May 7,1992Mr. Bill Reese
Reese, Macon Associates
3003 South Congress Avenue
Suite lE
Palm Springs, Florida 33461
Dear Mr. Reese:
May 7, 1992
About a month ago you were asked to set up a meeting between
myself and Mr. Tilford Creel. To date I have seen no results. I
find this somewhat puzzling because you have approached the City on
several occasions to have meetings with staff members of the SFWMD.
I have personally rearranged my schedule to accommodate you on your
request. Normally those meetings should have been held with my
staff.
You are well aware of the attempt of the SFWMD to place a
private organization in the water business, using taxpayers monies,
and in direct competition with the City. The City is interested in
finding out specifically from Mr. Creel all the motives, players
and hidden agendas that continue to propel this venture. The SFWMD
derives its' revenues, in part, from ad valorem taxes. The people
of the City pay those taxes. So why can't the City meet with a
public official whose duty it is to perform those functions with
other cities.
I must also point out that you get paid good money to perform
for the City. If there were academy awards for engineers I doubt
if you would be nominated, much less win. I must point out that
the City has overlooked certain rules to accommodate staff members
of the SFWMD. One such rule was allowing at the last minute to
have Kim Love attempt to speak to the Council on some minor matter
of no concern. If the SFWMD thinks that the City is a nothing City
and can continue to run rough shod over the rules to satisfy them,
I would suggest that you and them think again.
I would strongly suggest that you get off your duff and get
that meeting with only Tilford Creel and not for a short period of
time. I remind you again that I have availed myself for indefinite
periods of time for meetings with SFWMD, and I expect the same
treatment from Tilford Creel.
JJD /res
Sincerely,
John J. Drago
City Administrator
Appendix
A -15
6(///eieQ„s,
c fP
The Staff may recommend implementation of a 'Saline Water Intrusion
Monitoring (SWIM) Program" as a special condition to permits issued
to applicants who are located near saline water. The criteria used
to determine if a SWIM Program will be recommended are listed under
Section 5.1.4.2.
3.2.1.1.7.3 Use of Saline Water This section includes the use of
saline water as a source of supply including but not limited to its
use for irrigation and public water supply through the use of
desalination treatment. The use of saline water may cause saline
water intrusion, but not to the extent of adversely affecting other
existing legal uses of water, the applicant, or the public health
safety and general welfare. Evaluation of proposed withdrawals
will be accomplished on a case- by-case basis. The Applicant must
provide proof that 1) the use of saline water will not prevent the
Applicant from providing potable water as defined by DER in the
case of public water supplies, 2) the proposed use of water will
not have an unmitigated adverse impact on existing -legal uses, and
he use is in the public interest.
3.2.1.1.8 Minimum Stages, Levels, and Flows Some withdrawals will
be subject to limitations because of minimum surface or groundwater
levels defined in District rules, operation schedules, management
plans, and by prior District permits. The geographic coverage of such
levels is variable and changes as new permits are issued and old ones
cancelled. Pre application meetings with. District Staff are
encouraged if questions about these criteria arise.
3.2.1.1.9 Competing Uses Applications are declared to be competing
when Staff evaluation indicates that the proposed water use by two or
more Applicants will, in the estimation of Staff, exceed either the
basin yield or the amount of water which exists at a particular
location and is capable of being used.
In the case of competing applications, Staff will recommend that the
Board approve or modify the application that best serves the public
interest. In the event that both Applicants serve the public interest
equally, Staff will recommend that the Board give preference to a
renewal application over a new application.
If competing public water supply Applicants are all renewals or all
new applications and each Applicant serves the public interest
equally, Staff will calculate an equitable allocation for each
applicant in the following manner:
1) per capita consumption will be set equal to the smallest value
of either of the following: a) the District -wide average, or b)
the least value of all Applicants in competition,
2) projected water use based on population growth for all
Applicants will be reduced on a* percentage basis until the sum
total of all withdrawals is equal to the sum total of water,
which in the estimation of Staff, can be allocated.
3.2.2 Demand The highest allocation that Staff can recommend is based on
reasonable need. If all criteria are satisfied, Staff will recommend as the
permitted allocation the quantity of water constituting a
reasonable beneficial use of water (F.A.C. 17-40). The District computes,
STATEMENT OF WORK
FOR A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
WITH THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
AND OKEECHOBEE COUNTY TO DEVELOP A COUNTY -WIDE
WATER AND SEWER UTILITY
Introduction
Okeechobee County is an inland county of approximately 780 square miles located north of
Lake Okeechobee. The dominant land use is agriculture and undeveloped land, which
comprises approximately 91% of the existing land use. Urban and Rural development in
the county comprises about 8% of the existing land use and Recreation and Conservation
lands comprise about 1
In 1990, the county -wide population estimate was 29,675, including the City of Okeechobee
(population 4,937). Seasonal population is estimated to be 40% higher than the permanent
population. According to county records, a population increase of over 45% was
experienced between the year of 1980 and 1990. The county-wide population is projected
to increase to 35,756 by 1995 and 39,651 by the year 2000. Most of the population lives in
or adjacent to the City of Okeechobee.
In 1990, Okeechobee County requested planning funds from the Florida State Legislature.
The final state budget for the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (FDER)
included $100,000 for a county Okeechobee County Utility System Study. The draft of this
study has been completed and is currently being reviewed by FDER.
Potable water needs are presently being serviced by private wells, small package plant type
community water systems, the City of Okeechobee Utilities, and Okeechobee Beach Water
Association, which purchases and distributes wholesale water from the City of Okeechobee.
The City of Okeechobee has applied for and been granted permits from FDER to expand
its potable water supply. Preliminary planning for expansion of City wastewater facilities is
underway. This expansion does not eliminate the potential proliferation of additional
package plants and /or private wells in the Northshore area and the effect of this expansion
on future development and economic growth is uncertain.
Wastewater needs are being served by private septic tanks, small wastewater package plants,
and the City of Okeechobee Utilities. The County recently acquired Okee Tantie
Recreational Park, which is served by a small wastewater package plant. Prior to this
agreement, the South Florida Water Management District was responsible for the operation
of the plant and planning the upgrade of the plant to meet the FDER and SWIM standards.
The potential for negative environmental effects as a result of the proliferation of package
treatment plants and septic systems within close proximity to Lake Okeechobee has been
a driving force behind this cooperative agreement.
The Okee Tantie wastewater plant will be transferred to the County and the County will
apply to the FDER for the appropriate operations permit. The District has furnished the
county with all background information, as well as engineering and construction plans, in
order to assist the County in its application to FDER for a permit for the Okee Tantie plant.
District staff has met with the FDER and County staff to develop a plan for transfer of the
plant and schedule for the appropriate permit application, review, and approval.
Okeechobee County, the City of Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Beach Water
Association, Inc. are currently participating in a Water and Sewer Task Force, chaired by
Okeechobee County Commissioner, Steve Porter. This task force retained the services of
PMG Associates, Inc. in order to establish the feasibility of developing a regional utility
authority; however, rate structures are the main focus of this study.
Scope
The Governing Board has authorized $1.5 million dollars over a three year period to support
this project. Appropriations are dependent upon future budget approvals and the project
is to be funded in three phases under a multi -year contract. The initial $200,000 is based
on the transfer of the Okee Tantie wastewater treatment plant to the County, the
examination of the feasibility of developing a water and wastewater utility authority, and the
County's development of a potable water supply system in conjunction with Okeechobee
Beach Water Association.
Location, size, and estimated cost of proposed wastewater treatment facilities will be
determined upon completion of the FDER funded Utility Study and acceptance of that study
by FDER. If Okeechobee County chooses to pursue development of a utility authority, the
proposed infrastructure to be designed, permitted and constructed will include a new
wastewater treatment plant and a transmission force main to transfer wastewater from Okee-
Tantie Park and the existing independent septic tanks and package plants along the route
of the force main to the new wastewater treatment plant.
In the event that the development of wastewater treatment facilities is determined to be
economically unfeasible, the County will retain ownership of and responsibility of the Okee-
Tantie plant in compliance with the FDER permit and any applicable rules and regulations,
such as SWIM.
There are several options of authority development under consideration. The first option
of authority development would include the City of Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Beach
Water Association and Okeechobee County, which together would own and operate both
water and wastewater facilities to serve all the residents of Okeechobee County.
2
The second option of authority development would include Okeechobee Beach Water
Association and Okeechobee County, which together would build a new water treatment
plant. The authority or Okeechobee County alone would build a new wastewater treatment
plant and transmission force main system.
The third option would be for the County to develop new water treatment and wastewater
treatment facilities. Under this scenario, Okeechobee County would build the new
wastewater treatment plant and force main transmission system.
The District will continue to provide funding and technical assistance in support of this plan
based on review and approval of deliverables and Governing Board approval beyond the
current fiscal year funding in accordance with this statement of work.
Okeechobee County will comply with applicable regulatory and statutory requirements and
obtain all applicable permits from federal, state and local agencies. District funds will not
be used to pay permit fees.
3
Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Development
Tasks for each work category are as follows:
Phase 1
Task 1.1 Transfer of the Okee Tantie Wastewater Plant to Okeechobee County.
Task 1.2 Application by Okeechobee County to FDER for the appropriate
permit for the Okee Tantie Wastewater Plant.
Task 1.3 Wastewater Effluent Disposal site specific study. This study will
examine in detail the site or sites to be utilized for effluent disposal to
determine their acceptability for this use. This study is required by the
FDER for the approval of the Utility System Study as a "Facility Plan"
and its use as a basis for obtaining FDER state revolving loan funding.
This task was not included in the scope for the Utility System Study.
This study must be accepted and approved by South Florida Water
Management District and the FDER.
Phase 2
Task 1.4
Task 1.5
Preliminary Wastewater Collection System Design and cost estimate.
The Utility System Study included the location, size and cost estimates
for the transmission force main system and wastewater treatment plant
facilities, but did not include the local wastewater collection system.
This task will include the preliminary design of the required
improvements to collect the wastewater from the existing developments
and transfer it to the transmission force main system. The design shall
be in sufficient detail to allow the preparation of a preliminary cost
estimate for these improvements. This cost estimate, along with the
costs for the force mains and treatment facilities identified in The
Utility System Study, will be used to determine the total cost of the
proposed County Wastewater System.
Utility System Financing Plan. Before beginning final design of the
Wastewater System, it will be necessary to identify the means and
methods to be used to finance all planned improvements. As a part of
this task, the rate structure and schedules of user fees and charges will
be developed for the proposed county utility system. Capital funding
requirements to be funded through user fees and debt service charges,
and additional needed funds and funding sources will be identified.
4
Task 1.7 Approval by Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners to
proceed with Phase 1 Facilities
Phase 3
Task 1.8 Design and Permitting of Phase 1 facilities.
Task 1.9 Bidding and Construction of Phase 1 facilities.
Task 1.6
District and County determine financial feasibility for Okeechobee
Utility Plan based on review of deliverable. This determination will act
as a "trigger" for continued District funding for utility system facility
completion in accordance with this statement of work or, if the plan is
deemed unfeasible, the up -grade of the Okee Tantie, if required to
comply with appropriate requirements, will commence immediately
and be funded by Okeechobee County.
5
Delivery Time Schedule and Time Frames
The tasks will be completed in accordance with the following estimated schedules and shall
allow for a forty-five calendar day agency review time period:
Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Development
TASKS COMPLETION DATES
Phase 1
Task 1.1 Upon execution of this contract.
Task 1.2 Concurrent with Task 1.1
Task 1.3 Within 180 calendar days of completion of Task 1.2.
Phase 2
Task 1.4 Within 180 calendar days of completion of Task 1.3.
Task 1.5 Within 180 calendar days of completion of Task 1.3.
Task 1.6 Within 45 calendar days of completion of Task 1.5
Task 1.7 Within 60 calendar days of completion of Task 1.6.
Phase 3
Task 1.8 Within 360 calendar days of completion of Task 1.7.
Task 1.9 Within 600 calendar days of completion of Task 1.8.
6
Deliverables All deliverables are subject to District and FDER approval where
appropriate.
Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Development
Phase 1
Phase 2
Task 1.1 Proof of transfer of ownership of the Okee Tantie Wastewater Plant
from the District Okeechobee County.
Task 1.2 Application to FDER for temporary or regular operation permit for
Okee Tantie Wastewater Plant to Okeechobee County.
Task 1.3 County delivers wastewater effluent disposal site specific study.
Task 1.4 County delivers Preliminary Collection System Design and Cost
Estimates.
Task 1.5 County delivers Utility System Financing Plan.
Task 1.6 County proceeds with Wastewater Infrastructure Development or
upgrades Okee Tantie Plant based on feasibility determination.
Task 1.7 County Resolution to proceed with Phase 1 facilities.
Phase 3
Task 1.8 County delivers final contract documents, plans and specifications and
all required permits for Phase 1 facilities.
Task 1.9 Completion of construction of Phase 1 facilities.
7
Payment Schedule
Estimated payment schedules are as follows:
Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Development
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Task 1.1 N/A
Task 1.2 County funding.
Task 1.3 $50,000
Task 1.4 $125,000
Task 1.5 $75,000
Task 1.6 N/A or County funding.
Task 1.7 N/A
Task 1.8
Task 1.9
$50,000. Additional funding to be determined at a later date.
To be determined at a later date.
8
Water Treatment Infrastructure Development
Tasks for each work category are as follows:
Phase 1
Task 2.1 Final decision regarding County Utility System ownership and
operation. Determine extent of participation by Okeechobee County,
Okeechobee Beach Water Association and City of Okeechobee.
Okeechobee County is considering retaining a consultant in conjunction
with Okeechobee Beach Water Association for decision making
purposes and for purposes of organization and formation of an
authority.
Task 2.2
Test well program and hydrogeologic study to determine number, size
and location of the proposed wells to provide raw water supply to the
new water treatment plant. The test well program will consist of the
installation of 2 -inch diameter wells, 4 -inch diameter wells and
lithologic borings, all at different locations. The 2 -inch wells will be
utilized to determine water quality in the area at various locations in
the aquifer. The 4 -inch wells will be utilized for test pumping to
determine the potential well yield and aquifer characteristics in the
proposed wellfield area. The lithologic logs will be used to confirm the
aquifer characteristics within the /wellfield area.
Task 2.3 Identification of facilities to be designed and constructed from the
Feasibility Study of Water Treatment Plant for Okeechobee Beach
Water Association. Inc., Project No. 8901 dated March 15, 1989 and
the results from the deliverable for Task 2.2.
Task 2.4 Approval of facilities to be constructed by Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners.
Task 2.5 Development and formation of County utility department, authority, or
other agency as may be required.
Phase 2
Task 2.6 Preparation of plans, specifications and securing of all permits for the
construction of the proposed wellfield and raw water piping, 1.0 million
gallon storage tank, high service pumping, transmission piping, and
appurtenances. See Attachment 1 for list of improvements and costs.
9
Phase 3
Task 2.7
Task 2.8
Preparation of plans, specifications and securing of all permits for the
construction of 1.5 MGD water treatment plant. See enclosed copy of
report Feasibility Study of Water Treatment Plant for Okeechobee
Beach Water Association, Inc., Project No. 8901 dated March 15, 1989.
Bidding and construction of the wellfield, piping, 1.0 million gallon
storage tank, high service pumping, transmissions, piping, and
appurtenances.
Task 2.9 Bidding and construction of the 1.5 MGD water treatment plant.
1 0
Delivery Time Schedule and Time Frames
The tasks will be completed in accordance with the following estimated schedules and shall
allow for a forty -five calendar day agency review time period:
Water Treatment Infrastructure Development
TASKS COMPLETION DATES
Phase 1
Task 2.1 Within 90 calendar days of the execution of the contract.
Task 2.2 Within 90 calendar days of the execution of the contract.
Task 2.3 Within 30 calendar days of completion of Task 2.2.
Task 2.4 Within 30 calendar days of completion of Task 2.3.
Task 2.5 Within 60 calendar days of completion of Task 2.1.
Phase 2
Task 2.6 Within 180 calendar days of completion 2.4.
Task 2.7 Within 180 calendar days of completion of Task 2.4.
Phase 3
Task 2.8 Within 360 calendar days of completion of Task 2.6.
Task 2.9 Within 360 calendar days of completion of Task 2.7.
11
Deliverables All deliverables are subject to District and FDER approval where
appropriate.
Phase 1
Water Treatment Infrastructure Development
Task 2.1 Written notification regarding decision from County.
Task 2.2 Test well and hydrologic Study report.
Task 2.3 Report identifying facilities to be designed and constructed.
Task 2.4 Approval by County.
Task 2.5 Final legal documents authorizing county/regional wastewater and
water supply authority.
Phase 2
Task 2.6 Final contract documents, plans and specifications and final permits.
Task 2.7 Final contract documents, plans and specifications and final permits.
Phase 3
Task 2.8 Completion of construction of facilities.
Task 2.9 Completion of construction of facilities.
12
Payment Schedule
Water Treatment Infrastructure Development
Estimated payment schedules are as follows:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Task 2.1 N/A
Task 2.2 $100,000
Task 2.3 N/A
Task 2.4 N/A
Task 2.5 $50,000
Task 2.6 $500,000
Task 2.7 $50,000
Task 2.8 $500,000
Task 2.9 Funding by others.
Okeechobee County will invoice SFWMD based on a completion of task basis.
$2,000,000 (Beach Water Association, Inc.. per County contract)
Contingencies
No situations which will adversely impact performance are foreseen at this time. If
unforeseen situations arise which may affect the tasks /deliverables or timetables as defined
in this Statement of Work, Okeechobee County will be responsible for bringing those to the
District's attention for contingency planning.
13
ATTACHMENT 1
Construction Cost Estimate Water Treatment Infrastructure Tasks 2.6 and 2.8.
Estimated construction costs of potable water wells, storage tank and piping for a water
plant site located within 1.5 miles of S.R. 78.
Phase 2
1. Four 8 inch Wells, Pumps and Motors 105,000.
2. Raw Water Piping from Wells to Plant 95,000.
3. 1,000,000 Gallon Ground Storage Tank 250,000.
4. High Service Pumps 50,000.
Phase 3
Contingency
Phase 2 Total 500,000.
5. 1.5 miles of 16 inch Finished Water Line 350,000.
6. Site Preparation 60,000.
Phase 3 Total 410,000.
Sub -total
Total $1,000,000.
14
910,000.
90,000.
Water
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
Phase 1 Task Start Complete Amount
Wastewater 1.1 Upon execution of contract No District funds.
1.2 Upon execution of contract No District funds.
1.3 3/92 9/92 50,000.
Water 2.1 3/92 6/92 No District funds.
2.2 3/92 6/92 100,000.
2.3 6/92 7/92 No District funds.
2.4 7/92 8/92 No District funds.
2.5 6/92 8/92 50,000.
Phase 1 Total 200,000.
Phase 2 Task Start Complete Amount
Wastewater 1.4 9/92 3/93 125,000.
1.5 9/92 3/93 75,000.
1.6 3/93 5/93 No District funds.
1.7 4/93 7/93 No District funds.
Water 2.6 8/92 2/93 500,000.
2.7 8/92 2/93 50,000.
Phase 2 Total 750,000.
Phase 3 Task Start Complete Amount
Wastewater 1.8 7/93 7/94 50,000.
1.9 7/94 3/96 To be determined.
2.8 2/93 2/94 500,000.
2.9 2/93 2/94 No District funds.
Phase 3 Total 550,000.
Project Total $1,500,000.
15
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SELECT EV ALT ERNA IV E' WITH PHAS ING
4::PEOCRAla A. SilgTH ASSG7ATES
,�RtiING BO MEETING
f irst 14, 1991
PAGE 23
E. AUTHORIZE ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH DR. ALAN W.
ELZERMAN WAIVING THE COMPETITION PROVISIONS OF THE
DISTRICT PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING POLICY FOR
TECHNICAL CONSULTING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EVERGLADES PROTECTION ACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF 5100 PER HOUR, BUT NOT TO EXCEED 550,000 FOR
WHICH FUNDS ARE BUDGETED, AND AUTHORIZE A BUDGET
TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT OF 5586 FROM DIST 599500 090-0718 AND
S49,414 FROM OKEE 599500 090 -0718 SWIM PROJECT RESERVE TO DIST
522900 904 -9810 AND OKEE 522900 904 9810, PLANNING
DEPARTMENT /LOWER DISTRICT PLANNING DIVISION.
MOTION APPROVED.
52. SUMMARY OF STAFF REVIEW OF THE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Mr. Harvey outlined highlights of the Infrastructure Fund and the selection criteria.
Mr. Dale Mileta, Okeechobee County Commissioner, described the project. He said the
County is requesting assistance from the District to facilitate planning, design, permitting
and construction of infrastructure to accommodate the regional and sewer needs of the
County.
Mr. Harvey presented a proposed Governing Board Motion for a contract with
Okeechobee County to provide funding assistance for the planning, design, and
construction of regional water and sewer infrastructure including a feasibility analysis of
establishing a Utility Authority and transferring ownership and operating authority of the
Okeeetantie sewage treatment package plant, including the responsibility for all required
plant upgrades, to Okeechobee County in the amount of S1.5 million.