Water Resources Commission Minutes - 03/23/2000MINUTES OF WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 23, 2000
The Water Resources Commission met in special session on March 23, 2000 at 2:00
p.m. at the Memorial Auditorium, Room 106. Water Resource Members present were
Fred Stangl, Chris Neeb, Elizabeth Martin, and Charles Bentley. Others present were
Council Liaison James Esther, Staff Representative David Lehfeldt, and Public Works
Secretary Gloria Dicken.
This meeting was conducted by David Lehfeldt.
• David Lehfeldt introduced the two newest members to the Council, Chris Neeb and
Charles Bentley.
• David Lehfeldt handed out and explained the contents of packets to the members
regarding the water rationing issue.
• March 22, 2000 rains helpful, and need much more.
• Described watershed and it's location for Lakes Kickapoo and Arrowhead (City's
water sources)
• Water restrictions have helped — citizens using less water
• New Chairman for the Commission was elected — Charles Bentley
• Still one vacancy — homebuilder representative.
• Water Purification Plants — Cypress and Jasper
• Two studies being conducted on both plants to keep up with EPA requirements
Jasper Plant — upgrade
Cypress Plant — upgrade and expansion
(Several questions to DL from members about the plants)
• David Lehfeldt stated that we are NOW in the City's worst recorded drought
• Prospective future water supplies
1. Lake Ringgold — Cost $200,000,000
2. Lake Kemp — Cost $40,000,000 to $50,000,000
3. Reuse of wastewater effluent — Cost $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 (most
controversial)
• David Lehfeldt explained the process of sludge — dealing with upgrades and
expansion of water treatment plants.
• Commission needs to respond to City Council about future recommendations on
water rationing. Many issues need to be addressed that weren't thought of when
the first ordinance went into effect. Also, what do we do when the lakes reach 40 %?
• As a group, Commission needs to decide what they can and should do.
• One option for the future is water rates — as use of water goes up, so should the
rates. (Residential customers use 75% of water with the Commercial customers
using 25 %). This needs to be fair for everyone. Some discussion with Liz Martin
explaining to everyone the part of industry in the community.
• Study on water rates was suggested and checking with other cities on their water
conservation studies.
Minutes of WRC Meeting
March 23, 2000
Page 2
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date --
By i� Time `41
• Possible campaign on educating the public — how to get the word out
• Next WRC Meeting was set for Tuesday, March 28, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. —
Commission members would like business representatives to be invited to the next
meeting, with some informational input.
• David Lehfeldt will set up a working document to start out for next meeting
• Several Commission Members are interested in taking tours of the WP facilities and
the lakes.
• Meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles Bentley, Chairman