Agenda - 09-07-1999 - 10b - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

~~ ~~"µ .Orange Water and SeFVCr Authority '' February 11,1999 Page 14 Dan VandcrMeer requested that the ~oints made in Robert Epting's January 25, 1999 letter be discussed at the February 25,1999 Board' of Directors Meeting. William Strom said at some point .the Board should tack aboat significant issues such as whether or not permission is needed from the constituent governments to provide retail services outside Orange County. Mr. Strom said it is his opinion that fhe Board should put itself in a position to sign the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement. Dai YanderMeer said if the Town of H~lsboroigh is not participating them the whole process does not seem to make a lof of sense Why would there be a boundary agreement if it only applies to OWASA? Why is OWASA involved if the Town of Hillsborough is not participating? Peter Gordon said in his recent conversations with as elected official and a member of the Task Force Committee, he got. the impt~essioa that if the Town of Hillsborough wilt not sign the Water and Sewer Management, Planning aad Boundary Agreement that there was not as ezpectation that OWASA would sign either.. Dr. Gordon said his issues are: ^~ i .. 1. Is the Town of Hillsborough in or out and what does that mean? 2. Ed Holland's February S, 1999 memorandum states "Current wording could: be construed to .prohibit constriction of a raw water main from Jordan. Lake without approval by aA these bodies." This should be addressed and. clarified. 3.. With regard to: the rural buffer is the watershed, the agreement Is outstanding. Orange County's willingness to • have the Orange County Health Department determine the ezistence of an "adverse public health condition" lets OWASA off, the hook. The Board of Directors should make it clear that it is appreciated. 4. There are potential issues of elliciency regarding emergency water transfers vs. noiemergency water transfers particularly at the wholesale level " 5. Permission for extending retail service into Chatham County. • Patrick Davis. asked if the Board agrees with the concept o[ a formalized service area boundary agreement that would define retail service area establishment for OWASA. Mr. Davis said . in past discussions there has been agreement that is a reasonable expectation of OWASA and would be a good demonstration of OWASA's commitment to work in partnership with the local governments. Patrick Davis said the concept of a retail service area boundary is one that OWASA has supported In the past and Mr. Davis suggested. that O WASA continue to support it. Mr. Davis said. if OWASA is looking for the Town of Hillsborough's commitment at'the same time the Town of Hillsborough" is looking for OWASA's commitment in a service area boundary, then that Is a key cornerstone: What does it mean to OWASA li the Town of Hillsborough is not part of the Water and Sewer Management, PLaaaing aad Boundary Agreement? Patrick Davis • said there are iacoasisteat provisions that are. applicable to the Town of Hillsborough aad their abt~ity to .enter into .intergovernmental agreements on retail aad wholesale service vs. O WA,SA's totally different provisions. Mr. Davis said part of what the agreement is doing is trying to get local . elected board control formalized over OWASA's ability to eztend services and to eater .into wholesale agreements. It does have significant iti[ity ramifications. Patrick Davis said he heard some representatives on the Water and Sewer Task Force specifccally state that they wanted veto aithority over any project in which OWASA might build a raw water transmission main solely to pump water from Jordan Lake up to OWASA's service area and the representatives Ccit that was a significant growth.rclated issue. tVilliam Strom. said there has been discussion aboat coocdinating regional policies. The issue of OWASA's relationship vrith the Town of Hillsborough is often overlooked but has the most potential in the short- and medium-term to impact OWASA. OWASA should be at the table negotiating an agreement that OWASA is comfortable with in its service arcs and lead. by example. . _ `O ~ Z19 ,~