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1988.04.11_TC_Minutes_Special~;. TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING Monday, April 11, 1988 9:30 A.M. A Special Workshop Meeting, regarding the water issue, was called to order by Mayor Betty Jean Stewart in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall at 9:30 A.M. Others in attendance were Vice Mayor John J. Basso, Commissioners Doris R. Rome, David T. Robinson and Robert F. Scholz. Others present were Town Attorney David K. Friedman, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Deputy Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals, Town Engineer Ed Wetzel and his associate, Pat Gleason and members of the general public. Town Manager Mariano noted the Town has a pending request for water with Boca that must be addressed. Further, Boca City Manager Rutherford questioned the method used by our previous Town Manager to determine our short term needs. As we were in the process of engaging new engineers, Mr. Rutherford requested we have our new engineers evaluate our situa- tion after which they would meet with Boca's engineers to look at the interconnect to make certain we have the piping and everything necessary for that purpose. The Town Commission discussed at length a memorandum from our pervious Town Manager (Mr. Williams) dated 11/23/87, and it was noted that our previous Town Manager worked on the assumption there was a possibility that South Florida Water Management District was going to reduce the allocation of water to the Town of Highland Beach. Town Manager Mariano discussed that possibility with SFWMD and was advised, in writing, that they do not anticipate increasing our allocation; but, at this time, they see no reason why our allocation should be decreased. It was determined that the base information on the memo of 11/23/87 is inaccu- rate therefore our new engineers obtained new base information from the Building Department. Mayor Stewart noted Boca would have to be informed of the circumstances because there is a significant change based upon the South Florida Water Management District information. Principal Engineer Ed Wetzel of Montgomery Engineers, in addressing the Town Commission, stated that essentially, Highland Beach has no capacity left for additional construction. In view of his statement, that portion of the meeting has been transcribed verbatim and is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Mayor Stewart explained that when Mr. Wetzel said the information in re- gard to the number of units per year for planning purposes is based on CDM's Study, that means it is also based on Gee and Jenson because that is where those figures originally were ascertained. i Town Commission Special Workshop Meeting April 11, 1988 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Pat Gleason, a principal Hydrologist and Hydrogeologist, stated he reviewed the Town's situation in regard to water and found that in taking into consideration the amount of water capacity required for the additional committed units plus the amount currently being used, he arrived at a figure that is above the Town's current allocation. From that standpoint, continued Mr. Gleason, your current allocation is already used up and you have to look to another source which would be Boca. Mr. Wetzel added there is a 6" emergency interconnect which could be utilized for the original peak shaving concept; however, it lacks a meter and must be operated manually--to utilize the interconnect on a regular basis, some modifications would be necessary. Our purpose to- day, said Mr. Wetzel, is simply to tell you that you do not have water. In response to Mr. Wetzel's statement, the Mayor said you are telling us that we now, at our level on an average day, have used our water allot- ment. When Mayor Stewart inquired what process would be necessary to arrange the emergency interconnect, Mr. Wetzel advised the emergency interconnect is really not there as a peak shaving mechanism--it is . there to supply water Regarding the needs on arose as to what would 180! units per year are 250, 000! gpd f ive years nothing. just for an emergency purpose. a short or immediate situation, the question be needed in 1992. Mr. Wetzel advised that if approved, that would necessitate 200,91010 to down the line; if you approve nothing, you need Vice Mayor Basso stated Boca has to receive our information because they have to plan ahead in order to furnish us sufficient water, at the proper time; they have to obtain permits and that takes time. Town Manager Mariano said the need will be there in three years for the 260 units that are on line at this time; we look at the numbers as we permit in the future. We are telling Boca that in 1992 (and there- after}, we want 3 million gallons per day of treated water. At this point, we have to determine what, and if in fact, we need anything between now and 1992. In the discussion it was brought out that perhaps it might be more advisable if the Town, in fact, did not have the water available when the developers came in to develop the various parcels; if the developers want the water, they can then assume the financial responsibility for the meter and work necessitated by the interconnects and the like. Town Attorney Friedman stated that until the Town really knows how many • lawsuits will be resolved, at this time, the Town may be underestimating its needs; therefore, in wording the request to Boca, the key is to indicate that it could be subject to modification depending on the Town Commission Special Workshop Meeting April 11, 1988 Page 3 of 5 growth of the Town--come up with a base amount now, as long as they understand that, in a year or two, it may be subject to modification. Mayor Stewart questioned if the approach, on the basis between now and 1992, would be along the line of a letter to Boca advising where we are now with having used our allotment with regard to the permit; the permit is to be renegotiated next year (1989); itemize each and every one of the large sites as to what is allowed. Town Attorney Friedman agreed that these are responsible facts that should be given to Boca. In discussing water conservation, Mayor Stewart noted we are making an effort at Bel Lido to cut consumption and it takes a lot of conservation to drop the usage a little bit. Town Manager Mariano advised there are approximately 13 to 15 condomi- nium managers actively involved because they are concerned and they are contacting all managers to try to get them to reduce their irrigation. Mr. Jare Smingler of Beach Walk East is starting a Highland Beach Managers Association to help educate the managers regarding water con- servation. All this will help the Town. Mayor Stewart stated there are several areas that are not being ad- dressed: Russell Drive, Bel Air Drive, Highland Beach Drive plus A-1-A. There are pockets where we are unable to reach people. When Mayor Stewart asked if there was anything else to discuss regarding the business of between now and 1992 on the amount of water we need from Boca, Commissioner Robinson stated we should move ahead with the inter- connect and state in our letter that we want to proceed with this now and get it ready to work; should we find we need it sooner on peak days, we will have it. The Mayor added the interconnect should be in place, especially for fire emergencies. Town Manager Mariano asked if we could try to off-set that so perhaps the next big developer would be required to put in the interconnect. The Mayor stated that may be an avenue to look into, if it is feasible; how we get it is one aspect, up-grading it is another aspect. The Town Manager noted there was some talk about the existing wells, and if we are to spend funds, we need to look at our wells as CDM indicated our wells may be needing renovations. Town Manager Mariano said perhaps our wells need rehabilitation. Mayor Stewart reported that back in 1983, when the Town Commission met, it found impending water problems and they embarked on the long range study. When they went into the business of the interim well, that was • there if only one other well failed--its purpose is only temporary. The original concept of the design of the interim well could have an even shorter life span in its design. The Town Commission tried to improve Town Commission Special Workshop Meeting April 11, 1988 Page 4 of 5 some areas; however, it is a short term life span. Our engineers came in with an analysis of what it would take to build this well. We re- ceived only two bids because contractors are not interested in just one little well. It was CDM's decision (and ours) that this was becoming very expensive and prohibitive to the citizens of this Town. A little Town in the water business is very expensive. It is not cost effective for a small town to be in the water business. It has been something we have lived with and not it is a matter of us trying to do something for the Town on a long term basis. That is why we felt we had to proceed in this direction. That is why we went to Boca for the whole thing. There will be increased requirements for the treatment of water. Boca Raton is producing water for the whole County out West. South Florida Water Management District is going to designate Boca Raton a regional water supplier. At this stage, I am involved and dedicated to going to Boca. When Commissioner Rome asked why are we going for what we need, why not go for the whole works; Commissioner Robinson said Boca was concerned about the figures and requested we reevaluate the situation--I think you have to deal with the political reality. • Mayor Stewart indicated that when the Town went to Boca they received encouragement and positive comments from the person they met with. The City of Boca is entitled to know what we anticipate to put in the 1992 plan which is 3 mgd. That has been a firm figure. The problem was the short term (between now and 1992) effect. In discussing the wellfields, Mayor Stewart noted that anything East of I-95 is almost in jeopardy when they talk about salt water intrusion. Going West was questionable. The former Town Manager spoke of reverse osmosis which is something the larger water companies can do. It is not a feasible option for a small Town. Vice Mayor Basso said we already made a determination we will take water from Boca Raton. Eventually, we will abandon our plant in 6 or 7 years. We obtain how many gallons we need in 4 or 5 years with an option to increase that, and then, we phase out our plant. Town Manager Mariano noted that the Town's position has been to go for 3 mqd from 1992 and thereafter, which would be 1f~0% of our water. Mr. Wetzel advised that Boca was willing to accommodate Highland Beach and their representative, Joe Hancock, saw no problem with the number of gallons; they are willing to work with us. However, if you go for the 3 mgd, the 6" water interconnect would not be sufficient; you would need a 16" interconnect, continued Mr. Wetzel. . Mayor Stewart stated the units approved (but not as yet built) would be completed by 1992 when the need for water would exist; they would not be c/o'd until 1992. We would have used our reserve and we give them the • Town Commission Special Workshop Meeting April 11, 1988 Page 5 of 5 facts as we have them--they know the risk potential we are faced with. The Town Manager added it reaffirms the fact that the Town wants 3 mgd in 1992. It was the consensus of the Town Commission that a letter, as discussed at this meeting, should be drafted and forwarded to Boca Raton. Mayor Stewart thanked Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gleason and added the Town would be in touch with them regarding the letter which will be done as soon as possible. Mayor Stewart reported on the April 6, 1988, meeting re Hidden Harbor. DER requested Hidden Harbor supply additional information. Until the information is submitted, Hidden Harbor can not come to the Town for a permit. It appears the culverts will be added to allow the water to flow to the Eastern Mangrove area that was not in the original permit. The DER will amend the permit to include these. Town Manager Mariano added the we must wait until Hidden Harbor resolves the matter with DER before it can be addressed by the Town. As there was no further business to come before the Town Commission, the . Special Workshop Meeting was adjourned at 11:915 A.M. APPROVED: Be Jean Stewart, Mayor ohn .'Sasso V' e Mayor oner ner ATTES Date: r 1 U TRANSCRIPT---TOWN COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING, APRIL 11, 1988 RE: WATER ED WETZEL: I am Ed Wetzel, principal engineer with Montgomery Engineers, Pat Gleason is a principal Hydrologist and Hydro-Geologist, and we both look at this actually from two different viewpoints. Pat's been involved with one of the current litigation, which we have here in Town, and I have been looking at this strictly from the standpoint of your water requirements as it pertains to an interconnect with Boca. The letter that I understand you distributed summarizes our findings. There is one piece of inform- • ation included i.n the table that may. not be worth anything, .but let me explain a little bit of what the average and peak day mean and why the two different numbers are there. The Average Daily Flow is the average daily consumption from your Town over the course of a year. It is an annualized average and for 1987, that number was 1.3 million GALLONS PER DAY. That is the number you need to compare with allocation from the SFWMD because your Water Use Permit specifies your average daily withdrawal from the acquifer, so if you can compare that number in 1987 at 1.3 Million GPD against your allocation of roughly 1.4 Million GPD. What that tells is that you have roughly 100,000 gallons of water available per average daily basis. We also look at the Peak Daily Flow, the peak utilization • on our daily basis, over the course of a year, in 1987 your peak day showed a flow of 1.8 Million GPD. That is the basis on which we design water treatment plants. The water • CJ PAGE 2 TRANSCRIPT--4/11/88 (ED WETZEL-continued treatment plant capacity has to match your peak day flow. And we look at a ratio of your peak day to average day and in your case, it is about 1.4 or 1.5 is often a typical number we utilize for planning purposes. That is the number which we need to compare to your current plant capacity which is 2 Million GPD. As far as plant capacity, you have an excess of roughly 200,000 GPD. In terms of allocation from the SFWMD, you have an additional reserve of 100,000 GPD. That is not very much reserve capacity at all. The other thing that you need to build into this, if you take into account the units which have already been approved for construction, though they are not currently on line, you basically have almost zero capacity remaining, and Pat is going to do an analysis so I won't elaborate. Essentially, you take your units that you have already approved for construction, it would add approximately another 90,000 to 100,000 GPD for Average Daily Flow, which utilizes essentially the reserve. In our Peak Day Basis, that would be 130-140,000 GPD, and that pretty much takes care of the rest of your plant capacity. Essentially you have no capacity left for additional construction in the Town of Highland Beach, in terms of what already using and what is already approved. I talked to the Town Manager and indicated that if you say "no more construction" you basically have as much water as you need for quite a long time. If you are going to allow for additional construction, additional water will be needed and you have to face the issue of where you are going to get the water and Boca Raton is the place to look. So, really the numbers we are showing you for 1992 to 1997 PAGE 3 i TRANSCRIPT--4/11/88 (ED WETZEL-continued) don't have a lot of meaning. They may show the number of units as 180 per-year for planning purposes and that is just a number that came out of the CDM Water Supply Study and they don't currently have any meaning. You currently don't have any reserve capacity. Any reserve capacity will have to come from Boca. Until such time as you decide to fully turn over the operation of the water supply issue to Boca and the 3 Million GPD is still a legitimate number which will meet your ultimate water demands. • ELK 4/22/88