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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final November 19, 2019 Attachments: Staff Memorandum County Administrator Jason Brown stated that the City of Vero Beach (City) was looking at ways to move the Wastewater Treatment Plant away from the Indian River Lagoon. He added that City staff had reached out to County staff for an opportunity to work together on potential mechanisms that would allow the County to provide services. Administrator Brown said that the County and the City were exploring a potential partnership related mostly to the County providing wastewater treatment service for the City through a bulk wastewater agreement. He added that the City would maintain their existing collection system, and would continue billing their customers. He further explained there would be significant costs to run a pipeline from the City's current infrastructure to the County's Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and additional pipelines to transport the left over re -use water back to the City's re -use distribution system. He pointed out that it was agreed upon that the City would need to reimburse the County fully for the costs involved. He emphasized that the most important factor was that it did no harm to the County's rate payers. It was an opportunity to provide assistance to the City because it was better than them building a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Administrator Brown sought the Board's thoughts and direction if they would like to pursue potential water consolidation or water re -use services with the City. Commissioner Zorc sought and received information from staff on the bulk capacity of sewer available to extend to the City. Utility Services Director Vincent Burke replied that there was approximately 12 million gallons of total capacity at three regional plants. He added that there was capacity available on paper, but the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has certain restrictions when the capacity reaches 75%. Further discussion was had regarding bulk capacity charges. Commissioner Zorc suggested the County could propose a potential range of what bulk capacity charges would be and the City would be required to accept that rate. Commissioner Solari felt the proposed partnership seemed highly problematic and went onto detail the specific reasons why. He further commented that it was not in the best interest of the citizens of the County nor the County Utilities' staff to continue discussions about a bulk wastewater agreement until the following three (3) preliminary matters were agreed upon: 1) The City would pay for all the pipelines to and from the wastewater plant and pay for capacity (ERU'S) for the estimated 2.1 million gallons a day of wastewater; 2) The City would have to release all non -city residents and Indian River Shores residents who were presently the City customers; and, 3) The capacity charges would be based on the County's future capacity rate, which would be higher than the present rate. Commissioner O'Bryan sought clarification from Commissioner Solari on the ownership of the pipelines. Indian River County Florida rage a