8/6/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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been done, the sewer is not as pressing an issue. In our original design, the county areas north and south of Sebastian can be cut out and designed separately, and we can service them with sewer without worrying about inside the City of Sebastian. We are recommending, however, not selling any more capacity inside Sebastian. Commissioner Eggert noted that she did not want to read in the paper that we approved the elimination of Sebastian from these projects and have them thinking we just left the pipes there. She felt we should be very clear as to what we are approving. Commissioner Scurlock explained that there are basically two issues. When it comes to water, we don't have a plant or anything; so, this is one way of putting them on notice that we have to get on with our life - we are planning a system and since nothing is in the ground with water, we are going to proceed without you. In regard to the wastewater, he felt the door should be left somewhat open in case they should come in shortly and say we have abandoned our idea of doing this on our own. He personally doubted this will happen and emphasized that we just can't wait two years for them to make up their mind. Chairman Bird asked what the latest official word is from Sebastian, and Commissioner Scurlock believed they selected a firm to do a study and the City Council has indicated they wish to get in the utilities business, but they have not yet determined how they wish to proceed; they actually are still formulating their plan. Director Pinto advised that we have customers on both ends of Sebastian who have paid for service on our sewer system. In the water area we have some small utilities that we have some major concerns over their future operation. They were not in good shape when we took them over. We have hired a consultant to do a customer service study to see what size utility we have to build in that area, but we cannot do this with Sebastian sitting on the fence. He stressed that Sebastian has said specifically we don't want your service, and we have county customers who we have to service. Commissioner Scurlock further noted that from the environ- mental standpoint, if we hadn't gone ahead with our project, we would have 3 operations in the North County dumping their sewage directly into the river with no solution other than to continue and be fined; so, at least we were able to handle those. Discussion continued about the possibility of including Sebastian in the future, but Commissioner Scurlock explained that every time we expand service in our area that may affect their BOOK 60 FA rr i 49