1999-02-01Special Called Workshop of City Council

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e e REQUEST FOR POTABLE WATER SAN JACINTO STATE PARK TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND WILDLIFE Page 2 Discussions were conducted regarding the operation and maintenance of the transmission system from La Porte to the Park. Additionally, the Parks Department raised the possibility of the City of La Porte operating the entire Park distribution system. It was noted that the park utility infrastructure would undergo extensive maintenance and reconstruction prior to this occurring. Finally, Par~ requested information regarding the proposed rate structure for potable water. The City supplied them with copies of the current CLP rate ordinance as well as a sample Water Service Agreement for customers outside the city. DISCUSSION The current policy for water and sewer service outside the City was developed at a time when existing capacity was limited, and the potential for additional capacity was uncertain. Although similar to prior requests for water service outside the city, when compared to existing guidelines, this request is unique in several ways. 1. The proposed customer, San Jacinto Battleground State Park, is outside the City's ETJ, as well as the city limits. Therefore, this request is outside the boundaries established by council for water service requests outside the city. 2. The Park is requesting water for purposes other than employee use. In fact, the request is to accommodate a peak of 40,000 persons per day at the site. This request exceeds the guidelines established by council for water service outside the city. 3. The proposed maintenance of the transmission line, while within the guidelines, is significantly different from previous requests due to the sheer distance, over four miles. 4. The request for operation and maintenance of the distribution system of the Park is unprecedented. 5. Participation in oversizing would involve significant costs to the City, due to the distances involved (estimated at 5264,000). The first three concerns, while different, should not present the city with any difficulties in terms of cost, operation and maintenance. With the recent purchase of additional capacity at the Southeast Water Purification Plant, the City of La Porte will be positioned to consider requests for additional water outside the City. However, the additional capacity will not be available until December 2001.