[MEETING TO ORDER]
[00:00:08]
>>> WELCOME TO THE FORT PIERCE UTILITY BOARD EETING, JANUARY 6TH, 2026. PLEASE STAND FOR THE OPENING PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU, MS. CHAIRMAN AND MADAM MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE FPUA BOARD FOR ALLOWING ME THIS PRIVILEGE TO PRAY AT THIS MEETING. I WOULD LIKE TO READ A SCRIPTURE BEFORE WE START. PSALMS 33:5.
HE LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE.
THE EARTH OF FULL OF THE STEADFAST LOVE OF THE LORD.
FATHER, THANK YOU FOR TODAY. THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR WHO YOU ARE AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE. LORD, TRANSFORM FORT PIERCE INTO A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE GLORIFIED.
JESUS, BREAK OFF ALL DEPRESSIONDEPRESSION FORT PIERCE. I PRAY DEPRESSION RATES DROP IN FORT PIERCE. I PRAY FOR THEM TO BE PROTECTED AND PROVIDE EVERY RESOURCE THEY NEED. I PRAY THEY WILL COME TO KNOW YOU. I BLESS FORT PIERCE AND THE MAYOR AND PEOPLE WHO MAKE DECISIONS FOR THE CITY.
I PRAY THEY WILL MAKE DECISIONS THAT HONOR YOU.
I CAST OUT EVERY SPIRIT OF FEAR AND CHAOS, AND I PRAY FOR PEACE IN THIS WORLD. I PRAY FOR THE SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND MAKE THE RIGHT SACRIFICES NEEDED. I PRAY FOR EVERY STUDENT IN FORT PIERCE TO HAVE A GREAT EDUCATION.
I PRAY AGAINST MENTAL DISEASES AND ALL ILLNESSES IN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS. I PRAY FOR HEALING AND TRUTH TO BE REVEALED. I PRAY THE MAYOR OF FORT PIERCE WOULD HAVE EYES TO SEE AND EARS TO HEAR. LET THERE NOT BE ANY THREATS AGAINST FLORIDA. I PRAY FORT PIERCE WOULD KEEP GOD FIRST. I PRAY AGAINST SHOOTING IN SCHOOLS, WORKPLACES, HOMES AND MARKETPLACES. I PRAY FOR PEACE IN FORT PIERCE.
LORD, GIVE FAVOR TO THOSE WHO HONOR YOU AND SHOW YOU GLORY. LORD, I PRAY FOR EVERYONE HERE.
GIVE THEM SUPERNATURAL STRATEGY FOR SAFETY, MONEY MANAGEMENT AND ALL DECISIONS. I PRAY THAT WE WILL NOT WASTE OUR TIME, BUT WE PUT YOU FIRST OF ALL, LORD.
I PRAY THAT WE WILL PUT YOU FIRST OVERALL OF OUR DESIRES. YOU ARE AMAZING, LORD, AND YOU ARE PERFECT. YOU ARE LOVE.
POUR OUT YOUR LOVE OVER FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
>> MADAM, CLERK PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.
[A. SET THE AGENDA]
>> COULD WE KNOW WHO SAID THE PRAYER TODAY?
>> I WAS GOING TO ASK THAT AS WELL.
JASON, WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME UP AND INTRODUCE HER? CAN WE DO THAT?
HONOR. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYER.
>> HER BIRTHDAY WILL BE THE 31ST.
>> ALL SAYING A PRAYER FOR YOU.
>> MOVING FORWARD, COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC? SEEING NO MOVEMENT, WE WILL MOVE
[C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
ON. APPROVAL MINUTES? HAS EVERYBODY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE MINUTES?[D. CONSENT AGENDA]
>> CONTENT AGENDA? COULD WE GET A MOTION, PLEASE?
[E.1. Recognition of Excellence]
MA'AM. >> MOVING ONTO THE REGULAR
[00:05:01]
AGENDA, I'LL PASS THIS OFF TO MR.CISNEROS. >> FIRST ITEM TODAY IS RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE. MS. CORTEZ WILL PRESENT THIS
ITEM. >> WE RECEIVED RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE FROM THE FORT PIERCE PD.
I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY MR. STRAND.
I CONTACTED HIM ABOUT A PARKING LOT CONCERN AT AVENUE J.
THE ISSUE WAS IMMEDIATELY LOOKED INTO AND RESOLVED SEVERAL DAYS LATER.
SPECIFICALLY, IT WAS TO DO WITH THE PARKING LOT LIGHTS NOT COMING ON. MR. STRAND SAW THE NEED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE STAFF, ESPECIALLY DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR, AND ASSURED ME THE CONCERN WOULD BE LOOKED INTO.
I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL LAST NIGHT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AND SHE WAS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL AFTER THE LIGHTS CAME ON.
PLEASE EXTEND MY SINCERE GRATITUDE TO MR. STRAND.
AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING ELSE THE FPUA DOES.
WITH BEST REGARDS TO YOU, THE FPUA TEAM AND OF COURSE
[E.2. Indian River Drive Corridor Improvements - Water and Wastewater Replacement]
YOUR FAMILY AS WELL.>> THANK YOU. THE NEXT ITEM, MADAM CHAIR, IS A REQUEST TO APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS FOR INDIAN RIVER DRIVE.
>> THANK YOU, MR. CISNEROS. GOOD AFTERNOON, VICE CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, MADAM MAYOR, MR. CITY MANAGER.
TODAY I WOULD BE ASKING YOUR APPROVAL FOR A PURCHASE ORDER TO THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR THE INDIAN RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SEWER IMPROVEMENTS. I'LL ALSO INCLUDE A SMALL PRESENTATION AS WELL. AS FOR TODAY'S AGENDA --
>> WE DON'T HAVE IT ON THE SCREEN
YET. >> MAYBE BOBBY CAN HELP US OUT.
>> TODAY'S AGENDA, I WILL BE GOING OVER THE PROJECT BACKGROUND AND COORDINATION. WE'LL BE TAKING A LOOK AT THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SCOPE. WE'LL ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE SCOPE.
I WILL BE GOING OVER THE PROJECT FUNDING SUMMARY AND FINALLY GOING OVER RECOMMENDATION AND THE ACTION THAT WILL BE REQUESTED HERE TODAY.
THE REQUEST FOR THIS ITEM IS A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE ORDINARY WE ARE THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR THE INDIAN RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR WATER AND WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS. THE TOTAL PURCHASE ORDER BEING REQUESTED TO THE CITY IS FOR $1.3 MILLION. AND THIS PROJECT IS COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE.
THE PROJECT COORDINATES WITH THE CITY ROADWAY AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE PARTIALLY FUNDED BY A GRANT, WHICH WAS AWARDED TO THE CITY BACK IN 2023. FPUA'S ALIGNING THE UTILITY WORK WITH THE CITY'S CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE TO AVOID ANY FUTURE CONFLICTS, BUT THE CITY WILL BE PAYING THE CONTRACTORS DIRECTLY.
THE COORDINATION IMPROVES LONG- TERM SYSTEM RELIABILITY AND CAPACITY WHILE MINIMIZING DISRUPTIONS. TO YOUR RIGHT IS THE PROJECT LOCATION MAP, AGAIN, WHICH IS LOCATED ON INDIAN RIVER DRIVE BETWEEN AVENUE A AND CUA DRIVE. AS FOR THE WATER, THE SCOPE OF THE WATER WORK, THE WATER WORK INCLUDES RELOCATING MAINS ON INDIAN RIVER DRIVE TO ALLOW STORMWATER INSTALLATION AND UP SIZING -- GROWTH. THE CITY WAS AWARDED $500,000 IN GRANT FUNDING SPECIFICALLY FOR THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS. OFF THAT AMOUNT, ABOUT 400,000 HAS ALREADY BEEN EXPENDED PRIMARILY ON WATER MAIN UPGRADES ALONG AVENUE B AND INDIAN RIVER DRIVE. AND THIS IS BETWEEN THE 'S CREEK BRIDGE AND ALSO AVENUE A. THE REMAINING GRANT FUNDS ARE CURRENTLY BEING APPLIED TO THE ONGOING WATER WORK.
FOR THE REMAINING SCOPE OF THE WATER IMPROVEMENTS, FUNDING WILL
[00:10:05]
COME FROM UTILITY RATES AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CHARGES.TO YOUR RIGHT IS A PICTURE OF THE WATER MAIN THAT WAS INSTALLED PREVIOUSLY USING THE 400,000 FROM THE GRANT FUNDS. MOVING ONTO THE WASTEWATERWASTEW ATER SCOPE, THE WEST WATER WORK INCLUDES ADJUSTING THE EXISTING SEWER FORCE MAINS TO IMPROVE SEPARATION FROM STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE. WE'LL ALSO BE INSTALLING A NEW FORCE MAIN FROM AVENUE C TO AVENUE A, INCLUDING OVER THE MOORE'S CREEK BRIDGE. IT IS OF IMPORTANCE TO NOTE THAT THIS FORCE MAIN IS ALREADY LINKED TO THE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY LOCATION AND IS LISTED AS CIP 13 IN THEIR PRELIMINARY DESIGN REPORT FOR THE WRF RELOCATION PHASE TWO WORK, WHICH WAS PRESENTED AT THE LAST OR COUPLE BOARD MEETINGS AGO BY NOW.
THIS FORCE MAIN WORK HAD TO BE DONE. SO WE'RE TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO COME BACK IN THE FUTURE AND TEAR UP BRAND NEW INFRASTRUCTURE. THE FORCE WORK IS FUNDED THROUGH RATES, AND THE NEW FORCE MAIN WITH THE WRF CONVEYANCE PROJECT FUNDS.
AS FOR THE PROJECT FUNDING SUMMARY, THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT THAT WE'RE ASKING FOR IS 1. 4 MILLION. OF THIS 1. 4, 280,000 IS FOR THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, WHICH INCLUDES CONTINGENCY FUNDS AND ALSO FPUA STAFF TIME. FOR THE SEWER WE'RE ASKING FOR 1. 1 MILLION, WHICH INCLUDES CONTINGENCY AND ALSO FPUA STAFF TIME. THIS FUNDING IS ALREADY INCLUDED IN THE FY CAPITAL BUDGET. JUST TO RECAP THE RECOMMENDATION AND ACTION WE'RE REQUESTING TODAY, STAFF IS ASKING APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE ORDER TO THE CITY. WE'RE ALSO ASKING FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS UP TO 50,000. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE CONTRACTORS WERE PROCURED BY THE CITY.
HOWEVER, WE'LL BE MANAGING THE WORK. AND THE CITY WILL ALSO BE PAYING THE CONTRACTOR DIRECTLY. AND WITH THAT, I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
>> MY QUESTION IS, WHAT PERCENT WILL THE RATE PAYERS -- WHAT PERCENTAGE WILL THE RATE PAYERS BE COVERING?
>> SO OFF THE -- I GOT TO DO SOME QUICK MATH HERE.
FORGIVE ME. SO I GUESS I'LL BE GETTING TO THE ANSWER BACKWARDS, IF YOU WILL. THE GRANT AT 100,000 WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM GRANTS FOR THE WATER.
THE REST OF THAT -- FORGIVE ME HERE.
I HAVE MY CHEAT SHEET HERE. FORGIVE ME.
>> I'M GOING TO TRY TO PUT MY MATH SKILLS TO USE HERE.
I THINK IT'S AROUND 900,000 BETWEEN WATER AND WASTEWATER GRANT FUNDED MINUS THE TOTAL PROJECT COST, WHICH LUGEY MENTIONS IS PART OF THE FY CAPITAL BUDGET. WE PLANNED FOR THIS PROJECT FOR 15 YEARS.
>> THANK YOU, MR. CISNEROS. FOR THE SEWER PORTION OF THE WORK, 100,000 WILL BE FROM RATES.
FOR THE WATER PORTION, THE RATES WOULD BE AROUND 200,000.
>> TO INCLUDE CONTINGENCY ANDAND STAFF
TIME. >> THAT'S PRETTY GOOD ODDS FOR WHAT THE RATE PAYERS ARE GETTING AND WHAT THEY -- WE GOT WITH GRANTS.
>> THAT'S NOT AN INCREASE. THAT IS ALREADY INCOME FROM THE RATE PAYERS. THIS IS NOT ANYTHING ABOVE AND
[00:15:01]
BEYOND, CORRECT?>> I HAVE A QUESTION, MADAM CHAIR.
HAS THIS BEEN PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AT ANY DOLLAR AMOUNT? OR IS THIS THE FIRST PRESENTATION AS IT RELATES TO THIS PROJECT?
>> DOLLAR AMOUNT, I BELIEVE THE SHORT ANSWER IS YES.
BUT I BELIEVE THEY WERE ESTIMATES BACK THEN.
>> AS PART OF OUR PRELIMINARY DISCOVERY BUDGET. WHEN WE SUBMITTED FOR THE GRANT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL THERE WAS AN ESTIMATE ABOUT HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST. AT THE TIME IT WAS AN ESTIMATE.
>> WOULD THAT BE DEEMED AS PREVIOUS APPROVAL FOR A DOLLAR AMOUNT WHICH REPRESENTS THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT? SO TODAY'S ASK WOULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THAT AND THE TOTAL IN THE ABSENCE OF THE GRANT FUNDS?
>> NO. TODAY'S ASK WOULD BE FOR APPROVAL -- TODAY'S SPECIFIC ASK IS APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE ORDER TO PAY THE CITY DIRECTLY.
THE BUDGET PROCESS APPROVED THE -- WHAT WE EXPECTED TO SPEND ON THIS AMOUNT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW CLOSE WE WERE TO THE BUDGETED AMOUNT THAT WAS APPROVED IN THE BUDGET. LUGEY, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN PULL THAT OFF WHILE WE'RE HERE.
>> I'M JUST ASKING FOR A PROCEDURE STANDPOINT, NOT NECESSARILY NICKELS AND DIMES.
>> SO THE BUDGET WAS APPROVED. THE BUDGET AMOUNT WAS APPROVED AS PART OF THE FY 26 BUDGET.
DOES THAT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?
>> IT'S BEEN IN OUR PACT WITH THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
>> I WAS THINKING THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT SPELLED IT OUT MORE AND LY ESTIMATED WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED OF FPUA UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, AND THAT AMOUNT WAS EITHER APPROVED OR ACCEPTED OR --
>> AND WHAT THE ASK IS DAY IS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLIEST LY ESTIMATED AND PRESENTED OR PREVIOUSLY --
>> GOOD QUESTION. TODAY PROCEDURALLY WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR IS TO NOT APPROVE THE AMOUNT, BUT APPROVE THE WAY WE PAY THE VENDOR. SO WE'RE NOT PAYING THE VENDOR DIRECTLY. WE'RE PAYING THE CITY, WHO WILL PAY VENDOR DIRECTLY. SO THE BUDGET AMOUNT DOESN'T NECESSARILY CHANGE. WE'RE JUST PROVIDING BACKGROUND WITH OVERALL SCOPE OF THE PROJECT COST. TODAY'S ASK IS SPECIFICALLY TO APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE CITY, FOR THEM TO PAY THE CONTRACTOR, WHICH WE DO OFTEN.
WE WORK WITH THE CITY OFTEN SO THE CITY'S CONTRACTOR IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UTILITY WORK. TYPICALLY WHEN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS ON A JOB SITE, THERE'S ALWAYS OPPORTUNITY FOR POTENTIAL DELAYS BASED ON SCHEDULE CONFLICTS.
>> SO WHAT WE'RE APPROVING TODAY IS JUST THE PROCESS -- THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE PAYING THE CITY.
>> MADAM CHAIR, I SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS SO I'M LETTING YOU KNOW RIGHT OFF THE BAT. BUT IN PROJECTS WE'VE HAD PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH WORKING WITH THE CITY.
AND HAVE WE HAD A CONTRACT LIKE THIS WITH THE CITY?
>> EVERY YEAR WE HAVE A COUPLE PROJECTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY.
>> THEY'RE IN CHARGE, BUT UTILITY FUNDS COME FROM US? IS THAT RIGHT?
>> OKAY. AND SO THAT RUNS PRETTY SMOOTHLY?
>> ALL RIGHT. SO THE CHANGE ORDERS WITH MR. CISNEROS -- APPROVED -- DOES THAT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE CITY'S APPROVALS TOO?
>> SO NO. THAT WOULD BE AN FPUA APPROVAL AND NOT THE CITY.
>> BECAUSE IN THAT CASE, IT WOULD BE AN INCREASE IN THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT TO THE
BECAUSE THAT HAS COME TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND THIS BOARD TOO THAT WE KIND OF WANT TO BE WATCHING ABOUT CHANGE ORDERS.
WE APPROVE ONE THING AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT IN OUR BUDGET WORKSHOP I THINK TOO.
>> JUST WANT TO GET CLARITY ON THIS. TYPICALLY WE OBTAIN THE VENDOR THROUGH OUR PROCUREMENT PROCESS. WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT, PRICING AND COST AND WE ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER PROSPECTIVELY BASED ON THIS APPROVAL. IF DOWN THE ROAD THERE IS A CHANGE ORDER, THAT CHANGE ORDER WILL BE REFLECTED ON THE CITY SIDE, BECAUSE WE'LL EITHER HAVE TO CHANGE -- AMEND THE APPEAL WE HAVE TO COVER THE COST AND HAVE TO CHARGE THE VENDOR BACK TO FPUA.
THEY REIMBURSE US AND THEY PAY THE VENDOR.
[00:20:02]
CHANGES ARE IMPACTED TO THE CITY BECAUSE WE HAVE TO SHOW THAT AS AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PURCHASE ORDER ONCEAPPROVED. >> IT GOES THROUGH TWO DIFFERENT BOARDS.
>> RIGHT. BUT THE PROCESS IS A SMOOTH PROCESS. IT'S NOT UNUSUAL. WE OBTAIN THE VENDOR.
WE HAVE THE AGREEMENT, WE HAVE THE PRICING INVOLVE.
WE WORK WITH FPUA TO DO THE WORK. WHEN THE WORK IS DONE AS IT GOES ALONG IN PHASES, WE REIMBURSE FPUA AND THEY REIMBURSE US AND THEY PAY THE
VENDOR. >> I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCESS TOO. I'M GLAD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE.
OBVIOUSLY WE WOULDN'T TRUST THE CITY ENGINEER TO OBTAIN THE CORRECT VENDOR. WE ALREADY HAVE A LARGE PROJECT WE'RE WORKING ON. OBVIOUSLY THE CONVEYANCE SYSTEM IS A HOT TOPIC.
ALL OF US UP HERE WE'RE CONCERNED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OVERSIGHT AT THE LEVEL WHEN THE THINGS ARE GETTING INSTALLED AND ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT THAT'S USED ARE -- OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE KIND OF OUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON DOWN THERE SO WE MAKE SURE THAT IT'S VERY WELL VETTED AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED.
I THINK MAYBE THAT MIGHT BE A CONCERN AND WHY WE'RE ASKING ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS TOO.
>> NOTED. SO WE HAVE A UTILITY INSPECTOR.
HE GOES TO THE JOB HOWEVER MANY TIMES NECESSARY PER DAY TO CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE WORK IS BEING CONSTRUCTED AS PER PLAN. WHENEVER THE WORK IS INVOICED, BOTH THAT INSPECTOR AND THE PROJECT MANAGER WHICH WOULD BE ME IN THIS CASE, GO THROUGH THE INVOICES, MAKE SURE THE QUANTITIES ARE CORRECT BEFORE WE'LL SIGN OFF ON ANY INVOICE APPROVING PAYMENT.
GREAT. SO IT'S TWO SETS OF EYES THEN, GOES THROUGH THE CITY AS WELL AS FPUA.
>> WHO'S BETTER THAN -- >> WHAT'S THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. MOTION FOR APPROVAL?
[E.3. Surfside Neighborhood Roadway Improvements Phase II - Water and Wastewater]
>> THE NEXT ITEM IS EXACTLY LIKE THE PREVIOUS ITEM.
IT IS ALSO REQUEST TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER WITH THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS WITH CONNECTION TO THE SURFSIDE IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTH BEACH.
>> THIS SECOND REQUEST IS TO APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER TO THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $250,722. 36 FOR THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH REPLACING, RELOCATING OR ADJUSTING FPUA'S WATER AND SEWER UTILITIES AS PART OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE SURFSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY IMPROVE PHASE TWO PROJECTS. ON THE SCREEN YOU'LL SEE A MAP SHOWING THE AREAS WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE HAPPENING. THIS IS ALL -- THIS PROJECT WILL HAVE PHASES ALL WEST OF SOUTH OCEAN DRIVE. SO THE CITY HAS APPROVED THE PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE SURFSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUSING ON THE SECTION WEST OF SOUTH OCEAN DRIVE TO INCLUDE ROADWAY AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS. FPUA'S TASK WITH COVERING THE COST OF REPLACING, RELOCATING OR ADJUSTING WATER AND SEWER UTILITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT LIMITS. IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY, THE DESIGN FOR THESE UTILITY ADJUSTMENTS WERE INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE BID PACKAGE, AND THE LOWEST BIDDER WILL CARRY OUT THE CONSTRUCTION. FURTHER, STAFF REQUESTS AUTHORIZATION FOR DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO CHANGE ORDERS OR INSTRUMENTS PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED VIA RESOLUTION 2023-14. A TOTAL OF 282,000 TO INCLUDE FPUA STAFF TIME HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO FUND THIS PROJECT. FUNDS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE FY 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET. AND AGAIN, I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
>> I JUST KNOW THAT NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS THIS.
>> YES. I ACTUALLY LIVE IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD. SO I HAVE LOTS OF QUESTIONS.
>> THEY DID OUR STREET ABOUT, I THINK, FIVE YEARS AGO.
WHEN I SAW THIS TOPIC COME UP, I WANTED TO ASK A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DRAINAGE AND WASTEWATER.
SO AT THE TIME, THEY CONNECTED US TO A PERCOLATING SYSTEM, WHICH DID NOT WORK ON THE BEACH.
[00:25:02]
I'M CURIOUS WHAT IS THEIR PLAN FOR THIS AREA?>> SO I'M GOING TO RESPECTFULLY PASS ON THE DRAINAGE QUESTIONS, AND WE WILL TRY TO GET THE PROJECT MANAGER THAT'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROJECT ON THE CITY SIDE, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU OR GET YOU IN CONTACT WITH THAT PROJECT MANAGER, SINCE IT'S A DRAINAGE QUESTION.
>> I DON'T -- I WOULD RATHER HAVE THAT PERSON GIVE YOU THE CORRECT ANSWERS.
>> IF THAT'S -- >> NO PROBLEM.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? BUT IT ALL KIND OF GOES TO THE PLANT SO IT'S --
>> TWO DIFFERENT END POINTS, BY THE WAY, JUST FOR CLARITY.
>> I WANT TO MENTION THAT THE CITY AND FPUA WORK TOGETHER REALLY WELL WHEN IT COMES TO ROADWAY PROJECTS BECAUSE UTILITY WERE TO REPLACE -- IF THE FPUA WERE TO REPLACE UTILITIES AND MAKE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS BUT NOT IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE IT'S A WASTED OPPORTUNITY, SAME AS IF THE CITY WERE TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE THE ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE AND WE DIDN'T GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS. WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR MANY DECADES. IT'S A GREAT
PARTNERSHIP. >> I THINK IT ALSO MAKES OUR ROADS SAFER. WHEN I FIRST GOT ON THE BOARD WE WOULD HAVE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT PATCHES IN THE ROADS AND IT MAKES THE ROADS HAZARDOUS OR BUMPY, WHATEVER.
BY DOING IT THIS WAY IT GIVES US A SEAMLESS WAY TO PRODUCE A BETTER END PRODUCT FOR EVERYBODY.
>> WE HAVE A VERY OLD UTILITY SYSTEM AND WE HAVE A VERY OLD DRAINAGE SYSTEM, AND THE ROADWAYS ARE DEFINITELY -- YOU CAN SEE THAT IN THE ROADWAYS.
THE CITY'S BEEN MAKING GREAT PROGRESS WITH THE HALF CENT SALES TAX WHICH DEFINITELY IMPACTS THE UTILITIES AS WELL.
>> PLUS, IF YOU'RE TEARING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU'RE ONLY DOING IT ONCE.
>> LESSENS THE IMPACT, ABSOLUTELY. IS THERE ANY MOTION FOR
APPROVAL? >> MAKING A MOTION TO APPROVE.
[E.4. E-One Low Pressure Systems for Septic to Sewer Conversions]
>> THANK YOU. MADAM CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, THE LAST ITEM IS TO APPROVE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE FOR LOW- PRESSURE PUMP STATIONS FOR OUR SEPTIC TO SEWER PROGRAM.
UEGER. -- KUPER >> SINCE 2020 FPUA HAS Select to skip to this part of the video">UEGER. -- KUPER >> SINCE 2020 FPUA HAS INSTALLED 102÷÷102 SYSTEMS WITH AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN IN CONSTRUCTION OR PERMITTING PHASES.
WITH THESE 109 LOW-PRESSURE 88 WILL BE SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSIONS AND 28 ARE ASSOCIATED WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION.
SO THAT REFLECTS AN AVERAGE CONNECTION RATE APPROXIMATELY 21 LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEMS IN A PHYSICAL YEAR. THIS PROGRAM IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO BOTH FPUA AND THE COMMUNITY AS IT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE RELEASE OF HARMFUL PATHOGENS TO OUR LOCAL WATERWAYS. WITH SEVERAL RECENT AND UPCOMING SEWER EXPANSION PROJECTS NEARING COMPLETION, STAFF ANTICIPATES POTENTIAL CONVERSION OF UP TO 150 ADDITIONAL SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN PHYSICAL YEAR ALONE.
THIS REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL STEP FORWARD IN PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OUR WATER QUALITY. SINCE THE PROGRAM'S INCEPTION, FPUA HAS BUDGETED $300,000 PER PHYSICAL YEAR FOR THIS INITIATIVE.
DUE TO THE INCREASE AND INTEREST AND DEMAND FOR SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSIONS, STAFF IS REQUESTING AN ADDITIONAL $300,000 OF CIA FUNDED BUDGET AUTHORITY, BRINGING THAT TOTAL TO $600,000 ANNUALLY MOVING FORWARD.
FOR CURRENT PHYSICAL YEARS AND YEARS TO COME.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THL BE FULLY REIMBURSED AS THE CUSTOMER SIGNS UP FOR SEPTIC SEWER CONVERSION PROGRAM. ADDITIONALLY STAFF IS REQUESTING THE APPROVAL OF THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF 45 E 1 LOW- PRESSURE SYSTEMS THROUGH WASCON
[00:30:03]
WHO IS A SOLE SERVICE PROVIDER THROUGH THE SOUTHEAST REGION OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $127,530.THIS WILL ADDRESS THE GROWING LIST OF CUSTOMERS READY TO PROCEED WITH THEIR CONVERSION TODAY.
AND WITH THAT, I WILL TRY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE.
>> YES, I HAVE ONE. ABOUT HOW MANY CUSTOMERS THAT WE HAVE SO FAR THAT ARE WAITING FOR THIS CONVERSION?
>> SO RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SPECIFICALLY A DEVELOPMENT, AN EXPANSION PROGRAM THE -- VILLAGE AREA. WE HAVE 118 CUSTOMERS SIGNED UP RIGHT NOW THAT WANT TO CONVERT TOMORROW. THEY ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN GRANT FUNDED SOURCES UP THERE IN THE VILLAGE ITSELF.
SO WE ANTICIPATE A 90 TO 95% CONNECTION RATE.
THAT BEING SAID, THIS FIRST ORDER OF 45 WILL KIND OF GET THE BALL ROLLING TO GET THOSE INSTALLED. WE'LL HAVE TO PURCHAS MORE DOWN THE ROAD LATER ON AS WELL. ALSO, WE HAVE OTHER AREAS IN THE CITY AND THE RURAL PARTS OF THE COUNTY THAT HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED SEWER EXPANSION PROJECTS AND ARE READY TO BE HOOKED UP TODAY. IT'S JUST AT THE CUSTOMER'S INTEREST WHENEVER THEY WOULD LIKE TO --
>> I HAVE A QUESTION, MADAM CHAIR.
ARE ANY ANNEXATIONS COMING FROM THIS PROJECT?
>> THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ANNEXATION AGREEMENTS ARE IN PLACE.
I THINK THE CUSTOMER HAS TO SIGN THAT WHENEVER THEY COME IN AND SIGN THE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT.
THEN I THINK IF THE CITY WAS EVER TO TRY TO ANNEX THAT PROPERTY, THEY COULDN'T FIGHT IT. I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK LEGALLY ON THAT.
YOU'RE REQUIRED TO SIGN AN ANNEXATION AGREEMENT THAT SAYS WHEN YOU BECOME CONTIGUOUS TO THE CITY YOU WOULD POTENTIALLY BE ANNEXED INTO THE CITY IF THE CITY DECIDES TO ANNEX THE
PROPERTY. >> WILL THERE BE ANY GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST IN THE COMING YEAR? I KNOW YOU DID IN THE PAST.
>> YES, MA'AM. I BELIEVE OUR GRANT DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY SEEKING GRANT FUNDS CURRENTLY. NOTHING'S BEEN APPROVED AS OF YET THAT I'M AWARE OF, BUT THEY ARE SEEKING FUNDS CONSTANTLY.
>> I GUESS THIS IS A QUESTION THAT I GUESS MICHELE WOULD ANSWER.
HOW ARE YOU SHOWING THIS IN THE BOOKS BEING THAT IT'S -- WE'RE APPROVING THE FUNDING, BUT YOU ANTICIPATE A REIMBURSEMENT FROM -- I GUESS YOU COULD SAY WE'RE ADVANCING THE INITIAL PURCHASE AND THEN THE CUSTOMER IS BUYING THE PRODUCT.
>> SO HOW IS THAT BEING ACCOUNTED FOR --
>> I FIGURED IT WAS A MICHELE QUESTION.
>> GOOD QUESTION. THESE FUNDS ARE CONTRIBUTION AID FUNDED SO IT'S NOT RATE FUNDED.
SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IS IN ORDER FOR US TO INSTALL THE LOW- PRESSURE SEWER SYSTEM, THE CUSTOMER IS GOING TO HAVE TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH US. THERE ARE SOME OPTIONS ON HOW TO PAY. SO WE'RE FUNDING IT THROUGH CREATIONS IN AID NOT THROUGH AID
FUNDED. >> SO IT HAS A SEPARATE GENERAL
LEDGER? >> IT HAS A SEPARATE GENERAL
>> IT'S NOT OPERATING REVENUE.
>> SO WE'RE ACCOUNTING FOR THAT SEPARATELY.
HOW MUCH -- IS THERE A STANDARD PRICE FOR THE CUSTOMER?
>> THERE IS. $10,300 IS A STANDARD PRICE FOR A STANDARD INSTALL.
>> THE GRANTS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ARE GRANTS TO HELP THE CUSTOMER
I BELIEVE SOME OF THE GRANT FUNDS THEY'RE GOING FOR, THEY'RE NOT TO PAY FOR THE TOTAL COST, KIND OF LIKE WHAT WE DID IN THE PAST SO WE CAN PUSH IT FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD AND HELP
OUT. >> IT'S SUCH A GOOD GOAL, BUT IT IS DAUNTING TO A CUSTOMER TO HEAR THAT KIND OF PRICE RIGHT OFF THE BAT.
>> I WILL -- MADAM MAYOR, THAT IS A GREAT COMMENT.
10,300 IS STILL MUCH, MUCH MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN REPLACING A SEPTIC TANK OR DRAIN FIELD. AND IN MOST CASES YOU HAVE TO PAY THERE TO REPLACE THE DRAIN FILTER OR THE SEPTIC TANK.
>> THEY HAVE NO CHOICE AND THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT UP FRONT. HERE WITH OUR SYSTEM THEY CAN PAY FOR IT OVER TIME.
IT'S A MUCH MORE FLEXIBLE OPPORTUNITY, MUCH MORE FRIENDLY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CONNECT WITH OUR CUSTOMERS.
>> TO PIGGYBACK ON THAT, THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS -- THEY HAVE THIS PROGRAM TO TRY TO ELIMINATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS.
>> WHEN SEWER IS AVAILABLE, THEY WON'T ISSUE PERMITS TO
[00:35:01]
REPLACE OR FIX A SEPTIC SYSTEM ITSELF, BUT THEY DID PUT NEW REGULATIONS IN PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO HAVE THEM. LIKE MR. CISNEROS JUST SAID, THEY CAN BE UPWARDS OF $20,000 TO HAVE A BRAND NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLED.THEN YOU'VE GOT TO SHOW MAINTENANCE RECORDS AS
WELL. >> I AM FACED WITH A SIMILAR SCENARIO WHERE MY DRAIN FIELD IS NOT UP TO PAR. AND I WAS SPEAKING WITH ONE OF OUR LOCAL PLUMBERS, ONE OF THE LOCAL PLUMBER COMPANIES.
HE SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO GETGET PERMIT TO ADDRESS THE DRAIN FIELD, AND THE LIHOOD OF GETTING IT IS LOW TO NONE BECAUSE THEY'RE PULLING AWAY FROM PERMITTING IT. SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE, ME FOR ONE, WHO ARE IN DIRE STRAITS TO GO TO SEWER, BECAUSE NOW, I GUESS, SOME NEW LEGISLATION WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO PERMIT FOR THE REPAIR OF A DRAIN FIELD. SO THAT MAY -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE IN NUMBERS IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, BUT THAT MAY BECOME SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO EXPLORE TO GET IN FRONT OF IT VERSUS HAVING TO REACT TO IT EVENTUALLY.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION THAT MIGHT HELP THIS TOO.
I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU'VE SEEN, BUT THERE WAS A SCHEDULE WITH A TARGETED AREA OVER THE COURSECOURSE THE LAST AND GOING FORWARD THE NEXT THREE YEARS. HAVE YOU SEEN THAT WHERE WE HAD WHICH NEIGHBORHOODS WE WERE TRYING TO -- WHICH TO YOUR POINT -- THERE'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE THAT ONE PERSON OVER HERE THAT DOESN'T. IT IS CONCERNING, BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S KIND OF WHAT WE'RE HEARING RIGHT NOW, RIGHT? YOU HAVE A WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT'S READY TO GO, BUT YOU STILL HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WE WERE TRYING TO TARGET THAT ARE TRYING TO GET ON AS WELL, RIGHT?
WE DO HAVE INSTALLS GOING ALL THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND THE COUNTY. IT'S NOT JUST ONE AREA.
THAT IS CORRECT. AND WE DID TARGET OUR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT DID TARGET CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS WITH POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, AND THEY WENT AFTER THE MOST CUSTOMERS FIRST. BUT CLOSER TO WATERWAYS OR LOW-LYING AREAS WERE THE FIRST ONES THEY WENT AFTER.
>> SO HOW WOULD IT WORK IN AN EVENT SIMILAR TO MS. DAVIS THEN NOT -- LET'S SAY THEY DON'T HAVE IT IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO PULL A PERMIT, CORRECT?
>> I BELIEVE THERE IS FOOTAGE ON THAT.
>> I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK TO THAT, BUT I BELIEVE IT'S SOMETHING AROUND A THOUSAND FEET -- WITHIN A THOUSAND FEET OF THE RESIDENCE, THEN THEY WON'T ISSUE A PERMIT. BUT IF IT'S OUTSIDE OF IT, THEN THEY
OKAY. >> MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR HAS IT, YEAH.
>> MADAM CHAIR -- THIS, WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMS THAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO PAY?
>> GREAT QUESTION. I BELIEVE THERE'S THREE TO FOUR DIFFERENT OPTIONS. THEY CAN PAY IN FULL PRICE.
THEY CAN PAY A DEPOSIT, AND THEN THERE'S A THREE- YEAR AND A FIVE- YEAR PAYMENT OPTION. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT PAYMENT OPTIONS THERE ARE.
>> YEAH. THERE'S -- I THINK YOU CAN PAY INTEREST FREE UP TO A YEAR.
AND THEN THERE'S A LEASE PROGRAM WHERE YOU DON'T PAY ANYTHING UP FRONT.
YOU PAY A HIGHER AMOUNT BUT IT'S A LEASED PROGRAM. THEN YOU HAVE THE THREE AND FIVE- YEAR OPTIONS AND TEN- YEAR OPTIONS. SO YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE SURE THAT OVERALL YOU CAN PICK A NUMBER THAT FITS YOUR
BUDGET. >> NOW, YOU SAID A LEASE OPTION?
>> THERE'S AN OPTION WHERE YOU COULD LEASE IT WHERE YOU NEVER OWN THE EQUIPMENT BUT YOU PAY A HIGHER MONTHLY FEE, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THE UP- FRONT COST LIKE YOU WOULD IF YOU WERE TO OWN IT, BUT YOU WOULD PAY -- I BELIEVE THERE'S ALSO AN OPTION THAT YOU COULD TAKE IT OVER IF YOU DECIDE TO NO LONGER LEASE, YOU COULD PAY AN AMOUNT IF YOU WERE READY TO OWN IT RATHER THAN PAYING A HIGHER MONTHLY RATE, YOU WOULD PAY A LOWER RATE BUT YOU WOULD PAY A CAPITAL COST TO COVER THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
>> NOW, IF YOU DECIDE TO PAY -- YOU DECIDE TO LEASE IT AND THEN YOU SAY, OKAY, I WANT TO BUY IT, WILL THE FUNDS YOU'VE PUT IN FOR LEASING -- IS THAT -- WOULD IT BE LIKE A LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY?
>> I DON'T KNOW. I'M GOING TO HAVE RACHEL COME UP HERE AND HELP US OUT HERE, BECAUSE I THINK SHE MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT MORE FAMILIAR WITH ALL OF THE OPTIONS.
[00:40:05]
>> EXCELLENT. GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. WE DO HAVE IF YOU VISIT OUR SUSTAINABLE SEWER DOT NET WEBSITE, THERE IS A SEPTIC TO SEWER FINANCING PAGE WITH A CHART THAT GIVES ALL FOUR OPTIONS TO PURCHASE. AS FAR AS WHETHER THE AMOUNT YOU'VE PAID TOWARD A LEASE WOULD APPLY TOWARD A PURCHASE IN THE FUTURE, I'M NOT SURE OF THAT ANSWER EITHER.
I KNOW LEASES IN GENERAL ARE NOT A VERY POPULAR ROUTE TO GO.
I THINK THERE ARE TWO. I THINK ALMOST EVERYONE HAS BEEN GOING THE PURCHASE ROUTE, WHICH IS PART OF THE REASON THAT THE GRANTS, WHEN WE'RE ABLE TO GET THEM, ARE VERY POPULAR. THERE ARE THREE PENDING GRANTS RIGHT NOW FOR OVER PROBABLY 1. 2, $1. 5 MILLION COMBINED.
TWO OF THEM ARE FEDERAL, SO THEY'RE A LITTLE BIT STUCK.
ONE OF THEM WE SHOULD KNOW IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
AS FAR AS THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS, KUPER WAS RIGHT ON.
YOU CAN PAY IN FULL. THAT'S ABOUT $10,300.
YOU CAN DO 20% DOWN WITH ZERO INTEREST FOR ONE YEAR.
THE 20% IS JUST ABOUT $2,050. THE MONTHLY PAYMENT, IF YOU DO A FINANCING COST, IS ABOUT $685 A MONTH FOR THAT ONE YEAR, IF YOU GO THAT ROUTE. YOU CAN DO 20% DOWN WITH 6% INTEREST FOR TEN YEARS. THE 6% INTEREST FOR TEN YEARS WOULD BE ABOUT $91 A MONTH FOR TEN YEARS TO PURCHASE IT OR OWN IT IN TEN YEARS. AND THEN FOR THE LEASE OPTION, YOU PAY THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CHARGE. SO YOU DO STILL HAVE AN UP- FRONT COST OF ABOUT $2800. THAT'S THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CHARGE FOR SIGNING UP TO SEPTIC TO SEWER.
BUT FROM THAT POINT ON, YOUR LEASE IS $35 A MONTH IN PERPETUITY UNLESS YOU SHOULD CHOOSE INSTEAD TO BUY IT. AGAIN, THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT'S A LITTLE BIT NOVEL, BECAUSE THERE AREN'T THAT MANY
LEASES. >> THE ANSWER IS NO, YOU DON'T HAVE AN OPTION TO LEASE TO OWN BASED ON --
>> NOW, COULD A HOMEOWNER PURCHASE THE SEWER AND THEN IF THEY DECIDE TO SELL THE HOUSE, COULD THOSE FUNDS GO TO THE NEW OWNER, OR DO THE NEW OWNER HAVE TO START OVER FROM WHERE THEY LEFT OFF?
>> IF IT'S A TEN- YEAR PROGRAM, FOR EXAMPLE, I'M NOT SURE.
>> SO WHEN WE SIGN -- WHEN THE CUSTOMER SIGNS UP, THERE IS A LIEN PLACED.
I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S EXACTLY A LIEN BUT THERE'S A LIEN PLACED SO WHOEVER BUYS THE PROPERTY WOULD TAKE OVER THE PAYMENTS FOR THE
OKAY. >> WHATEVER THE REMAINING BALANCE IS, THEY TAKE OVER THAT
ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? GENEROUS CONSIDERING THE STEEP PRICE AND CONSIDERING WHAT THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS REQUIRING.
THAT'S A GOOD THING. THAT'S A GOOD THING, BECAUSE OF CLEAN WATER. BUT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE SOME GENEROUS OPTIONS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.
>> ALSO SOUNDS LIKE THE STATE MAY BE TRYING -- MAY NEED OR MAY EVEN BE TRYING TO MAKE WAY BEING THAT THEY'VE PUT FORTH THIS REQUIREMENT, MAKE WAY FOR SOME FUNDING FOR, YOU KNOW --
>> YEAH. LIKE THROUGH DEP OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. GIVE THEM MORE FUNDING. OF COURSE, THEY WANT TO LOWER OUR PROPERTY TAXES.
IS THERE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL?
[F. DIRECTOR COMMENTS]
>> ALL RIGHT. MOVING ON WE HAVE DIRECTOR
COMMENTS. >> I JUST HAVE A COUPLE.
OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE JANUARY 20TH AT 4:00 P.M.
>> ARE YOU SURE? ISN'T IT 2:00 P.M.?
IT'S AFTER A HOLIDAY, THAT'S RIGHT.
THANK YOU. AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU, STEFANIE.
THE LAST ITEM IS WE ARE EXCITED, WE'RE BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS FRIDAY. IT WILL BE A HISTORIC MOMENT AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR OUR NEW STATE OF THE ART WASTEWATER PLANT.
[00:45:01]
COMMUNITY. THE MAYOR AND MR. CHAIRMAN OR MADAM VICE CHAIR WILL BE THE ONLY BOARD MEMBERS THAT HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THAT DAY, BUT I'LL MAKE SURE TO CONNECT WITH EACH OF THE BOARD MEMBERS TOMORROW OR THURSDAY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.ALSO I'VE HAD A CHANCE TO TALK TO ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS ABOUT THIS, BUT WE ARE PLANNING ON DEDICATING THE CONTROL ROOM AT THE NEW PLANT IN MEMORY OF MR. -- HE WAS FPUA'S ATTORNEY FOR 27 YEARS.
IT'S A SMALL TOKEN OF OUR APPRECIATION FOR HIS DEDICATION AND VISION TO THIS ORGANIZATION FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND THE VISION TO MAKE THIS DAY HAPPEN.
IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD, BUT WE ARE FINALLY HERE.
SO THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL I HAVE FOR
[G. ATTORNEY COMMENTS]
YOU, MADAM CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.>> ALL RIGHT. ATTORNEY COMMENTS?
>> JUST EXPECT TO SEE SOME LEGISLATIVE UPDATES COMING
[H. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS]
SOON, SINCE WE'LL BE STARTING -- YES.>> ANY COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD?
IF THERE'S AN INVITATION FOR FRIDAY THAT YOU COULD SEND US --
MA'AM. >> OR LAST- MINUTE REMINDERS, I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT.
OKAY. >> I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT FRIDAY PERSONALLY. I THINK THIS IS FOR ANYBODY THAT'S LIVED HERE FOR ANY LENGTH OR TIME OR THEIR WHOLE LIFE, LIKE MYSELF, THIS IS A HUGE UNDERTAKING, LIKE A MONUMENTAL THING WE'VE BEEN WANTING FOR A VERY LONG TIME. CHEERS TO YOU AND YOUR
TEAM. >> LOOKING BACK, TRY TO SEE IF WE'VE EVER DONE ANYTHING THIS BIG --
>> ONLY BUILDING THE FIRST ONE PROBABLY, RIGHT?
YEAH. >> JUST KIND OF PIECEMEAL, RIGHT? NOT MUCH THOUGHT WAS GIVEN TO IT, I DON'T THINK.
>> IN MY OPINION, I THINK THIS IS THE LARGEST PROJECT IN FPUA HISTORY, IN RECENT HISTORY ANYWAY, IN FPUA
HISTORY. >> ALSO CLOSE FOR THE CITY TO --
>> THERE MIGHT BE OTHER THINGS FOR THE CITY --
>> BUT THIS IS, YOU KNOW, THIS IS A FACILITY THAT'LL SERVE GENERATIONS, CURRENT GENERATIONS AND MANY GENERATIONS IN THE FUTURE. SO A PRETTY HISTORIC DAY.
>> AND THE STATE SHOULD BE VERY PLEASED BECAUSE THE STATE WANTS ALL OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS OFFER THE LAGOON. WE'RE ONE OF THE
FIRST. >> NOT SURE IF WE'RE THE FIRST, BUT I KNOW THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF PROPERTY.
RIGHT ON THE INLET, RIGHT ON THE RIVER.
IT'S A PERFECT LOCATION FOR WASTEWATER PLANT BACK IN THE 1930S, BUT NOT TODAY.
>> ALSO, KUDOS TO BOW AND HIS TEAM FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. SO
THANK YOU. >> STICKING TO THE TIMELINE, NUMBER ONE, AND STAYING WITHIN BUDGET. YOU GOT TO LOVE IT. IT'S AMAZING.
>> SO WHEN I WAS FIRST MAYOR, I WOULD SAY TO PEOPLE, EVERYBODY WANTS THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TO MOVE, BUT NOBODY'S WRITTEN THE CHECK YET.
>> EXACTLY. I FEEL LIKE WE'RE LUCKY, AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
>> THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.