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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 07E_06/10/1999VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA Post Office Box 3273 • 250 Tequesta Drive • Suite 300 Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 (561) 575-6200 Fax: (561) 575-6203 (~ l._- VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA STOP:MWATER UTILITY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta village Council held a meeting sitting as the Stormwater Utility Board at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Thursday, April 28, 1999. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Mayor Ron T. Mackail. A ..roll call was taken by Betty Laur, Recording Secretary. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Ron T. Mackail, Vice Mayor Carl C. Hansen, Basil E. Dalack, Joseph N. Capretta, and Elizabeth A. Schauer. Also in attendance were: village Manager Thomas G. Bradford and Village Clerk Joann Manganielio. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Mayor Hansen requested addition under ANY OTHER MATTERS of discussion of swales and Dover Ditch. Councilmember Schauer made a motion to approve the Agenda as submitted. vice Mayor Hansen seconded the motion. The vote oa the motion was: Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Hansen - for Basil B. Dalack - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Elizabeth A. Schauer - for STORM~PATBR UTILITY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 2 The motioa was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as amended. III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS (NON-AGENDA ITEN.S) There were no communications from citizens. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES & REPORTS A) Stormwater Utility Board; May 21, 1998 Couacilmember Schauer made a motioa to approve the minutes for the Stormwater Utility Board meeting of May 2i, 1998 as submitted. Couacilmember Capretta seconded the motion. vice Mayor Haasea questioned whether a part-time employee had been hired, as discussed on page 9 of the minutes, to which Village Manager Bradford responded that someone would be hired very shortly to work during the suu~er months. The vote oa the motioa was: Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Saasen - for Basil 8. Dalack - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Elizabeth A. Schauer - for The motioa was therefore passed and adopted. V. RBVIEN OF STATUS OF COUNTRY CLUB COMMONITY DRAINAGE IMpROVI~NTS PERMITTING. (J. 8. FROST, P.E., GS8 & JSNSON) Village Manager Bradford reminded those present that the Stormwater Utility Board was required to meet at least twice a year, once in April and once in May, and this was STORMWATLR UTILITY BOARD ~}3TING MINDTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGL 3 the first of the two annual meetings. The Village Manager introduced J. B. Frost, P.E., of Gee & Jenson, an Environmental Engineer, who was present to review permitting problems which had been encountered in the Country Club Community drainage improvements project, for which funds had been budgeted this year and next. Village Manager Bradford explained that based on direction given, the capital budget would then be discussed, and at the May meeting the operating budget would be reviewed. After review of both budgets, the proposed ERU rate could be set for recommendation to the village Council. J. B. Frost explained that Gee & Jenson had been requested to look at the proposed Country Club Community drainage improvements, and to turn the recommendations in a report issued in April, 1998 by Cherie Sova, P.E. into contract plans and specifications and to obtain the permitting for _~= this project. Mr. Frost explained that the Sova report indicated two drainage basins within the Country Club Community, with both having portions within the golf course. Recommendations made in the report were (1) to increase existing culvert size, (2) to make modifications to two control structures, and (3) to add swales along the entire community roadway system. Mr. Frost traced the existing system to show how water traversed the area before reaching the Loxahatchee River. Mr. Frost explained that his firm had sent letters to regulatory agencies to obtain feedback on the proposed improvements. U.S. Fish and wildlife Service had responded they saw only insignificant impacts to fish and wildlife as a result of the improvements. National Marine Fisheries indicated concern there would be adverse impacts with respect to cumulative peak discharges to the river. Mr. Frost explained that with the proposed improvements total volume of water going into the Loxahatchee River would decrease; however, there would be an increase in peak discharge rates. Swales would retain the first half-inch of run-off (estimated at 6-1/2 acre feet of water). This would be a substantial reduction in the amount of water going into the river. An increase STORMfivATER UTILITY BOARD NBETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 4 in peak discharge meant that the water that made it into the river would make it there faster. Mr. Frost explained that a hydragraph showed peak discharge volumes of a rain event, and that in this case peak volumes would be almost twice the existing peak volumes. Mr. Frost pointed out areas on a graphic where pipe sizes would be increased to 42" diameter. Councilmember Capretta questioned the number of discharge points into the river, to which Mr. Frost responded there were two covered by this study--one in each basin. Councilmember Capretta commented that the existing pipes were a problem since they were not working properly, and questioned whether the new strategy was designed to prevent flooding during major rainfall events. Mr. Frost explained that the study had been done because of flood damage to homes during the October 1995 storm, when 26-27 homes had been flooded, seven of which were located within the Country Club community. Mr. Frost explained that Cherie Sova had run a model which assumed pipes were free and clear with the system functioning to maximum capacity. Councilmember Capretta commented that at one point in the past, the Village Council had proposed more lakes on the golf course for water retention, the Country Club had refused to let the Village add more lakes, the village had not forced the issue, and the vote by the Country Club had been 54-46 in favor of adding the lakes but they refused anyway because they felt that was not a large enough majority in favor. Councilmember Capretta commented swales were one approach that could be used, another was to discharge more water faster into the river, and another was to add more ponds for water retention. Mr. Frost explained that there were regulatory agency concerns with water quality because the Loxahatchee River was designated as an outstanding Florida water, and water quality would not be such an issue if the project did not involve this type of water body. Mr. Frost explained that South Florida water Management District would watch this project closely, since they were charged with maintaining water quality, and this was an environmental permitting issue. STORbi~PATER UTILITY BOARD FETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 5 In response to the letters sent out by Gee & Jenson, the National Marine Fisheries indicated concern with respect to cumulative peak discharges to the river, of which Tequesta's project was only one participant. South Florida water Management District's concerns were increased peak discharge, potential septic tank failure, and recommended presentation to the Loxahatchee River Coordinating Council. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would not issue a permit for maintenance and retrofit of an existing system unless the water quality certification was received from South Florida water Management District. Mr. Frost reported a presentation had been made to the Loxahatchee River Coordinating Council on March 29, 1999, which was a commenting rather than a regulatory agency; however, their comments were closely monitored by South Florida water Management District. Some of their comments -~ included the following concerns: increase in peak discharge volumes, how long water would stay in the Swale system, how that the proposed design did not include biological water quality treatment tplanted marshy areas to improve water quality), turbidity and erosion at the outfalls, and pesticide and nutrient loading from the golf course. Sova Engineering had recommended peak discharges. vice Mayor Hansen commented that pipe sizes had been increased and swales added on Tequesta Drive, with the pipes elevated, and questioned why there had been no concern regarding water quality when that project was discussed. Mr. Frost explained that the elevated pipes helped water quality because the contaminants would stay at the bottom and water would only be discharged after a certain amount had been collected, and that the Swale system may have indicated the pre and post hydragraph runoffs were the same, which basically meant no change to the system, as had been done in Dover Ditch Mr. Frost commented that while water quality may not have been discussed, he could assure that it had been a concern, and that it had been addressed within the design of the system. Mr. Frost explained that STORMWATBR UTILITY BOARD D~LTING DSINUTLS APRIL 29, 1999 PAG}3 6 a big slug of fresh water combined with other discharge points going into the river all at once could cause a decrease in salinity. vice Mayor Hansen commented that Ms. Sova had pointed out that residents thought everything should be dry five minutes after a storm, however, that was not good in an environmental sense. Mr. Frost commented it was relatively easy to engineer a project today but obtaining permitting was becoming more and more difficult. Councilmember Dalack questioned the barriers or problems to obtaining the end result of this project--to reduce flooding. Councilmember Capretta responded that permitting was the barrier. Village Manager Bradford explained that the Stormwater Utility Board would need to further provide direction. Mr. Frost responded that direction was needed to hold further discussions with regulatory agencies, work with the golf course to add more water storage but not to affect the play on the golf course. After more questions were asked, it was agreed to allow Mr. Frost to continue his presentation and to ask the questions following the presentation. Mr. Frost explained that he needed to know how to respond to the regulatory agencies regarding increased storage capacity, addition of littoral shelf biological areas, water quality being discharged, and not impacting existing water quality in the Loxahatchee River. Mr. Frost explained that the area was very constrained except for the golf course. Mr. Frost described cyclonic structures with barriers to separate out solids and sediment, and to pull off oils and greases from the roadway system. Mr. Frost stated he was looking for direction to continue conversations with the regulatory agencies to come to terms and agreements, negotiating on behalf of the Village for the most reasonable, acceptable end result; to continue work with South Florida water Management District to see what they would accept and report that back to the Stormwater Utility Board; and then to go forward with the STORMfiQATER 'UTILITY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 7 permitting process. Mr. Frost anticipated these discussions would include discussions with the golf course to add water storage on their land. Councilmember Capretta questioned whether the object of this meeting was to decide to go forward with the $400,000 project discussed in the past. village Manager Bradford responded the plan a year ago had been to set aside monies from Fairview East and Golfview projects and to take monies from two different fiscal years to have enough money to meet the required match for grant funds from FEMA and/or DCA. Since the last meeting of the Stormwater Utility Board in May of 1998, DCA and FEMA had agreed to grant funding if the project was designed and permitted; however, because of all the permitting problems which had been encountered, the project would not happen in October, 1999, as had been indicated a year ago. Councilmember Capretta asked what the Village had planned to do for $400,000, to which Village Manager Bradford responded the plan had been to enlarge discharge pipes and install swales in the Country Club. Councilmember Capretta commented the proposed project was for a huge storm and the idea was that holding ponds could collect water and not discharge it immediately to let sediment settle to the bottom, and the discharge pipe was set at a height to discharge water that had been filtered. Councilmember Capretta questioned whether South Florida Water Management District would grant a permit if it were shown only filtered water would be discharged into the river, to which Mr. Frost responded that part of the issue had to do with water quality, but another part was that fresh water was being introduced into salt water, causing degradation to an estuary system. The way to combat that was to hold water on site and slowly release it into the river at the existing rate so that a hydragraph could show pre and post discharges were the same. Councilmember Capretta questioned why larger pipes were proposed when the desire was to release water gradually, to which Mr. Frost responded that was to reduce flooding. STORM6vATSR DTILITY BOARD MSSTING MINOTES APRIL 29, 1999 FAGS 8 Mayor Mackail recalled a tremendous amount of water flowing across Tradewinds during the October 1995 storm and that ponds at holes 11, 8, 6, 17 and 18 were to be addressed. village Manager Bradford commented homes damaged were on the south but the big flow of water had been on the north and northeast sides of the golf course. Mr. Frost indicated design should be for more common events than a 100-year storm. Councilmember Capretta commented that Public works Director Gary Preston had recently indicated discharge pipes from the small pond by Bunker Place and the one at hole 12 near the wall were not currently operating properly. Village Manager Bradford explained the pipes were cleaned regularly, but the pond bottoms and banks had not been cleaned. Councilmember Capretta commented the golf course did not like the banks to look messy. Councilmember Capretta explained there was a growing _., .. difference between members of the Country Club community and the golf club, and the number of members of the golf club who lived on the course had been dramatically reduced since the time Mr. Capretta joined the club. Mr. Capretta suggested a strategy using the golf course to protect the community. Councilmember Capretta explained that at the time additional ponds were proposed, the plan had been to place a pond in the woods, which would not affect golfers playing the course, and that had been during the golf course renovation so that access would have been no problem. Now that the course had been renovated it would be difficult to install ponds without messing up the golf course. Councilmember Capretta expressed his opinion that it would be easier to get approval from the golf club for enlarging existing ponds or to install new ones if they could be shown there was a way to have access without messing up the golf course. Councilmember Capretta commented the Village Council must take a much different position than in the past regarding ponds on the golf course. Village Manager Bradford commented the village would be in a better position if Mr. Frost could report during discussions with the golf club that South Florida STORMDPATER UTILITY BOARD MT~ETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGI3 9 water Management District had denied the proposed project. Mayor Mackail commented the NPDES program would provide impact and the fact that swales had already been addressed was positive. Village Manager Bradford commented that using Ms. Sova's swale proposal, the lakes requested from the club would be smaller. Mayor Mackail commented that sewering of the Country Club community would eventually happen, which would be the time to improve the quality and retention of water in the community. Councilmember Schauer asked Mr. Frost to explain how separators worked, whether there was something the Village could do to show good faith to the Loxahatchee RiverManagement Council of Governments, and how marshes could be added. Mr. Frost responded that cyclonic separators seemed to be the best type, and consisted of a round box in which water movement created a small cyclone _ making heavy particles slide to the outside and go through a screen and to be trapped; water in the middle of the cyclone which had been reduced in heavy particulates, then flowed out into the system. Material placed within the box also trapped oils and greases from the top of the water. Mr. Frost explained that separators were expensive, and therefore should be placed at the most downstream point in the system to treat as much water as possible. Mr. Frost stated that there was something that could be done now to the existing system; however, the amount of money the village was willing to spend for something that they might lose the value of must be decided. For example, a separator could be installed, but if pipes were replaced with larger pipes later, the separator might not fit anymore, and the value spent would be lost. Mr. Frost suggested that good faith could be shown to the regulatory agencies by coming up with a plan incorporating some of the items which had been discussed and showing them that money was available to accomplish these items. Mr. Frost stated his firm would work with the regulatory agencies to negotiate for the Village, and it was unknown at this time whether they might be able to negotiate only one item or if STORMfiPAT}3R UTILITY BOARD b~STING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 10 more would be needed, for example, separators and/or biological areas. Mr. Frost explained that since the area was built out, the only place available for these items was the golf course. Mr. Frost explained that installing items also included long-term maintenance considerations. Mayor Mackail commented he believed all of the village Council wanted to move forward and additional storage capacity would definitely solve a significant problem at the present time. Mayor Mackail expressed his opinion that priorities should be established and this might be a five or seven-year project, and that additional storage by addition of biological shelves could be the answer. Councilmember Dalack questioned the impact of sewering on the potential resolution proposed. Mr. Frost responded the only impact of going to a sanitary sewer system from a septic tank system was positive since there would be less and less potential over time for impact associated with a septic tank system, and this would only improve water quality. Mr. Frost explained that the stormwater system and sanitary sewer system were completely different pipe systems; therefore, there would be no negative impact. Councilmember Capretta commented the time to do any of these things would be when the roadways were torn up to install sewers. Councilmember Capretta recommended articulating a clear strategy to the people living in the Country Club and making them want it and showing the golf club how to protect the community: (1) The people would like to see the problem of casual water in the community eliminated,~which the swales would solve, and the swales could all be installed at one time. (2) More ponds were needed to store water during large storm events, but in order to get the golf club to agree, the Village would have to maintain them and keep them looking nice. STORMNATBR OTILITY BOARD M88TING MINQT}3S APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 11 (3) Larger pipes would need to replace the existing pipes to carry filtered water from ponds, marshes, and separators to the river. Councilmember Capretta suggested laying out these steps on a pert chart. The plan could be sold via a road show to the Tequesta Country Club community and the golf club. Mr. Frost requested direction from the village Council. Councilmember Schauer suggested that presentations be made in the Village Council chambers for different areas of the Country Club at different times. Mr. Frost agreed the people needed to be informed, and expressed his opinion that a strategy should be developed which would show the whole system all the way from the present to the water coming out of the new pipes. Mr. Frost agreed he could have such a plan ready by next months meeting. Mayor Mackail suggested showing on a map five to ten year projects and showing projects that have been completed. Councilmember Schauer commented the people liked what had been done on Seabrook. Mr. Frost commented that the Sova proposal did not include pipes under driveways, but had 49 basins between driveways where water would collect. During ensuing discussion, Village Manager Bradford suggested seeking volunteers who would allow a Swale to be installed in their driveways. In summary, the Village Manager commented that Mr. Frost would meet with South Florida Water Management District representatives to see what they would require in order to issue a permit, and then he would come back to the Stormwater Utility Board with a proposed plan to make that happen. Couacilmember Schauer made a motion that village Manager Bradford and Mr. Frost come back at the next meeting with the recommendations as previously discussed. Vice Mayor 8aasen seconded the motion. Mr. Frost commented this should be contingent upon the availability of the regulatory agencies to sit ~+ith them, and that he would provide as update next month eves if they had been unable STORMNATER UTILITY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 12 to meet; if that happeaed, he would present the recommendations at a subsequent meeting. The vote on the motion was: Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Hansen - for Basil E. Dalack - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Elizabeth A. Schauer - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Hattie Siegel had indicated she wished to speak on this item; however, stated she would delay her comments to the next time. VI. REVIS'~P OF PROPOSED FY 2000 STORM~PATER UTILITY CAPITAL BUDGET village Manager Bradford indicated it was now obvious that the capital project program for this year and next would not happen as scheduled, and referred to the ten-year schedule handout. Village Manager Bradford recommended proceeding to the next listed project, Country Club Drive Drainage Expansion {Tequesta Circle to 215 Country Club Drive). The Village Manager explained this project had two options: (1} to tie into the existing northern terminus of the drainage system on Country Club Drive and run up to Tequesta Circle. The down side to this option was that would mean there would be an inlet, but not necessarily that water would be removed from the area with any great speed. The other option (2) was to install swales in the whole Tequesta Circle area and put in a raised drainage inlet structure to discharge directly into the river. The cost of the options were approximately the same. Mayor Mackail commented that with only seven homes on Tequesta Circle, that if a swale project was successful there, it would surely help sell swales to other parts of the STOR'6~iDQATlsR UTILITY BOARD MBSTING MINOTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGL 13 community, which he believed to be a good strategy to solidify the long-term intentions for the overall good of the community. village Manager Bradford expressed concern regarding obtaining a permit. It was pointed out that a streetscape project for Tequesta Circle was scheduled to begin next month. Mayor Mackail commented the curb and gutter effect might be a nice addition. Bridge Road drainage improvements were discussed. village Manager Bradford explained that the work was anticipated to take place at the same time as the Bridge Road beautification project, and if this project was moved forward it would mean Bridge Road would be torn up twice. Village Manager Bradford reported that by mid-May of this year meetings with all property owners would be complete for the South Cypress Drive Ordinance 377 Improvements .._- project. Both the village and the property owners had assumed the village would do this beautification project at the same time that Northern Palm Beach Improvement District did their Cypress Drive Drainage Improvement Project. Funds for the Tequesta project had been reserved; however, Pete Pimental of Northern Palm Beach Improvement District had only received a majority vote of the property owners approving drainage assessments in the past 12-18 months. The conceptual permit was all Northern had, and Mr. Pimental was experiencing problems with South Florida Water Management District similar to those described by J. B. Frost with regard to water quality, because discharge to the river was involved. Village Manager Bradford explained that Mr. Pimental had not received the permit for the drainage improvements, and the village did not want to tear up Cypress Drive twice, but wanted the Tequesta project to dovetail with the final stages of the drainage project. Vice Mayor Hansen commented if extra money was involved he would not insist, but would like to promote these two projects and did not want stormwater to be the reason that the Village could not proceed with Ordinance 377 on Cypress Drive or beautification of Bridge Road. Village Manager STORMDVAT$R '[JTILITY BOARD b~ETING MINLJTBS APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 14 Bradford responded he would research to see if there was a way to proceed on Cypress Drive, but he was certain that there was no way to avoid tearing up Bridge Road twice in the event that project was moved forward. Mayor Mackail questioned when the building on Bridge Road would be demolished. Village Clerk Manganiello responded that the building was to be demolished between March 1, 2000 and May 1, 2000, and the road would be constructed approximately 30 days afterward. The new structure to house existing tenants was to be finished by March, 2000. Village Manager Bradford commented that one of JMZ's consultants had turned in their plans to JMZ, and the other was to do so very shortly, and after the plans were approved by JMZ they would come before the village Council for a Special Exception Public Hearing. Councilmember Capretta commented that construction of the new building across from McCarthy's in the Tequesta Plaza project would give residents something they could look at, and that the apartments across from Sterling House must be landscaped before a certificate of occupancy could be granted, which was slated for completion in July. Mayor Mackail questioned whether the $90,000 shown on the capital projects handout for Bridge Road Drainage Improvement should be moved to year 2000, to which Village Manager Bradford responded it was correct under FY 2001 because the project would occur in late summer or early fall. village Manager Bradford commented if the Stormwater Utility Board agreed that the Country Club Drive Drainage Expansion (Tequesta Circle to 215 Country Club Drive) should begin, then staff would bring that item to the next Village Council meeting and add it to an already proposed budget amendment. Councilmember Schauer questioned whether the $10,Ob0 shown for video of the drainage system should be moved up so the Village would know where they stood. village Manager Bradford responded that the village was pretty certain of existing conditions and he felt no need to expedite the video; however, if the new Stormwater Utility Director wanted to do it sooner that item would be STORMWATER UTILITY BOARD b~ETING MINUTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 15 brought back to the Stormwater Utility Board. Village Manager Bradford explained that because there were funds in Undesignated Funds, there was leeway to move projects forward. VII. ANY OTHER MATTERS Vice Mayor Hansen explained he had wished to discuss swales and Dover Ditch, but the swales had already been discussed. vice Mayor Hansen commented a lot of people were against swales, and the Village needed to educate them and let them know if the village did not proceed with swales that grant money would not be forthcoming. Vice Mayor Hansen suggested articles in Smoke Signals. village Manager Bradford commented many people had a misconception that swales provided standing water for mosquito breeding, and that could be combated by articles in the newsletter. Vice Mayor Hansen commented that Dover Ditch had been improved and that Jupiter was participating by paying part of the maintenance. The vice Mayor questioned whether Tequesta was following up with maintenance since at the time of that project the Village was accused of not doing the maintenance. Village Manager Bradford responded that the Village was doing what it was supposed to by providing routine maintenance, which cost approximately $10,000 annually, and included cutting grass, bank stabilization, and periodic spraying to remove algae. Jupiter paid $3,860 per year to the village as their part of the $10,000 cost. Russell von Fraak, 489 Dover Road, questioned why employee Russell White was Supervisor on both Water and Public Works, to which Village Manager Bradford responded that was done to save money, and that he supervised public works crews, supervised stormwater people, and supervised the water distribution employees. Peggy verhoevea, Point Drive, commented that North Passage was a good example to view swales with pipes under the t STORMWATSR UTILITY BOARD MEETING MINDTES APRIL 29, 1999 PAGE 16 driveways, and reported she had lived there and had observed that the ditch would fill up and water would stand for two days with frogs and mosquitos present. Village Manager Bradford commented that he was not familiar with those swales, but that Tequesta Pines was the best example of swales in the Village that worked, and he had never seen water standing there. VIII. ADJOIfRNMENT vice Mayor Hansen moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Capretta seconded the motioa. The vote on the motion was: Roa T. Mackail - for ,~-.~ Carl C. Hansen - for _~ Basil g. Dalack - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Elizabeth A. Schauer - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, (~ZC Betty Laur Recording Secretary ATTEST: Joann Manganiello Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: