RESEARCH DIVISION
TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY & UTILITIES SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
September 6, 2016
Lynwood Roberts Room
Ground Floor, City Hall
117 W. Duval Street
Attendance: Council Members: Al Ferraro (Chair), Doyle Carter (Vice Chair), Greg Anderson, Anna Lopez Brosche, Reggie Brown, John Crescimbeni, Reggie Gaffney; Council President Lori Boyer was in attendance. Assistant General Counsel Paige Johnston; Kim Taylor, Council Auditor’s Office; Jordan Elsbury, Administration, Yvonne Mitchell, John J. Jackson, Council Research Division; Legislative Assistant Philip Zamarron.
The Chairman called the special committee meeting to order at 3:06 p.m.
The focus of the Special Committee Meeting was: How do we prioritize the extension of water and sewer lines?
John Pappas, Director, Public Works Department, made a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Pappas explained how septic tank phase-out projects are being prioritized. The $30 million funding for the project is being shared by the City of Jackson and JEA ($15 million each).
Factors considered in prioritizing septic tank phase-outs include compliance with BMAP (the Basin Management Action Plan) in reducing toxins and contaminants in our waterways. Failed septic tanks impair water tributaries. Another factor is the impact on the environment.
Mr. Pappas explained that there are two categories in making septic tank phase-out priorities: the environment and health and welfare; and community considerations. He explained a scoring system in the prioritization process.
In categorizing community considerations, Mr. Pappas explained that the top three projects on a prioritization matrix are Biltmore, Beverly Hills and Christobal. Council Member John Crescimbeni inquired as to who came up with the intricate matrix, work that he commended. Mr. Pappas explained that the matrix was the work of a committee comprised of the Public Works Department, JEA, and the Office of General Counsel.
Council Member Reggie Brown inquired about other potential sources of funding for septic tank phase-out projects such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) or special assessments.
Council President Lori Boyer reminded the Committee that septic tank areas are identified by the Health Department.
Council Member Reggie Gaffney asked how long it is going to take to complete the projects. Mr. Pappas explained that if less than 70% of property owners sign-up to have their lines extended to the City’s sewer system, phase-out projects in that particular neighborhood could take an additional five years to begin and complete.
Mr. Pappas fielded numerous other questions.
Nancy Kilgo, JEA governmental affairs staff, explained how JEA will undertake initiatives for public outreach. She indicated that initially there will be town hall meetings to notify and educate neighborhoods on the importance of the septic tank phase-out program.
Ms. Kilgo explained provisions in Florida Statutes and City Ordinances regarding the assessment of property owners.
Council Member Crescimbeni indicated that he wanted to have a conversation with Ms. Kilgo on legislation that JEA is crafting regarding the installation of water, sewer and reclaimed water pipes as electric lines are moved underground
The Council President suggested that the Special Committee might want to work on legislation on the issues discussed and sponsor it as a Committee. She also underscored the importance of special assessments as an important tool in reaching the 70% requirement to move forward with the septic tank phase-out program.
Council Member Reggie Brown wanted to know if it were possible to assess a particular street or if the assessment had to be for a neighborhood. Ms. Kilgo replied that each neighborhood and street had to be considered on an individual basis. Mr. Brown expressed the hope that property owners in Council District 10 could have long-term arrangements for assessments. The Council President reminded the Committee that JEA is providing the upfront capital for the phase-out projects.
There being no further business, the Special Committee meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m.
John J. Jackson, Council Research Division (904) 630-1729
09.09.16
Posted: 4:00 p.m.