HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Water Utility Commission - 10/8/2007 iC v
MINUTES
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ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY C• ri ID
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REGULAR SESSION ITEM
OCTOBER 8,2007
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11,000 N.LA CANADA DRIVE '
CALL TO ORDER-AT OR AFTER 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL-6:10 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Powell,Chair
Winston Tustison,Vice Chair
John Hoffmann,Commissioner
Elizabeth Shapiro,Commissioner
MEMBERS ABSENT: George Calabro,Commissioner
Brent Egbert,Commissioner
STAFF PRESENT: Hap'p C.Saletta,Water Utility Director
Shirley Seng,Utility Administrator
David Ruiz,Engineering Division Administrator
Robert Jacklitch,Project Manager
Jim Peterson,Water Utility Regional Coordinator
OTHERS: Barry Gillaspie,Council Liaison
K.C. Carter, Council member
,mmis s ion Attendance/Quorum: Chair Powell stressed the importance of responding to Staff's Water Utility
mmission Attendance email reminders.
ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 MINUTES - Chair Powell entertained a motion for approval of the
September 10,2007 minutes.
MOTION: Vice Chair Tustison MOVED to approve the September 10, 2007 minutes. Commissioner Shapiro
SECONDED the motion.MOTION PASSED:Unanimously
ITEM#2 -DROUGHT STAGE -Mr.Saletta reported that a news release was sent October 4,2007 he also explained that
a memorandum was sent to Mayor&Council with the attached draft of the Drought news release.
Drought Conditions highlights:
-Reduced drought conditions from Stage 2-Severe Drought to Stage 1-Heightened Drought Condition
-Voluntary reductions of 10%household water use customers using more than 4,000 gallons monthly
-Voluntary reductions of 10% for commercial customers
-Voluntary reductions of 5%landscape watering for reclaimed customers
-Request customers not water during the hottest part of the day
-Cover Pools -Check Irrigation System Automatic timers -Check irrigation system for leaks, over spray or
runoff
Mr.Saletta stressed that the N.W.area was still experiencing a regional long-term drought conditions even though substantial
rainfall had taken place.
Cnmmissioner Shapiro had a question about watering in the morning. Mr. Saletta explained that the original Drought
edition Stage 2 emphasized watering before 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. He explained that Stage 1 focuses on not watering during
we hottest part of the day. He mentioned that the golf courses were over-seeding and managed their water on an incremental
basis and sometimes have to water during the hottest time of day.
There being no further questions Mr.Saletta ended his report.
10-08-07 . MINUTES,ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
ITEM#3-UPDATE ON RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM- Mr.Ruiz reported the following:
• Phase II Reclaim Project: This project consists of reclaim water delivery for two Hilton Golf courses (La Canada),
-Provide irrigation water to Painted Sky Elementary School(Woodburne &Moore Rd.) -Relining of two Hilton golf
course ponds. Opening Bid Date: October 9,2007, La Canada Pipeline Project- Bid Date:October 15,2007.
Mr.Ruiz indicated that there was a tremendous amount of interest in these projects.The golf course ponds could be awarded
second week of November and the La Canada Pipeline and Painted Sky Project could be awarded first week of December.Mr.
Ruiz ended his report.
A short discussion occurred regarding the benefits of having Painted Sky Elementary School on reclaimed water. Mr. Saletta
felt that the Utility would be getting reasonable bids for the project.
Mr.Saletta reported on a letter from David Modeer City of Tucson and Oro Valley's response letter:
-Intergovernmental Agreement Reclaimed Water Delivery:Expiration date- October 31,2010.
-Points of Interest: If Oro Valley desires to receive non-interruptible reclaimed water deliveries, increase or even
maintain the current delivery volumes a significant amount of new infrastructure and additional treatment capacity
would be required.
-Oro Valley Water Utility Response letter 9.27.07: The Utility looks forward to negotiating the non-interruptible rate
for reclaimed water delivery in accordance with City of Tucson existing IGA.
-Dove Mountain: The Utility is requesting information and documentation about Dove Mountain's future planned
golf courses.
-Oro Valley Investments:Payment for expansion of the Thornydale Pump Station and fifty percent of Mountain View
Booster Station owned and operated by Tucson Water, Oro Valley's Capital Investment: Pipeline, booster station/
water reservoir and reclaimed water distribution system.
Mr.Saletta mentioned he was contacting Mr.Modeer to arrange a meeting Ref:negotiations.
1 u�answer and question occurred.
-Dove Mountain Golf Courses Un-interruptible reclaim water with Tucson Water(B. Shapiro). Mr. Saletta explained that in a
previous agreement with Tucson Water Dove Mountain was allowed to develop up to five golf 18-hole courses courses. At
this time, Dove Mountain is irrigating three golf courses. Mr. Saletta explained that in accordance with the IGA Dove
Mountain would be able to construct two more golf courses using reclaimed water. Mr. Saletta gave a brief explanation
regarding Oro Valley's negotiation and entitlement for non-interruptible reclaim water with Tucson Water. He also indicated
that if Dove Mountain proceeds with the construction of the two more golf courses that Oro Valley would be entitled to 3.75
million gallons reclaim water a day and could negotiate the non-interruptible rate. If Dove Mountain did not proceed as
planned, Oro Valley would have an option to increase their reclaimed water non-interruptible rate from 5 to 6.25 mil gallons a
day.
-Dove Mountain Option/Time Limit (W. Tustison). Mr. Saletta explained that Dove Mountain had to have the golf courses
built by a specific date of completion. Construction time: July 2007. Mr. Saletta explained that to his knowledge Dove
Mountain has started construction of the new golf course.
ITEM #4 UPDATE ON CAPITAL PROJECTS - Mr. Jacklitch gave a Power Point Presentation regarding Capital
Projects FY 2007-08:
Reservoirs/Booster Pumps/Wells Pipe Main Replacement/SSF/RO Pilot Project
• Pusch Ridge Reservoir:Location:Behind Honeywell(La Reserve) -500,000 Gal. Concrete Buried Reservoir &
Booster Pump Station(Booster Pump- Idle until development is built on the ridge) -Cost:$1,500,000 (Paid
by Electronic Communities developer,$400,000 paid by O.V.water sales for upsizing -Builder:Ashton
-Designer:MMLA PSOMAS -Owner: Town of Oro Valley -In Service Date: June 07
Landscape- Taken care by developer
air Powell suggested a future site visit.
• Stone Canyon Reservoir:Location:Stone Canyon -500,000 Gallon Steel Aboveground Reservoir -Cost:
$1,500,000 paid by Potable Water Impact fees -Builder:Ashton -Designer:Westland Resources
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-Owner:Town of Oro Valley -In Service Date: October 07 -No Booster Stations,pumps, or TEP power.The
SCADA and Telemetry systems powered by solar panels.
Mr.Jacklitch indicated there were three reservoirs located in Stone Canyon: (1,000,000 in ground concrete reservoir built 2002;
second above ground steel reservoir not all three serve Stone Canyon.
Production Well Drilling
• Pusch View Lane Well C-9: Location:Pusch View Lane (Behind Rockridge Apts) -Drill Completion: January 07
-Drill Cost:$390,000 -Well Depth:800 ft. -16-Inch Steel Casing -Static Water 225 ft. BLS (Below Land
Surface) -Production:7-800 GPM -Require additional access roadway -Total Project Cost: Over
$1,000,000 Includes:Road Access,Pumps &Control Systems On Line:Summer 2008
• Water Main Replacement:-Oro Valley Drive 8-Inch Main Replacement -New Service Connections and Private
plumbing for 100 homes -Fire Hydrants -Contractor:Tricon Contracting,Inc. -Designer:
Westland Resources,Inc. -Costs: $350,000 paid by O.V.Water sales
• Slow Sand Filter/Reverse Osmosis Pilot Project: -2 concrete sand filters -Brine Storage Tank -Chemical Feed
Pumps -Reverse Osmosis Treatment -Halophyte Plants -Designer/Operator-University
of Arizona
Mr.Jacklitch indicated that the project was ongoing. The site will be cleared and additional equipment will be delivered to the
area. The Utility is working with Tucson Water, Town of Marana, Metro Water, and Flowing Wells Irrigation District. The
system is in operation and about a gallon per minute is pumped through the R/O System. The brine that is developed is then
delivered to the halophytes plants.
In-Kind Services: Utility staff provides samples of raw water,effluent,and R/O water.Staff transports the samples to Tucson
Water for laboratory analysis. Mr. Jacklitch said that in the near future, staff would arrange a site visit for the Water
r'^mmission and Mayor&Town Council.
A brief question and answer session occurred.
Test Results and Data Availability(Vice Chair Tustis on). Mr.Jacklitch indicated that Staff was currently preparing an interim
report.When the report is finalized,Staff will issue a copy to the Commission.
Recent Developments of Brain Eating Amoeba (Commissioner, Hoffmann). Mr. Saletta stated that the Utility had not
received any phone calls regarding the recent developments about the Amoeba contamination however, Water Quality staff
was reviewing the information from Tucson Water and would be investigating sampling procedures for the Utility.Mr. Saletta
indicated that the wells which were contaminated had biodegradable oil on the engines.Mr. Saletta emphasized that the Utility
uses only electric motors for all their pumps with food grade oil.
There being no further questions,Mr.Jacklitch ended his report.
Chair Powell suggested adding the Amoeba issue as an agenda item to the next Water Commission's meeting.
ITEM #5 DISCUSSION ON ASSURED WATER SUPPLY AND GROUNDWATER RIGHTS - Mr. Saletta
reported on Groundwater Rights and Assured Water Supply Provisions:
-Overview of the Arizona Groundwater Management Code: Arizonans realize water is not private property,but rather is
a public resource that should be regulated for everyone's benefit.
-Why the Need for Regulation: Arizonans have pumped groundwater faster than it was replace naturally- a condition
known as "overdraft". Recognizing continued depletion of finite groundwater supplies as a threat to prosperity and quality of
life,the Arizona Legislature created the framework to manage the state's water supply for the future.
)de Provisions: The code established three levels of water management to respond to different groundwater conditions:
• The lowest level of management includes general provisions that apply statewide. This level does not apply to Oro
Valley.
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• The highest level of management,with the most extensive provisions,is applied to Active Management Areas (AMAs)
where groundwater overdraft is most severe. (Level applies to Oro Valley)
• Active AMAs:Phoenix,Pinal,Prescott,and Tucson and a fifth AMA,the Santa Cruz AMA.Since Oro Valley is in the
Tucson AMA Oro Valley must meet safe-yield by year 2025. "Safe-yield" is defined as a long-term balance between
the annual amount of groundwater withdrawn in the AMA and the annual amount of natural and artificial recharge.
Oro Valley area does not have artificial recharge.
-Key Code Provisions: 1. Establishment of a program of groundwater rights and permits. 2. A provision prohibiting
irrigation of new agricultural lands within AMAs boundary. 3. Preparation of a series of five water management plans for
each AMA designed must be complied within the AMA. 4. Development of an Assured Water Supply Program 5. A
requirement to meter/measure water pumped from all large wells. (Wells pumping under 35 gpm considered exempt and are
not required to be metered). 6.A program for annual water withdrawal and use reporting.
-Groundwater Rights in AMA's: Within an AMA, a person must have a groundwater right or permit to pump groundwater
legally, unless the person is withdrawing groundwater from an "exempt" well. A well is considered "exempt" if it has a
maximum pump capacity of 35 gallons per minute.
Non-exempt wells have a pump capacity greater than 35 gpm and fall under these categories: - Grand fathered rights -Service
area rights (Pertains to O.V.area) -Withdrawal permits
Irrigation Grand fathered Rights: This category pertains to wells drilled, completed, equipped and delivered water for
irrigation taken into effect before 1975.Type 1 Permit-Grand fathered Rights stays with the land-Type #2 Permit- Water
rights can be transferred for type of use and any location outside the AMA. Permits can only be used for non-irrigation
purpose.Examples of non-irrigation uses include industry,livestock watering,and golf courses.
-Service Area Rights: Service area rights authorize cities,towns,private water companies,and irrigation districts to withdraw
¢roundwater to service their customers.Oro Valley falls under this category and must obtain permits.
-Niiithdrawal Permits: Examples of withdrawal permits include general industrial use permits,dewatering permits, and poor-
quality groundwater-withdrawal permits.
-Conditions on Water rights and Use:Each type of permit or right is subject to certain conditions,depending on the nature
of the situation.
-No New Irrigation in AMAS: Only those lands that have been certified, based on historic water use, may continue to be
irrigated with groundwater.
-Management Plans for AMAS: There are five consecutive management plan levels: Currently we're in the -Third
Management Period:2000-2010 -Fourth Management Period:2010-2020 -Fifth Management Period:2020-2025
-Assured Water Supply: Oro Valley has a designation of Assured Water Supply(DAWS) which shows physical availability,
indicates there is 100-year production, financial capability, and that the Town is using Reclaimed Water. In the case of a
developer,they will receive a certificate of water adequacy.
-Water Measurements: Oro Valley's Production and Distribution staff is constantly taking water measurements and samples
throughout the system.A report is submitted to ADWR annually.
A brief question and answer session occurred.
Phoenix,Prescott, and Tucson goal to obtain safe-yield by 2025 versus Pinal AMA goal/requirements (Vice Chair Tustison).
Mr. Saletta indicated that Pinal County was changing their requirements and following the same standards as Tucson and
oenix. Mr. Peterson also mentioned that at a recent CAP meeting they mentioned that Pinal County would abide with the
ne rules as Phoenix and Tucson.
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10-08-07 MINUTES,ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
-Handouts:Arizona's Well-Managed Water supply -Fact Sheet Assured and Adequate Water Supply Programs
'ere were no further questions Mr.Saletta ended his report.
ITEM #6 UPDATE ON NORTHWEST WATER PROVIDER PLANNING FOR CAP WATER — Mr. Saletta
reported the following:
-Northwest Water Providers and Central Arizona Project Water Development: A presentation would be made to Mayor and
Town Council October 10,2007.All of the Commissioners were invited to attend.
-N.W. Providers Alternatives: Working with Tucson Water on possible routing alternatives for delivery of CAP, levels of
pumpage/delivery stations for the different water users,relocation of treatment plant to a different area,building a raw water
line and investigate comparable costs.
-Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD): Staff attended a meeting to discuss the Northwest Reliability
Reservoir. Mr. Saletta reviewed the concepts and concerns of the Northwest reliability storage reservoir. $90 MM was
budgeted to the Tucson area subcontractors.He indicated that the Northwest Providers have agreed to hire a lobbyist to seek
Federal funding through the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of the Interior budget for the delivery of CAP water.
N.W.Storage Reservoir Cost =$32 MM
Mr.Saletta ended his report.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/COMMUNICATIONS — Council Liaison Gillaspie indicated that Town Council had
several discussions regarding Proposition 200. He also indicated that the Federal Government was experiencing major budget
problems and finding it difficult to help with funding. Council Liaison Gillaspie ended his report.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
-Conservation Subcommittee: Commissioner Shapiro made a few comments regarding the Conservation Unplugged
Conference.She reported about: Gary Kline — California Energy Commissioner Report regarding the relationship of energy
water, hot water,delivery to showers. Brad Landcaster — Author reported on Graywater Harvesting; Concepts for
adscaping. Commissioner Shapiro ended her report.
STAFF REPORTS
-Update and Implementation of Impact Fees and Water Rates: Ms. Seng reported that the water rates were billed for the first
time the week of October 1,2007. The Utility has not received any calls regarding the new potable water rates,however the
conservation newsletter mailed with the bills mentioned that the new rates were going into effect with that billing.
-Impact Fees:Effective date:September 19,2007. -August Meter Purchases =55 -September 1-18 =36
-September 19-30 =4. Ms.Seng ended her report.
-Potable Water System Status:Mr.Ruiz reported on the following:
-Peak Daily Demand Reservoir Storage September 2007:Demand decreased about 8MM gal per day.
-Peak Daily Demand September 2007:Maintaining roughly MM gal of storage per day.
-Reclaimed Water System Status:
-Reclaimed Water Phase I:September 2007 Usage =38,183,000 gal.per day Total Usage =391,452,000 gal.per day
Mr. Ruiz said there would be a significant increase of water demand at the end of October because the golf courses would be
re-seeding.He also indicated that the golf course administrators were managing their water resources quite well.
Mr.Ruiz ended his report.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT—Mr.Saletta reported the following:
-Update on Water Utility Commission Member Vacancy: Handout - Copy of Town Council Communication October 17,
2007 requesting appointment of Richard Davis to the Oro Valley Water Utility Commission. Interview Panel: Council
member Gillaspie, Chair Powell and W.U. Director Saletta. Staff will meet with Mr. Davis after his appointment approval to
rPView some basic information regarding the Water Utility Commission.
ty of Tucson Initiative Petition: Official Title Handout-Tucson Water Users'Bill of Rights. Mr. Saletta pointed out some
Key issues:-Refuse fee -(B-2) Tucson Water shall never supply water to any other distributor,except for emergencies for no
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10-08-07 MINUTES,ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
longer than ten days. -(D-2) Tucson water reaches an annual rate of water delivery to customers that exceeds the
aximum reliable water supply, 140,000 acre-feet per year
;espouse from Manager's Office City of Tucson:Handout-Ref:Proposition 200
-Citizen Planning Institute: Commissioner Hoffman will attend.
-Memorandum from Chief Civil Attorney J.Andrews:Ref: Laws pertaining to the Use of Town Resources at an election year.
This is standard information sent to all Boards,Commissions and Town Council.
-Water Conservation Specialist Vacancy:The Utility received twelve applicants,and will be interviewing five applicants.
Interview Panel:S.Seng -C.Schneider(Water Customer Service) -C.Willet(HRDept.) -J.Gardner(Parks
&Rec.Dept.)
-Upcoming Meetings:
• 10/10 T.C.Study Session
• 10/17 T.C.Meeting
• 10/26 Community Conversation on Water
• 11/1 CAWCD Meeting in Tucson-Randolph Clubhouse -Time:9:00 a.m.
• 11/7 T.C.Meeting
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Approval of WUC 10/8/07 minutes
2. Water Quality(Amoeba Issue)
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday,November 13,2007 Location:To be determined
The November 12,2007 meeting was re-scheduled to November 13,2007.
Chair Powell entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Vice Chair Tustison MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Hoffman SECONDED the
motion.MOTION PASSED:Unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:30 p.m.
Prepared by,
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Iris L. Chaparro
Senior Office Specialist
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