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<br />hereby proclaim May 13 - 21, 2006 as NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK in Orange County, and we <br />recognize that Tourism Works in our County. <br />This the 4th day of May 2006. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />c. Drinking Water Week & OWASA Taste of Hope Program <br />The Board considered a proclamation recognizing May 7 through May 13, 2006 as <br />Drinking Water Week in Orange County and encouraging participation in the Orange Water and <br />Sewer Authority's (OWASA's) "Taste of Hope" Customer Assistance Program and authorizing <br />the Chair to sign. <br />Greg Feller said that this proclamation was written before the OWASA Board declared <br />the water advisory last week, but it is timely. He said that their lakes are over 90°~ full, but the <br />average daily stream flows to the reservoirs are only half of what they were in the drought of <br />2002. They are concerned that they need to be preparing for the possibility of another drought. <br />They will be informing their customers through the newsletter about the year-round water <br />conservation restrictions. <br />Greg Feller made reference to the Taste of Hope Program and said that any OWASA <br />customer can have his or her monthly bill automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar to go to <br />the Inter-Faith Council to help families that are unable to pay their bills. This program generates <br />over $6,000 a year. <br />Commissioner Gordon emphasized that the County Commissioners are considering a <br />water resources initiative, which was approved in principle last year. This budget cycle the <br />County Commissioners will be considering a position to implement this program. She asked <br />staff to get a copy of this initiative to OWASA. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis commended OWASA for continuing the restrictions even though <br />the water levels have improved. <br />Commissioner Carey asked about the Taste of Hope Program and how customers could <br />get involved and it was answered that there is information on the monthly bills and customers <br />could call the customer service number at 537-4343 or go to the website and sign up online. <br />Chair Jacobs said that the County Commissioners passed the water resources initiative <br />in principle last year and encouraged the staff to find funding partners. He commended this <br />again to the OWASA board to help the County fund this position. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to <br />approve a proclamation recognizing May 7 through May 13, 2006 as Drinking Water Week in <br />Orange County and encourage participation in the Orange Water and Sewer Authority's <br />(OWASA's} "Taste of Hope" Customer Assistance Program and authorize the Chair to sign. <br />PROCLAMATION <br />DRINKING WATER WEEK IN ORANGE COUNTY <br />and <br />OWASA'S TASTE OF HOPE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM <br />WHEREAS, water is a fundamental need of all people; and <br />WHEREAS, an adequate supply of safe water is a crucial part of the public health and quality <br />of life in Orange County; and <br />