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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution_32-08_07/10/2008RESOLUTION N0.32-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA REQUESTING THAT THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CONSIDER COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS IN FRESH WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES SUCH AS THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF BRACKISH WATER DESALINATION, A/K/A REVERSE OSMOSIS FACILITIES AS WELL AS OTHER INCENTIVES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF THESE FRESH WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES TO PROMOTE ENHANCED CONSERVATION THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT'S JURISDICTION AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA WHEN ESTABLISHING WATER USE RESTRICTION RULES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, The Village Council of the Village of Tequesta supports the South Florida Water Management District's (the "District's) efforts to achieve conservation of freshwater resources throughout its jurisdiction and the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta provides water for the citizens of Tequesta and for others outside its corporate limits and has made prudent capital investments over many years to reduce the Village's dependency on the surficial aquifer; and WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta has implemented a tiered rate structure which provides incentives for water conservation and has attempted to educate its customers with regard to conservation efforts; and WHEREAS, as evidence of Tequesta's commitment to conservation and preservation of existing fresh water supplies, Tequesta has invested over $12 million over the past 10 years in the development of alternative water supplies; and WHEREAS, 40 - 50 % of Tequesta's water supply capabilities are now based on the delivery of brackish water desalination for potable use; and WHEREAS, the Tequesta's development of alternative water supplies reduces the potential impacts of periodic drought cycles on Tequesta's natural resources; and WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Tequesta and customers of Tequesta utilities believe that the District's water restriction policies should give appropriate consideration to communities which have invested in alternative water usage; and WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Tequesta is concerned that, due to financial disincentives, the current and proposed District water use restrictions will create impediments to the further development and use of alternative water supplies; and WHEREAS, failure to support and provide incentives for the development and use of these alternative water supplies could impede the achievement of the District's goals; and WHEREAS, the water rate impacts attributable to District's imposition of permanent water usage restrictions will create financial hardships to residents and businesses at the same time that the state of Florida is experiencing a significant downturn in its overall economy. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA ,FLORIDA: Section 1: The Village Council of the Village of Tequesta hereby respectfully requests that the South Florida Water Management District recognize the significant economic impacts of its actions and consider use of a multi-year phased-in approach to permanent water restrictions to help mitigate financial hardships on the public. Section 2: The Village Council of the Village of Tequesta hereby respectfully requests that the South Florida Water Management District modify its water use restriction rules for entities, such as the Village of Tequesta, which have implemented and will continue to implement fresh water conservation measures such as the development of brackish water desalination and a water conservation utility rate structure. The Village Council also respectfully requests that the District provide incentives to encourage the further development and use of alternative water supplies. Section 3: The Village Clerk is directed to transmit this Resolution to the members of the South Florida Water Management District's Governing Board and its Executive Director; the Governor; State Representatives and Senators. Section 4: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. The foregoing Resolution was offered by Vice-Mayor Turnquest who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Council Member Arena and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Mayor Pat Watkins Vice-Mayor Calvin Turnquest Council Member Vince Arena Council Member Tom Paterno Council Member Jim Humpage For Adoption Against Adoption X X X X X The Mayor thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this 10th day of Juty, 2008. MAYOR OF TEQUESTA ~~ w Q.~~~e=c~~ Pat Watkins ATTEST: OF ~~. (~+rl ~(~e.~-~v~-- Lori McWilliams, CMC Village Clerk SE L ~`."~ :D A ~:INCORPpRgTEp