HOWELMHE-HUIS Town Council Wastewater Workshop December 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM Howey-in the-Hills Town Hall 101 N. Palm Ave., Howey-in-the-Hils, FL34737 AGENDA Mayor Wells called the Town Council Meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. Mayor Wells led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to1 the Flag. Councilor Reneé Lannaman delivered an invocation ROLLCALL Acknowledgement of Quorum MIEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Graham Wells STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager/Town Clerk NEW BUSINESS Mayor Pro Tem Tim Everline Councilor. Jon Arnold Councilor Reneé Lannaman I Councilor David Miles] Sean O'Keefe, Town Manager Tom Wilkes, Town Attorney Rick Thomas, Police Chief] John Brock, Deputy 1. Discussion: Wastewater Options The Town Manager, Sean O'Keefe, began with an in-depth review ofhistorical wastewater service agreements that the Town had executed with the Central Lake CDD from 2007 and 2012. Discussions centered on integrating these agreements into a unified framework, with the introduction ofan amended and restated agreement aimed at streamlining regulations for all developments. A comparison document prepared by Town Attorney, Tom Wilkes, was shared, highlighting changes made by the CDD and their The meeting included ar review ofl PowerPoint materials, and a service area mapi related to wastewater management. Key issues discussed included Contributions In Aid of Construction (CIAC) fees, which are determined by the CDD, and the estimated $13 million expansion costs that developers are expected to cover. Historical concerns from a 2021 agreement were revisited, particularly the need for rate studies and service exclusivity. The current document included 11 points that require further council discussion, emphasizing thei importance ofaddressing these issues to align with the Town's interests. Negotiations with the Central Lake CDD regarding wastewater treatment agreements were a significant focus, particularly the exclusivity clause in thej proposed contract. Council Members expressed concerns attorneys, along with ai right-of-first-refisal document for consideration. 1Page that this clause could limit the Town's options for future developments. Councilor. Lannaman and others highlighted the need to negotiate these terms carefully to avoid long-term constraints. The group acknowledged that, while exclusivity could be beneficial, it must be evaluated in the context ofthe Town's overall strategy. Additionally, concerns were raised about the financial implications oft the RAM payment and the rapid depletion of existing ERUS due to ongoing residential developments. The meeting concluded with discussions on thei implications of capacity expansion for the wastewater plant and the potential need for funding ife expansion is required. The current available capacity of1 1,600 ERUS was seen as sufficient for existing developments, but future growth poses challenges. The group also debated the necessity of conducting a rate study to evaluate transitioning from a flat rate to a metered rate for wastewater services, weighing the costs against potential benefits. Overall, the discussions underscored the need for strategic planning and timely negotiations to address the Town's wastewater management and development goals effectively. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any person wishing to address the Mayor and Town Council and who is not on the agenda is asked. to. speak their Martha MacFarlane, 63 Camino Real - Mrs. MacFarlane discussed the importance ofr not reducing the name and address. Three (3) minutes is allocated per. speaker. ADJOURNMENT Therel being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Councilor. Miles to adjourn the meeting; Councilor. Lannamaii seconded the motion. Motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 4:49 p.m. Attendees: 15 RK GPA PT u Gas Mayor Graham Wells ATTEST John Brock, Town Clerk 2Page