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November 14, 2006
The Stafford County Utilities Commission met for its regular meeting on November 14, 2006 in Conference Room A, B, C in the Stafford County Administration Center. Commission members present were Joyce Arndt, Richard Carroll, Juan Chaves, Lloyd Chittum, Patricia Kurpiel, and Gene Mayausky. Bob Bos, Dale, Allen, Nancy Collins and Cheryl Giles were present for the Utilities Department. 2. Pump & Haul Rates Public Hearing – Nancy Collins presented proposed Ordinance O06-54 which would increase the fees for pump and haul service to cover the costs of providing the service. While most families would pay the full cost of the service under the proposed ordinance, the Board requested that reduced rates be available to assist truly needy families. The proposed ordinance includes a reduced rate structure, based on income levels of the Self Sufficiency Standards published by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Several examples were shown to illustrate the impact of the increase on an average family. Following the presentation, the Chairman opened the public hearing for statements from the public. Darrel and Paula Burns of 111 Autumn Drive said that they were told when they purchased their home that pump and haul “would not be an issue” and that the cost of the service would be $30/month. They said they could not afford the new rates. Laura Sdao of 94 Cranes Corner Road said that the County told them that they had to go on pump & haul when their system failed and wanted to know if other alternatives had been considered. John Zucco of 615 Eskimo Hill Road asked if anyone had assessed the actual savings. He pointed out that it looked as though most pump and haul customers were not in attendance and speculated that those not present would qualify for the reduced rates. He objected to the timeframe of the proposed change, saying that they would only have two months to solve their problems. Jim Kettle of 25 Virginia Avenue said that his system failed shortly after he purchased his home. He is still paying off the loan for the costs he incurred before he went on pump and haul. He said he could not afford the new rates. Patrick and Ivy Walsh of 46 Greenleaf Terrace said they checked with the Utilities department before they bought their home. They said they were told that being on pump and haul would be the same as being on public sewer. They also commented the County should continue to provide subsidized pump and haul services until public sewer lines could be provided. There being no more speakers, the Chairman closed the public hearing. Patricia Kurpiel made a motion to recommend the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors. It was seconded by Joyce Arndt. Joyce Arndt, Richard Carroll, Juan Chaves, and Patricia Kurpiel voted in favor of the motion. Lloyd Chittum and Gene Mayausky opposed the motion. Juan Chaves commented to the public that a letter would be mailed to each pump and haul customer to notify them of the date the ordinance would go before the Board of Supervisors. 4. Approval of Minutes – on a motion by Joyce Arndt, seconded by Gene Mayausky, the minutes of the October 10, 2006 meeting were approved as written. 5. Reservoir Protection Overlay District – Dale Allen reported on the locations of the Reservoir Protection Districts, Reservoir Proximity Areas, and Reservoir Buffer Areas illustrated on the Reservoir Protection Overlay map. Dale explained that the Planning Commission has requested the Utilities Commission review the proposed map and make a recommendation so that they may consider the map at their next meeting. Patricia Kurpiel informed the commission she met with the Reservoir Overlay Protection subcommittee and they expressed that Horsepen Reservoir not be included in the commission’s recommendation because it may present legal issues. Patricia also informed members that the subcommittee requested clarifications on the requirements for inspections of low pressure pumping station. After some discussion, the committee expressed a consensus that no inspection would be required for low pressure pumping stations and that low pressure pumping stations would not be allowed within 2,000 feet of the reservoir overlay district. After some discussion, a motion was made by Joyce Arndt to accept the proposed map but that Horsepen Reservoir would be removed from the map. The motion was seconded by Gene Mayausky and passed with a 6-1 vote. Lloyd Chittum voted against the motion and stated he felt Horsepen Reservoir should be included on the map. 6. Tri-County Soil & Water Conservation District – Patricia Kurpiel reported that the Tri-County Soil & Water Conservation District is requesting the Utilities Department to provide Stafford County bottled water for their one day event. Bob Bos inquired how many bottles they would need. Patricia responded they would need 175 bottles. Bob agreed to provide the agency with their request. Patricia thanked the staff and commented she would provide additional details once she receives them from the agency.
8. Public Utilities Administrator’s Report – Bob Bos reported the following items: 9. Commission Members Comments – Joyce Arndt expressed concern that the speakers during the pump and haul public hearing provided no figures about their family’s household or about the amount of gallons they use per month. Richard Carroll inquired about the number of quick-take properties for Rocky Pen Run Reservoir. He was informed that there are approximately 25 which we have not acquired to date. Richard also requested an e-mail listing all pump and haul customers. On a motion by Gene Mayausky, seconded by Richard Carroll, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25p.m.
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