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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_TownHallMeetingWaterSystem_01282016" " TOWN HALL MEETING WATER SYSTEM DISCUSSION IONA COMMUNITY CENTER JANUARY 28, 2016  7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Brad Andersen, Council Member Rob Geray, Council President Dan Gubler, Council Member Kathy McNamara, Public Works Director Zech Prouse, City Clerk Shara Roberts, Miranda Harris, Jerry Hansen, Dennis Bateman Water System Discussion: Chairman Lee Andersen of the Water Committee explained the purpose of the meeting was to provide the public with an update since the last town hall meeting on November 12, 2015. He reported since the last meeting the City Council approved raising the monthly water rate from $23.00 to $30.00. Starting in February, the City has scheduled the installation of 23 water meters. These meters will be installed on the school, parks, and a variety of lot sizes around the City to gather usage data and assist with leak detection. Mr. Andersen reiterated that the City is not looking to install water meters wholesale throughout the City. Mr. Andersen reported the Water Committee is still working on developing a recommendation on a definition of overwatering. This would assist in identifying residents who are habitually wasting water. Mr. Andersen reported the water right negotiations are ongoing and currently there are no updates to provide. The City is currently in the process of working with The Development Company also known as East-Central Idaho Planning and Development Association (ECIPDA) out of Rexburg to do a brief survey regarding income information to see if the City of Iona could qualify for the Idaho Community Block Grant to help fund some of the major projects needed on the City's water system. Council Member Geray shared his experience with the representatives who came to his door regarding the survey. He described his experience as cordial and the individuals charged with conducting the survey let him know right away they were representing the City and explained why. They asked a couple questions in regards to how many people lived in his household and if his income was less than or above $45,000. He described the questions as very generic and not invasive at all. Mr. Andersen went over the Water Committee's current priorities which are basically the same as what they presented at the last town hall meeting. He opened up the meeting for questions and discussion from the public, and asked residents to state their name and address for the record. Dennis Bateman located at 5311 Steele Avenue inquired how the City Council addressed the Water Initiative and Referendum. Mayor Andersen reported he has discussed the matter with City Attorney Dale Storer who met with Mr. Bateman, Mr. Deb Sorenson, and their attorneys. Mayor Andersen explained that the 23 water meters that are scheduled to be installed in February are for data collection only so the City can figure out what the average residential water usage is. Mr. Bateman expressed the people of Iona want a chance to vote before the City purchases another bunch of meters. Council Member Geray explained it's perfectly clear what the desire of the people is and in regards to changing the language of the ordinance that is something that can be discussed. Mayor Andersen explained the first step that needs to take place is talking with the City Attorney. 1 " 40 Larry Lyon located at 5137 Free Avenue expressed he appreciated the information sent out by the City in the monthly newsletter with the utility bill as he is a new resident to the City and that's how he found out about tonight's discussion. He also appreciated the presentation given by Mr. Andersen as it shows the City has a long term vision for providing water service to the citizens who live here. Mr. Lyon inquired what the life expectancy was of refurbishing the 500,000 gallon water tank. Public Works Director Prouse explained it would give the tank another 50 years. Mr. Lyon inquired the life expectancy of the new tank. Director Prouse explained that it would be about 100 years if constructed properly. He expressed concern about defining habitual water wasters and that it made him nervous as he doesn't want to be labeled by the government as a water waster. In regards to the purchase of 23 water meters to gather usage data to forecast future needs makes total sense. He discussed the controversy over smart meters being installed similar to what Idaho Falls did recently. Mayor Andersen explained the purpose of the 23 water meters is to gather the data needed to better define what waste is because it is so ambiguous and cannot be defined until more information or data is gathered. Chairman Lee Andersen explained a topic that has been brought up at each of the town hall meetings is citizens would like to see more enforcement of the existing city code ordinances for people that are abusing or wasting water. However, the City doesn't want that to be arbitrary and that is why they are trying to define it through the use of data. Jerry Hansen located at 5609 E. Iona Road asked if there already was a national survey that outlines approximately how much water is used. Mayor Andersen explained the national average is 15,000 gallons per month and the City is using approximately 45,000 gallons per month. However, during one of the past town hall meetings the Water Committee presented data provided from Falls Water Company and citizens expressed in that meeting they didn't want to be using data from other sources. They wanted to gather data specific to Iona. Mr. Hansen expressed he felt the wheel has already been invented, and now the City is reinventing it. The money that is being used to purchase the 23 water meters to gather data could be used to help rehabilitate the 500,000 gallon water tank. He commented that the City has terrible leakage coming from the water tank. Mayor Andersen explained that compared to what it was 10 years ago, the leakage is very little. The leakage test done recently by Keller Associates who were chosen to assist in the rehabilitation project show that it is leaking 2 gallons a minute. Mr. Hansen commented that a lot of the old piping in town is leaking. Mayor Andersen commented the meters will assist in detecting those leaks, so they can be fixed. Mr. Hansen further inquired if the City was building a new well up on the hill. Mayor Andersen explained that is the plan for the future. Curtis Bateman located at 5457 E. Owens commented the people of Iona moved here for less government and not to be monitored so much. Mr. Bateman expressed he didn't understand how the City could take the handful of residents that habitually waste water and blanket that on the whole community. He suggested when complaints are received by the City of people potentially 2 A w 410 abusing water to send Iona officers out on the day they aren't supposed to be watering. If a pattern was developed then the City knows there is an issue. Mr. Andersen explained the Water Committee is trying to educate people on their water usage. Through the use of data the City can better identify what the average use is per lot and the definition of overwatering so the Council does have the ability to work on more of an individual basis. Council Member Dan Gubler explained two town hall meetings ago the public wanted data specific to the City of Iona on water usage. In order to get that data the City has to be able to outline what the consumption is in Iona. The City is not forcing 23 water meters on any residents, but the intent is to ask residents if they can install a water meter to gather data. He further explained the City cannot ignore the fact that there is an allocated number of cubic feet per second (cfs) we are allowed to pump, and the City is exceeding that during different times of the year. The City needs to have the capability to put something into place to identify where the issues are. Mr. Bateman located at 5457 E. Owens followed up by explaining as long as it isn't specifically targeted or demanded on certain individuals. His concern is the way the ordinance reads currently in City Code is the City Council without his say so or agreement can stick a water meter on his property. Mr. Bateman further suggested the City should establish an ordinance which better enforces the odd and even day watering schedule than putting a meter on someone's property to identify whether they were overwatering or not. Mr. Bateman expressed the real issue is getting the City Code updated to allow water meters to go out for a vote before they are placed on people's properties. Mayor Andersen explained he needs to communicate with City Attorney Dale Storer as it was his understanding from the report he received that the Water Initiative and Referendum meeting between the attorneys was worked out. Jerry Hansen located at 5609 E. Iona Road asked who is responsible for the maintenance on the irrigation ditches. Chairman Andersen replied it is the responsibility of the water right owner who uses that ditch. Mr. Hansen explained in the past the City has always taken care of it. Mayor Andersen acknowledged in the past the City did hire help to maintain ditches, but it is not the responsibility of the City. Mr. Hansen suggested a community work force to help with the maintenance of ditches and believes the City will save more water. Mr. Hansen further inquired if the public is aware they are the ones responsible for that. Chairman Andersen suggested the group of individuals who decide they want to use their ditches get together to organize the maintenance. Mr. Hansen further inquired where the City was purchasing the additional water rights. Mr. Andersen explained the negotiations are ongoing. Mr. Hansen asked if the City was trying to purchase water rights from farms that are going into housing additions or the aquifers. Council President Gubler specified it is culinary water. 3 " Louise Bryan located at 5013 Steele commented she has lived in the City of Iona for over 30 years. She explained initially when she first heard about the discussion of water meters she was very concerned about the financial impact and the quality of life they would have. Mrs. Bryan expressed gratitude to the City Council and the Water Committee for the efforts they are going through to help come up with solutions so the City doesn't have to go install water meters except as a last resort. Ryan Walker located at 5133 Wilde commented the majority of people in the City, especially in the newer subdivisions, don't use ditch water, but there is a minority of residents who have lived here all their life that do use the ditch water. They never had to clean those ditches in the past and the City just stood up and took care of it. He expressed concerns in regards to individuals who do clean out their ditches throwing it on the bank and not cleaning up their mess. Chairman Andersen explained he thinks there are rules around water surface laws and cleaning out ditches. Mayor Andersen read a written public comment submitted by Maggie McLaughlin located at 3183 Quaky Aspen Drive, Exhibit A. Meeting adjourned at 8:14p.m. COUNCIL APPROVED: February 16, 2016 ATTEST Shara Roberts, City Clerk Brad Andersen, Mayor 4 COMMENT — MEETING RE WATER ISSUES — IONA — JANUARY 28, 2016 As I already made my opinions regarding whether we — as property owners in lona — should have water meters installed (I believe we should, without question and have stated such in a previous public meeting) — the purpose for this brief comment concerns a visit paid to me about a week ago, by a young lady who identified herself as representing the City of lona and seeking information from homeowners. When I asked her name (Ms Hunt) and requested whether she carried credentials proving she represented the City, she pulled out a half -page letter, signed by the Mayor, the purpose of which appeared a request for income verification — so the City could apply for a grant to help pay — or pay in total — the anticipated cost for meters, well upgrades, tank refits, etc. My response to Ms Hunt was the same response I received from Mr. Anderson the first time I met him face -to —face, when he came to my home, soliciting my vote in the last mayoral election: I said, He said, "I am a new property owner in lona, and my taxes — along with everyone else's — pay your salary as Mayor, so just how much DO we pay you?" "That is none of your business. Salary and benefits are personal and confidential information." So, if the Mayor, City Council Members, and the Water Committee, et al, want my "personal and confidential information" regarding my income, they will have to show me their "personal and confidential information" regarding their incomes first. After all, Mr. Anderson, and the rest are going to do exactly what they want to do no matter what we property owners want and need — and next summer, it appears I will go back to watering 3 days rather than 2, as I have no incentive to do otherwise. I conserved water for 2 Y2 years; what benefit or thanks have I received for doing so? Nadda!! I request this comment be entered into the City record and be made available for public reading. Maggie McLaughlin 3183 Quakey Aspen Drive lona Exhibit "A"