UTILITIES COMMISSION
October 9, 2007
7:30 p.m.

The Stafford County Utilities Commission met for its regular meeting on October 9, 2007, in Conference Room A, B, C in the Stafford County Administration Center. Commission members present were Joyce Arndt, Rick Carroll, Juan Chaves, Lloyd Chittum, Bob Hunt, Patricia Kurpiel, and Frank Ringquist. Bob Bos, Dale Allen and Cheryl Giles were present for the Utilities Department. Chairman, Juan Chaves asked that a moment of silence be observed for the passing of Bob Bos’ wife.

1. Public Presentations – There were no public presentations.

2. Approval of Minutes - Minutes for the July 10, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

3. Bluebird Lane Neighborhood Water Project – Dale Allen reported two property owners along Bluebird Lane petitioned the County to extend public water. Dale explained the project is a small project and became feasible when The Reserve subdivision was approved. Dale provided criteria information regarding the project and that the proposed waterline would connect to the end of the proposed waterline and extend approximately 820 LF down Bluebird Lane to serve the two properties. It would also require a 2” waterline extension. Dale stated that staff recommends the Commission authorize a public hearing for the proposed project.

Following some discussion regarding the cost of the project and the size of the lots, Joyce Arndt made a motion to authorize a public hearing for the proposed project. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Chittum. Additional discussion regarding the logistics of the location of the waterline was discussed. Lloyd rescinded his motion upon hearing the additional information. Patricia Kurpiel then made a substitute motion that a 600 ft. waterline be built for both houses and that the two applicants provide the waterline needed for the remaining distance so there would be no need for a public hearing. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Chittum and passed unanimously.

4. Water Restrictions – Bob Bos reported that press releases dealing with each phase of water restrictions have been completed. Post cards have been mailed to water customers informing them of the water restrictions. Door hangers and letters for customers who violate the restrictions are also being issued. Bob stated the water restrictions should remain in effect until March or April of 2008 or until we are confident the reservoirs are full. Bob also informed members there is ongoing discussion involving the agreement of purchasing water from the City of Fredericksburg.

Bob Hunt commented he had received a letter from a customer regarding a neighbor’s violation of the water restrictions. Rick Carroll commented he had received a letter from a customer stating that more education needs to be done regarding conserving water in the home. Rick also suggested that more information about gray watering be added to the water conservation tips.

Patricia Kurpiel informed the commission she had attended a presentation that provided information about a water conservation technique entitled rainwater harvesting. Patricia explained the technique involves harvesting rainwater from off of ones roof into a cistern. The water from the cistern would then be used for flushing and/or for washing clothes.
5. Mandatory Water and Sewer Connections – Dale Allen reported a public hearing was held on October 2, 2007 to consider the mandatory water and sewer connections. Dale provided the recommended changes to the draft ordinance O07-44 made by the subcommittee comprised of Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Brito. The changes were as follows:

1. To keep the waiver authority at the Board of Supervisors level.
2. To clarify language in paragraph (a) and (b) and to delete the mandatory requirements for all family subdivisions.
3. To add a requirement to utilize public water if outside of the Urban Service Area, if the off-site waterline cost were less than $2,000 per lot and if use of public water met the standards of good engineering practice.
4. To require that the lots have sufficient area for wells and primary and reserve drainfields.

Dale reported that on a motion by Mr. Gibbons, the item was deferred until the October 16th meeting to allow time for meetings with the affected parties. Dale also highlighted some of the impacted projects which are vested and projects for which vesting has expired.

6. Director’s Report – Dale Allen reported the pump and haul issue was discussed at the Board of Supervisors meeting. Two motions to revise the pump and haul were defeated. The current policy and rates will remain in effect. Dale stated three new pump and haul requests would be put on the October 16th Board of Supervisors agenda.

Bob Bos reported the following:

Nancy Collins accepted a temporary assignment as Acting Director of Budget.
Keith Dayton has accepted the position as Director of Code Administration and would be with the Utilities Dept. until November 30, 2007. Two positions would be advertised for Keith’s replacement.
The annual Christmas Boards and Commissions reception would be held at the Potomac Winery during the month of December. The date would be announced at a later date.

7. Commission Members Comments – Rick Carroll inquired about dead end flushing. Bob Hunt and Patricia Kurpiel commented on the value of providing water conservation tips. Patricia also commented that education about harvesting rainwater and gray water would be beneficial.

Bob Bos informed members that there are currently no items for discussion for the November meeting and requested the Commission’s recommendation about canceling the meeting. Chairman, Juan Chaves commented that unless there were items that required the Commission’s attention; the meeting would be cancelled.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Kurpiel
Recording Secretary