Orange County NC Website
24 <br /> „Orange Water and Sewer Authority <br /> February 11,1999 <br /> Page 16 <br /> t <br /> Force's decision at that time and that is why'the Task Force is still considering proposals in February <br /> 1999 that have been on the table for the last four years. <br /> Peter Gordon said it has been his assumption.that the Board's charge is to follow the land <br /> use plans of the appointing governments. Dr.Gordon said there is immense value in the Town of <br /> 11111sborough recognizing the southern boundary. <br /> William Strom said the Town of Hillsborough should be engaged In the discussions. An <br /> Important issue is the southern service boundary for the Town of Hillsborough but It Is not nearly as <br /> Important as equity Issues,such as the Town of Hillsborough can do something that OWASA can't. <br /> Mr.Strom said that lays the groundwork for negotiation. <br /> P <br /> Dan-VanderMeer said if the agreement becomes an agreement between OWASA and the <br /> three elected governments that It has the effect of limiting OWASA's ability to serve as an <br /> independent authority. Mr.VanderMeer said he would be reluctant to tie the hands of future Board <br /> of Directors by signing an agreement that would extend in perpetuity an arrangement that may not - <br /> anticipate things that will happen in the future. It becomes a viable limitation on OWASA's ability <br /> to do business. Dan VanderMeer said the Board of Directors is appointed to OWASA to help <br /> provide guidance on major and minor policy matters to OWASA. If every time a major issue arises <br /> and the Board needs the concurrence of the three elected bodies to do what OWASA believes is in the <br /> best Interest of OWASA,then why have a Board of Directors» Why not turn over that responsibility <br /> to the elected officials and do away with the OWASA Board of Directors. <br /> Mr. VanderMeer said he Is,not opposed to entering into some kind of declaration of <br /> principles that reflect the hand work that went Into the development of the agreement and recognizes <br /> OWASA's commitment to joint planning and protection of the environment on which OWASA has <br /> an impact Dan VanderMeer said without the Town of Hillsborough becoming a signatory to a <br /> boundary agreement that he is not convinced OWASA ought to enter into the agreement. OWASA <br /> would be willing to separate the two Issues and go forward with a general statement of principles that <br /> says"This Board and OWASA are committed to working within the joint planning principles." <br /> Patrick Davis said in response to Dan VanderMeees concept of a declaration of principles, <br /> that was done in 1989 in the form of a formally adopted Memorandum of Understanding among the <br /> Town of Carrboro,Town of Chapel IU14 Orange County,and OWASA. OWASA's commitment to <br /> be compatible and consistent with the land use plans and growth management policies was clearly <br /> stated and established a good,solid foundation. <br /> Mr.Davis said he has concerns with the draft Water and Sewer Management,Planning and <br /> Boundary Agreement the way It Is structured and how It relates to OWASA's responsibilities as a <br /> Board. <br /> Robert Epting said there is also the Impact that would result from the withdrawal of any of <br /> the elected bodies from the Joint Planning Agreement. Mr. Epting said withdrawal of any of the <br /> elected bodies from the Joint Planning Agreement would dissolve that agreement. If the Joint <br /> Planning Agreement were dissolved, 'then the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and <br /> Boundary Agreement would also be dissolved. Robert Epting said this impact is being discussed. <br /> Dan VanderMeer said the next item for discussion is whether OWASA would need the <br /> approval of the three governments to withdraw water from Jordan Lake. Peter Gordon said <br /> providing retail services should have oversight. Acquiring resources to serve citizens that OWASA is <br /> charged to serve is an issue for the Board of Directors. Dr.Gordon said in his conversation with an <br /> elected official,there was basic agreement regarding Jordan Lake. <br /> Patrick Davis said that if,in the future,OWASA determines it necessary to withdraw water <br /> from Jordan Lake and one of the member governments is under the opinion that such an <br />