Wichita Lake Study Commission Minutes - 07/09/2013RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
DATE:
MINUTES RY' - --AA TIME:
LAKE WICHITA STUDY COMMITTEE
July 9, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Stephen Garner, Chairman ■ Members
Penny Miller, Secretary
Sam Bownds
Michael Chapman
Clayton Lane
Larry Scott
Tom Lang, Ex- Officio
Jack Murphy, Director of Parks and Recreation ■ Staff
Kevin Hugman, Director of Community Development
Miles Risley, City Attorney
Davis Powell, City Engineer
Pat Hoffman, Property Administrator
Monique Coleman, City Planner
Nic Brissette, Geologist for Gunn Oil Company ■ Guests
John Berryhill, Petroleum Engineer for Gunn Oil Company
David Flores, RPS Group, Austin, TX
Pete Gill, Lakeside City Homeowner's Group
David Harkins, RPS Group, Austin, TX
Jim Henson, Mayor, Lakeside City
Councilor Brian Hooker
ABSENT:
Nancy Heath Howell
Allen Pappas
Andrew Wallendar
I. Call to Order and Introductions
■ Council Liaison
■ Members
Steve Garner called the meeting to order and all members, staff and guests introduced
themselves.
II. Discussion of Previous Studies
The committee members discussed the studies previously done on Lake Wichita and had
the opportunity to ask questions about details.
A committee member asked why nothing has been done with recommendations from
previous studies. Jack Murphy noted that some recommendations that have been
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completed include the boat ramp, the trail along the dam, the trail in Lake Wichita Park
and the Lake Diversion Canal project.
Tom Lang commented that minor dredging was discussed in the Wichita Alive report. In
the early 90's the Inland Fisheries office did not support dredging because there was a
quality fish population, but that is no longer the case. Inland Fisheries now does support
dredging; there is not a viable quality fisheries resource at this time.
III. Appointment of Subcommittees
Because of the amount of work to be done the committee decided the work would best be
done through specialized subcommittees. Several subcommittees were appointed to
conduct research and provide recommendations to the committee at the next regular
meeting. The following is a summary of the subcommittees and the names of the
individuals appointed to those subcommittees. The subcommittees may recruit community
members to participate.
• Recreation: Sam Bownds, Clayton Lane, Tom Lang, Larry Scott
• Science /Engineering: Nic Brissette
• Fundraising: Steve Garner, Lee Ann Graff, Jim Henson, Tom Lang
• Public Awareness: Michael Chapman, Nancy Heath Howell, Penny Miller
• Permitting: Sam Bownds, Steve Garner, Tom Lang, Penny Miller
• Economic Development: Brian Hooker, Clayton Lane, Larry Scott
The subcommittees were charged to meet on their own before the next full committee
meeting and to bring a plan of action to the next meeting.
IV. Guest Presentation on Permitting Issues
Tom Lang introduced David Flores and David Harkins of RPS Group to familiarize the
committee members with permitting issues that will be involved with any work at Lake
Wichita. A summary of the main points follows.
• If permit changes are required for Lake Wichita Improvements, it may be a
minimum of 12 months to complete the process with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ.) The Army Corps of Engineers may require 12
months or more, depending upon the type of permit required.
• They recommend coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers as the project
goes along to be sure they can support the committee's plans.
• To start the process they would recommend a preapplication meeting with TCEQ if
there could be a water rights issue and to talk to the Corps to discuss the type of
permit that may be requires, what information they will need and the timeframes.
• A previous study said the spoil from the lake could not be used within the footprint
of the lake, but at present it may be possible.
• The speakers addressed the different types of permits and processing timelines.
The project likely will require a nationwide permit. There are several types of
permits. The approval timeline is four to eight weeks once a final request is
submitted with all of the appropriate information. These permits are quicker and
have less stringent requirements than an intake structure permit, which would
require and environmental impact study. This permit would require at least 12
months and is approximately four times more expensive than a nationwide permit.
• They recommend asking for the maximum approvals you might require, even if you
can't use it initially. The permit will allow additions to the project later.
LAKE WICHITA COMMITTEE July 9, 2013 Page 2
• They recommend setting up a pre - approval meeting with the Army Corps of
Engineers. The Corps has an excellent checklist on their website for what is
required for permit processing. At the preapproval meeting, we should be able to
discuss the footprint of impact and have a general ideal of what we want to do.
A question was raised whether raising the water level was within our permit level. Davis
Powell will research this question and respond at the next meeting.
V. Other Items
Steve Garner stated that participation is a must. We have some members who have not
attended. Penny Miller made a motion that after two unexcused absences (no call, no
contact), the committee will evaluate the member's attendance and make a
recommendation to the City Council about appointing a replacement. Larry Scott
seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Tom Lang requested the committee look into additional methods of participation such as
telephone conferences so members who are out of town on business can still attend. The
committee agreed remote attendance should be an option. Staff will look into available
options.
Jack Murphy requested that all requests for information from committee members be
routed through Steve Garner, to Jack Murphy, who will get it to the appropriate staff
member. This should eliminate duplicate requests and allow for more efficient handling of
the request.
Miles Risley clarified the requirements of the Open Meeting and Public Information Acts as
they pertain to the work of the committee. Since the committee serves in an advisory
capacity, the Open Meetings Act doesn't apply. In other words, a quorum of members can
discuss business separately and there is no problem. However, the Public Information Act
does apply, so any documents created, to include email are subject to request by the
public.
Nic Brissette shared maps of water resources in the water shed. There followed some
discussion concerning water sources and groundwater quality /quantity. Penny Miller noted
that some of this information could be found in the Region B Water Planning Group water
plan. Steve Garner asked if Lake Wichita should be considered a last resort water source
and whether the lake could be fed with groundwater.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
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