not be wasted in areas where ENCON could help. Mr. Dent explained that the federal government would not allow improvement to a larger pipe size, but only to fix existing pipe and which made it very difficult for areas like Jupiter River Estates and the Tequesta Peninsula to improve drainage. Mr. Dent suggested that Tequesta might receive credits since the government favored a total pollution abatement program, and were looking for substantial improvements to be made. Mr. Dent commented that if the stormwater problem were resolved that could make such an improvement that the peninsula would be reduced on ENCON's priority list to the point that sewers might not be needed. Mr. Dent speculated that the cost for a deep injection well would be $4-$5 million. Mr. Meder questioned which improvement would keep the most pollution out of the river-- stormwater or sewers. Mr. Holmes commented that stormwater could not go into a deep injection well without first being treated since it was considered industrial waste, so that a sewage treatment plant as well as a deep injection well would be necessary. VIII. WATER SUPPLY AND CONSERVATION - PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE PLANS Village Manager Bradford explained that Tequesta's water supply came from the surficial aquifer which provided 2.7 MGD and between 4 and 5 MGD from the Florida aquifer. The Village Manager explained that the last two surficial aquifer wells on the Tequesta peninsula were under construction and that preliminary design had been completed for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant, which would be built to accommodate maximum capacity needed for the future, with 1.1 MGD treatment capacity trains to be installed in sequence as necessary over time until capacity was reached. Cost for the r/o plant was estimated at between $7 .7 Million and $10 million for which bonds would be issued in October or November, 1996. Debt repayment would come from the base VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 17 rates paid by customers of the Tequesta water system, which was now debt free. Mr. Holmes commented that r/o water produced a waste by-product. Mr. Bradford explained that the Village had a permit from DEP to discharge into the Loxahatchee River to the east of the U.S. Highway One bridge. Councilmember Capretta commented that he had been shocked to discover that Jupiter had been discharging r/o waste water at the rate of 4-5 MGD into a canal which flowed into the Loxahatchee for some time without a permanent permit; however, had recently obtained the permit. Mr. Capretta explained that Jupiter' s comment had been that the brine had less salt than the Loxahatchee River. Mr. Holmes commented that all of the golf courses had IQ water permits from SFWMD for 500, 000 gallons per day, and the aquifer might not last long without that IQ water. Councilmember Capretta explained that each permit renewal allowed less time and lower amounts. Discussion ensued during which Mr. Holmes commented that approximately 50% of the IQ water made it into the river, and Mr. Dent explained that IQ water had been delivered to the golf courses every day for the past 14 years except for nine days. Village Manager Bradford pointed out that the Village had been forced to go to r/o because there was no more water in the surficial aquifer, and the Tequesta Municipal Corporation was concerned about the sewering program's water requirements which would take a certain amount of water now in the aquifer. Mr. Gentile agreed that was a concern, and it was currently unknown how much stormwater could be allowed back into the river. Mr. Gentile described systems to be used at Gardens Mall and Abacoa which would allow IQ water to mix into a natural stormwater filtration system, and suggested that might be a possibility for the golf course IQ water. Mr. Gentile suggested that the District should look at alternative treatments for the IQ water. X. REGIONAL APPROACH TO RIVER ENHANCEMENT - COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS Mr. Gentile explained that he had discussed cooperative programs with other agencies earlier in the meeting, and that the District would continue trying to fulfil its regional VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 18 approach by working with other agencies. Councilmember Meder questioned whether a timetable existed for sewering other areas, to which Mr. Gentile responded that the priorities constantly changed and that sewering the peninsula was approximately two years away, and the programming was done as the process progressed. Mr. Dent explained that at present a construction contract was being awarded for Jupiter River Estates, the Limestone Creek area was scheduled as a 5-year program, the Tequesta peninsula was being discussed tonight, and that the Riverside Drive community, Pennock Point community, and a few other areas would be sewered subsequent to those larger areas. Councilmember Meder requested that the District provide as much information as possible to all of the residents living in the areas to be sewered. XI. TASK FORCE - CITIZENS INVOLVEMENT WITH REGIONAL PLANS Vice Mayor Schauer recommended a task force made up of qualified people from the Village, unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County, and any other areas considered for sewering. Mr. Gentile explained that the District had done that in 1993, and had set a citizens advisory committee, and a technical advisory committee. Mr. Gentile reviewed who had been on those committees, and explained that the findings and recommendations from those committees had been to provide sewers throughout the region and to aggressively address stormwater. Mr. Gentile commented that another citizens group might not be necessary, since it had already been done and the District's monthly meetings where these matters were discussed were public meetings which could be attended by citizens. Vice Mayor Schauer pointed out that reporter Jim Turner was present, and possibly by publishing the potential future 'hit lists the people could become more informed so that sewering specific areas would not come as such a surprise. Mr. Gentile agreed that as much information as possible should be published to provide public information and education. Mr. Holmes expressed favor for openness between the Village and ENCON. Mayor Mackail suggested that since sewering the peninsula was approximately two years VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 19 away, that ENCON re-address the methodology of the study by working with the citizens and that ENCON pay for the additional study since they could utilize existing resources and therefore minimize costs. Mayor Mackail questioned why this should not be done since it would bring about positive perception. Mayor Mackail asked whether ENCON could state that after they had sewered the entire peninsula that there would be a change in the pollution levels. Mayor Mackail explained that residents did not oppose the sewers but did oppose the study results, which they did not believe. Mr. Holmes stated that the integrity of the people was not in question, only some of the ways things were done, and that something further should be done. Discussion ensued regarding what action should be undertaken. Mr. DeMott requested that if the Harbor Branch findings were to be reviewed that all the other items causing pollution which had been discussed at tonight's meeting also be included, in addition to the peninsula. Mayor Mackail suggested that the ENCON staff work directly with concerned citizens using the Harbor Branch study, and revisit obtaining samples, etc. , and that the results would be accepted. Vice Mayor Schauer suggested that consultants could be hired, to which Mr. Ellis responded that people already on the sewer system would have to pay. Vice Mayor Schauer suggested that many of the concerned citizens were retired and would be readily available whenever the consultants wanted to meet with them. Mayor Mackail suggested making the application and procedure the same but to revisit the matter by obtaining new samples. Mr. Thompson expressed the opinion that Tequesta should set an example by cleaning up their area and establishing sewers. Councilmember Hansen expressed surprise that the ENCON Board liked the Harbor Branch study since the Harbor Branch people had admitted they had limited the number of test wells, had had a problem placing wells, and that the study was not what they would have liked. Mr. Hansen commented that the residents of the whole peninsula were now against sewering because they believed the study was faulty and very qualified residents had conducted tests which resulted in conflicting information. Councilmember Hansen stated that ENCON must convince the people that spending $6-$8 million would do some VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 20 good. Councilmember Capretta commented that the Harbor Branch study had created a big problem and suggested that the Harbor Branch people be called back to give a follow-up report which would show people why their study was correct. Mr. Capretta urged the ENCON Board to help the Village Council by convincing the Council and then helping to convince the people that the study was correct. Mr. Ellis commented that the Board would look favorably on that to see how much it would cost, but he was not in favor of saddling other people with too much extra cost. Mayor Mackail commented that ENCON still had to come to the Village for permits to which Mr. Holmes responded not to threaten them. The Mayor explained that his comment was not meant as a threat, and that he would rather work together in the spirit of cooperation. XII. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Mackail moved that the meeting be adjourned. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. The motion was therefore passed and adapted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Betty Laur Recording Secretary ATTEST: VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DISTRICT JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES JUNE 27, 1996 PAGE 21 Joann Manganiello Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: