UTILITIES COMMISSION
September 12, 2006
7:30 p.m.

The Stafford County Utilities Commission met for its regular meeting on September 12, 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, Bob Hunt, and Patricia Kurpiel. Bob Bos, Dale Allen, Nancy Collins, and Cheryl Giles were present for the Utilities Department.

2. Public Presentations – There were no public presentations.

3. Approval of Minutes – Patricia Kurpiel noted that Bob Hunt’s name was omitted in the August 2, 2006 minutes. The minutes were amended and then approved as written.

4. Reservoir Protection Overlay – Bob Bos reported that the proposed amendment to the terminal reservoir protection ordinance would provide greater detail to the existing ordinance and that the reservoir protection overlay ordinance would have additional restrictions and limitations on activities in designated areas to further protect the drinking water. Bob requested that commission members review the ordinances and the Construction of Docks and Piers memo and provide feedback for each recommendation and approve the ordinances for recommendation to the Planning Commission.

Patricia Kurpiel asked what portion of the Wateredge Estates easement was referenced in paragraph 1 of the Construction of Docks and Piers memo. Bob explained where the easement was located and that it extends up to the high water line.

Members discussed recommendations for dealing with existing docks. After some discussion Bob Hunt made a motion to add a #7 to the memo that would state all docks existing before June 1, 2006 would be considered non-conforming structures. All owners must apply for a building permit for any existing dock. Owners of docks constructed with materials that are not environmentally safe would have the opportunity to replace them with docks made of acceptable materials. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Chittum and passed with a 4-2 vote.

Members then discussed recommendations for Section 17-28 of the Terminal Reservoir Protection ordinance. Lloyd Chittum expressed concern about “no fishing within 200 feet of a dam” listed in paragraph D, #16 of Section 17-28. After some discussion, members agreed to change 200 feet to 100 feet and to remove the word “dams”. Members also agreed to change the language in paragraph E, #1 to prohibit the use of liquids for termite control. Patricia Kurpiel made a motion to recommend approval of Section 17-28 with the additional changes. The motion was seconded by Joyce Arndt and passed with a 6-0 vote.

After members reviewed the Reservoir Protection Overlay ordinance, Patricia Kurpiel made a motion to approve the ordinance as written. The motion was seconded by Bob Hunt and passed with a 6-0 vote.

5. Pro Rata Fees and Water & Sewer Master Plan – Joyce Arndt made a motion to table discussion of pro rata fees and the Master Water & Sewer Plan until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Richard Carroll and passed with a 6-0 vote.

6. Public Utilities Administrator’s Report – Bob Bos reported that the new Pump and Haul Policy, R06-240 was adopted by the Board and the Board referred resolution R06-282 back to the commission regarding pump and haul service charges. Bob also reported that the Planning Commission voted to approve two of the Drainfield Standards ordinance.

7. Commission Members’ Comments – Lloyd Chittum inquired about the status of the Trail Ends Lane project. Dale commented that the project had been resurveyed and staff was getting closer to obtaining the easement.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Kurpiel
Recording Secretary