|
Water Policy Review
Commission
MINUTES
Regular meeting
March 14, 2002
Training Rooms (first floor)
Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center
123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand
MEMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Bill Scovell (absent)
Fritz Behring (present)
Randy Brewer (present)
Richard Fernandez (present)
Ken Hoblick (present)
Elizabeth Layton (present)
Beth McGee (present)
Tom McClelland (absent)
Steven Provost (absent)
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Fritz Behring at 6:13 p.m. with the above attendance noted. Also in attendance were Cindy Finney, County Manager’s Office, Dan Eckert, County Attorney, and Tom Carey, Environmental Management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 14, 2002 MEETING
Richard Fernandez made a motion that the Feb. 14 minutes be approved. Beth McGee seconded the motion. The motion was passed 6-0 and the minutes were adopted as written.DISCUSSION OF FINAL REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Commission reviewed the four major areas of concern as outlined in the proposal for an advisory ballot prepared by Chairman Bill Scovell (attached).A discussion ensued on the meaning and purpose of concurrency in issue no. #3 and whether it should be a component of a ballot question. The Commission agreed to change "building codes" to land development in #3.
County Attorney Dan Eckert said the question should be if any or all of these four issues should be put in the form of a straw ballot. Is there something about these issues which we wish to ask the advice of voters?
Issue #1. The Commission said they supported this topic in general. Mr. Fernandez said the Commission needs to define funding, perhaps similar to the funding in the ECHO/Forever program. The question would be would voters be willing to set aside tax dollars to fund a program to enhance water conservation. Elizabeth Layton asked if the question would mean a new water conservation program or supporting the one already in place with the Volusian Water Alliance. The board discussed whether the County Council or the VWA should manage the program.
Issue #2. Mr. Fernandez suggested there be dedicated revenue to divert stormwater into recharge areas specifically to enhance water supply - - a revenue source with specific goals. Tom Carey, County Program Manager for Water Resources, said he could see retaining stormwater but moving it was another matter. Mr. Behring asked if this question speaks to the need for a countywide stormwater utility designed to provide for recharge? Mr. Behring said the Commission accepted #2 in general and would work on the wording.
#3. Mr. Behring said it appeared the Commission agreed on the first part of the issue. Ms. McGee made a motion for discussion purposes that the Commission place a period after the word commercial: "Need for the modification of development regulation to provide for revised land development codes dealing with landscaping both residential and commercial." Mr. Fernandez seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0. Mr. Brewer made a motion that the Commission table the concurrency part of this issue pending the result of the VWA feasibility study and the presence of Commission Chair Bill Scovell. Ms. McGee seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0.
#4. Mr. Brewer suggested that Flagler County be omitted from the issue. "Need for a centrally managed wholesale water production and distribution organization for Volusia County." He made a motion to that effect. Mr. Fernandez seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0. Mr. Hoblick made a motion that #4 be amended to say a "need for a centrally managed wholesale water production and distribution organization serving public, commercial and industrial needs for Volusia County." Mr. Brewer seconded the motion. A discussion ensued on whether to include agriculture in this change. The commission agreed unanimously that agriculture needed to be included. Mr. Brewer said he did not think it was a good idea to appear to be creating exemptions. The Commission voted 5-1 to deny the motion, with Mr. Hoblick voting to approve the motion. The motion was denied. The first change: "Need for a centrally managed wholesale water production and distribution organization for Volusia County" is what was adopted.
Mr. Brewer made a motion that an initiative be placed on the ballot which would revive the Commission in five years to coincide with the County Charter Review process. This Commission would review the Alliance, the Water Supply Plan and other water related issues. This Commission would make recommendations if necessary that would go before voters. Ms. Layton seconded the motion for discussion. Mr. Eckert noted that the charter review group would meet earlier than five years from now (in 2005-006). A discussion ensued. Mr. Eckert noted that the Commission had struggled to accomplish its mission within the law and a future Commission would have the same problem. Mr. Brewer withdrew his motion. Ms. McGee asked if the Council could create an advisory board? Mr. Eckert said yes and the board does not have to be a charter group.
Mr. Brewer made a motion and Mr. Fernandez seconded it that County legal staff help with the wording for these four issues to be placed on a straw ballot. The motion passed 6-0. Mr. Eckert said what staff would review the issues but the wording most likely would not be much different than what the Commission had drafted.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. McGee said as a result of joining the Commission and getting to know Deborah Green of the VWA, the Home Builders Association had created a Water Wise Builder Award that outlines criteria for saving water inside and outside the home.ADJOURN/SET NEXT MEETING DATE
There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Commission will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2002 in the Training Rooms, Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, DeLand.back to county council home page
Comments or questions?
E-mail the
Copyright © 2002 Volusia County, Florida.