Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-82 Meeting of the La Porte Area Water Authority Minutes LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY BOARD April 19, 1982 PRESENT: Jack Owen, City Manager, Jerry Hodge, Martha Eldridge, Travis Doughty, Cary Burnley, Jerry Bramlett, Al Fields, Susan Gilliland, Jimmie Schindewolf, Dave Corbin, John Longley, Jayne Self, Jim Hutchison The meeting was called to order by Cary Burnley, President, at 7:00 P.M. It was first noted, the Board needed to have the Oath's of Office in their main file, and it was noted that J. J. Meza has possession of these. The Board asked that this be followed up on. 'The minutes from the previous meeting were approved, with a motion from Susan Gilliland and seconded by Jerry Bramlett, with the vote being unanimous. The next item on the agenda was to consider responsibilities of liabilities of the La Porte Water Authority Board members. Mr. Owen stated that the duties are set out in the Act, and the powers of the Board are broad, but still restricted. The Act states that the Board has the right to go 30 miles out of it's boundaries. Mr. Owen read the general powers and duties of the board. Cary Burnley questioned if any Board member has previously served on another Board. The Board members all responded negatively. Mr. Owen stated the Authority powers are subject to the powers granted by the Gulf Coast Waste Disposgl Authority. The Board may not levy, assess or collect tax on any property, nor can any City Council member serve on tIle Board. At this time, it was noted how to fill a vacancy on the Board, that Board members do not receive any pay, and that Board members are bonded on a blanket bond. The Board's liabilities are approximately the same as the City Council, and Hr. Burnley added that the Board members are exempt from liabilities. Mr. Burnley pointed out that he would like Board members to make suggestions to committee members. It was noted, that one (1) director of the Board must live outside the City of La Porte, but still be within the Water Authority boundaries. At this point, the terms of the Board members were discussed. It was requested a copy of the Act be sent to Mr. Schindewolf and Ronald Neighbors of the Subsidence District. It was brought to attention that the Board may sell revenue bonds, supported by revenues, not taxes. La Porte Area Water Authority Board April 19, 1982 Page Two The Board discussed the consideration of the operation expenses. Mr. Owen informed the Board we still do not have an Interlocal Government Agreement. Mr. Bramlett asked the Board for an explanation of what is involved in the setting up of a contract. It was explained that the Board borrows money from the City, until the Board is able to sell bonds. The money may be returned to the City by credits for water, or paid back monthly or annually. At this point, Mr. Owen asked for Mr. Schindewolf's comments on Interlocal Government contracts. Mr. Schindewolf stated that the Board needs to be careful and only use water and sewer revenues, instead of tax monies. He pointed out to the Board that he hoped we understood that it will take money, because the Board will need to hire engineering firms, bond attorneys, and legal advisors. Travis Doughty inquired of Mr. Schindewolf if he could estimate the cost, and Mr. Schindewolf replyed he could not. Mr. Burnley brought to Mr. Schindewolf's attention that he is an Ex-Officio member, and Mr. Schindewolf responded that he would help in any way possible. The Board members requested that all expenses be approved by them either on a monthly or quarterly basis. The Board was informed there is, at present, no time limit on the completion of the studies. Mr. Burnley asked for comments on the trip to Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. Susan Gilliland informed those present that it was a very rewarding and informative trip and that the District encouraged conservation. Travis Doughty stated he also learned quite a lot from this trip. Al Fields stated he now has a better understanding of the need for the study. Mr. Burnley brought to the Boards attention that Ronald Neighbors, of the Harris- Galveston Coastal Subsidence District, did not suggest that we get off ground water. Mr. Neighbors did indicate that by the year 2010 subsidence in La Porte should be flat, but if all needs for growth are taken into consideration and ground water is used, La Porte's subsidence could be eight (8) feet. At this time, the Board requested a list of Board members names and addresses be sent to each member as soon as possible. The next item on the agenda to be discussed was the committee reports. Jerry Bramlett was named Chairman for the committee that is to prepare specifications for proposals from the engineering firms. He reported the committee met and discussed items to be completed. The committee proposes a three (3) part study: (1) evaluate and assess the needs, (2) determine the economic feasibility, and (3) the design stage. The committee would like to visit with Mr. Schindewolf and define the scope of the study as detailed as possible. La Porte Area Water Authority Board April 19, 1982 Page Three At this time, Mr. Owen distributed information on the City of Bay town's study for review by the Board. The committee also stated that the engineering firm selected should have expertise in all areas reQuired for the feasibility study and future course of action. Mr. Schindewolf stated that the firm should have not only knowledge to determine the feasibility, but also knowledge of financial, water, and legal matters. He stated these should be included in the study. Mr. Burnley stated the Board may desire to select more than one engineering firm for different parts of the study. Mr. Burnley also commented that the Board needs to remain non-political. Susan Gilliland stated we can buy treated or untreated water. At this time, untreated water is more readily available. Mr. Burnley suggested that we look for other sources of water. Mr. Burnley asked for a report from the committee to compile a list of firms from which to solicit proposals. Al Fields was selected Chairman for this committee. This committee met to discuss parameters and Qualifications of the firms. The Qualifications they decided were needed are: Quality firms, firms must be of sufficient size, firm must have worked on similar projects before, firm must also be a firm with a good reputation. The committee stated they did not want to overlap with the other committee. It was noted they needed to submit their recommendations after the other committee, but not to stop their study. It was noted that proposals can be submitted by as many firms as wish to apply. The firms should be chosen for Quality, not price. If the need should arise, the committee can go out of state for a firm. At this time, items for the next meeting were discussed, and the Board reQuested the usual items to be placed on the next agenda. Attention was brought to the next meeting date being in error and the corrected date of May 17, 1982. Mr. Burnley, at this time, administered the oath of office to Mr. Schindewolf, and reQuested that an oath of office be sent to Mr. Schindewolf's office for his signature . Mr. Owen was reQuested to send a letter to the City Council inviting them to the next Water Authority Board meeting. Mr. Schindewolf suggested that the Board attend a CIWA meeting. Mr. Hodge volunteered to organize this meeting. Mr. Schindewolf also suggested that the Board aCQuire an attorney as Quickly as possible. La Porte Area Water Authority Board April 19, 1982 Page Four It was also suggested the Board consider the possibility of retaining financial advisors concerning any future bonds. With no further business to be discussed, Mr. Burnley motioned that the meeting be adjourned, Al Fields seconded the motion, and the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. . ." ..,,1') .._' /"../ /' . ).(.....' 1-/' / (L::c-CZ.V'....../ I.Ot'--c/~?---zi~2-t:./' cdry\~. Burnley, Pre~~~:nJ/ v ~ ~ 'flJA-,( usan Gill and, Secre'tary Proposal Committee April 19, 1982 J. Bramlett S. Gilliland Basic Outline I. Evaluate and Assess - needs; present and future - supply, availability - land area availability II. Economics III. Design & Planning - - - ~ - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - A. Evaluate water needs of LaPorte & service area - present use - estimate future requirements (also, include data on nearby municipalities and industries, within 30 miles, that may wish to purchase treated water) B. Investigate - treated - untreated (will they be and evaluate primary sources of surface water from CIWA able to satisfy our needs) c. Geographically determine where facilities can be built - treatment plant - pipelines - reservoirs Within the scope we must ask for a detailed study of what will happen if we continue to use & pump groundwater, and how compatible will a new system be with our exsisting facilities. April 19, 1982 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ACTION TO: Carey Burnley, Chairman, La Porte Area Water Authority FROM: Travis Doughty and Al Fields Committee to Evaluate Engineering Services for Feasibility Study We are currently researching and developing a list of Engineering Firms which we believe would qualify for the subject project. The list is being developed with the following qualifications in mind. (1) The firm should be of sufficient size to insure that the total project, both in the feasibility study and the final project engineering could be accomplished "in-house" with current staff. (2) The firm should furnish a list of several contracts equal in size and scope to our proposed project with the additional restrictions of 3 or more projects completed within the last 10 years. (3) Local or Houston area home office or branch office to facilitate communication lines to board. (4) An established positive reputation with the industry and with previous clients. THE STATE OF TEXAS X COUNTY OF HARRIS X CITY OF LA PORTE X NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that the La Porte Area Water Authority will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 P.M. on the 25th day of April, 1983, in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas. A copy of the agenda for said meeting showing the subjects of such meeting is attached hereto. I hereby certify that I posted this notice on the bulletin board located at a place convenient to the public in the City Hall of the City of La Porte, at 5:00 P.M. on the 18th day of April, 1983, and that such notice was posted for at least the three days preceding the day of the meeting, that this notice was posted before the meeting was convened, or called to order, and that such meeting was called because of an emergency of urgent public necessity. Witness my hand and the Seal of the City of La Porte, Texas, this the 18th day of April, 1983. CITY OF LA PORTE ..fJH-- J"') .../1/-+ p?i/Uj- eX. tA.J ..~l..-vi :r M Betty T. ~vaters Ci ty Secretary