1987.05.07_TC_Minutes_Workshop
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING TO DISCUSS WATER
RESOURCES REPORT
Thursday, May 7, 1987 10:30 A.M.
A Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor
Betty Jean Stewart in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Also pre-
sent were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser and Commissioners John J.
Basso, David T. Robinson and Robert F. Scholz.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Hugh D.
Williams, Public Utilities Director Jack Lee, Town Clerk Mary Ann
Mariano and members of the general public.
Present, representing Camp Dresser and McKee, the Town's engineers,
were Jay Ameno, Vice President, Gary Whit, Sr. Hydrogeologist, Water
Resources, and Jim Jensen, Water Resources staff.
Mr. Ameno opened the meeting by reporting to the Town Commission on
the status of the existing projects. Mr. Ameno reported that with re-
gard to the THM control implementation, the project is presently
undergoing DER review and a pre-construction conference was planned
• during the week of April 11, 1987.
With regard to the installation of the interim well, the contract doc-
uments have been completed and awaiting comment from the contractor.
Mr. Ameno noted that recent newspaper reports had indicated a dissat-
isfaction with CDM in the submission of a preliminary long-term water
supply report and the conclusions noted therein. Mr. Ameno assured
the Town that he was dedicated to serving the Town of Highland Beach
and did not serve any other municipalities. With reference to the re-
port submitted on long-term water supply, Mr. Ameno noted that the re-
port was dated May 1987, however, was not due to the Town until
June 6, 1987. Mr. Ameno felt that the report should not have been
made public until such time as CDM had an opportunity to formally
present it to the Town Commission at a meeting such as this one. Mr.
Ameno stated that it was his hope that such misunderstanding would not
occur again.
Gary Whit then gave an update as to the status of the alternate well-
field/water supply project, citing the May 1987 draft report delivered
to the Town. Mr. Whit noted that although a final report would be
given to the Town by June 6, 1987, the actual wellfield operational
schedule and salt water monitoring would go on for approximately 9-10
months. Further, depending upon the alternate water source chosen by
the Town, implementation, i.e., permitting, etc., may be expanded to
18 months. Mr. Whit further noted that an Assumptive Use Schedule
• would be added to the Water Resources Report subsequent to the final
report being submitted to the Town. The complete report should be in
tact by June 6, 1988, stated Mr. Whit, noting that there would be a
Town Commission Workshop re CDM Report
May 7, 1987
Page 2 of 6
three month review period for the South Florida Water Management Dis-
trict.
Commissioner Robinson requested that the Town Manager provide a flow
chart which would elaborate on the time frames in the process being
reviewed. Mr. Whit noted that an updated schedule would be submitted
with the report.
Mr. Whit noted that the SFWMD modified permit calls for the projection
of system losses, conservation plan, wellfield operating program and a
salt water internal monitoring system, some of which would depend on
that alternate source of water chosen by the Town.
Mr. Whit then reviewed the "Past & Projected Treated Water Usage"
chart as included in the submitted report. With regard to the figures
used for average useage of 4PJf~ gpcd noted on the chart, Mayor Stewart
requested that a clause be included to reflect that the figures are
based on the unique characteristics of a community such as Highland
Beach which would explain why this figure would be higher than average
usage. Mr. Whit explained that the population figures being used in
the report reflected what potential possibilities are and are based on
the number of dwelling units in Town. Commissioner Basso asked if the
. figures used included fire protection. Mr. Ameno noted that the 4P1p
gpcd did not include fire protection inasmuch as the figures for fire
protection are included in required storage figures and not usage.
Mr. Whit then addressed the alternative solutions for long term water
supply as delineated in the draft report beginning with possible
interconnects with Boca Raton and Delray Beach. With regard to possi-
bly interconnecting with Delray Beach, Mr. Whit expressed several con-
cerns. Delray Beach's water is not lime softened and therefore would
need additional treatment, and further, the location of any potential
interconnects would require substantial funding to complete any pipe-
line network. Although Mr. Whit indicated that in discussing this
possible option with Delray Beach staff there appeared to be no pro-
blem; it was pointed out that Delray Beach is presently running into
difficulty in the expansion of its wellfields. It was noted that this
matter had not been discussed with the governing body of Delray Beach.
Mr. Williams pointed out the Town's contract to receive water from
Delray Beach on an emergency basis, during which times the lime soft-
ening would not be of a major concern. However, on a permanent basis,
the Town would need to treat the water to make it more aesthetically
pleasing to Highland Beach residents.
Mr. Whit then addressed the possibility of interconnecting with Boca
Raton for water, noting that Boca staff was- generally receptive to the
idea. Again, it was pointed out that the governing body of the City
of Boca Raton had not been approached on the matter. Mayor Stewart
J
Town Commission Workshop re CDM Report
• May 7, 1987
Page 3 of 6
asked whether this matter would be supervised by SFWMD. Mr. Whit did
not know the jurisdiction of SFWMD in this matter, noting that the
SFWMD was empowered to protect the water supply and would probably
look at this in the sense of whether it was a beneficial and reason-
able use of the water supply. Mayor Stewart noted that inasmuch as
Delray Beach and Boca Raton were in the process of requesting permit-
ting for additional wells, that SFWMD should look into the emergency
needs of Highland Beach in their deliberations, and suggested that the
Town seek assistance in this matter.
Commissioner Robinson expressed a concern that the governing bodies of
each of the surrounding communities had not addressed this matter and
that cost negotiations would ensue should either of these alternatives
be chosen by the Town. Mr. Williams stated that with regard to cost,
a municipality is authorized to charge 25% more for the provision of
water to an outside entity without justification, and 50~ if justifi-
cation could be supplied for such increase. Mr. Williams further
noted that Palm Beach County is concerned with ample water supply for
all of its areas and was approaching the SFWMD with a view toward re-
questing proportional allotment of water supply through its permitting
process.
• Mayor Stewart noted that at a recent Council of Governments Meeting,
the proposed Wellfield Protection Ordinance had been addressed, noting
that wellfield ring definitions are being used i.e. #2 ring is based
on a 21PJ day drought, etc. Mr. Whit indicated that the draft report
discusses the proposed Wellfield Protection Ordinance which Palm Beach
County had not yet been adopted, however, is based upon most of the
issues in the existing Broward County ordinance. Mr. Williams further
stated that with the organization of the newly ratified Palm Beach
County Planning Council, a population cap might be a possibility which
will have an effect on water supply needed.
Discussion again reverted to the possible Boca Raton interconnects
with Mr. Whit noting that water quality in Boca Raton would be compat-
ible to that in Highland Beach. The difference in pipe size and
pressure would have to be addressed. It was pointed out that Boca
Raton is in the process of requesting SFWMD permitting to expand its
wellfields. Mr. Whit noted that the Lake Worth Drainage District
still has localized drainage control and would need to be a part of
any expansion requests.
Mr. Whit then reviewed a map showing where
well as where water could not be obtained
hazardous materials, etc. Mr. Whit noted
new Wellfield Protection Ordinance by the
• areas now included as safe may change due
intrusion.
a water could be obtained, as
due to industrial zoning,
that upon the adoption of a
county, that some of the
to a concern with salt water
Town Commission Workshop re CDM Report
May 7, 1987
Page 4 of 6
Mayor Stewart then requested Mr. Whit to explain the difference in the
acquifer between North county and South county. Mr. Whit noted that
in South county the acquifer is more pourous and therefore the ability
for contaminents is more rapid than in North county, limiting further
where new wellfields can be located. Mr. Whit expressed concerns with
salt water intrusion in any locations East of Dixie Highway. With
regard to areas between Dixie Highway and I-95, Mr. Whit felt that the
water demands for the existing golf courses and irrigation would be
too competitive.
Mr. Whit then reviewed several available sites with the Town Commis-
sion including an area located on Texas Trail, along I-95, north of
Clintmore Road. At this location, it would be recommended to install
eight wells to spread out the impact of drawing water. There are con-
cerns as to a possible I-95 interchange in this area in the future.
An area in the Pheasant Walk subdivision was then cited as a compat-
ible land use area with no other permanent users, i.e., golf courses,
etc. This area would entail the piping of approximately three miles
to the Water Treatment Plant, including the crossing of I-95, Congress
Avenue and several small canals. This area would permit the use of
larger wells inasmuch as salt water intrusion becomes less of a
• concern. Mr. Whit did disclose that he was a resident of Pheasant
Walk and would step down from the consideration of this site if any
conflict of interest issues arose.
The next alternative discussed was the possibility of a "Reverse Osmo-
sis Facility". It was noted that this would be an extremely costly
alternative inasmuch as it would require an new treatment facility as
well as new wells to treat brackish water to a useable product. In
addition to the initial cost of the facilities necessary for this al-
ternative, the treatment of brackish water is substantially more
costly that the system used by the Town presently. It was noted that
Boynton Beach is presently testing such a system by the provision of a
portable reverse osmosis rig to see the cost factor involved. It was
also noted that Jupiter is presently considering this option. The
desalinization plant in Key West was cited, with it being noted that
it was a costly process to maintain. Mr. Ameno noted that the state
of the arts with respect to reverse osmosis was changing rapidly and
that CDM was constantly monitoring the cost factors involved.
It was noted that the cost factors for all of the alternatives noted
in the draft report would be included in the June final report.
A question arose as to the provision of raw water from Delray or Boca
Raton. Mr. Whit indicated that to access raw water, the necessary
piping would be greater and felt that this was not a favorable alter-
native to the Town.
•
I
Town Commission Workshop re CDM Report
• May 7, 1987
Page 5 of 6
Mayor Stewart cited the June 2P1, 1986 report with regard to safe
yields on non-drought/drought conditions and urged the Town Commission
to review the report.
Mayor Stewart requested that the June final report be submitted in a
timely manner to allow the Town Commission an opportunity to adequat-
ely study same prior to its formal submission at a meeting.
Vice Mayor Blosser asked whether the governing bodies of Delray Beach
and Boca Raton should be approached on this matter. Mr. Whit stated
that he would need to request further information from the SEWMD ini-
tially, and then it would depend on the Town Commission's desire in
this regard, noting that the Town Manager would always be requested to
be in attendance at any such discussions. Vice Mayor Blosser noted
that she was concerned that Boca Raton is in the process of requesting
expansion of their wellfields at this time and any requests should be
made in a timely manner. Mayor Stewart noted that Jack Humphries of
the Palm Beach County Planning Department had reported at the last COG
Meeting that he anticipated that Boca Raton would be experiencing pro-
blems in their permit requests in this regard and that his concern was
• that all areas would be protected to assure adequate water supply.
Mayor Stewart then noted other proposed requirements with regard to
the new Wellfield Protection Ordinance dealing with removal and re-
location of industrial wellfields, etc. This ordinance should be
going to the County Commission at an early date for action.
The representatives were then thanked for their presentation to the
Town Commission.
The next item discussed was the re-drafted agreement between the Town
and the Hoffman/Broadview principals which had been submitted this day
by the Town Attorney. Although it was noted that Mayor Stewart had
received authorization to execute the agreement once re-drafted, the
Town Commission was given until Monday to relate any further sugges-
tions to the Town Attorney.
Commissioner Basso then noted a recent Sun Sentinel article regarding
statewide beach renourishment projects which had been prioritized.
Mayor Stewart noted that in her Beaches and Shores report given on May
5, 1987, it was reported that Boca Raton received a #2 priority, with
Delray Beach being given a #8 priority. Commissioner Basso stated
that the Town should endeavor to contact its local and state represen-
tatives to try to obtain funding for beach renourishment in Highland
Beach. Mayor Stewart pointed out that one of the major requirements
was that public access be provided to the beach, which the Town did
not have. Commissioner Basso felt that all of the residents of the
• Town were taxpayers and should be considered for any statewide beach
renourishment funds.
1
Town Commission Workshop re CDM Report
May 7, 1987
Page 6 of 6
The final matter discussed by the Town Commission was the possibility
of water restriction guidelines as set out by the Town Manager in his
memorandum dated May 6, 1987, a copy of which is attached hereto and
incorporated by reference herein. Mr. Williams noted that there had
been an increase in the water within the past 24 hours and felt that
the Town was over its immediate emergency. Notification of residents
was discussed, with Mr. Williams stating that in case of any emergency
all residents would be notified by a hand delivered letter of the
measures taken. Further, a special edition of the Bulletin might be
considered to inform the residents of possible conservation measures
should there be the need for same. Substantial discussion took place
as to the rationale behind the use of one well as a source to deter-
mine the necessity of instituting conservation measures. This matter
will be re-addressed with Mr. Williams submitting a new criteria for
the determination of emergency conditions by Thursday, May 14, 1987.
There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at
this time, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
[7
APPROVED:
ATTE
DATE: l l
ATTACHMENT
.Q~c~c..~-t~--.-L~'
MAYO BETTY JEAN STEWART
VICE AYOR.,MARY LOUISE G. BLOSSER
L`Q~IMIS ~N~R~JOHN J. BAS5O
~,-
O~MMIS IONER AVID ROBINSON
COMMI S'S I O'V'ER ROBERT F . SCHOLZ
•
May 6, 1987
MEMORANDUM
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COMMISSION
FROM: Hugh D. Williams, Town Manager
SUBJECT: WATER RESTRICTION GUIDELINES
Recognizing that when imposing any type of water restrictions, either voluntary
or mandatory, that there should be some definitive guideline to take the
imposition of these regulations from a subjective decision to a logical decision
based on qualifiable data, I would submit the following as the theory to be
utilized in imposing any restrictions.
The two basic reasons that could be utilized for the imposition of
water restriction regulations would be:
(1) Some sort of mechanical problem at either the production facility
or the transmission facility.
(2) Decrease in the available supply of water in the wellfield acquifer.
Any restriction imposed under Item No. 1 would be an automatic type of decision.
If there is a break in the transmission line, if there is a problem in the
• production facility, or if there is a problem anywhere through the pumping or
storate facility that supplies the water to the customer's home, obviously, we
would have to go to an imediate restriction, depending on the severity of the
problem.
Restrictions imposed under the 2nd criteria should be based on some type of
measurable and verifiable criteria.
To this end, I feel that Monitor Well PB 948 should be the "Bell Weather Well"
and be our measurable and identifiable criteria.
This well is located at the Water Plant and is readily available for the staff
to measure, on a daily basis, if need be.
As we have discussed before,.we are advised that when this well reaches less
than a one foot above sea level condition, the potential for the salt -water
intrusion greatly accellerates and by the constant monitoring of the depth
of this well, we begin to get an idea of the level of water in the acquifer.
I would, therefore, offer the following as the automatic criteria that will
mandate a voluntary restriction, mandatory restriction, and total restriction.
A. VOLUNTARY RESTRICTION
Voluntary restrictions would begin when PB 948 reaches the level
of 1.25 above sea level. These restrictions would continue until
• PB 948 return to a level of 2.0 feet above sea level.
Memorandum To Mayor and Town Commission ✓
May 6, 1987
Page 2
B. MANDATORY RESTRICTION
Mandatory restrictions would exist when PB 948 reaches a level of
1.0 feet above sea level and would continue until PB 948 reaches
a level of 2.0 feet above sea level.
These restrictions would apply to non - essential uses of water, more specifically,
irrigation of lawns.
If we would totally eliminate all irrigation on certain days of the week, this
would cause a peak and valley situation at the Water Treatment Plant where on
the days where watering was permitted, we would have a tremendous use of water
and this would be offset on days when there would be no watering when there
would be a considerably less usage. With this peak and valley effect, the
consistency of the treatment would suffer and, ultimately, the quality of the
product would deteriorate.
If half the Town is allowed to water one day and the other half of the Town is
allowed to water the other day, the overall usage is reduced and the peak and
valley effect is drastically reduced.
It would, therefore, be my proposal that based on the above two criteria for
voluntary and mandatory restrictions that those houses having an address number
that ends in an odd number be allowed to water on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
and those houses having an even number be allowed to water on Tuesday, Thursday,
and Saturdays. There would be no watering whatsoever on Sundays.
It must be recognized that we do have a potential during the draught seasons to
have to take strict draconian measures and, along.with this proposal, I feel
that when PB 948 goes below 1.0 feet above sea level, all non - essential uses
of water would cease.
The Town Codes already contain the appropriate authorizations for either the
Mayor or the Manager to impose these restrictions and this plan would merely
supply the theory and logic by which these implementations would be initiated.
ep � , 4-1 � Q - -
gh D. Williams, Town Manager
HDW:elk
cc; Jack Lee, Utility Director
Town Attorney
Chief Cecere
•