Title
GRU Service Area Maps and Extension Policies (B)
**This item was presented to the UAB on February 11, 2021.**
Explanation
GRU previously provided a presentation to the General Policy Committee regarding the current policies for extending water, wastewater, electric, and natural gas service outside the Gainesville city limits. The City Commission subsequently made a motion for GRU to provide service area maps to the General Policy Committee for their consideration of policies regarding extending utilities outside the City limits. Attached in the backup are the service area maps, as requested.
In addition, the City Commission requested that the UAB provide a recommendation regarding the extension of utility service beyond existing service area boundaries and potentially adding a requirement for City Commission approval prior to such an extension.
A new City Commission review and approval process is not necessary for the gas and electric systems since current policies require approval prior to significant extensions or expansion outside current service area boundaries. Significant expansion of the gas system currently requires City Commission approval because it exceeds the cost threshold for City Commission approval. To avoid encroachment on other existing gas supply systems, any proposed expansion of the gas system would also require the consent from the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC). The State is completely divided up into electric service territories served by existing electrical supply providers. Any expansion or change of the electric system boundaries outside of the current electric territory currently in place would require an agreement between the electric providers already covering those territories and also an approval by the (FPSC). The amount of capital required to make a change in the electrical territory served would also trigger CCOM approval.
Currently, expansion of the water and wastewater system beyond the existing service area boundaries does not require review or approval from the City Commission since it is typically outside the City limits. Most expansions or extensions of the water and wastewater systems are designed, constructed, and funded by new development. Alachua County has an Urban Cluster line which is intended to regulate development. Alachua County Board of County Commission approval is required for extension of water and wastewater service beyond the line.
The proposed approach is to require that extensions of water and wastewater beyond the Urban Cluster line must be approved by the City Commission in addition to Alachua County. This approach will require a process to be developed that includes this step in the development review process, since currently projects outside the City limits do not require the developer to engage in the City of Gainesville development review process.
Fiscal Note
Not Applicable
Recommendation
1) City Commission receive and evaluate the GRU Service Area Maps.
2) Require any development that extends Water and Wastewater services beyond the Alachua County Urban Cluster Line to receive approval from the City Commission prior to receiving a Utility Construction Permit.
On February 11, 2021, the UAB voted 6-0 (with Member Rockwell absent) to advise the City Commission to approve the staff recommendation.