Title
GRU Wastewater Service to Waldo (B)
This item involves extending wastewater service to the City of Waldo via a wastewater force main extension along SR 24
Explanation
In May of 2009, the City of Waldo sent a letter (attached) to the City of Gainesville requesting that the City of Gainesville consider providing wastewater service to Waldo, and asked that an estimate be provided for the cost to connect.
In July of 2009, GRU provided a letter (attached) to Waldo estimating the cost to connect to GRU's wastewater system, and indicating that City Commission approval would be required for the extension of wastewater service.
Representatives from the City of Waldo addressed the City Commission at the August 20, 2009 City Commission meeting and explained that they were evaluating a number of alternatives to upgrade their existing wastewater treatment plant, and one they wanted to evaluate was to abandon their existing plant and connect to GRU's wastewater system. Also at that City Commission meeting, GRU presented the estimated cost for GRU to serve Waldo. The City Commission approved a motion to 1) continue working with Waldo, and 2) refer this item to the Community Development Committee.
On November 10, 2009, the City of Waldo elected to pursue connection to GRU's wastewater system as their preferred wastewater service alternative. The consultant for the City of Waldo is now proceeding with the necessary funding acquisition, approvals and permitting to connect to GRU's wastewater system.
The Alachua County Commission on January 26, 2010 determined that the wastewater extension to Waldo is consistent with the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan, and anticipates that an interlocal agreement will be prepared between Alachua County, the City of Waldo, and the City of Gainesville to address wastewater system connections in the unincorporated area outside the Alachua County Urban Cluster (letter attached).
This item was considered at the Community Development Committee on February 1, 2010; however at the request of a member who could not attend, no action was taken.
The cost of extending wastewater service and the payment of appropriate connection charges will be fully funded by the City of Waldo consistent with GRU's wastewater extension policy. Grant funding is an integral part of the Waldo's plan to fund connection to GRU's wastewater system. Accordingly, the City of Waldo needs a letter of support from the City of Gainesville, and a declaration of intent to provide wastewater service. The City of Waldo's grant application will be complete and ready for submittal when the items above are available. The City of Waldo's consultant indicates that the sooner the grant application is submitted, the more likely that the grant will be awarded and of sufficient amount to meet the needs of Waldo.
It is anticipated that an interlocal agreement between Waldo, Alachua County, and Gainesville will be negotiated to address: 1) appropriate controls on future connections within unincorporated Alachua County to the force main along SR24 constructed to serve Waldo; and 2)the future service area to be provided central wastewater service within and contiguous to the City of Waldo.
Additionally, a service agreement will be required to set out the construction, operation, maintenance, service and financial aspects of providing wastewater service to Waldo.
Recommendations
The City Commission authorize the following: 1)the Mayor to send letter(s) of support on behalf of Waldo indicating that the City of Gainesville supports the extension of wastewater service to the City of Waldo and intends to provide such service; and 2)the General Manager or his designee to begin negotiating the required Interlocal Agreement for future consideration by the City Commission; and 3)the General Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute a Service Agreement with the City of Waldo.
Fiscal Note
The extension of wastewater service to Waldo will be fully funded by Waldo.
Drafter
Prepared by David Richardson, AGM, Water/Wastewater
Submitted by Robert E. Hunzinger, General Manager