CITY OFLABELLE FEBRUARY8 8, 2024 3:00 P.M.  SEPTICTOSEWER WORKSHOPSPECIALMEETING  Vice Mayor Akin called the workshop to order at 3:00 p.m. A roll call was taken. Members present were Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, Commissioner Hugo Vargas, and Commissioner Daniel Akin. Commissioner Jackie Ratica and Mayor. Julie Wilkins were absent. Commissioner Vargas spoke the invocation. Commissioner Spratt led the Pledge ofAllegiance. Laura Constantino of Four Waters Engineering provided an overview of the existing sewer system and flows. She then presented aj potential plan that reflected extensive septic to sewer  conversion projects and where they would take place. Mayor Wilkins joined the meeting at 3:03 p.m.  There was discussion on the funding of water line replacement during the proposed septic to sewer conversions, as well as the financial impact on residents that would need to connect once the projects were' completed. The conversation then turned to the need for new water lines and John Prosser addressed the Commission about the capacity ofthe wastewater plant. She presented ai table that showed new committed developments and the potential estimated flows from them connecting to the systems. It was established that the wastewater plant was currently at sixty-three percent capacity, but ifall developments and septic conversions were The Commission told Mrs. Constantino of their concern with the completion and paving oft the There was then discussion on the needed funding to expand the plant and if developers and new She noted that a driving factor for the septic to sewer conversions was that the City was in the Çaloosahatchee Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), the goal of which is to minimize the pollutants going into the river. Converting septic systems to the sewer systems would be one way She went through each proposed septic to sewer conversion zone naming the grant funding available for each zone as well as the deadline for the completion of the projects. She provided options for the Commission to consider moving forward. There was discussion on how to fund  future developments that would want to connect to the system.  connected it would bring it up to ninety-three percent. roads for the Zone. A septic to sewer conversion project. customers would be responsible for covering connection fees.  toc comply with the plan.  the additional connections.    Justin deMello of Woodard and Curran told the Commission that they would be happy to explore more: funding options to help fund the septic to sewer conversion projects. Discussion continued Superintendent of Public Works Mitchell Wills asked the Commission to hold off on moving Attorney Derek Rooney explained that ai new] plant was required by the consent order the City was under. The rate study would help to determine impact fees for new construction and  on how to fund the new connections.  forward with the additional zones until the rate study was finished.  developments which would help toi fund the new plant.  Discussion continued on the needed funding for the projects, and when the rate study would be Justin deMello explained that funding had been applied for that may help with the projects. There was then discussion on a timeline for the new projects ifthey were to move forward. It There was a consensus among the Commission about being disappointed with the contractor John Prosser told the Commission ofhis background in underground utilities and engineering. He spoke to the Commission about his concerns for the work being done in Zone. A and made  completed.  was decided toj pause the projects until the rate study was completed.  managing Zone A.  suggestions on how to move: forward with the processes.  Commissioner Spratt motioned. to adjourn. Mayor Wilkins seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 4:40p.m.  APPROVED:  PANE  ATTEST:  GOAND Abohu JESSI ZBAT/DZUNaERK