Agenda - 09-02-2008 - 6e - Laserfiche WebLink

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as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 Mayor Foy said that, from Chapel Hill's point of view, it has a very strong interest in land use planning collaboration. He said that Briar Chapel will have an impact on Chapel Hill, but Chapel Hill has no say-so in that development. To the east of Chapel Hill is prime, developable land, and Chapel Hill has a very strong interest in getting Dufiam to listen because it has a huge impact on NC 54, I-40, etc. He said that if water is the catalyst for the ability to have influence, then it is fine with him. He thinks that regional planning takes place on a theoretical level and not a practical level. He does not want to miss an opportunity with this possible collaboration. Mark Chilton said that he is not saying to not have the conversation with Dufiam, but the timeline may be a long one. He said that this intake could very well happen without Dufiam. George Lucier said that he does not believe that is the case, and there needs to be a regional approach with Dufiam. It was said that any intake would be managed by DENR and it will not be owned by one entity. Ed Kerwin said that is consistent with his understanding, but it could be owned and operated by a single entity with agreements in place that assures equal and fair access. He said that, with or without OWASA, he believes that this is going to happen and Dufiam is going to do this. This is why it is important to work hard with the elected officials. He does not want to be left behind. Chair Jacobs agreed with Mark Chilton's views of the way Dufiam grows. He said that he has always seen this discussion as an opportunity for OWASA to have another source of water. He also sees it the way Mayor Foy does regarding collaboration and leverage with Dufiam. Mayor Foy said that if OWASA runs out of water, then it would pull water out of Haw River, which is Jordan Lake. He said that Ed Kerwin mentioned that it would cost $8 million to get them to a place where they would have water in an emergency. Ed Kerwin said that there would be very little infrastructure needed for OWASA because it is already interconnected with the City of Dufiam's water system. The worst-case scenario is, if rainfall remains extremely low this year, that when the reservoirs reach a 15% level, OWASA would put a temporary above-ground system to pump water from the Haw River to Cane Creek Reservoir. The upfront costs to install that would be over $2 million. He said that the OWASA board is fully committed to making the best use of the local resources. In answer to a question from Chair Jacobs about adding Pittsboro to the partnership as they move forward, George Lucier said yes. Mark Chilton said that the goal of this process should be to eliminate Pittsboro's intake on the Haw River, which is one of the things that causes the need to keep in place the dam at Bynum, which is not an environmental benefd to the Haw River. George Lucier agreed. Chair Jacobs said that this is another thing to add to the list of negotiating factors. Mark Chilton said that he worries that certain State entities in Orange County that are only modestly under the regulations of the local governments will see this as a just cation for more growth in their activities. There will be a consequential result on school systems, road infrastructure, etc. Chair Jacobs asked about the next steps staff is envisioning for this process. He asked if everyone would be asked to endorse this resolution. Ed Kennrin said that when and if the Dufiam City Council approves this at the March and meeting, then it will be communicated to the elected boards involved. He needs the OWASA board to authorize him to engage in these discussions with local entities. Chair Jacobs said that he would like to add this to the agenda of the AOG on March 31 ~. He said that OWASA should be at the AOG meeting.