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Ed Kerwin said he believes this is around 100 feet, and he will email the manager with <br /> a more specific answer. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier asked for more information about the composting of bio-solids <br /> John Young said the process introduces other biomaterials, along with the bio-solids, to <br /> create compost for landscaping companies, golf courses, farmers and others. He said Orange <br /> County's waste is treated to the highest EPA standard. He said there have been concerns <br /> expressed by citizens about pharmaceutical products that may enter the waste stream and be <br /> in the compost. He said the farmers do not see any health or safety issues with the compost. <br /> Commissioner porosin noted that the County has a living wage policy, and he asked if <br /> OWASA has any employees that make less than the living wage. <br /> Ed Kerwin said he assumes that everyone is above that, but OWASA is embarking on <br /> a total compensation study this year that will look at this. <br /> Commissioner porosin asked if the Care to Share program is completely funded by <br /> private citizens. <br /> John Young said OWASA is not authorized to support these programs. He said they <br /> endeavor to support community giving to come to the aid of residents, but it is difficult to even <br /> rationalize supporting the marketing of these programs. <br /> Commissioner porosin asked about the possibility of requesting special legislation to <br /> change these legal constraints. <br /> John Young said OWASA seeks co-funding, and this is more consistent with the <br /> mission of the County and other local partners. <br /> Commissioner porosin said he would like to explore every path possible. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said one of the major constraints on the OWASA board <br /> members is the limitation of the purchase and sale agreement. He wonders if OWASA should <br /> be encouraged periodically to approach the University about renegotiating this purchase and <br /> sale agreement, so that the cost of service can be discussed. He suggested reaching out to <br /> the new leadership at the University. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs commended OWASA on the energy savings and the wastewater <br /> treatment plant. <br /> He asked about the planned process for resolving the bio-solids management issues. <br /> John Young said long term there is potential for collaboration with other water and <br /> sewer utilities in the region. He said some solutions involve a larger scale than would be <br /> inappropriate for OWASA's operation. He said this would involve time to develop and work out <br /> with other partners. <br /> John Young said the short term decisions will be figuring out the balance between the <br /> dewatered cakes, compost and liquid bio-solids application. He thinks that residents <br /> concerned about risks do not seem to see a difference between these forms. He said these <br /> residents are more concerned with the long term solutions. <br /> He said there are meetings planned with local farmers and all concerned parties. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs noted the University seems intent on maintaining its own airport, <br /> and the bio-solids land is a contiguous property. He hopes OWASA will continue to use this <br /> land for some public purpose. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if there are any plans to place solar panels on either plant to <br /> help with electrical cost. <br /> John Young said this has been evaluated, and it would only be cost effective if there <br /> was a private partner to provide cost investment. <br /> Commissioner Rich said she has seen this work at a plant outside of Phoenix. <br /> John Young said OWASA will be looking seriously at energy management. <br />