LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (352) REGULAR MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AND AGENDA

Transcription

1 LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (352) REGULAR MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AND AGENDA Wednesday, January 23, :30 pm Lake County Administration Building 2 nd Floor - County Commission Chambers 315 West Main Street, Tavares, FL Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance Tab 1 2. Approval of Minutes - December 12, Regular Meeting 3. Executive Director Report 4. Consent Agenda Tab 2 a. Approval to Award Website ADA Compliance Bid Ben Garcia Tab 3 b. Authorization to Surplus Inventory Item Ben Garcia Tab 4 c. Approval to Award Alum Residual Removal Bid Jason Danaher Tab 5 d. Approval to Award NuRF Centrifuge Maintenance Bid Jason Danaher Tab 6 e. Approval to Award NuRF Roadway Around Ponds Bid Jason Danaher Tab 7 f. Approval of No-Cost Time Extension to DMC for Villa City Design Ron Hart Tab 8 g. Approval to Purchase Replacement Truck Under State Contract Ron Hart Tab 9 h. Approval to Award CD Investment Christina Rider Tab 10 i. Approval to Transfer Funds for CRA Payments Christina Rider Tab 11 j. Approval of Budget Transfers Christina Rider Tab 12 k. Authorization to Transfer HR Consulting Services to The HR Lady, LLC Christina Rider 5. Regular Agenda Tab 13 a. Authorization to Release a RFQ for Attorney Services Michael Perry Tab 14 b. Evergreen Development and Scrub Point Preserve Ben Gugliotti Tab 15 c. LCWA Role in Aquatic Plant Control Michael Perry Tab 16 d. NuRF Evaluation Proposal Ron Hart Tab 17 e. NuRF Update and Approval of Additional Slope Repair Jason Danaher Tab 18 f. Denham Muck Farm Partnership with City of Leesburg Ron Hart Tab 19 g. Authorization to Submit a Speed Limitation Permit to FWC for Waterside Point Ron Hart Tab 20 h. Approval of new Site Resident at the M-5 Structure Ron Hart Tab 21 i. Authorization to Contract with the University of Florida for Alum Residual Research Jason Danaher 6. Public Comment (5:00 pm or as soon thereafter as possible) 7. Legal Staff Report Carole Barice

2 8. Board Member Comments 9. Board Member Items for Future Agenda 10. Information Items Tab 22 a. Staff Report Tab 23 b. Monthly Financial Reports - December Announcement of Upcoming Meetings and Events - Board Meeting - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 (3:30 pm) BCC Chambers/Admin. Building 12. Adjournment

3 Ben Garcia, IT Manager DATE: January 14, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval to Award Website ADA Compliance Bid Consent Agenda Approval to Award Website ADA Compliance Bid At the November 2018 meeting, the board authorized staff to release a Request for Bid (RFB) for Website ADA Compliance for the Lake County Water Authority, the RFB was advertised on December 11, The Request for Bid required providers to describe the scope and costs involved in accomplishing the redesign of the LCWA website that we could be proud of. A total of eight bids were received for this project and were opened on January 9, (See Attached Table). The most qualified and the three lowest bids included: Revize Government Websites ($7,720.00), PNC Solutions, ($8,000.00) and Infojini Inc., ($8,380.00). These bids prices did not include other services like hosting and website maintenance. All the proposals were evaluated based on experience, past websites designs, price, features available for the redesign of the Water Authority website. After careful evaluation and consideration, Staff selected Revize Government Websites as the lowest bid and most qualified to complete the upgrade and redesign of the LCWA website. Staff believes that Revize has the experience in government websites, including local counties, that could design a new look, make the website ADA compliant and improve the way the Authority provides information to the public using this communication tool. The Board has included $10,000 for this project in its FY budget. Staff Recommendation Authorize Executive Director to execute a contract with Revize Government Websites for an amount not to exceed $7,720 for the first year to complete work as described in the RFB for Website ADA.

4 Ben Garcia, I.T. Manager DATE: January 7, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Surplus Inventory Item 356 Consent Agenda Authorization to Surplus Inventory Item 356 All inventoried property requires Board approval prior to disposal. Staff is seeking Board approval to surplus the following item. The item will be taken to an auctioneer for public auction. Inventory Number Description/Model Reason for Surplus 356 Dell PowerEdge Server R310 Outdated, replaced Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize Executive Director to surplus inventory item 356.

5 Jason Danaher, Water Resources Project Manager DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval to Award Alum Residual Removal Bid Consent Agenda Approval to Award Alum Residual Removal Bid The NuRF sediment containment area has filled up quicker than anticipated as a result of recent hurricanes and 2018 having higher than anticipated rainfall. Staff has worked with contractors to pile sediment higher and create access to the location along with additional storage space. With limited storage space at the moment the LCWA entered into a contract with Lake Jem Farms to relocate sediment at $100/load to a location at their property. The contract was not to exceed $20,000 afterwhich the LCWA would need to release a bid for continued removal of sediment from the site. A bid was released recently and responses were received. One response did not conform to the bid request requiring the contractor provide a cost per load to haul material to a site the contractor identified as willing to accept the material. The response only provided cost per hour to operate trucks and front end loader with operator. The second response came from Lake Jem Farms. They increased the amount they would charge the LCWA to remove the sediment and place it at the same site on their property from $100/load to $140/load. From prior conversations, the LCWA staff assumed Lake Jem Farms would be interested in bidding the opportunity as the material would be used in their on-going project; however, staff was caught off guard when the cost per load increased 40%. Staff is considering Lake Jem Farms response as an option, but is also revisiting other avenues for off-site disposal of the material. This project would be classified as Other Contractual Services and the budget for this project is included in the January 2019 consent items. Recommendation Staff will advise and provide recommendation to the board members at the meeting.

6 Jason Danaher, Water Resources Project Manager DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval to Award NuRF Centrifuge Maintenance Bid Consent Agenda Approval to Award NuRF Centrifuge Maintenance Bid The centrifuge at the NuRF has been in operation since Hurricane Irma in For several months in 2017 and 2018 the unit operated 24/7. Just like your personal vehicle though, the unit requires scheduled preventative maintenance. A minor service for the centrifuge should occur after 4,000 hours of operation and would include changing out specific bearings and seals. After 8,000 hours of operation a major service is recommended and should include replacing a larger quanity of bearings and seals in the unit, including those that were replaced during the minor service. These preventative maintenance activities should be performed to prevent high-cost repairs and long downtime for the facility. The weather patterns several years ago resulted in only periodic use of the NuRF centrifuge and a minor service was never performed. Due to the unforseen wet weather conditions the number of operating hours for the centrifuge have accumulated more rapidly than anticipated. The centrifuge has over 8,000 hours of operation on it currently, thus requiring a major service. The unit is a critical component for treatment of water discharged from Lake Apopka and should be maintained in the best condition possible. Staff researched companies on-line and contacted the companies to get estimates for their maintenance services. Several companies were not capable of working on this style unit and its size. Others would only service the unit if it came back to their shop which would mean removing the unit from the centrifuge building, loading it on a flat bed truck and shipping it to the the eastern, midwestern or southern United States depending on the companies location. There they would take it apart and determine what parts needed servicing. If the LCWA didn t agree to the cost of repairs they would reassemble the unit and the LCWA would be responsible for the freight cost back to the NuRF and we would have to identify another vendor to service the unit. Staff was able to locate a couple companies capable of coming to the NuRF and performing onsite scheduled maintenance. However, what the companies offered for their recommended maintenance package differed greatly. Some stated only a minor service was needed and others stated a major service was recommended. Staff spoke to GEA Westfalia Separator Inc. who

7 manufactures the centrifuge unit. The company is based out of Germany, but has a service and parts manufacturing plant in Chicago and a service team located in Lakeland, FL. GEA Westfalia Seperator Inc. recommends a major service of the unit at 8,000 hours. Their quote for the required work meant the LCWA would have to put the service out for bid. Staff posted a bid with scope of work and a list of recommended parts to be replaced. Part numbers provided in the bid would allow any distributor or company capable of performing the service to identify the parts and provide a response to the LCWA bid. Bid responses were received and only one vendor, GEA Westfalia Seperator Inc., responded. They stated the lead time on parts would be two weeks and the on-site maintenance could be completed in four working days. Staff is hopeful only preventative maintenance would be required for the unit and no other wear and tear on the machine has occurred, thus requiring it be sent off-site for repairs. In July 2018, GEA sent a Lakeland technician to the NuRF and he performed some on-site analysis of the unit and found it was in good working condition. To this date there is no indication or symptoms suggesting off-site work is needed, but it cannot be confirmed until the major service begins and the unit is disassembled for evaluation. Note the budget fund transfer request for this project was included in the consent item for the January 2019 meeting. This project is classified as a Repair & Maintenance. Recommendation Authorize the Executive Director to award bid to GEA Westfalia Seperator Inc. as a restricted source to perform scheduled maintenance on the NuRF centrifuge in amount not to exceed $57,600.

8 Jason Danaher, Water Resources Project Manager DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval to Award NuRF Roadway Around Ponds Bid Consent Agenda Approval to Award NuRF Roadway Around Ponds Bid Over the past year grass berms around the two NuRF ponds have deteriorated from a combination of vehical traffic and wet weather conditions. The access points have deep ruts and exposed earthen ground making it difficult to pass, even with a moderate rainstorm. These conditons are futher intensified when working at the facility during the evening shifts. The main roadways for the NuRF are gravel and staff would like to have similar roadways constructed around the ponds to safely and quickly access important locations in the ponds vicinity (i.e. dredge control boxes, trolley system and ouflow infrastructure) during rain or shine and day or night. The LCWA board approved BESH to design pond roadway plans for the NuRF facility, assist with the bid paperwork and provide some oversight during construction. The new roadways would be twelve-feet wide and the construction process would require grading the existing ground 6-inches below grade, laying a high strength geotextile fabric down, placing #57 crushed concrete over the fabric and then seed and mulch the construction area at completion. BESH provided a description of material required, quantity and units for bid respondants to provided pricing. The LCWA staff released a bid to see what local construction companies may be interested in the opportunity and determine a cost for the project. Bid responses were received and below are the responses: Company Location Total Project Cost Valencia Construction Group, Inc. Winter Garden, FL $125, Gast Construction LLC DeLand, FL $171, Cathcart Construction Company Florida LLC Oveido, FL $172, Staff called several of Valencia Construction Group, Inc. (VCG) references where VCG was either the contractor or subcontractor. All references had positive comments regarding their work quality, collaboration through job completion, on-site management, and ability to stay within scheduled completion dates. They all felt VCG would be a good contractor to accomplish our scope of work at the NuRF facility.

9 Note the budget fund transfer request for this project was included in the consent items for the January 2019 meeting. This project is classified as a Site Improvement. Executive Director Recommendation Authorize the Executive Director to award the NuRF Road Improvement Bid to Valencia Construction Group, Inc. at an amount not to exceed $125,515.

10 Ron Hart, Water Resources Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval of No-Cost Time Extension to DMC for Villa City Design Consent Agenda Approval of No-Cost Time Extension to DMC for Villa City Design The Villa City Dam is the second oldest structure owned by the Lake County Water Authority (Figure 1). The Dam was constructed in 1963 and retains water in a series of smaller lakes downstream of the Clermont Chain. Many residents in the area refer to these bodies of water as the Lower Clermont Chain of Lakes. These lakes are in descending order from upstream to downstream from the Cherry Lake Dam are Lakes Hunt, Stewart, Lucy and Emma. Figure 1. Villa City Dam with overtopping roadway.

11 The chain also has a public boat ramp where the Palatlakaha River flows under Highway 19 (Figure 2). Villa City Lake Emma Lake Lucy Cherry Lake Dam Hunt Lake Lake Stewart Public Boat Ramp Figure 2. Lower Clermont Chain of Lakes between the Cherry Lake Dam and the Villa City Dam. At the October 2017 meeting, the Board authorized the Executive Director to negotiate a contract for design and permitting modifications to the Villa City Dam. This is the third phase of the four phase Palatlakaha Restoration Project (Figure 3). The Villa City Dam has additional challenges that were not present on the previous structures. Some of these challenges include the following: Citizen s legal access easement to a property west of the structure Unsafe roadway overtopping the existing structure Culverted connections to and from Hart Lake bypassing the dam Different operational requirements using mean pool elevation

12 Staff has negotiated the attached scope of work with Dredging and Marine Consultants. The total cost to survey the structure, perform geotechnical borings, create hydrologic and hydraulic models, design modifications, permit, and prepare plans with specifications is $75,000. Staff currently has a continuing services agreement with DMC for Construction Management at Dams M-5 and M-6. Their performance in designing and permitting these dams has exceeded our expectations. The SJRWMD has determined that the replacement structure will not require a permit from them because the levels and discharge capabilities will not be changed. The contract deadline with DMC has expired. Finance will not pay any further invoices unless an extension is granted. Staff is requesting a contract extension until April 22, This should allow enough time for DMC to complete the final design. Executive Director Recommendation: Construction Completed (Phase 1) Modifications Under Construction Authorize the Executive Director to provide a nocost time extension for Dredging and Marine Consultants for the Palatlakaha River Villa City Dam Modifications until April 22, Phase 3 Figure 1. Palatlakaha Dams Project Phases.

13 Brian Nagy, Field Services Manager DATE: January 9, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Purchase a Fleet Truck Consent Agenda Authorization to Purchase a Fleet Truck In March 2017, staff surplused a 2000 Dodge Quad Cab Truck and did not replace it. The newest LCWA truck is the Chevy Colorado purchased in Staff is currently in need of an extended cab truck with an eight foot bed for working at the preserves and for general maintenance. The 2003 Silver Ford F250 at the NuRF is in need of so many repairs that it would not be cost effective make the repairs on a 2003 truck. Therefore, staff is requesting the authorization to: 1) purchase a new fleet truck from the State Contract for an amount not to exceed $30,000; 2) make a budget transfer to Field Services Machinery & Equipment from Water Resources Land Acquisition for $30,000; and 3) surplus and sell the 2003 Silver Ford F250 to the highest independent offer. Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to: 1) purchase a new fleet truck from the State Contract for an amount not to exceed $30,000; 2) make a budget transfer to Field Services Machinery & Equipment from Water Resources Land Acquisition for $30,000; and 3) to surplus and sell the 2003 Silver Ford F250 to the highest independent offer.

14 Gary J. Cooney, Interim Secretary - Treasurer Christina Rider. Executive Office Manager/Financial Coordinator DATE: January 3, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept Third Quote for the $2 million Certificate of Deposit Consent Agenda Authorization to Accept Third Quote for the $2 million Certificate of Deposit At the December meeting, staff reported the tabulation of quotes for the reinvestment of the LCWA Certificate of Deposit and Money Market Account. The Board action was to put both with BankUnited. After notifying Bank United of the decision, staff was informed that they would not be able to honor the CD quote because the bank had reached their quota on public deposits. However, the Board could still invest the $10.6 million in a money market with BankUnited at the quoted rate of 2.35%. Staff contacted the second highest quote, TIAA Bank, for the Certificate of Deposit and was informed they would not honor their quote of 2.73% but instead would give us 2.68% until February 7, Staff then contacted Hancock Whitney which is the 3 rd highest quote with 2.69% and they will honor their rate until January 30, Bank 12 month CD APY Notes Bank United 2.75% Will Not Honor BB&T 1.75% Hancock Whitney 2.69% Recommend Reunion Bank 2.15% TIAA Bank 2.73% Requoted at 2.68% Regions 2.24% Citizens First Bank 2.25% Seaside 2.25% Staff requests approval for the Executive Director to invest $2 million in a 12-month CD with Hancock Whitney and if unforeseen circumstances arise, authorize the Executive Director to go to the next highest quote.

15 Executive Director Recommendation: Approve the Executive Director to invest $2 million in a 12-month CD with Hancock Whitney and if unforeseen circumstances arise, authorize the Executive Director to go to the next highest quote.

16 Christina Rider, Executive Office Manager/Financial Coordinator DATE: January 9, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval to Transfer Funds for CRA Payments Consent Agenda Approval to Transfer Funds for CRA Payments Each year LCWA is required to pay a portion of its ad valorem tax collections to Lake County Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs). This payment is based on a calculation that uses the tax values determined and obtained from the Lake County Property Appraiser. With the change in the millage, staff neglected to recalculate the rate the Water Authority is required to pay this fiscal year over what was paid in previous years. Staff is requesting to transfer $147,020 to Community Redevelopment Trust Fund Reimbursement from Water Resources Other Contractual Services to pay the additional monies due the CRAs. Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to transfer $147,020 to Community Redevelopment Trust Fund Reimbursement from Water Resources Other Contractual Services to pay the additional monies due the CRAs.

17 Christina Rider, Executive Office Manager/Financial Coordinator DATE: January 14, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Transfer Budget Funds to Account for NuRF Improvements, Repairs and Equipment Consent Item Authorization to Transfer Budget Funds to Account for NuRF Improvements, Repairs and Equipment For the past several months Dr. Danaher has prepared and presented to the Board the NuRF update. He has let several bids and proposals for various improvements, repairs and equipment for the NuRF. As the extent of the improvements, repairs and equipment needed was unforeseen, staff did not budget sufficient funds to provide for the improvements, repairs and equipment. As such, staff is requesting budget transfers for the upcoming projects at the NuRF. Listed below is an estimate of all upcoming projects for the NuRF at this time. Other Contractual Services: Lake Jem Farms Alum Residual Removal $ 20,000 Bid for Additional Alum Residual Removal $100,000 $120,000 Repairs and Maintenance: Centrifuge Repairs and Service $ 57,600 Trolley Repair East Pond $ 25,000 $ 82,600 Site Improvements: NuRF Roadway Project $126,000 Installation of the new Alum Tank $ 2,600 Replace Bollards $ 25,000 Dawson Contract for East Pond Wall $287,000 Amendment to Dawson Excavating Contract for Pond Wall Repairs $ 89,500 $530,100 Machinery and Equipment: New Bobcat $ 62,000 Total Estimated $794,700

18 Staff has worked closely with the Clerk of the Court s finance office to ensure that we have properly classified the projects listed. As a result, some reclassifications will result in an additional budget transfer request. A summary of budget transfers staff is requesting is as follows: From: Land Acquisitions $447, Repairs and Maintenance $250,000 To: Other Contractual Services $120, Site Improvements $515, Machinery and Equipment $ 62,000 $697,815 $697,815 After review with the Clerk s Finance office, it was decided that the work on the East Pond slope will extend the useful life of the facility and should be classified as a Site Improvement. Staff is requesting a Change Order to Purchase Order Dawson Excavating to reclassify the expenditure from Repairs and Maintenance to Site improvements. Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to transfer budget funds $447,815 from Land Acquisitions and $250,000 from Repairs and Maintenance. Authorize the Executive Director to transfer above noted funds to: Other Contractual Services $120,000, Site Improvements $515,815, and Machinery and Equipment $62,000. Authorize the Executive Director to process a Change Order to Purchase Order Dawson Excavating to reclassify the expenditure from Repairs and Maintenance to Site improvements.

19 Michael J. Perry, Executive Director DATE: January 14, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Transfer HR Consulting Services to The HR Lady, LLC Consent Agenda Authorization to Transfer HR Consulting Services to The HR Lady, LLC At the September 26, 2018 Board Meeting staff presented the results of the RFP for HR Consulting Services. At this meeting the Board awarded the Human Resources Consultant Agreement to BlackRain Partners, LLC. On November 26, 2018 staff was informed that BlackRain was dissolving as a company as of December 31, Both partners signed the paperwork requesting that the remainder of the agreement be transferred to The HR Lady, LLC (attached). The LCWA s appointed representative will remain the same. Staff requests: 1) to transfer the remainder of the agreement from BlackRain Partners, LLC to The HR Lady, LLC; and 2) subsequent approval of an agreement with the HR Lady, LLC Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to transfer the remainder of the agreement from BlackRain Partners to The HR Lady and subsequently approve the HR Consulting Agreement with the HR Lady.

20 Michael J. Perry, Executive Director DATE: January 9, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Release a RFQ for Attorney Services Regular Agenda Authorization to Release a RFQ for Attorney Services The Water Authority has always contracted for legal representation rather than having an attorney on staff. Attorney Barice has served as the Water Authority s contracted attorney since September 10, 2007 for the period ending July 1, The agreements have been for a threeyear period. It was renewed through July 1, 2013, again through 2016 and again through The Water Authority similarly has other agreements for professional services such as engineering services, land management services and prescribed fire assistance. Each of these agreements are periodically put out for selection through a competitive process. Having the opportunity to receive proposals allows the Board to determine if there have been changes in the firms currently under contract (such as performance experience, personnel changes or business practice shifts) or in the marketplace where companies have evolved with new tools and/or personnel to meet the changing market. Staff would recommend that the Board consider a similar approach regarding legal representation. By releasing a RFQ (Request for Qualifications), the Board could compare qualifications to determine the optimum approach for providing legal services to the agency. Attorney Barice s existing agreement expires in September It will take a month or two to advertise and receive responses and another month to coordinate the Board meeting schedule for the Board to see the responses. After reviewing the responses, the Board may want to schedule interviews during a Board meeting which may take another month. Therefore, staff is requesting that the Board direct staff to release a RFQ for Attorney Services. Staff has attached the existing agreement for services with Attorney Barice and a position description for General Counsel for the St. John s River Water Management District as an example. Because it is a contracted position, the Water Authority does not have a position description for an outside counsel, however can prepare one prior to the release of the RFQ. Staff has also attached the RFQ advertisement that was used in Executive Director Recommendation: Direct staff to release a RFQ for Attorney Services and return to the Board with a summary of the responses.

21 Ben Gugliotti, Land Resources Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Evergreen Development and Scrub Point Preserve Regular Agenda Evergreen Development and Scrub Point Preserve Scrub Point Preserve is 93± acres located in south Lake County on the south shore of Johns Lake and north of Hartwood Marsh Road. The Preserve is made up of three parcels: The main preserve is an 83 acre peninsula that extends north into Johns Lake and is relatively intact habitat, the 70 foot wide parcel provides access from Hartwood Marsh Road to the main preserve and is about 4.5 acres, and the 5-acre parcel of citrus trees which was acquired later to provide an area for the development of recreational amenities which would initially include the trailhead and parking area and in the future could potentially include restrooms and a security site residence (see Map 1). The LCWA has been approached by a developer, Mr. Chuck Piper, who has interests in property south of the main preserve, and both east and west of the 70 parcel. The developer would like to build a two lane asphalt road across the 70 wide parcel and also co-locate utilities. The developer already has been approved by the City of Clermont to create a round-about on Hartwood Marsh Road into the western development. The developer s plan is to provide access to the eastern development from the round-about, through the western development and across the LCWA s 70 wide parcel (see Item #1 on Map 2). The developer and other adjacent property owners hold private access easements over the 70 wide parcel (item #6, map 2). The private access easement gives the right of access over or across the subject parcel, but does not give any rights for improvement or construction on the LCWA s property. Please also be aware that there is a public access easement over the 70 parcel that was dedicated to Lake County by a previous owner for road, road-related, utility, and drainage purposes. The County, however, has said, at this time, they do not wish to build or maintain a road over the parcel. There is also a 10 utility easement dedicated to Florida Power by a previous owner. Mr. Piper previously informed the LCWA staff and board the existing limestone road that runs north/south within the 70 parcel encroaches a portion of the property to the east (see Area #4 on Map #2) and to the west (see Area #2 on Map #2). LCWA subsequently obtained a survey that validated these encroachments. LCWA staff did an inventory of the trees located in the 70-footwide parcel that extends from Hartwood Marsh road to the Preserve entrance gate; specifically,

22 in the area where the lime rock access road veers outside of the LCWA parcel adjacent to the east. The developer currently owns 25 acres to the east of the 70 parcel and south of the 5-acre parcel, including a 25 sliver (see item #5 on Map 2) that runs south from the main preserve, east of the 70 wide parcel and west of the 5-acre parcel. Staff does not know why this sliver was not acquired at the same time as the 5 acre parcel. The LCWA holds a private access easement over the 25 sliver. Actually, the private access easement continues south to Hartwood Marsh Road across multiple parcels (partially represented by Item #4, Map 2). Here again, the LCWA has the right to cross the 25 easement but is not able to construct on or improve the property. The developer has stated that he is willing to donate the 0.36 ± acre sliver to the LCWA in exchange for the approval to build the road across the 70 parcel. The footprint of the crossing is 0.15 ± acre. The National Park Service (NPS) holds a Conservation Easement (CE) over the Scrub Point Preserve. The CE allows certain uses such as park and recreation uses, parking area, entrance road, trailhead. The Lake County Water Authority does not wish to run afoul of the NPS or Department of Interior (DOI) so if the Board would like to move forward with the project staff is recommending that the LCWA request a land exchange to release restrictive public park covenants over the 0.15 acre crossing (Map 2, Item #1) in exchange for the 0.36 acre sliver (Map 2, Item #5). This does not mean that the LCWA would give up the land under the crossing, only that the Conservation Easement would be released from the crossing and placed upon the 25 foot sliver donated by the developer. Staff believes this exchange would be a public benefit because it would allow continuity for the public to access Scrub Point Preserve from Hartwood Marsh Road, north along the 70 parcel and east across to the parking area and trailhead on the 5 acre parcel. Currently, the gate into the main preserve is located at the north end of the 25 sliver, since that is where the historic access road has been. Acquiring the sliver would mean that there would not be a need to relocate the gate and realign the access road into the preserve and clear additional vegetation. Executive Director s Recommendation: If the Board wishes to favorably consider Mr. Piper s request, direct staff to apply for a Land Exchange with the National Park Service, Federal Lands to Parks Program. If the Park Service approves the Land Exchange, authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Mr. Piper and any other relevant property owners contingent upon all the following: 1. Mr. Piper will convey to the Lake County Water Authority the 25 sliver (map 2, Item #5) that runs south from the main preserve, east of the 70 parcel and west of the 5-acre parcel (.36 acre) from. 2. An easement will be conveyed from the Eddy Trust to the Lake County Water Authority over the western encroachment (Map 2, Item #2) or deed it to the LCWA depending on what is needed to not interfere with any existing buffer/set back. 3. Mr. Piper will move the lime rock road in the eastern encroachment (Map 2, Area #3) into the 70 parcel to align it with the proposed crossing at his expense.

23 4. Mr. Piper will be responsible for maintenance of the lime rock road from Hartwood Marsh Road to the proposed crossing. The maintenance responsibility will remain with the future owners of Mr. Piper s property, through the developments HOA. 5. Both developments will have prescribed fire and smoke-shed language in their HOA covenants. 6. Both developments will have invasive-exotic plant language in their HOA covenants.

24 Michael J. Perry, Executive Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: LCWA Role in Aquatic Plant Control Regular Agenda LCWA Role in Aquatic Plant Control Trustee Farner has requested that staff consider the pros and the cons of having the Water Authority assume responsibility for aquatic plant control in Lake County. Presently under F.S., known as the Florida Aquatic Weed Control Act, (attached) the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall direct the control, eradication, and regulation of noxious aquatic weeds and direct the research and planning related to these activities, as provided in this section, so as to protect human health, safety, and recreation and, to the greatest degree practicable, prevent injury to plant and animal life and property. It shall be the duty of the commission to guide and coordinate the activities of all public bodies, authorities, agencies, and special districts charged with the control or eradication of aquatic weeds and plants. It may delegate all or part of such functions to any appropriate state agency, special district, unit of local or county government, commission, authority, or other public body. Lake County is also involved in aquatic plant control. Organized within the Public Works Department, Environmental Services Division, is the Mosquito & Aquatic Plant Management Section. According to the County s web site, The Aquatic Plant Management staff is charged with managing invasive and problematic aquatic plants to minimize flooding situations, restore navigation and help maintain the natural integrity of Lake County's aquatic systems. The Aquatic Plant Management staff presently consists of 4 people and 3 operating boats with one airboat to be replaced. The County provides around $230,000 from the County General Fund for non-chemical support for salaries, vehicles and operating supplies. They also do some small, non-hydrilla plant control with these funds. For hydrilla control, they work as a contractor to the FWC and get their chemical and personnel costs reimbursed by FWC. Should the Water Authority seek the delegated responsibility for aquatic plant control for Lake County from the FWC the Water Authority would also assume the assessment of the need, mapping of vegetation, development of the work plan, planning for treatments including mobilization of the contractors, management of contractors and would also need to coordinate with the stakeholders such as boaters, anglers and duck hunters.

25 Even within the stakeholder groups there are conflicts. For example, the bass anglers like hydrilla and seek it out for their targeted species, where the crappie anglers desire open water with no hydrilla. Duck hunters like the topped out hydrilla because it attracts ducks. For boaters who may not be anglers, hydrilla is an impediment to navigation. Marinas and waterfront restaurants claim their business is negatively affected by hydrilla. Water Authority staff would have to field the complaints from the affected interests. The Water Authority would likely have to add staff and boats to accomplish the tasks described above unless an arrangement could be worked out with the Water Authority and Lake County for the County to be a contractor to the Water Authority in the same manner they are a contractor to the FWC. From a positive perspective, The County s Aquatic Plant Control program is viewed by the County as a way to show the public that they are responding to their constituents when a boat with Lake County markings is on the water addressing their complaints. Having both the Water Authority and Lake County names on the boats could achieve the mutual goals for both entities. Executive Director Recommendation: Provide direction to staff regarding the Water Authority s role in aquatic plant control in lake county.

26 Ron Hart, Water Resources Program Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: NuRF Evaluation Proposal Regular Agenda NuRF Evaluation Proposal Several meetings ago, Trustee Farner requested staff to work with Dr. Harper at Environmental Research & Design (ERD) to produce a proposal to reevaluate the operations at the Nutrient Reduction Facility (NuRF) and produce a series of recommendations that will improve operations at the facility. Dr. Harper was requested to perform the evaluation because his firm designed our facility and is responsible for most of the similar facilities throughout the country. Since Dr. Harper is a subconsultant under our Pegasus Engineering Contract, the LCWA can negotiate proposals utilizing our current Engineering Services Contract. Staff has attached the following proposal from Pegasus Engineering for the NuRF Evaluation. The proposal includes five major evaluations: Recommendations of improvements to the disposal area Recommendations to the dredged processing facility (centrifuge area) Modifications to the alum mixing area (aeration area) Alternatives to reduce dredge equipment failures Options to address inflow debris that accumulates on the inflow bollards and on the bottom of the ponds

27 To accomplish these tasks, Pegasus proposes a fee of $149, They will utilize Dr. Harper s services along with surveyors and geotechnical engineers. Options for the Board s consideration are: 1. Contract with Pegasus Engineering for the work as proposed. 2. Negotiate a smaller contract with a reduced scope of work. 3. Create a new Request for Proposals and solicit firms to submit qualifications. 4. Take no action and continue to operate the facility as currently designed. Option 1 would allow work to begin immediately. Option 2 would delay work by 2 to 3 weeks. Option 3 would delay work for at least 3 months and Option 4 would halt any professional review. Executive Director Recommendation: Accept Option 1. and authorize the Executive Director to execute a work order Pegasus Engineering for the work as proposed.

28 Jason Danaher, Water Resources Project Manager DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: NuRF Update and Approval of Additional Slope Repair Regular Agenda NuRF Update and Approval of Additional Slope Repair The following is a brief synopsis of critical equipment/infrastructure requiring immediate attention: Outfall Pond Gate Actuators The west pond gate actuator controlling flow out the pond has been repaired and has been reinstalled. The east pond gate actuator has been sent off for repairs. East Pond Culverts Stable Soils out of Ocala, FL has completed work on the east pond box culverts to prevent leaking through the culvert joints using a polymer-based grout. East Pond Bank Stabilization In the October 2018 board meeting the LCWA board members authorized an emergency declaration to fix the collapsed pond wall in east pond at an amount not to exceed $400,000. Dawson Excavating was contracted to repair the initial east pond embankment failure at an amount not to exceed $287,000. The company is based out of Leesburg and is in the process of driving I-beam to stabilize the embankment, remove collapsed material from the pond and bring in additional material to rebuild the pond embankment with better quality soils. Mobilization of material to the site is complete and pond repairs are 50% complete on the initially damaged slope. There have been delays due to wet weather and the holidays. As a result of the 7.5-inches of rain during the month of December an additional 100 linear feet of pond embankment on the south end of the east pond gave way. This is a critical berm for roadway traffic and handling rocking of water back and forth in Lake Apopka. Several options for repair were discussed and staff will proceed forward with additional I-beam installation and fill material to reconstruct the south embankment of east pond using Dawson Excavating services in amount not to exceed $89,500. This will bring the total contractual services to $376,500.

29 NuRF Pond Perimeter Road Repair Bid responses were received and will be presented in a separate agenda item. Alum Residual Sediment Removal Lake Jem farms began their contracted work of sediment removal from containment area to their property adjacent to the NuRF. At this moment they have removed approximately 100 loads of the 200 contracted loads. Bid responses were received for additional removal of material and will be presented in a separate agenda item. Dredging Dredging continues in the west pond and dredged material from the west pond is being sent to the centrifuge for processing. Staff has dredged 80% of material displaced from the east pond during its drawdown for gate repair. Temporary Staffing Temporary staffing used to operate the NuRF during extended hours have been brought back and used to help operate the facility. Staff has begun 24-hour operation, 5 days per week at the NuRF. Centrifuge Maintenance With longer than anticipated operation hours this past year at the NuRF the centrifuge has reached its hours for a major service, which includes recommended replacement of important mechanical seals and bearings. A bid was released and responses received. The responses will be presented in a separate agenda item. Executive Director s Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to approve additional east pond repairs of $89,500 and subsequently amend the contract with Dawson Excavating LLC in total amount not to exceed $376,500.

30 Ron Hart, Water Resources Program Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Denham Muck Farm Partnership with City of Leesburg Regular Agenda Denham Muck Farm Partnership with City of Leesburg Staff has negotiated a funding partnership for the Lake Denham Muck Farm with the City of Leesburg. The City s staff is recommending to their City Commission funding $500,000 toward the purchase of the farm in exchange for receiving credit from the Department of Environmental Protection for their portion of the load reduction (letter from FDEP attached). The City has asked for certain guarantees that ensure the property will not revert back to a pollutant source to Lake Denham and Lake Harris. To address this issue, staff has drafted a Real Property Acquisition Agreement between the Lake County Water Authority and the City of Leesburg that has been reviewed by Attorney Barice (attached). City staff has reviewed this document and is recommending approval to their City Commission. The Leesburg City Commission meeting is scheduled for January 14 th. Staff will update the Water Authority board on the results of the Leesburg City Commission meeting at the January 2019 Water Authority meeting. Executive Director Recommendation: For discussion purposes only. No action required.

31 Ron Hart, Water Resources Program Director DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Submit a Speed Limitation Permit to FWC for Waterside Point Regular Agenda Authorization to Submit a Speed Limitation Permit to FWC for Waterside Point The City of Groveland has requested the creation of a speed zone in a canal on the south side of Waterside Point. The residents of Waterside Point are experiencing erosion of the canal walls. Last month, the Mayor of Groveland and Commissioner Parks met with Ron Hart to discuss navigation in their southerly canal with the regulatory staff at FFWCC. FFWCC staff agreed to issue a permit for this speed zone. Groveland has sent a letter (attached) requesting the LCWA s assistance. The LCWA historically permits and maintains all waterway signs in Lake County. With the LCWA Board s permission, staff will draft an ordinance for Groveland s approval then permit and install the signs. Executive Director Recommendation: Authorize staff to draft an ordinance for Groveland s approval then permit and install the signs.

32 Ron Hart, Water Resources Program Manager LCWA DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Approval of new Site Resident at the M-5 Structure Consent Agenda Approval of new Site Resident at the M-5 Structure The Authority maintains annual leases with site residents living as caretakers at the water control structures. The current site resident for M-5 is Lake County Sherriff s Office (LCSO) Deputy Mark Day who owns the manufactured home at the site. Deputy Day has purchased a new home for his family and has found another Deputy who is interested in purchasing the manufactured home and becoming a site resident. The new resident s name is Joshua Faust. He has completed a site resident application (attached). Staff has talked to Deputy Faust to ensure he knows the expectations of the agency. A copy of the draft Lease agreement for M-5 is also attached Executive Director s Recommendation: Authorize the Executive Director to execute an M-5 site resident lease agreement with Deputy Hanks.

33 Jason Danaher, Water Resources Project Manager DATE: January 10, 2019 SUBJECT: Authorization to Contract with the University of Florida for Alum Residual Research Regular Agenda Authorization to Contract with the University of Florida for Alum Residual Research The NuRF has accumulated several acres worth of dewatered sediment over the past year and the containment area is filling up quicker than anticipated. The LCWA has looked at options to dispose of the material off-site and at the moment few businesses are willing to accept the material. Alternative uses for the material need to be investigated to determine its benefits in Lake County and provide off-site locations for disposal. The Board included $30,000 in its FY budget for a NuRF College Research Assistanceship. Staff has contacted the University of Florida (UF) horticulture department and asked if they were willing to evaluate the dewatered sediment for agricultural purposes. The sediment may have potential as a container substrate and for weed management at locally owned plant nurseries. By-products from industrial operations have been evaluated for similar purposes and in many cases plant growth has not been affected when the right quanity of by-product has been mixed with traditional substrates used to grow plants in containers. In addition, nursery owners spend a large portion of their operational budget on weed control using chemicals and manual labor. The dewatered sediment may act as a weed deterent, if top dressed on the container, and potentially save the farmer time and money managing weeds. Staff would like to fund UF for plant growth trials and weed management studies to determine the benefits of the dewatered sediment for agriculture purposes. The funds would support a Master s student assistantship to perform the trials along with materials and supplies. Staff has discussed the budget, timeline and payment details with UF research faculty to begin the work and money was allocated in the annual budget, under Other Contractual Services, to support the research efforts. Weather permitting, research trials could be completed by the end of the LCWA fiscal year and provide answers the LCWA would need to approach local plant nurseries to use the material at their facilities. Executive Director Recommendation: Authprize the Executive Director to enter into a contract with the University of Florida, as a restricted source, to support research trials using alum residual for agricultural purposes.