Water Policy Review Commission Minutes

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Water Policy Review Commission
MINUTES
Regular meeting
Aug. 9, 2001
Training Rooms (first floor)
Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center
123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand

MEMBERS
Bill Scovell (present)
Fritz Behring (present)
Randy Brewer (present)
Richard Fernandez (absent)
Ken Hoblick (present)
Elizabeth Layton (present)
Tom McClelland (present)
Steven Provost (present)

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bill Scovell at 6:05 p.m. with the above attendance noted. Also in attendance were Matt Donovan and Deborah Green, Volusian Water Alliance, Cindy Finney, County Manager’s staff, Dan Eckert, Frank Gummey and Doug Weaver, County Legal Department, Gloria Marwick, County Water and Utilities and David Grffis, Cooperative Extension Service.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2001
There were no corrections or additions to the minutes. Chairman Bill Scovell said they would be adopted as written.

GUEST SPEAKER: DEBORAH GREEN, VOLUSIAN WATER ALLIANCE
Mr. Scovell introduced Deborah Green, the Volusian Water Alliance Water Conservation Coordinator who gave an overview of her program. Ms. Green said to obtain consumptive use permits (CUPs), utilities must develop water conservation programs. The elements of these programs can include brochures, articles in the local media, videos, xeriscape demonstration projects and more. Successful programs include education, enforcement and water conservation technologies such as retrofitting. Commission members asked who provides the staff to enforce water conservation restrictions? Ms. Green said if the County set an example of providing staff for enforcement, cities may follow, but the problem is there aren’t enough officers to enforce it. Member Randy Brewer noted that sometimes just having a law on the books makes people comply because or pressure from neighbors and they know breaking the law is wrong.

Ms. Green discussed how much water is used outdoors and indoors and various water uses. More cities are asking for demonstrations of water-wise landscaping. Member Tom McClelland suggested Ms. Green work with Habitat for Humanity to put xeriscaped yards at Habitat houses which would increase publicity for the importance of water-wise landscaping. She discussed the use of low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets.

A discussion ensued on publicity for the water conservation. The Commission suggested Ms. Green work with Dave Byron, director of the County’s Community Information Office, to schedule speakers on water conservation on various television and radio programs.

Mr. Brewer asked the public’s perception of water conservation. Do people think there is a need for better conservation or are they happy with the status quo? Ms. Green replied that many people are okay with enforcement of the watering restrictions However, at least one person at her presentations will ask why new development is allowed if water is limited. She said one problem is many people want a nice lawn. Mr., Scovell noted the "culture of water use" in Florida - - the perception that there is an unlimited supply.

GUEST SPEAKER: COUNTY ATTORNEY DAN ECKERT
Mr. Scovell introduced Mr. Eckert who spoke on Florida water policy laws. Mr. Eckert. said the County does not have the ability under the Florida constitution to take over a city’s water system. He said the Commission could discuss how to encourage interlocal agreements among the cities and the County. In response to a question, he said voters would not be able to change the County’ s Charter to establish a water authority. The County cannot take over city services by referendum. The Commission can recommend that the Volusian Water Alliance evolve into a water authority, but it would be a recommendation only. A discussion ensued

Mr. McClelland said something should be done or the community would lose local control. He noted that the Volusian Water Alliance has evolved over the years and has achieved a number of significant things. Member Fritz Behring said city-owned water systems are attractive for municipalities because they are a revenue source and can be used to attract industry.

Because Florida law prohibits the County from acquiring water systems from the cities, can the Commission encourage interlocal cooperation is something the Commission needs to think about Mr. Behring said. Commission members also were asked to review the County staff response to the Volusia Water Advisory Board final report (attached) and think about actions the Commission should consider.

ADJOURN/SET NEXT MEETING DATE
There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 7:25 p.m. The next meeting of the Commission will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13 in the Training Rooms, Thomas C., Kelly Administration Center, DeLand. St. Johns River Water Management District Assistant Executive Director John Wehle is scheduled to be the guest speaker.

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