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r -AUG 25 1993 <br />BOOK 90 N�,Ur x332 <br />million dollars on a sludge treatment plant that is not getting <br />much use. He emphasized that the City is willing to accept <br />responsibility for spreading sludge. <br />Commissioner Macht asked whether the City tests the sludge on <br />a regular basis and if there is a way of verifying the numbers. , <br />City Manager Nason explained that the sludge is tested <br />quarterly and is rated high quality because there is not much <br />industrial waste generated in the city. The small amount of <br />industrial waste that is generated goes through a pre-treatment <br />process. <br />Commissioner Eggert understood there have been problems with <br />illegal dumping of both sludge and septage. <br />City Manager Nason indicated that the only sludge violations <br />occurred when sludge was dumped too close to a well on an approved <br />site. <br />Director Pinto contended that dumping too close to a well on <br />an approved site is as unacceptable as dumping on an unapproved <br />site. He argued that the sludge treatment plant is funded within <br />the County's utility rate structure and the County is not making <br />this offer to the City in order to generate revenue. He emphasized <br />that the City can take its sludge anywhere in the State of Florida <br />as long as it is taken outside the county. <br />City Manager Nason reported that the City has given the <br />consultant 90 days to review the City's options. <br />Mayor Smith pointed out that there are political implications <br />because 40 to 60 percent of the area served is outside the city <br />limits. In other words, 40 to 60 percent of the voters who elect <br />the BCC will be affected if the City is forced to raise utility <br />rates. <br />Chairman Bird asked whether it was too late for the City to <br />reconsider the decision to construct its own facility. He was <br />concerned that it might create an unnecessary burden on taxpayers <br />for the City and the County to have separate treatment facilities. <br />He also questioned the City's proposed location for the facility in <br />a high-density area and thought it might be preferable for the City <br />to participate in the County's facility. <br />Mayor Smith indicated that the City Council will choose the <br />least costly alternative. <br />Chairman Bird contended that other factors besides the cost <br />should be considered. <br />Commissioner Adams realized that sludge spreading has been <br />done for many years, but she was concerned about our fresh water <br />supplies. She felt the County should set an example by doing what <br />4 <br />