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10 <br /> <br />New System Development Fees <br />As explained in my December 18, 2017 letter (attached), the OWASA Board expects to take <br />action to lower our one-time fees for new water and sewer connections effective July 1, 2018. <br />We currently refer to these fees as Service Availability Fees. They will be called System <br />Development Fees in the future. <br /> <br />For single-family residences, depending on the house size, these fees will be reduced by 25- <br />36% (even more for our proposed new lower tier for small homes). For example, under current <br />rates, a new 1,300 square foot home would be charged a System Development Fee of $3,862 <br />to connect to the water and sewer system. Under the revised rates, the same new connection <br />would be charged a System Development Fee of $2,472. <br /> <br />40th Anniversary Celebrations <br />We held an open house on October 21st at the Cane Creek Reservoir and an open house on <br />Saturday, November 4th at our 400 Jones Ferry Road facilities in Carrboro. These events were <br />well received by the public. <br /> <br />OWASA Water Wagon <br />In 2017, OWASA built and debuted a Water Wagon to serve chilled drinking water from our <br />water treatment plant at public events. The Water Wagon is powered by solar panels and <br />provides the opportunity for community members to fill their water bottles, drink directly from <br />the fountains, and even give water to their dogs. We are excited about this new platform for <br />engaging with the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rich asked if there are plans to use solar panels. <br />Todd Taylor said OWASA owns a lot of land, and solar farming is being considered. <br />He said the initial obstacle is that the Duke solar substation, on this land, is at capacity. <br />Commissioner Rich said she is not talking about having solar panels on the land, but <br />rather on property. <br />Todd Taylor said he would take this suggestion back to OWASA. <br />Commissioner Price referred to the Rogers Road project, and asked if the completion <br />date of summer 2018 includes hook ups to all homes. <br />Todd Taylor said it is his understanding that individual hooks ups will be done by the <br />homeowners, and the timeline is for the infrastructure. <br />Commissioner Price referred to working with the Health Department about fluoridation, <br />and asked if this is inclusive of the whole County. <br />Todd Taylor said this is still in the works, but OWASA would like to have the <br />conversation about fluoridation with the entire community, and is seeking the assistance of the <br />Health Department in this endeavor. <br />Commissioner Price offered kudos for OWASA’s efforts towards energy management. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is a status update on the re-use system. <br />Todd Taylor said this system is working well, and UNC added the reclaimed water <br />system to the wastewater plant. He said last year OWASA sold the largest amount of <br />reclaimed water in its history. He said the growth of this system is at the maximum now. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the record number is known. <br />Todd Taylor said he thinks it was 2.6 MGD, and most of the hospital and campus <br />chillers are on this system, as well as some irrigation. <br />Commissioner McKee complimented OWASA staff on their professionalism around the <br />greenway bridge project.