UTILITIES COMMISSION
July 10, 2007
7:30 p.m.

The Stafford County Utilities Commission met for its regular meeting on July 10, 2007, in the Board Chambers in the Stafford County Administration Center. Commission members present were Joyce Arndt, Rick Carroll, Juan Chaves, Lloyd Chittum, Patricia Kurpiel, and Frank Ringquist. Dale Allen, Nancy Collins and Cheryl Giles were present for the Utilities Department. Each member of the commission and of the staff introduced themselves to new member Frank Ringquist.

1. Public Presentations – There were no public presentations.

2. Approval of Minutes - Minutes for the May 8, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

3. FedEx Ground Pump & Haul Request for Addition to Building – Dale Allen provided a background report about the Federal Express’ request for Non-Residential Pump and Haul for an addition to the building located at 300 Centreport Parkway. Dale reported Federal Express would be a non-subsidized pump and haul customer. Dale also reported that Federal Express had requested permission to construct a 24,700 square foot addition to the existing structure while on pump and haul. Dale stated that staff recommends the Commission approve proposed R07-288, which would allow a building addition at Federal Express while on pump and haul.

Frank Ringquist inquired if there would be any additional plumbing added to the building. Dale responded no because the primary use of the additional building would be to house equipment.

Juan Chaves inquired why the churches listed in the background report are non-subsidized customers instead of subsidized customers. Dale explained the Mt. Hope Baptist Church could use an advanced wastewater treatment system that would discharge to Accokeek Creek, but chose not to use the system because it is an expensive system and the Church’s use of the property is temporary. The Mt. Ararat Church requested to utilize pump and haul service for temporary classroom trailers and did not want to invest in a permanent onsite wastewater disposal system.

Lloyd Chittum made a motion to recommend approval of proposed resolution R07-288, which would allow a building addition at Federal Express while on pump and haul, to the Board. The motion was seconded by Patricia Kurpiel and passed unanimously.

4. Friends of Stafford Creeks –Patricia Kurpiel presented a PowerPoint presentation about the Friends of Stafford Creeks organization. Patricia reported the organization consists of volunteers that are interested in preserving the environment by helping to keep streams and water clean. Patricia highlighted several reasons why area waters are not clean and highlighted several impaired waters in Stafford as of July, 2006. Patricia also provided ways we can help to improve the quality of water in Stafford. Persons interested in joining the organization need only to volunteer one hour per month.

5. Director’s Report – Dale Allen reported the following items:
An update on the condition of Bob Bos’ wife.
The mandatory water and sewer connection was presented to the Board. The Board would like to maintain control of the waiver process. A subcommittee has been established to further discuss the issue. Five versions have been submitted to the subcommittee for discussion. A briefing will be held at the July 17th Board meeting.
The County will begin voluntary water conservation. Abel Lake is down 6” below normal and Smith Lake is down 48” below normal.
Pump and Haul for the Stafford Regional Airport was approved by the Board.
Work on the reservoir is progressing.
The Trails End Lane Waterline project is complete.
Contracts have been awarded for the Route 1 Waterline Replacement/Mt. View Rd. project and for the Phase 1 Sewer Extension project.

6. Commission Members Comments – Joyce Arndt inquired if there would be public water for the Patawomeck Park. Dale responded that there would not be public water for Phase 1 of the park. If the Widewater area is taken out of the Urban Service Area, public water would not be required for Phase 2, but the Parks Department may elect to use public water any way.

Patricia Kurpiel inquired about the controversy involving the timeframe contractors could perform work on the reservoir. Lloyd Chittum responded the Board of Supervisors had voted 4-3 against changing the timeframe contractors could perform work on the reservoir.

Rick Carroll inquired about the cost to purchase water meters and accessories approved in Resolution R07-244. Dale explained the cost covers a year’s worth of meters and accessories.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Kurpiel
Recording Secretary