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1986.07.17_TC_Minutes_SpecialTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA C, c" Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission ~~-,~~ ~. o~ ,, .: ~. SPECIAL MEETING '`~ Thursday, July 17, 1986 10:~J0 A.M. A Special Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor Edward J. Sullivan in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Also present were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser and Commissioners John J. Basso, William A. Grier and Betty Jean Stewart. Also present were Town Manager Hugh D. Williams and Town Clerk Mary Ann Mariano. The Mayor noted that the purpose of the Special Meeting was to discuss authorization for a study report of the water plant relating to ammonia based treatment and other itmes pertaining to the operation of the water plant. `~` Present, representing Camp Dresser and McKee, the Town's engineers were Jay Ameno, Sr. Vice President and Gary Whit, Senior Hydrogeolo- gist. • Although Mayor Sullivan noted that three items of concern existed, being treatment, quality and capacity, the first portion of the meeting dealt, with a proposal from CDM to prepare the necessary report to make the transition from the present system being used by the Town to the ammonia based system. The Town Manager presented to the Town Commission three sampled of ester representing the color of water from the well, the color of the Town's finished product, and the color of water manufactured by a process to reflect water after ammonia treatment. Mr. Ameno gave a presentation on water chemistry and how it relates to color in the ammonia process using a graph depicting a "breakpoint curve". Mr. Ameno also presented graphs reflecting the THM Formation Potential and Color Removal with Chlorine. Mr. Ameno explained each of the graphs presented, noting that the Town needs to determine the THM Formation Potential in order to locate the most advantageous place to position the ammoniators in an ammonia-based treatment system. Mr. Ameno further explained that the chlorine residual formed THMs and that the time involved in the formation of the THM's must be identi- fied in order to ammonia treat the water prior to it reaching certain. contaminant levels. This might require the color level to exceed the 15 color level requiements, however,. this limit is a secondary requirement which has been allowed to be exceeded if the THM level, which is a primary requirement, is met. Mr. Ameno noted that pursuant to the proposal which was presented to the Town dated July 3, 1986, the first step would be a design memorandum which would be going into the field and determining the THM • Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 2 of 8 formation potential to determine the "breakpoint curve" and locate the proper place for the placement of the ammoniators. The important part of this study would be to determine the time frame of the formation of thihalomethanes in order to adequately design the location of the ammoniators prior to reaching contaminant levels, and possible re- location of chlorination points. It was noted that the location of ammoniators would be within the plant grounds. Mr. Ameno nuted that the two possible locations at the plant would be at the surge box used for chlorine injuction on the affluent side of the box, or at a location after the filters. Mr. Ameno showed the Town Commission these locations on a graph depicting the plant. The chlorination station in back of the police department would be eliminated. The insertion of chlorine into the system at the plant would make the chlorine uniform throughout the Town. Commissioner Stewart noted that there are locations in Town where the THM levels were higher than others and questioned whether the testing for THM's should be taken at these locations. Mr. Ameno stated that • this would not be feasible inasmuch as when the THM formation potential is determined at the plant and the water ammonia treated, no more THM's would be formed from that point forward, thereby eliminat- ing the inconsistent contaminant levels throughout the Town presently. Mr. Ameno explained that anytime there is chlorine present in the water, THM's can form, which is the reason for the chlorine to be added prior to the ammonia treatment which reaction eliminates the formation of THM's from that point on. Replying to Commissioner Stewart's question, Mr. Ameno stated that the equipment necessary for the ammonia treated system would take almost the entire area now occupied by several unused filters. It was noted that the only effect that the transition to an ammonia treated system would be that the rubber washers, etc. now used throughout Town would be effected and might need replacing with another material. Mr. Williams noted that the CDM proposal for $29,000.00 includes the design, inspection, permitting, DER required reports, etc. However, Mr. Williams recommended that the Town Attorney study the proposal to determine whethr the Town could bid the equipment on its own which would cut down the cost of the CDM ro osal. Mr. Williams feels that P P the entire project, including engineering costs will be approximately $100,000.00. Mr. Williams will look into three methods of financing this i.e. a loan from the local back, a mini-bond issue (5 years) or it re-financing the existing bond issues and report back to the Town Commission with a recommendation. • Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 3 of 8 Commissioner Grier noted that in a December 11, 1983 proposal, CDM had estimated the engineering costs of such a project as this to be $14,20P1 in technical services. Mr. Ameno noted that this amount only included the design services for such a system and did not include the inspection, bid documents etc., and that the actual technical costs had only been increased by $1,50! since that proposal. It was noted that the difference in costs also was due to the determination regarding manual vs. automatic systems, the automatic system costing approximately $30,000 more than .the manual. Jack Lee, Utilities Director was present and stated that he was recommending the manual system due to problems of fluctuating gauges which he encountered when he worked for Delray Beach. Commissioner Stewart noted that due to personnel reasons she felt that it might be more feasible to go with an automatic system. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Town Commission to bid a manual system which could be upgraded to an automated system at a later date if the need arose. Mr. Ameno will check into the cost ofr the upgrading at a later date. Mr. Ameno then summarized the tasks included in the present proposal, • Task 1 including the design memorandum which involves the testing and determination of the THM formation potential, doing the design draw- ings, applications for appropriate permits, and securing of the permits. Task 2 will include the bidding services, obtaining same, coordinating advertisements, printing of bidding documents, etc., and Task 3 will be general and resident engineering services during the construction of the system. Replying to Commissioner Basso's question as to whether the Town could implement impact fees to recoup some of the costs of the system, Mr. Williams indicated that this would not qualify, however, there would be a recommendation to increase connection fees in the upcoming budget. Mr. Ameno noted that the entire project should be completed within approximately 7 months depanding on the time to secure the appropriate permits. Mr. Williams recommended that obtain the opinion of the Town included in the proposal which ely by the Town, and then get consideration at the August 5, also stated that the amount of current budget. the Town Commission authorize him to Attorney with regard to certain items may be eliminated and handled separat- a revised proposal from Mr. Ameno for 1986 Regular Meeting. Mr. Williams the contract could be absorbed in the • Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 4 of 8 COMMISSIONER BASSO made a MOTION to accept the July 3, 1986 proposal of Camp Dresser and McKee with regard to Task 1. After discussion, COMMISSIONER BASSO withdrew that MOTION and them MOVED that the Town accept the proposal of Camp Dresser and McKee dated July 3, 1986 with regard to Tasks 1, 2 and 3. This MOTION was seconded by COMMISSIONER STEWART and passed unanimously upon roll call vote. It being the intent of the Town Commission to attempt to reduce the cost of the approved proposal of CDM by undertaking some of the bidding and purchasing procedures included in the proposal, Mr. Ameno stated that he would provide the Town with a letter indicating that CDM would be agreeable to amending the proposal downward pending the opinion of the Town Attorney with regard to deleting several of the matters included in the proposal. Mr. Williams again advised the Town Commission of his intent to inves- tigate alternative sources of funding this project and would report back to them. Commissioner Basso requested that this matter be discussed with the Financial Advisory Board also. . The next matter discussed regarded a June 20, 1986 study prepared by CDM which deals with the present and future water capacity needs of the Town. Mr. Williams noted that the Town should consider the expansion of wellfields in order to obtain additional water sources and to expand the present capacity, however, felt that the more impor- tant item to be addressed was the construction of a back up well at the present west wellfield. Mayor Sullivan summarized the CDM report as follows: 1. The Town's pent capacity is inadequate for future growth. 2. The threat of saltwater intrusion in the western wellfield is a primary concern. 3. The rate of production of the existing wells has significantly declined. 4. The total well capacity is 1.87 million gallons per day and the firm capacity is 1.08 million gallons per day. 5. The current capacity of the treatment plant is 2 million gallons per day which could be increased to 3 million gallons per day, but would require an additional 1.13 million gallons per day be installed in an additional wellfield. 6. Three new wells are available in the western edge of the property used in rotation with present three wells. 7. Spreading of pumpage to west produces some elevation as has been observed between the wells and the ocean. This will pro- • duce potential for encroachment for salt water from the inlet. Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 5 of 8 8. Three additional wells are used to provide an additional 1 million gallons per day. Model shows that total pumpage cannot be substantially increased without increased potential for saltwater contamination. 9. Well rehabilitation could increase total capacity. Wells would have to be removed from service and eastern wells used, however, during the wet season short term impacts on salt water intrusion would be minimal. 10. The Town does not require more capacity from existing wells, additional wills are required to meet this capacity. 11. Future ground water withdrawals increases cannot safely be taken from the western wellfields as it is doubtful that the South Florida Water Management District would give approval. 12. More wiel.lfield expansion to produce capacity is the recommendation. 13. Expansion to new fields would take several years. Mayor 5ullivan's initial question was if the Town constructs • additional wells in th existing west wellfield, whether capacity could be increased. Mr. Gary Whit of CDM addressed this issue and replied that no mater how many additional wells were constructed on the present site, additional capacity would not be increased due to restrictions of the SFWMD. Mr. Whit noted that physically, you could get any amount of water you wanted out of the ground, however, the SFWMD sets a limit on the amount of water to be drawn which limit could not be increased due to the potential of salt water intrusion. Mr. Whit stated that the Town Commission needed to make dome decisions as to,how the Town's growth would be addressed in realtion to the capacity of water needed to accomodate such growth. Mr. Whit noted that the immediate situation confronting the Town was the need for an additional well to back up the existing western wells. Mr. Whit noted that if the Town's largest well is out of service, which has happened in the past, the Town will not be able to supply an adequate water supply to the residents without severely placing restrictions on water useage. Mr. whit stated that a concern of CDM was that if the Town decides to install only one additional well, although the firm capacity is increased, the pumpage is icrease in one given area, which can further induce salt water intrusion. Therefore, Mr. Whit noted that if the Town as not going to consider expanding the water supply, that at least two wells and preferably three wells be constructed in the existing wellfield to spread the puumpages out. This will help reduce • the potential for salt water intrusion during normal conditions. Salt water intrusion may still be a concern if drought conditions exist. Mr. Whit noted that a very sensitive monitoring system would also need Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 • Page 6 of 8 installation should the Town not choose to expand capacity. Mr. whit. further st~i~d that should the Town choose to expand the capacity of water supply by seeking new wellfields, that the existing wellfields could be used as back up to assure firm capacity. Hoever, there is still a two year time frame and maybe a little longer to provide the additional wellfield. This creates a two year problem for back up of the pesent wellfield which could be alleviated by the intallation of a disposable well in the exiting wellfield to use as a back up until the expansion and construction of a new wellfield takes place. This would meet the Town's short term neds. Mr. Whit noted that design of a temporary well could be minimized at a lower cost to meet the Town's short term needs. Although the design costs would be the same for a temporary or permanent well, the capital equipment costs would be less for a disposable well. Mr. whit stated that should the Town not choose to expand the wellfield, construction of at least two permanent wells would be needed to meet the long term needs of the Town, and preferably three, which would not increase pumpage but would minimize the salt water intrusion problem. Mr. Whit stressed the point that this would not increase the capacity of the Town's water supply, but would merely back up what the Town presently has. The only wat to increase capacity would e,to purchase additional • land and construct additional wells. Mr. Williams indicatd that if it was possible, the pumps and motors from the abandoned eastern wells could be utilized in the construction of the new wells thereby saving the Town some money. Mr. Williams noted that in the long term process, the Town should con- sider the expansion of wellfields by finding additional land to construct wells on, thereby relieving the existing western wellfields as back up wells. Mr. Whit again stressed the importance of the Town installing sensi- tive monitor wells should the western wellfield be used on a long term permanent basis to monitor the salt water intrusion level. Mr. Whit suggested the drilling of two to three monitoring wells. Mr. Williams again noted that the consideration of any reverse osmosis system would cost the Town approximately $2,00~,P100.~10. Mr. Whit stated that if the Town decided to construct a disposable well, it could be insalled within 5 months. Any permanent wells would take about the same time if the pumps and motors of the eastern wells were utilized. Vice Mayor Blosser asked if any timetable had been established to determine the salt water intrusion progression. Mr. Whit stated that Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 7 of 8 this would be hard to determine, however, anytime a drought period is experienced, an increase in chlorides is present and the salt Ovate wedge moves fater than under normal circumtances. Mr. Whit estimated that two permanent wells would cost approximately $160,000.00 with two disposable wells costing $60,000.00. Disposable wells would eliminate the cost of new pumps, new valves, new piping. Mr. Williams noted that the Town Commission needs to make a decision for the short term back up of the existing western wellfields. With respect to-the Town's long term needs, the Town has alot of research on options available to it for the increase in quantity of water necessary. Mr. Whit stated that he would hope a disposable well would last at least four years and probably more. Commissioner Stewart expressed her concern that a disposable well might not be adequate to give the Town enough time to thoroughly research and come up with a long term solution whether it means acquiring property or any other method. Commissioner Stewart noted that it has taken the Town at least five years to make a decision on the method being used to reduce THM's and felt that time needed to adequately study and implement a long term • solution might warrant the installation of a permanent well, even for back up purposes. Mr. Williams noted that there might be some parts of a disposable well which can be replaced with parts of a permanent nature to buy more time for the long term solution. Mr. Whit noted that the design fees charged by CDM would be the same no matter which well was approved by the Town. Mr. Whit feels that if the Town decised to expand the wellfields by the acquiring of additional property west of the existing wells, then he would recommend the disposable well merely to save money. By doing this, the western wellfield would still be more than adequate as a back up field with a new wellfield being the main supply to the Town. Mr. Whit further noted that with regard to possible acquiring of additional land, rights-of-way might be adequate without the purchase of full lots of land to have ample room to create a wellfield. Re- plying to Commissioner Basso's question, Mr. Whit stated that a new wellfield would be located approximately 1 mile westward. Mr. Whit and Mr. Ameno roughly estimated the cost of a new wellfield at $1,000,0418 to $1,250,000. Commissioner Basso stated his opinion that the Town go along with the idea of the disposable well and then determine what the long term needs of th Town are whether it is capping the population, increased capacity, etc. • Town Commission Special Meeting July 17, 1986 Page 8 of 8 • APPROVED: Edward J. ullivan, Mayor Marys ouige„G. Blosser, Vice Mayor n~ J,l/Basso, Cgh-~tiissioner Commissioner Grier asked if any part of a disposable well could be converted or salvagable to a permanent well at a later date. Mr. Whit noted that the eastern wellfield was being "cannibalized" to get the parts for a disposable well and did not feel that salvaging parts from it for a permanent well would be feasible. However, Mr. Whit did indicate that should permanent wells be later installed, that the disposable well could then be used as a back up well to those. Commissioner Stewart expressed concern about using old parts and lesser quality materials to install a disposable well, even if it is just for a temporary back up well. Mr. Whit noted that if there were no pumps available from the eastern wellfield to use in the proposed disposable well, the pump cost would be approximately $30,000 with the total construction of a disposable well being approximately $60,000. It being noted that a permanent well would cost approximately $80,000 installed, Mr. Whit was asked why he would feel that two permanent wells were needed versus one temporary well. Mr. Whit felt that the disposable well might still be inducing salt water intrusion, however, this would be for a temporary period, whereas a permanent well would be inducing the salt water intrusion for a longer time, and that the construction of two permanent wells would alleviate the need for deeper pumpages alleviating this concern. Mr. Whit was asked to submit a written proposal on what the variable costs would be for the options expressed at this meeting, i.e. dispo- sable well vs. permanent well, costs should the eastern wellfields not be able to supply the needed pumps, etc. Mr. Whit will submit a proposal stating these factors and his recom- mendation in time for July 29, 1986. This Special Meeting was then recessed until July 29, 1986 at 3:00 p.m. William A. Gri:erv, Commissioner Betty can Stewart, Commissioner TT~ST: