1992-07-17 Willard to Drago H i
Knepper&Willard, inc.
En ineers ;` N
July 17, 1992 �,p.,_
Mr. John J. Drago
City Administrator
City of Okeechobee
55 SE Third Avenue
Okeechobee, FL 34974
RE: Request for Comments on Elements of Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan
Dear Mr. Drago:
As requested by Mr. Michael Morell on behalf of the City, we have reviewed the sections of the
County Comprehensive Plan forwarded to us. The comments are summarized as follows:
Okeechobee County Sanitary Sewer Element Data and Analysis (proposed for adoption)
Page IV- 5:
First paragraph, under "Sanitary Sewer"
To be more accurate, the wording should be modified to read as follows:
The effluent is spray irrigated on the site and property adjacent to the plant site (Williamson
Cattle Co.). The solids are then spread on a different site (Hamrick property).
Second paragraph, under "Sanitary Sewer"
Map 4.1,page 33, was not included.
Third paragraph, under "Sanitary Sewer"
The 1.8 million gallons per day is the maximum monthly average; the annual average daily
flow is anticipated to be 1.2 million gallons per day.
Fourth paragraph, under "Sanitary Sewer"
The Eckerd Youth Development Center plant has a capacity of 0.1 MGD.
Page IV - 7:
Within Table
The Wal-Mart Shopping Center is currently on the City system.
Fifth paragraph
Map 4.2, page 34, was not included.
Page IV - 14:
First paragraph, under "Sanitary Sewer"
The City provides sewer service to areas within unincorporated Okeechobee County mostly
to the southern areas off US HWY 441 toward the lake.
Hillsborough (813) 281-0120
3030 North Rocky Point Drive West Pinellas (813) 821-3291
Suite 570 Pasco (813) 846-0846
Tampa, FL 33607-5905 FAX (813) 281-1156
Mr. John J. Drago
July 17, 1992
Page 2
Pages IV - 14 to 19:
"Sanitary Sewer" Element of ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The City is currently in the process of revising their own Comprehensive Plan concerning
wastewater issues. This section may be modified considerably. In addition, the City has
notified the South Florida Water Management District of their plans to expand their existing
systems and has invited this agency to meet with the City to discuss a regional approach to
both water supply and wastewater treatment. (See attached letters,Daniel S.Willard,PE,to
Steve Lamb, South Florida Water Management District, dated December 20, 1991, and
William D. Reese, PE, to Steve Lamb, dated November 4, 1991.)
Okeechobee County Sanitary Sewer Element Data and Analysis (as adopted April 2, 1992)
Page IV - 7:
Paragraphs 1 - 4, under "City of Okeechobee Sewage Treatment Facility"
See above comments relating to Page IV-5. In addition,both the Master Water Plan and the
Master Sewer Plan address service areas. While both plans address areas that could
conceivably receive service within the plan years, they do not preclude growth to areas
outside the service areas based upon need.
Page IV - 8:
"Other Sewage Treatment Facilities"
This section provides an expanded discussion on other facilities within the Okeechobee
County not provided in the previous document.
Page IV - 12:
"Soils Analysis"
The previous document refers to four general landscape groups,rather than ten general soil
associations.
Page IV - 14:
First paragraph
The previous document states on page IV - 12, "As can be seen, 76 percent of Okeechobee
County's soils are ranked as having medium potential. Soil limitations exist; however, they can be
overcome with recommended practices. Performance as septic tank absorption fields ranges from fair
to good."
Page IV - 17:
"Regional Facilities"
New discussion not within the previous document.
Knepper&Willard,inc.
Mr. John J. Drago
July 17, 1992
Page 3
Page IV - 19:
"Priority Areas for Wastewater Service"
The City is currently in the process (Phase II) of the expansion of the existing wastewater
treatment plant and effluent disposal system. In addition, the Master Sewer Plan has
identified areas for expansion of the sewage collection system.
Page IV - 20:
"SFWMD Agreement"
What is the criteria for obtaining an agreement with SFWMD for expansion of treatment
capabilities? Does the City qualify? If not, why not?
Page IV - 21:
Paragraphs 2 - 4
Is the City actively involved in the development of option"1"? Can public funds be used for
a system owned wholly or partly by a private entity?
Page IV - 22:
"Task 1.3"
For this site-specific study, is soils work anticipated?
Page IV - 23:
"Issues and Recommendations"
See comments associated with Pages IV - 14 to 19 on the previous document.
Page IV - 24:
Third paragraph
Please explain the"County's difficult financial position"? Is the County bondable for this type
of activity?
Fourth paragraph
What about the interim period before the County's facilities are available? The City
anticipates construction complete on the wastewater treatment plant, as currently proposed
(1.2 MGD), by mid-1995.
Page IV - 63:
"LIST OF SOURCES"
Are copies of the following sources available? Numbers 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Knepper&Willard,inc.
Mr. John J. Drago
July 17, 1992
Page 4
Goals, Objectives and Policies for the Sanitary Sewer Element (adopted April 2, 1992)
Page 42:
Policy 3.2.
Is the City actively involved in the evaluation of the feasibility of establishing a utility
authority? If not, why not? Has a problem been identified that requires the establishment
of an authority?
In general, references to the City's Comprehensive Plan should be proofread for accuracy; and,
attention should be drawn to the City's plans to revise this document. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call.
Very Truly Yours,
KNEP e WILLAR , NC.
Daniel S. Willard, PE
DSW/SSG/ku
Enclosures: Elements from County Comprehensive Plan (pages with comments as summarized
herein in the margins)
Letters as referenced
cc: Terry W. Knepper, PE
Michael Wm. Morell, Esq.
Knepper&Willard,inc.