1999 NS Water and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement 9-7-1999

Browse Search

Orange Water and Sewer Authority . February 11,1999 Page 14 Dan VanderMeer requested that the points made in Robert Epting's January 25, 19"letter be discussed at the February 25,1999 Boae of Directors Meeting. William Strom said at some point the Board should talk about 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 the Board should put itself in a position to sign the Water and Sewer Management,Planning and Boundary Agreement. Dan VanderMeer said If the Town of Hillsborough is not participating then the whole process does not seem to make a lot 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 coaverssitions with an elected official and a member of the Task Force Committee, he got the Impression that if the Town of Hillsborough will not sign the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement that there was not an expectation that OWASA would sign either. Dr.Gordon said his issues are: 1. Is the Town of Hillsborough In or out and what does that mean? 2. Ed Holland's February 5, 1999 memorandum states '"Current wording could. be construed to prohibit construction of a raw water main from Jordan Lake without approval by all three bodies." This should be addressed and clarified. 3. With regard to the rural buffer in the watershed,the agreement Is outstanding. Orange County's willingness to•have the Orange County Health Department determine the existence 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 efficiency regarding emergency water transfers vs. nonemergency water transfers particularly at the wholesale level. S. Permission for extending retail service into Chatham County. Patrick Davis asked if the Board agrees with the concept of 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 OWASA 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 I In a service area boundary,then that Is a key cornerstone: What does it mean to OWASA If the Town of Hillsborough Is not part of the Water and Sewer Management,Planning and Boundary Agreement? Patrick Davis said there are Inconsistent provisions that are applicable to the Town of EMlsborough and their ability to enter Into Intergovernmental agreements on retail and wholesale service vs. OWASA'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 extend services and to enter into wholesale agreements. It does have significant utility ramifications. Patrick Davis said he heard some representatives on the Water and Sewer Task Force specifically state that they wanted veto authority 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 felt that was a significant growth related Issue. William Strom said there has been discussion about coordinating regional policies. The issue of OWASA's relationship with 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 area and lead by example,