HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/4/1984 (2)Wednesday, April 4, 1984 _
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River
County, Florida, met in Special Session at the County
Commission Chambers, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida,
on Wednesday, April 4, 1984, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. Present
were Don C. Scurlock, Jr., Chairman; Patrick B. Lyons, Vice
Chairman; Richard N. Bird; and William C. Wodtke, Jr.
Absent due to illness was Margaret C. Bowman. Also present
were Michael J. Wright, County Administrator; Gary
Brandenburg, Attorney to the Board of County Commissioners;
Terrance Pinto, Director of Utilities; and Virginia
Hargreaves, Deputy Clerk.
The.hour of 7:00 o'clock P.M. having passed, the Deputy
Clerk read the following Notice with Proof of Publication
attached, to -wit:
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 PAGE 616
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 PACE 617"
VERO BEACH PRESS -JOURNAL
Published Dally
Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
COUNTY OF INDIAN RIVER: STATE OF FLORIDA
Before the undersigned authority personally appeared J. J. Schumann, Jr. who on oath
says that he is Business Manager of the Vero Beach Press -Journal, a daily newspaper published
at Vero Beach in Indian River County, Florida: that the attached copy of advertisement, being
ao
in the matter of
in the
Court, was pub -
fished In said newspaper in the issues of 12h ICJ Or �i jn
Affiant further says that the said Vero Beach Press -journal is a newspaper published at
Vero Beach, in said Indian River County, Florida, and that the said newspaper has heretofore
been continuously published in said Indian River County, Florida, each daily and has been
entered as second class mail matter at the post office in Vero Beach, in said Indian River Coun-
ty, Florida, for a period of one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of
advertisement: and affiant further says that he has neither paid nor promised any person, firm
or corporation any discount, rebate. commission or refund for the purpose of securing this
advertisement for publication in the said newspaper.
c ¢�
Sworn to and subscri d remis day of `� r � A.D. 19. a
( iness Manager}
(Clerk of the Circuit Court, 1 n River County, Florida)
(SEAL)
r�,n,.,,
2
NOTICE OF i WENT TO�CONSIDERN
COUNTY ORDINANCE
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County will conduct
a public hearing on April 4, 1984, at 7:00 P.M. in the Commission
Chambers at the County Administration Building, 1840 25th Street, Vero
Beach, Florida, to consider adoption of an ordinance entitled: `
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 24.31 THROUGH SECTION 24.67 OF THE CODE OF LAWS
AND ORDINANCES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR CONNECTIONS
WITH WATERWORKS SYSTEM; CONNECTIONS WITH SEWER REQUIRED; SEWER
CONNECTIONS REQUIRE COUNTY WATER; EXCEPTIONS TO CONNECTIONS; CONNECTIONS
MAY BE MADE BY COUNTY; RATES AND CHARGES; IMPACT FEE, EXPANSION POLICY;
EXTENSION OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES; OFF-SITE WATER DISTRIBUTION AND SEWAGE
COLLECTION SYSTEMS; EXISTING AGREEMENTS; UNIFORM EXTENSION POLICY; UNLAWFUL
CONNECTION; UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION; CONNECTING OLD PLUMBING; SANITARY
REQUIREMENTS; DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS; STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC
TANK; MAINTENANCE OF PLUMBING SYSTEM; PAYMENT OF FEES AND BILLS REQUIRED;
COLLECTION OF SEWER FEES WHERE OWNER HAS COUNTY WATER SUPPLY; FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN PLUMBING SYSTEM; NO SERVICE FREE; SEPARATE CONNECTIONS FOR EACH
SEPARATE UNIT; WATER/SEWER FEES CHARGEABLE TO PROPERTY OWNER — COUNTY MAY
BILL TENANT; BILLING CYCLE; WATER CHARGES ON NEW CONSTRUCTION;
DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT; WATER AND SEWER EQUIPMENT IN
EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF UTILITY DEPARTMENT; PERMIT REQUIRED TO DRAW WATER FROM
FIRE HYDRANTS; PROHIBITION AGAINST DAMAGING EQUIPMENT; REQUIRED INSTALLATION
OF BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES; POWER AND AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS;
DISCHARGE OF WATER IN SANITARY SEWERS; WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCIES; WELII AND
LAWN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS; PENALTIES; REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIbNS;
INCORPORATION IN CODE; SEVERABILITY; AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
CURRENT RATE STRUCTURE
WATER
Up to 2,000 gallons per month .............................. $9.00
For all usage over 2,000 gallons the charge per 1,000 is
equalto............................................................. 2.25
The minimum base rate charge per unit per month 9.00
SEWER
Residential I
All sewage rates are calculated upon the respective
water consumption per unit.
Up to 2,000 gallons per month ................................ 9:00
All usage over 2,000
gallons per month; charge per each 1,000 additional
gallons (up to 10,000 additional gallons
maximum). ............................... . ....................... 2.25
The minimum base rate charge per unit per
month is............................................................ 9.00
Commercial i
Including schools, public buildings, churches,
service stations, retail stores and all nomesidentiol
services........................................100 % of water bill.
PROPOSED RATE STRUCTURE
• WATER SERVICE
A. Mmrchly service charges:
(boss charges; no consumption allowance)
(1) Customer charge; imposed on each water
meter in service............................$1.821 meter
(2) Base facilities charge;
Imposed on each equivalent residential unit re-
served ........................................... 5.34 r E.R. U.
8. Consumption charge; imposed far each 1000.
gallons passing through mete ............... 1.99,1000 got.
C. Water production charge; wrier special agreement
with County only .................................. 1.7211000 -got.
SEWER
A. Monthly sewer charges
(base charges; no consumption allowance)
(1) Customer charge; imposed on each sewer
customer for each wow meter m
service........................................... r.84: mater
(2) Bose facilities charge; imposed an each
sewer customer fm each equivalent residential
uret in service .................................1.53, E.R.0
B. Consumption charge; imposed on each 1000 -
gallons of wafer passing through water muter. Resider.
not customers to be charged far first 12,000 gallons of
water cornumtpt,w anty ....................... 2.96,-1000 got.
Specific Service charges are also proposed to be changed. A copy of the entire ordi-
nance and rate schedule is available in the County Attorney's Office at 1840 25th
Street, Suite S-125, Verdi Beach, Florida.
If any person decides to appeal any decision mode on the above matters, he/she will
need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes, he/she may need to ensure
that a verbatim record.of the proceedings is made, which record includes the -testimony
in evidence on which the appeal is based,'
Mesh 16, 1984
Marsh 26, 1984
The Chairman called the meeting to order and proceeded _
to give a brief history of the County's utility involvement,
explaining that the rate study we were committed to has been
completed and we will receive a recommendation from Arthur
Young & Company tonight. The Chairman then introduced the
members of the Board and staff members to those present.
Commissioner Bird wished to add a bit about why we went
,,..�.. with Arthur Young and Company and why this study was done.
He noted that the County is fairly new in the utility
business, and although we felt the system was running
smoothly and that the rates were fairly well in line, we
wanted an independent analysis done by someone with the
expertise to make a recommendation as to what they felt was
a fair and equitable rate structure for all our customers
throughout the county and hopefully the new rate structure
will reflect this expertise.
Chairman Scurlock agreed that was an important point.
He emphasized that the reason we established the interim
rate in such haste was that FmHA, the agency which loaned us
the money to make the improvements to our system at 5%,
stated that we would be in default of our bond covenants if
we did not bring the rates up to where the system would
raise enough revenue to support itself. Realizing that we
are not experts in this field, we then hired a professional
consultant to review the rate structure. The Chairman then
asked Utilities Director Terry Pinto to make his presenta-
tion.
Utilities Director Pinto felt the Board has covered the
issues very well. He noted that the first day he started as
Utilities Director with Indian River County was the rate
hearing setting the interim rates just discussed. Mr. Pinto
continued that he appreciated the opportunity to be able to
have a consultant such as Arthur Young come in to do the
study. He felt it is important to note that we interviewed
3
A
APR 4 i9�4 BOOK 56 Pace 68
APR 4 1984 BOOK 5&1 PAGE M
three consultants before deciding on Arthur Young and the
only instruction given the consultant was that what we
wanted was the most equitable rate for each customer
throughout the county. The consultant, therefore, did not
focus on anyone in specific or any area in specific, and
every type of rate setting methodology throughout the
country was given consideration. Director Pinto noted that
the County does have some unique situations, however; i.e.,
we have 5,730 water customers and only 3,266 water meters
and 3,006 wastewater customers with 893 meters taking care
of those customers. These figures will become significant
in relation to consideration of the methodology of charging
people on a meter basis.
Chairman Scurlock informed those present that the
ordinance in the backup packet is not the one we will be
discussing; another one has been distributed, and we also
have a black book where water and sewer charges are broken
down by gallonage for the different areas.
George Raftelis of Arthur Young & Company came before
the Board to make the presentation. Mr. Raftelis wished to
impress on those present that a lot of time and effort has
been spent by both the consultants and staff in gathering
the data to come up with the most responsive rate structure.
Mr. Raftelis then reviewed the cost of service and rate
setting study (complete copy of which is on file in
Office of the Clerk), explaining that the whole purpose of
the study was to determine the cost of providing water and
wastewater services to customers served by County operations
and to calculate charges to recover the costs of those
services based upon appropriate rate setting considerations.
He noted that there are many factors that must be taken into
consideration to -arrive at an appropriate rate structure,
and they include: financial sufficiency
equity
impact of customer classes
4
M M M
APR 494
compliance with legal authorities
conservation
compliance with appropriate customer
contracts
understandability
simplicity in updating
avoidance of discriminatory rate
relationships -
implementation.
Mr. Raftelis explained how the water and sewer costs
are identified and broken down between operating costs and
capital costs, noting that capital costs are one time
construction costs while operating costs cover such recur-
ring expenses as cost of electricity, salaries, etc. The
next step is to allocate those costs to various charges to
recover them. Specific services have been identified, i.e.,
water service connection, sewer service connection, service
call, meter testing, fire protection, etc.; these costs
typically are equal to all customers, and charges are
recommended for providing just those services. After these
costs are removed, it then becomes necessary to recover the
rest through the monthly service charges. He went on to
explain that in sewer operations and water operations there
is a fixed portion and a variable portion. The fixed
portion is charged whether you use any water or not. The
second kind of costs are availability costs which recover
primarily capital costs - i.e., loan payments to FmHA - and
he noted that the utility has to pay that charge no matter
whether the customers use anything or not. The only
difference between,the availability costs and the account
costs that are recovered is in the way they are allocated to
customers. Account costs (costs for billing, collection,
meter reading, etc.) are allocated to each customer equally
no matter what size meter or single or multi family unit.
The capital costs do vary and what has been developed is a
concept of equivalent residential units, referred to as an
'ERU. An ERU represents what an average residential customer
is expected to use of water and sewer service. A single
5
BOOK 6 PAGE U2 O
F"-.. _.
APR 4 1984
BOOK 56 AGE602
residential unit would pay one ERU; larger complexes would
have their ERUs scaled. The larger you are the more fixed
capital cost you have to pay as a fixed charge through the
rates. The concept is the same for the water service charge
as for the sewer service charge.
Mr. Raftelis discussed the proposed water and
wastewater charges as set out on pages 4, 5 and 6:
6
M is
r
Proposed Water and Wastewater Charges
Water
r
Minimum Charge (Includes No Consumption)
ERU Charge.... ..........$5.34/ERU
Customer Charge..........................1.84/Meter
Volume Charge.................................1.99/1,000 gallons
_ Water Production Charge.......................1.72/1,000 gallons
Sewer
Minimum Charge (Includes No Consumption)
ERU Charge...............................1.53/ERU
Customer -Charge .. .......................1.84/Meter
Volume Charge.................................2.86/1,000 gallons
7
APR 4 1984
BOOK '56 FADE 622
SPECIFIC SERVICE CHARGES
Water Service Connection
5/8" deter..•
...................$345.00
1-" Meter............402.00
1 1/2" Meter ... ...........................706.00
Larger than 1 1/2" Meter ............ ......Cost
Plus
Overhead
Sewer Service Connection
Residential Unit. .......................
$440.00
�-
Commercial and Other.....................Cost
Plus
Overhead
j
Meter Installation
5/8" Meter...............................115.00
1" Meter.... .................. ....170.00
1 1/2" Meter .. ............................440.00
211 Meter. .. - - .. o .......................
550.00
3" Meters and above....................Cost
Plus
Overhead
Fire Hydrant Meter ......................15.00
Reconnect (Turn -on Fee)
During Working Hours ......................12.00
After Working Hours .......................21.00
Meter Reread and Leak Inspection...............12.00
t.
Delinquency Charge (Late Payment Processing) ...
.1.50 Plus 1 1/2p
General Service Calls .........................Cost
Plus
Overhead
4
7
APR 4 1984
BOOK '56 FADE 622
RPR 4 4 BOOK 56 wE623
Meter Calibration (`deter Testing)
5/8" Meter................................15.00
1" Neter................................15.00
1 1/2" Meter...............................Cost Plus Overhead
Damage Repair (Repair Water & Sewer Break).... 100.00 Plus Cost
Engineering Services
Site Plan Review
Under 40 units without a liftstation.... 50.00 Minimum
Over 40 units or a development with
liftstation .........................150.00 Minimum
Inspection Fee
Residential or Commercial
Water..................................20-OO/Per ERU
Sewer..................................20.00/Per ERU
Hydrant Flow Calibration ...............50.00/Test
Annual Fire Protection Charge
2" Meter..................................24.00
3" Meter..................................49.50
4" Meter ......................... .......75.00
6" Meter or Fire Hydrant.................150.00
8" Meter.................................240.00
Impact Fee
Water ....................................380.00/ERU
Sewer....................................540.00/ERU
Other
Deposits
Residential or Commercial .
Water ...................................40.00/Per ERU
Sewer...................................40.00/Per ERU
Hydrant Meter............................300.00
Charge for Returned Checks .....................10-OO/Per Check
Issuing a Duplicate Bill ........................1.00
Water Tapping Charge
3/4" Line................................186.50
1" Line............ ..................186.50
1.1/2" Line.................................205.00
2" Line and Over.......................Cost Plus Overhead
5
8
Sewer Tapping Charge
4" Line..................................Cost Plus Overhead
Above 4".... ...........................Cost Plus Overhead
Replace Meter
5/8" Meter................................85.00
1" Line................................110.00
1 1/2" Line................................265.00
2" Line and Over.... ............ ....Cost Plus Overhead
Removal of Meter
5/8" Meter................................25.00
1" Meter - ..................25.00
1 1/2" Meter................................35.00
Paved Road Cuts .......................... ...175.00 Minimum
(Cost Plus Overhead)
Road Jacking and Boaring ......................Cost Plus Overhead
Installation of Water and/or Sewer ............ Cost Plus Overhead
Grass Restoration.............................Cost Plus Overhead
Fire Hydrant Meter Installation ................15.00
Unauthorized Use of Fire Hydrants.............100.00
Unspecified Services ..........................Cost Plus Overhead
Franchise
Application Fee .................... .. .44.00 Minimum*
Established Franchise ..................... 956.00 Minimum*
Franchise Name Change ....................100.00 Minimum*
Franchise Territory Change...............100.00 Minimum*
Change of Ownership
49 Units or Less ......................100.00 Minimum*
50 Units or More ......................250.00 Minimum*
Rate Hearing
40 Units or Less ......................250.00 Minimum*
50 Units or More ......................500.00 Minimum*
Public Hearing.. .......................100.00 Minimum*
*Expenses incurred in excess of the minimum will be billed at
cost plus overhead.
C -j
APP 4 1984
9
BOOK 6 FACE694
Fr -
APR 4 1984
BOOK 56 PAGE 6095 .
Mr. Raftelis noted that the impact fee is a one time
charge to new customers, which they would pay as they hook
on to the system to pay for the capital costs associated
with building of the water and sewer facilities. He then
reviewed how a single family home owner would calculate his
monthly service charge and also discussed Page 8 showing
what the proposed increase would amount to for various
gallonages. Pages 7 and 8 are as follows:
EXAMPLE OF CALCULATING THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE
Assume: Single family home owner with water and sewer service
and 5,000 gallons of monthly usage.
Water Charge:
$1.84 (Customer Charge) +
$5.34 (ERU Charge) +
5 x $1.99 (Volume Charge) _ $17.13
Sewer Charge:
$1.84 (Customer Charge) +
$1.53 (ERU Charge) +
5 x $2.86 (Volume Charge) _
TOTAL CHARGE
10
$17.67
$34.80
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PROPOSED CHARGES ON WATER AND SEWER CUSTOMERS
MONTHLY WATER AND SEWER SERVICE CHARGES COMBINED
Multi -Family Residential
4 Units
- 0 gallons 72.00 31.14 (40.86)
I - 20,000 gallons 153.00 128.14 (24.86)
14 Units
- 0 gallons 252.00 99.84 (152.16)
- 403,000 gallons 306.00 293.84 (12.16)
- 60,000 gallons 396.00 390.84 (5.16)
8
Utilities Director Pinto informed the Board that there
is a slight error in both the advertisement and our proposed
ordinance, where the customer charge for each water meter in
service is shown as $1.82. This should have been $1.84, the
same as shown under the sewer charges.
Attorney Brandenburg stated that could be corrected.
Mr. Raftelis stressed that it is important to look at
the rate structure on an annual basis even though it may not
be necessary to change it annually. They are hopeful that
increased usage will have a beneficial effect on some
portion of the charge; however, capital changes do take
place, and you must recover those costs.
Director Pinto wished to emphasize the fact that sewer
will not be billed_on residential metered water consumption
above 12,000 gallons,
11
BOOK56 PAGE 626
Current
Proposed
Charge
Consumption
Charge
Amount
Increase
Single -Family Residential
0
$ 18.00
$ 10.53
$ (7.47)
2000
18.00
20.23
2.23
6000
36.00
39.63
3.63
8000
45.00
49.33
4.33
12000
63.00
68.73
5.73
Multi -Family Residential
4 Units
- 0 gallons 72.00 31.14 (40.86)
I - 20,000 gallons 153.00 128.14 (24.86)
14 Units
- 0 gallons 252.00 99.84 (152.16)
- 403,000 gallons 306.00 293.84 (12.16)
- 60,000 gallons 396.00 390.84 (5.16)
8
Utilities Director Pinto informed the Board that there
is a slight error in both the advertisement and our proposed
ordinance, where the customer charge for each water meter in
service is shown as $1.82. This should have been $1.84, the
same as shown under the sewer charges.
Attorney Brandenburg stated that could be corrected.
Mr. Raftelis stressed that it is important to look at
the rate structure on an annual basis even though it may not
be necessary to change it annually. They are hopeful that
increased usage will have a beneficial effect on some
portion of the charge; however, capital changes do take
place, and you must recover those costs.
Director Pinto wished to emphasize the fact that sewer
will not be billed_on residential metered water consumption
above 12,000 gallons,
11
BOOK56 PAGE 626
AW 4 1984 BOOK 56 PAGE 627
Mr. Raftelis explained the reason for this cap is to
deal with the argument that if you water your lawn a lot or
wash your car, etc., that water is not being returned to the
sewer and, therefore, you should not have to pay a sewer
charge on that excess water. Their studies show that if you
use over 12,000 gallons per month, chances are that
additional water is not being returned to the sewer.
Commissioner Wodtke wished to know if the same 12,000
gallon cap applies to multi -family, and Mr. Raftelis stated
that it would on a per unit basis (ERU).
Chairman Scurlock noted that the question about water
used on the lawn and not returned to the sewer has been
brought up quite frequently, but because of the difficulty
of finding an accurate way to meter sewage, water tradi-
tionally is used as the basis for charging for sewer.
Mr. Raftelis emphasized that you will never find a rate
system that creates perfect equity because this would
necessitate having a unique charge for every customer on the
system. Therefore, it is important to look at all issues
in trying to set the charge, and the irrigation issue is an
example of trying to reach equity.
Director Pinto noted that this cap does not apply to
commercial accounts.
Commissioner Lyons reemphasized to those present that
what we are trying to do is to recover our costs without
being a burden on the ad valorem taxpayer and, at the same
time, we are trying to come as near as possible to break
even so we do not run an operation that is generating money
to go into the tax fund.
Chairman Scurlock also stressed that we know the rate
we have to have to support the operation, but the main
question to be resolved is how to allocate the cost and do
it equitably.
12
The Chairman opened the hearing to the public and asked
if anyone present wished to be heard.
Doyle Vernon of 2324 SW 1st Pl., pointed out that it
has been stated that there is no accurate way to measure
sewage, but the cap has been set at 12,000 gallons. He did
not believe the majority will be using 12,000 gallons of
sewage when they are only using an average of 6,000 gallons
of water. He further did not believe the same cap is
equitable for multi -family such as Vista Royale, and wished
to know why the cap couldn't be set lower to be more
equitable. Mr. Vernon realized it is hard to provide an
ideal rate structure for everyone, but felt there could be
some improvement.
Mr. Raftelis informed Mr. Vernon that before.
establishing a cap, they conducted studies in various
counties in Florida similar to Indian River County where
they looked at residential consumption during the
non -irrigation months, based on the assumption that all
water returns to the sewer during those months. They started
with a cap of 6,000 gallons and moved up in increments of
1,000 to determine how much consumption would fall below
those figures. What they found was that approximately 95%
of consumption fell below the 15,000 gallon level, i.e., if
the cap was set at 15,000, you would be charging for 95% of
the water returned for the sewer. It was felt that was a
little high for the Indian River County area; so, they
bumped it down 3,000 gallons, and they have concluded that
by setting the cap at 12,000 gallons', we are picking up
anywhere from 95 to 98% of the water returned to the sewer.
Mr. Vernon brought up the example of a home owner on a
fixed income who will only use 3,000 or 4,000 gallons a
month; they are having to pay for sewer also when in reality
they are not using that much because they are watering
13
� APR 41984
BOOK 56 PAGE 6620
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56"PAGE��
lawns, etc. He noted our older citizens on fixed incomes
cannot afford this and asked if this had been taken into
consideration.
Mr. Raftelis pointed out that the problem you would get
into if the cap were lowered to 5,000 or 6,000 gallons is
that there would be a large percentage of water returned to
the sewer that would not be charged for.
Chairman Scurlock stressed that this would result in
the base charge having to increase, and Mr. Pinto agreed,
noting that then the lower income person would be carrying
the burden and the person with a little better position who
uses a whole lot more water would get off scot free.
Chairman Scurlock emphasized that conservation also is
an important factor, and serious consideration was given to
an inverted rate structure which highly penalizes excessive
uses of water.
Commissioner Lyons believed the sewer cap for the City
of Vero Beach is the same, and staff confirmed that it was.
Mr. Vernon stated that he felt that the County
Commission has fallen down on the job. They let the
developer of Ixora Park, Melvin Tanen, get away scot free.
He got a rate increase and didn't do a thing to improve the
system; the DER found him in default, but he has never been
fined. All Mr. Tanen did was get rid of a lemon by dumping
it on the County Commission, and now the Commission is
coming back and charging the same old taxpayer again. Mr.
Vernon wished to know just how long the County can keep
making these mistakes and keep coming back to the citizens.
Chairman Scurlock felt it is tremendously interesting
that some of the greatest debate we get is in the area where
we have to spend the most money and make major improvements
to bail them out. He did not feel the Commission is to
blame; in fact, quite the opposite. The Chairman emphasized
that we pursued every legal recourse we had available
14
against franchise holders such as Tanen and Salter, and we _
have pursued an aggressive policy to put stringent
provisions in the new franchises to prevent the franchise
holder from letting these systems get into such diffi-
culties. Further, when it comes to paying, we do not go to
the taxpayer. This utility system is set up as an
enterprise fund and is supported by the rate structure; the
expenses are the expenses of trying to run an efficient
operation to pay the electric bill - the improvements -
the mortgage, etc. The County is not in the business to
make a profit, or even get a fair rate of return on equity -
we just want to see that those who use the service pay for
it and not the taxpayer. A certain dollar package must be
collected, and he believed the only possible disagreement
that can come is in arguing that you can charge this group
of people a little more or you could reduce the sewer cap to
6,000 gallons and raise the base charge, etc. That is why we
hired a professional to tell us the best way to do it.
The Chairman pointed out that one definite benefit the
people have now is that they finally have the reliability of
the County operating the system. He did not believe that
anyone down there can say they have not seen improvement and
that it is not improving daily.
Mr. Vernon stated that although the water is better, it
is still poor, but he realized that this will continue until
the County can put in the new lines. Mr. Vernon pointed out
that they have had a fourfold increase over the last few
years and wished to know how long it will be before they get
another increase after this. He wished to know what the
County has in the planning stages.
Chairman Scurlock informed him of the County's plan to
extend lines out Route 60 and explained how monies were
collected from developers to accomplish this improvement.
15
BOOK - 56 PAGE 630
APR 4 1994 BOOK 56 ?AcE631
He emphasized, however, that he could not sit here and tell
Mr. Vernon that he will never have another increase.
Commissioner Bird felt that our philosophy and rate
structure both demonstrate that we are not asking the
present customer to subsidize future expansion, and
Administrator Wright emphasized that neither are we asking
them to subsidize problems that we have. Ixora Park will
cost us $2600 per unit just to bring them up and that is
before we lay the water lines. That is the philosophy of
the countywide rate system - everybody supports the problem
areas. This year it is Ixora Park, next year it may
Treasure Coast or Rockridge, etc.
Commissioner Lyons confirmed the Board's feeling that
expansion should be financed on its own and not impact
existing customers.
Mr. Vernon believed if the Commission is looking
forward in regard to expansion, they are on the right track.
He felt in the past, they did not look very far ahead. He
continued that he hoped the County would force those in
Ixora Park who have not moved their fences off the easements
to do so. so that the new lines can be put in and the people
can have the quality water for which they are paying.
Virginia Bridwell of 125 20th Ave. S.W., informed the
Board that people in Ixora Park are getting paranoid about
their increasing expenses. They have been forced to move
their fences, and, in fact, she just paid $300 to have her
fence moved even though she had obtained a permit to have it
erected originally and no one told her it was in the wrong
place. She wished to.know just how much more expense she
- could expect..
Chairman Scurlock inquired about her average monthly
gallonage, and Ms. Bridwell stated that it would be minimum.
She was informed that, based on using 2,000 gallons, she
would have a $2.23 increase.
16
Ms. Bridwell wished to know how often this rate is
going to increase.
Chairman Scurlock noted the recommendation is that we
look at the rate structure and analyze it annually to
determine if revenues are sufficient to meet expenses. He
believed with the proposed rate increase, there will be a
stabilizing effect with the new development that is coming
on line, but emphasized that he cannot do more than guess.
Whatever it costs to produce the water must be generated by
the customers.
Ms. Bridwell continued that she works for families on
the beach, whose water bills are very low even though they
use a tremendous amount of water to water their lawns.
Chairman Scurlock stated that, from his experience with
a sprinkler system firm, he knew that some people on the
beach pay very large irrigation bills.
Ms. Bridwell was not convinced and believed there are
a lot of things that should have been taken care of before
they got in this situation. She felt someone or some
department fell down on the job.
Chairman Scurlock pointed out that there was no utility
department until two years ago. We were not in a position
to address these things back then, and the public did not
want a County system at that time. He stressed that you
cannot compare City rates with County rates. They built
their plants 15 years ago and are working on 1958 capital.
If you bought a 1958 Chevy or a 1984 Chevy, there would be a
great price differential, and the same holds true for
utility systems..
Ms. Bridwell stated that she cannot even afford to
water her lawn and wished to know how much more it will cost
her when the County digs up the easements and puts in the
new lines.
17
BOOK S6 PACE 632
_x
APR 41984'
BOOK 56 "PAGE 6.33
The Administrator assured her that she did not have to
pay for that, and Attorney Brandenburg stated that what Ms.
Bridwell is responsible for is moving her fence from where
it shouldn't have been in the first place.
Thomas Imperato of Tropic Villas North referred to the
computer printout that had been handed out and stated that
he was confused between the printout and Page 8 of the
report which shows that Multi -Family Residential using
20,000 gallons would have a decrease of $24.86.
Discussion followed and it was determined that the
charges set out on Page 8 for 20,000 gallons under
Multi -Family Residential are incorrect; the remaining
figures are correct. The rates shown in the printout are
correct, and for Tropic Villas Multi -Family using 20,000
gallons, there would be a total increase of $2.14. It was
further explained that this increase is for the whole
building so that Mr. Imperato's share would only be a
fourth, or about 54�. It was also explained to Mr. Imperato
that the computer printout he was referring to applied only
to his particular group of condominiums.
Director Pinto commented that the single family units
have a slightly higher increase because they are faced with
a meter charge for each unit whereas Mr. Imperato's building
has four units on one meter.
Mr. Vernon commented that with most utilities you don't
have to pay for a general service call unless it results
from something that is your fault.
Mr. Pinto agreed, and stated that if the call is
because of a problem that was caused by the Utility
Department and not the customer's fault, they would not be
charged for it.
Robert Krieger, 2344 1st Pl. S.W., stated that
naturally no one likes price increases, but in the last
three months he has disconnected his water conditioner and
18
r o �
he is getting good water. He is happy with that, but felt
for only two people $40.00 is a lot.
In discussion, it was confirmed that for 6,000 gallons
water and sewer charges would amount to about $36.00.
Director Pinto believed the important thing is that he
is getting good water and felt a point that hasn't been
brought out is that the rate Mr. Tanen was requesting to get
his system back to what it should have been was higher than
the present rate, and even if that rate had been granted,
the people wouldn't have the quality water they have today.
He further noted that by not using the water softener, Mr.
Krieger's water consumption should drop some.
Mr. Imperato brought up the charge of $12.00 to reread
a meter, and wished to know what happens if they have a
meter read and the County reads it incorrectly.
Chairman Scurlock assured him that if it is our fault,
the customers won't be charged for it.
Albert Cozzolino of 2523 2nd P1. S.W., asked if the
meters have ever been checked. They have been there 22
years or more.
Administrator Wright informed him that it is to the
customer's benefit to have an old meter because the older a
meter gets, it either goes slower or stops; it doesn't go
faster. Mr. Pinto confirmed that was correct.
Mr. Cozzolino wished to know why water is cheaper in
inland areas such as Lakeland.
Administrator Wright explained that the cost of water
production is cheaper because the quality of the water
inland is much better than the quality of the water on the
coast. Tallahassee, for instance, doesn't even own a water
plant. Director Pinto confirmed that in Ocala all they had
to do was pump the water out of the ground, chlorinate it,
and deliver it.
19
APR 4 1984
Boa 56 P'A'LE 6:34
APR 4 1984
BOOK 56 PAGE6,35;
The Chairman determined that no one further wished to
be heard.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED
by Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously
(4-0) closed the public hearing.
The Chairman announced that Attorney Brandenburg has
two changes to make in the wording of the proposed
ordinance.
Attorney Brandenburg referred to Page 6, under Rates &
Charges, Section 7, A. Base Facilities Charge, and stated
that he wished to add some language in the middle of that
paragraph, as follows: " For developments which have entered
into an agreement with the County for the constructing of
the necessary lines to connect the project to the County
system, the fee shall commence upon certification by the
appropriate governmental authority that the line is ready
for use. For all other reservations, the fees shall com-
mence at the time of reservation." In other words, a person
reserving capacity would pay the base facilities charge
unless he entered into an agreement with the County for the
construction of a line to get out to his area, and the
reason for this is to encourage individuals to come to the
county as the developers have done on S.R. 60. Second, if
he is reserving capacity, then it will be his responsibility
to connect to the county system.
Commissioner Bird asked if we are really justified in
collecting the base facilities charge before we actually
- have a line available.
In the following discussion, it was noted that all
those who have made reservations are well aware that this
policy is retroactive to all who have made reservations;
also, they can cancel their reservations if they so desire.
20
Attorney Brandenburg made the point that you want to _
have your plant available for people who need it immediately
and who are not hoarding it for speculating. If they want
to hold a reservation, they have to pay for it.
Attorney Brandenburg reported that his other change is
in Section 37 Wells and Lawn Sprinkler Systems. Under this,
he wished to change C. to read "All sprinkler systems shall
be inspected and approved by the County Building Department
before initial operation," and add a Paragraph D. "All wells
shall be inspected by the County Health Department upon
payment of such a fee as established by the Board of County
Commissioners." He further noted that we want to include
language specifying that wells shall be installed in
accordance with the Florida Safe Water Drinking Act and the
DER, and the DHRS, or St. John's River Water Management
regulations."
Commissioner Wodtke asked if this is all wells used for
sprinkler systems - what about wells in agricultural areas?
Director Pinto stated that the Utility Department's
concern is only that when the well is drilled and there is
an irrigation system that there is no cross connection with
the potable water system.
Chairman Scurlock asked why we can't put in the
ordinance that it is prohibitive to connect to the system
without a.backflow preventer device.
Director Pinto noted that this ordinance refers to a
Resolution that will set those type of standards. There are
specific state requirements for backflow prevention. We
just want to assure as far as utilities go there is no cross
connection.
Attorney Brandenburg recommended that we qualify his
proposed language as "all residential sprinkler systems will
be inspected.,..." and change Paragraph D to "all potable
water wells will be inspected......"
-.-. APR 41984
21
BOOK 56 PAGE 6.36
r
RPR 41984
BOOK 56 ?AGE63T
Commissioner Wodtke brought up indirect cost allocation
and noted the report states this will be based on the
County's indirect cost allocation plan which is currently
being finalized. He asked if staff is saying their figure
is not the final figure for the indirect cost.
Mr. Raftelis stated that they used the budget figure of
approximately $100,000.
Commissioner Wodtke asked if Mr. Raftelis felt that
figure was a reasonable one. He just wanted to be sure we
are not overloading this enterprise account with general and
overhead expenses.
Mr. Raftelis assured him that they did review these
figures and felt they were very reasonable.
Commissioner Wodtke next raised a question about the
$110,000 for contractual services under General Adminis-
trative costs, and asked if there are going to be continuing
ongoing contractural services from year to year.
Administrator Wright stated that this was a budget item
and this year it will be higher because we will be doing the
water and sewer master planning. He believed these services
will continue and it is hard to determine what they will be.
Commissioner Wodtke continued to discuss the amount for
contractural services, and Administrator Wright pointed out
that these amounts will be reviewed in three months at
budget sessions.
Commissioner Wodtke wished to know what the change is
A
w. _�.... , ...4.,., in the mandatory connection on water and sewer.
Attorney Brandenburg stated that the only change is
that we have included language which provides that, in the
event an individual is creating some kind of health hazard,
we can require them to hook up to a private franchise
utility as well as a county utility system.
Commissioner Wodtke next asked what the monthly bill
would be for someone who has purchased multi -family water
22
and sewer taps on 6th Avenue, and it was explained that
multiple as well as single family is all based on ERU, and
there would be a base facility charge of $1.53 for
wastewater and $5.34 for water per ERU.
Commissioner Wodtke continued to discuss base facility
charges and how the City bases their charge to us for
treatment of wastewater. He felt the point is that we are
,.riot operating a sewer plant.
Administrator Wright pointed out that we are a collec-
tion system, and. Chairman Scurlock did not see why the
existing rate payer should pay the freight for someone
reserving capacity. He noted that the rate payer benefits
by having the base facility charge, and his commitment is
much more to the guy who is here than the one who is going
to be.
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED
by Commissioner Wodtke, to adopt Ordinance 84-18
amending Sec. 24-31 through Sec. 24-67 of the Code
of Laws and Ordinances of Indian River County, re
connections to the waterworks system; sewer connec-
tions, etc., with wording changes in Sections 7 and
37 as recommended by Attorney Brandenburg; the Ordi-
nance to be effective May 1st or upon notice of
receipt from the Secretary of State, whichever is
later.
Director Pinto announced that the customer charge will
be left as advertised - $1.82 for water and $1.84 for sewer.
Commissioner Wodtke inquired about the increase on fire
hydrants, and Administrator Wright stated that there was no
problem on this with the fire department.
23
r: AIR 4 1984
BOOK 56 PAuE ����
APR 41994
BOOK 56 FADE 6.39 it
Engineer John Robbins asked about base facility charges
in relation to any excess of the Hospital's allocation and
whether there would be ERU associated.
Director Pinto noted that the Hospital is not our
customer, and it is not part of our rate structure.
Mr. Vernon raised a question about inspections of
existing wells, and Chairman Scurlock stated they are
grandfathered in.
THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION.
It was voted on and carried unanimously (4-0).
24
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 84-18
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 24-31
THROUGH SECTION 24-67 OF THE CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR
CONNECTIONS WITH WATERWORKS SYSTEM; CONNECTIONS WITH
SEWER REQUIRED; SEWER CONNECTIONS REQUIRE COUNTY WATER;
EXCEPTIONS TO CONNECTIONS; CONNECTIONS MAY BE MADE BY
COUNTY; DEFINITIONS; RATES AND CHARGES; IMPACT FEE,
EXPANSION POLICY; EXTENSION OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES;
OFF-SITE WATER DISTRIBUTION AND SEWAGE COLLECTION
SYSTEMS; EXISTING AGREEMENTS; UNIFORM EXTENSION POLICY
UNLAWFUL CONNECTION; UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION; CONNECTING
OLD PLUMBING; SANITARY REQUIREMENTS; DISPOSAL
REQUIREMENT; STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANK;
MAINTENANCE OF PLUMBING SYSTEM; PAYMENT OF FEES AND
BILLS REQUIRED; COLLECTION OF SEWER FEES WHERE OWNER HAS
COUNTY WATER SUPPLY; FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PLUMBING
SYSTEM; NO SERVICE FREE; SEPARATE CONNECTIONS FOR EACH
SEPARATE UNIT; WATER/SEWER FEES CHARGEABLE TO PROPERTY
OWNERS --COUNTY MAY BILL TENANT; BILLING CYCLE; WATER
CHARGES ON NEW CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTS; DISCONTINUANCE OF
SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT; WATER AND SEWER EQUIPMENT IN
EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF UTILITY DEPARTMENT; PERMIT REQUIRED
TO DRAW WATER FROM FIRE HYDRANTS; PROHIBITION AGAINST
DAMAGING EQUIPMENT; REQUIRED INSTALLATION OF BACK FLOW
PREVENTION DEVICES; POWER AND AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS;
DISCHARGE OF WATER IN SANITARY SEWERS; PROHIBITING
DISCHARGE OF SPECIFIED WASTE AND WATERS INTO THE COUNTY
SEWERAGE SYSTEM; WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCIES; WELL AND
LAWN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS; PENALTIES; REPEAL OF CONFLICTING
PROVISIONS ;INCORPORATION IN CODE; SEVERABILITY; AND
EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA that:
SECTION 1
CONNECTIONS WITH WATERWORKS SYSTEM
Where the same shall be available, the owner of every
lot or parcel of land within the unincorporated portion of Indian
River County, hereinafter referred to as "County", shall (except
as limited by Section 3) connect, or cause the plumbing of any
building, or buildings thereon to be connected, with the County
waterworks system of Indian River County, Florida, or franchised
private utility system upon the approval of the system managers,
and use such facilities within two (2) months following notifica-
tion to do so bye the Indian River County Utility Department. All
such connections shall be made in accordance with the rules and
regulations which shall be adopted from time to time by the Board
of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, which
rules and. regulations shall provide for a charge for making such
-1- BOOK 56 PAGE 640
APR 4-1984
y 4
56 G
BOOK PAGE 64
connections in such reasonable amount as such board may fix and
determine by resolution, or in the case of a private utility, the
rules and regulations adopted by the utility and approved by the
Board of County Commissioners.
SECTION 2
CONNECTIONS WITH SEWER REQUIRED
The owner of each lot or parcel of land within the
County upon which lot or parcel of land any building or trailer
used as a dwelling is now situated, or shall hereafter be
situated, for either residential, commercial or industrial use,
shall connect or cause such building or buildings or trailer or
trailers to be connected with the public sewer facilities of the
County sewer system of Indian River County, Florida, or franchised
private utility system upon approval of the systems managers, and
use such facilities within two (2) months following notification
to do so by the Utilities Department of Indian River County,
Florida. All such connections shall be made in accordance with
the rules and regulations which shall be adopted from time to time
by the Board of County.Commissioners of Indian River County,
Florida, which rules and regulations shall provide for a charge
for making any such connections in such reasonable amount as such
board may fix and determine by resolution or in the case of a
private utility the rules and regulations adopted by the utility
and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. No connection
or connections shall be required where said sewer system or line
is more than two hundred (200) feet from such lot or parcel of
land, unless such connection is necessary to prevent a health
hazard.
SECTION 3
SEWER CONNECTIONS REQUIRE COUNTY WATER
All connections to the County sewer system shall be
simultaneously connected to the County water system, unless the
water system is not available, as determined by the Utility
Department. No County sewer service shall be provided without
County water except as determined by the Utility Department, the
tripartite [agreement] between the City of Vero Beach, Vero Mall
M __2_ M
and Indian River County and the lands addressed thereon, or where
such service previously existed.
SECTION 4 '
EXCEPTIONS TO CONNECTIONS
This article shall not be construed to require or
entitle any person to cross the private property of another to
make any such sewer or water connection.
SECTION 5
CONNECTIONS MAY BE MADE BY COUNTY
If any such owner of any lot or parcel of land within
the County shall fail and refuse to connect with and use the
facilities of the sewer system of the County after notification by
the Utilities Division, as provided herein, then the Utilities
Division shall be authorized to make such connections, entering on
or upon any such lot or parcel of land for the --purpose of making
such connections. The base facilities charge of the County shall
apply beginning twenty (20) days after notification by the County
Utility Department to connect. The County shall thereupon be
entitled to recover the cost of making such connection, together
with accrued base facilities charges, interest and attorney's
fees, by suit in any court of competent jurisdiction.
In addition, and as an alternative means of collecting
such costs or making such connections, the County shall have a
lien on such lot or parcel of land for such cost, which lien shall
be of equal dignity with the lien of state and county and munici-
pal taxes. Such lien may be foreclosed by the County in the same
manner provided by the laws of Florida for the foreclosure of
mortgages upon real estate.
SECTION 6
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this ordinance, the following terms
shall have the meanings set forth thereafter.
(a) -Base Facilities Charge. The charge impo.sed by the
County for each equivalent residential unit which is not related
to actual usage of either water or sewer service but represents a
portion of the cost to the County of having the system available
-3
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 ; *E 6421
7. APR 4 1994
to serve that equivalent residential unit.
BOOK 56 PnE:643
(b) Equivalent Residential Unit.
(1) Each single family residence served by the
County through a single water meter and/or single sewer service
connection constitutes one equivalent residential unit. (See
chart below.)
(2) Each residential room or combination of rooms,
designed to be occupied on a permanent or long-term basis, and not
otherwise defined as a hotel or motel herein and each apartment
unit, condominium unit, multi -family unit or prepared mobile home
space that includes connection points for sewer and/or water
service and that is owner occupied, offered separately for rent as
a rental or lease unit, or vacant, will constitute one equivalent
residential unit. Multi -unit apartment condominiums, and similar
multi -unit residential structures or complexes -are defined to con-
sist of multiple equivalent residential units regardless'of
whether or not a single water or sewer connection serves the
entire complex. (See chart below.)
(c) Commercial, Industrial and Non-residential
Accounts. All other types of accounts not previously -defined as
an equivalent residential unit will, for the purposes of estab-
lishing the applicable rate structure, be considered to comprise
multiple equivalent residential units according to the following
chart and formula:
UNIT DESIGNATIONS
UNITS
1.
Single family home
1
2.
Private dwelling w/rented rooms or boarding house
1
each room available for rent over 3
1
3.
Hotel/motel - per living unit
.20
4.
Rental or condominium apartment
1
5.
Mobile living unit
1
-6.
Townhouse
1
7.
Single family home w/place of business, each place
1
of business other than restaurant
1
8.
School -per each 30 full time pupils & faculty
1
_
per each 60 part time pupils & faculty
1
(part time attendance less than 3.5 hours)
9.
Church
1
�4
10. Church w/banquet facilities
t
11. Clubs, societies, service organizations 1
w/dining facilities 3
12.
Service station -w/o repair or maintenance
1
contain both
w/repair or maintenance
2
through
w/car wash per 250GPD
1
13.
Take out restaurant w/o seating
3
,. 14.
Diner, tavern, restaurant -1 to 50 seating capacity
3
method of computation results in a
each additional 15 seats or segment thereof
1
15.
Laundromat or self service laundry per @ washer
1
16.
Soda fountain and/or luncheonette 1 to 25
ASR 4 1984
seating cap.
2
each additional 20 seats or segment thereof
1
17.
Supermarket 1 to 3 water fixtures
1
per water fixture thereafter .33 1/3
1
18.
Retail and general commercial business
1
per first 2500 sq. ft.
1
per each 5000 or part thereof
1
19.
Office building
1
for @ 3000 sq. ft. or part thereof
1
20.
Nursing home -per 20 bed capacity
1
for @ ' 10 staff or segment thereof
1
21.
Warehouse -per @ 5000 sq. ft. gross floor area or
_
part thereof
1
22.
Industrial & manufacturing plant w/o use of water
for processing per @ 3000 sq. ft. gross area or for
@ 5 employees whichever is greater
1
2.3.
Industrial & manufacturing plant using water for
processing and/or has discharge to wastewater
system shall be determined on an individual
basis. Minimum
3
24. Barber shop -hair dresser 1 to 3 sinks 1
each additional sink 1/3
25. Establishments requiring service for irrigation or
fire service will be handled on an individual
basis using 250GPD as a basis of calculating units.
In any case, where use exceeds 250GPD per unit, units
will be increased or flow will be restricted at the
discretion of the Utility.
26. In the event that a business or structure is described
in the schedule by general classification but the
particular nature of said business or structure would
result in an inequitable connection charge if the
schedule were used, the Utility in its discretion may
determine that a higher or lower number of units shall
be used. Multiple use of an individual structure or
group of structures shall be classified to include all
uses.
(d) Combination Accounts. Accounts that
contain both
residential and commercial facilities served
through
a common
meter may
be treated as either residential or
non-residential
whichever
method of computation results in a
larger
number of
-5-
Bou
56 PAGE 644
ASR 4 1984
r APIZ
4 1984
BOOK 56 PAGE*645
equivalent residential units.
(e) Hotel and Motel. Any building or groups of build-
ings containing sleeping room accommodations for guests and pro-
viding the services generally provided by a hotel or motel and
recognized as a hotel or motel in the community in which it is
situated or by the industry, and offering daily or weekly rates,
with a bath or connecting bath for every rental unit and occupied
only by transient guests. It is the intent of this section that
any such structure offering a residential or combination of rooms
for rent or lease for longer than a month at a time shall not be
considered a hotel or motel.
SECTION 7
RATES AND CHARGES
The rate schedule attached hereto as Appendix "A" is
hereby adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
A. Base Facilities Charge. This charge shall apply to
every connected equivalent residential unit and to each equivalent
residential unit reserved for future use in a development. For
facilities that have received a Certificate of Occupancy this
charge will apply until the facility is permanently disconnected
from the system. For developments which have entered into an
agreement with the County for the construction of the necessary
lines to connect the project to the County system, the fee shall
commence upon certification by appropriate governmental authori-
ties that the lines are ready for use. For all other reserva-
tions, the fee shall commence at the time of reservation. For
temporary disconnections, customers will pay the base facilities
charge for each month the facility is disconnected at the time of
reconnection. All individuals who have reserved capacity at the
date of enactment of this section shall be given the option of
commencing payment of the base facilities charge or to relinquish
the reservation and receive a refund of all funds collected by
County for the reservation. This election must be made within
thirty (30) days of notification by the County.
B. Water Production Charge. This charge represents the
cost associated with the production of water at the County water
=6- M
M
plant and shall apply to all customers who purchase water at the
water plant to be distributed by purchaser, as forth in
Appendix "A.
C. Volume Charge. A charge imposed that is directly
related to the volume of water consumed or sewage treated and
designed to recoup the cost associated with the operation of the
system that varies with consumption levels as set forth in
Appendix "A."
D. Customer Charge. This charge represents the costs
to the system associated with billing, collection, meter reading
and general customer services imposed on each meter installed, as
set forth in Appendix "A."
E. Deposits Required upon opening, Transferring,
Reconnecting; Refund Policy. The County shall require a deposit
as set forth in Appendix "A" for all water or --sewer accounts that
are opened, transferred to another name or upon reconnection to
the system. Upon discontinuance of service, and rendering of
final bill, the deposit shall be refunded; less any amount
remaining unpaid. In the event any customer service is shut off
for non-payment; prior to reconnection the customer will pay the
accrued base facilities charge plus, if in the discretion of the
Utility Director it is necessary to assure payment, a deposit
equal to twice the customer's average monthly bill in lieu of
following the schedule set forth hereafter. Accrued interest on
the County Deposit Fund shall be used to offset bad debts of the
system. Customers who have not been assessed late payment fees or
been shut off for non-payment for a period of thirty (30) months -
shall receive a refund of their deposit.
(1) Sewer Service: A deposit equal to the water
deposit. A sewer only customer will pay a deposit equal to two
(2) times the water deposit schedule.
F. Specific Service Char es
(1) Water Service Connection; To defray the cost of
and imposed when County constructs a water lateral from customer's
property to watermain in adjacent street, including meter
installation (normal residential customers only; others cost plus
-7-BOOK 5 PAGE - 46
ARR 4 1984
APR 4 1984 BOOR 56 PACE641
10%). See Appendix "A."
(2) Sewer Service Connection: To defray the cost of
and imposed when County constructs a sewer lateral from customer's
property to main in street (normal residential customers only).
See Appendix "A."
(3) Meter Installations only: Where an existing
available usable service lateral is presently installed, a charge
will be imposed as set forth in Appendix "A." The listed charges
do not include meter vault which will be supplied by developer.
G. Miscellaneous Service Charges
(1) Reconnect during normal working hours (8:30 AM -
4:00 PM): This charge is made upon initial service connect, or
for change from temporary to permanent service, a reconnect after
delinquency shut-off, or for transfer of service from one location
to another, where there was an existing account.. See Appendix
"A, n
nA.n
(2) Reconnect during off-duty hours: See Appendix
(3) Meter re -reads and leak inspection: This charge is
for special inspection at request of customers when there is no
interruption of service and the account remains in the same name.
If the re -read is a result of an error of the intial meter read-
ing, this charge will not be assessed to the customer. See
Appendix "A."
(4) Delinquency charge: County shall charge an addi-
tional $1.50 plus one and one-half percent (1-1/2%) interest
monthly on all outstanding balances if payment is not made in
total by each payment deadline date. The deadline date shall be
fifteen (15) days after the billing date.
(5.) General service calls: In all instances where
County is requested to respond to a service call to correct a
problem that was not caused by the County, the County shall charge
the responsible party for all direct labor, direct materials,
direct overhead, fringe benefit factor and the County's indirect
cost rate pursuant to a formula established by the County's
Utility Division.
(6) Meter calibration: Upon request of a customer, the
Utility Department shall test a water meter to determine if the
meter.is operating within established standards, (95 to 101.5 per
cent of true). If the meter has been tested within the last
twelve (12) months, there shall be a ten -dollar ($10.00)
non-refundable service charge if the meter is found to be
- operating accurately. If the meter is in error, i.e., outside the
range of ninety-five (95) to one hundred one and five -tenths
(101.5) per cent of true, then a billing adjustment will be made
for a period not to exceed the past six (6) months of actual
service. There shall be no charge for testing in the event the
water meter has not been tested within the last twelve (12) months
preceding the request. The service charge may be applied against
monies due in the event a meter, after testing, is found to be
inaccurate within the range established above.; --
(7) Damage repair: All damage caused by the failure of
a contractor or customer to properly locate and isolate water and
sewer facilities shall be repaired by the County and charged to
the responsible party under the provisions of paragraph "Ell;or in
the alternative, County may hire a contractor to perform the
repair work and charge the responsible party for the repairs. In
addition, the responsible party shall pay the County a fine of one
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each such instance.
(8) Line location -- same as general service calls.
(9) Engineering services: These fees will be assessed
to defray the cost of processing a developer's application for
14 subdivision construction, site plan, reviewing the plans and
inspecting the water and sewer facilities as constructed. See
Appendix "A."
Inspection fee: County shall charge according to the
table on Appendix "A" or time, materials and overhead whichever is
greater.
(10) Other miscellaneous charges --See Appendix "A".
H. Additional Costs for Complex Connections
The specific service charges listed in this section are
based on the average historical costs of such services. If in the
-9- BOOK 56 PACE -648
APR 4 1984
APR 4 1984BOOK. 56 PACE 649
event a particular service required by a customer is determined by
the Utility Division to have a cost which greatly exceeds the
"norm", then such cost of service shall be negotiated between the
County and the developer and reduced to a written instrument
approved by the customer and the Utility Director. See Appendix
"A.n
I. Annual Fire Protection Charges
These charges are established to defray the cost of pro-
viding extra capacity in the water system and maintaining water
and fire protection facilities for customers having sprinkler
systems, private fire lanes, etc.; they are designed to recover a
portion of the availability cost and customer cost. In addition,
this cost covers the additional capacity and expense associated
with line size and hydrants in the fire district.
,.
(1) Hydrants. The fire district wherein the water
system and hydrants are located shall be assessed the charge set
forth in Appendix "A" per hydrant annually. If hydrant is
accessible by private entity only, then that entity shall be
charged.
(2) Fire systems. Each facility with a fire protection
system shall be charged annually in accordance with the chart in
Appendix "A."
SECTION 8
IMPACT FEE, EXPANSION POLICY
This section establishes procedures to facilitate the
orderly expansion of the County water supply system and wastewater
treatment system and provides alternates for funding such expan-
sion by those specifically benefiting thereby, by imposing a user
charge which is reasonably calculated to offset a portion of the
capital cost of the anticipated new demand on the systems. The
remaining capital cost shall be recouped through the monthly
charges.
Indian River County has determined that certain neces-
sary improvements will have to be undertaken in order to provide a
water supply and wastewater treatment system to meet the needs of
a large influx of new residents, industrial and business
10-
establishments anticipated to occur in future years. In order to
finance these improvements, several combined methods of financing
will be necessary, one of which is an impact fee. -
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River
County, Florida has the authority under Florida Statutes §125.01
and.§163.3161 et seq., and supporting cases to establish a -user
charge hereinafter called an impact fee in order to offset the
cost of the necessary extension of the County's water and sewer
systems. The amount of these impact fees have been established on
the recommendation of the County's rate consultants and after wide
ranging input from concerned citizens at public hearings.
The Board of County Commissioners now finds and deter-
mines after an -examination of all methods of financing, that the
impact fee is a necessary integral part of financing the cost of
future water systems and wastewater treatment systems in the
County at this time, and that this fee should be reviewed on a
regular basis in order to ensure that it continues to reflect a
charge that is commensurate with the burden imposed on the system
by new development.
A. Impact Fee Imposed. There is hereby imposed an
impact fee according to the following schedule, based on the
equitable portion of the cost of financing the extension of the
County's sewer and water systems on each equivalent residential
unit responsible for creating the need for additional system
expansion. The obligation to pay the impact fee shall occur at
the earliest of the following dates:
When the capacity is reserved, when a water or sewer permit,
is granted, or when a building permit is issued.
Water service. . . . . . . . . . . See Appendix "A"
Sewer service. . . . . . . . . . . See Appendix "A"
B. If a building permit is issued for an existing non-
residential, commercial or industrial connection which will
increase water demand or sewer treatment demand or if a building
changes from residential to non-residential occupancy, the total
number of equivalent residential units for the old and new parts
of the facility will be computed according to the definition of
APR 4 1994
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BOOK 56 PAGE:650
BOOK- 5
APR 4 1984
C'
V'
i`
equivalent residential units and impact fees shall be assessed on
the difference.
C. Escalation of impact fees. The basis for the impact
fees imposed by this section has been structured by the County
with respect to two major but variable factors. First, the
present level of construction cost of water distribution, sewer
collection, water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant
facilities. Second, the theory of treatment facilities and their
relative degree of treatment system sophistication as prescribed
by the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services
and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation.
The foregoing schedule of impact fees shall auto-
matically escalate based upon increases in utility construction
index published in the Engineering News Record magazine (ENR) (if
ENR goes out of business, an equivalent index mill be used by the
County), entitled "twenty cities' construction cost index," using
as a base the published index for the quarter ending June 30,
1980. The County shall automatically adjust the impact fees set
forth herein semi-annually with the first such adjustment to be
not earlier than December 31, 1984. The automatic escalation
shall not exceed the percentage difference between said
construction.cost index for the base period as compared with the
period in review.
D. Escalation of plant capacity fee by County Board of
County Commissioners. Separate and apart from the automatic esca-
lation provisions set forth above, the Utility Department of the
County may file with the Commission a higher or lower impact fee
schedule, and in support of that schedule, detail the reasons
requiring such increased fees. Such reasons may include and be
related to increasing standards of service; inadequate or
incorrect estimates of the total anticipated fees versus the
actual investment levels required by the County for water or sewer
plant treatment facilities; actual experience with regard to
matters of service area density having a direct bearing upon
assessments received versus the cost of construction of the
facilities; matters of net investment bearing upon rates and
M
i
charges required of consumers and/or such other matters which may
reasonably bear upon the needs, necessities or consideration
requiring such change.
E. Use of proceeds. The proceeds accumulated by reason
of the establishment of the impact fees can be used only for
capital expenditures for the expansion of the County's water
system or wastewater treatment system. The funds may be used for
extending, oversizing, separating or constructing new additions to
the treatment plant or collection and interceptor systems of the
water and wastewater systems so as to meet the increased demand
which additional connections to the system create. Said proceeds
may not be used for improving, updating or bringing the present
system into compliance with any change in law or other events
which would otherwise require such improving, updating or bringing
the present system into compliance. -
F. Trust fund established. There are hereby estab-
lished two (2) trust -funds, one designated as (A) Impact Fee. Trust
Fund for the Expansion of the Indian River County Water System,
and the second one designated as (B) Impact Fee Trust Fund for the
Expansion of the Indian River County Sewerage System.
All impact fees paid to the County shall be
deposited in the appropriate trust fund to be held in separate
accounts and used only for the purposes of the expansion of the
respective County systems. Funds may be disbursed from these
accounts in a customary manner in accordance with appropriate law
with the added requirement that the disbursal of such funds shall
require approval of the County Administration and Utility
Director. Any funds on deposit in said trust funds which are not
immediately necessary for the expansion of the respective systems
may be invested in the manner provided by law for the investment
of surplus County funds. All interest earned on invested funds in
the respective trust funds shall bear the same restrictions on
expenditure as those funds which created the interest.
All of the preceding notwithstanding, none of such
funds deposited in the respective trust fund shall ever be
expended by Indian River County in a manner that is contrary to
•
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APR
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APR 4 M4 BOOK 56 PAGE 652
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 ` PAGE 653 `
those principles set forth in the case captioned; Contractors and
Builders Association of Pinellas County v City of Dunedin, 329
So.2d 314 (1976) as further interpreted from time to time by the
Supreme Court of the State of Florida and various appellate
courts.
G. Use of funds previously collected. The use of any
funds previously collected by the County under Ordinance No. 80-22
or 80-21 as plant capacity fees or contributions in aid of
construction are hereby restricted for use for the purpose for
which they were collected. In no event shall any of such funds
ever be used in a manner contrary to the principles set forth in
the case of Contractors and Builders Association of Pinellas
County v. City of Dunedin, 329 So.2d 314 (1976) as interpreted by
the Supreme Court of the State of Florida and appellate courts
from time to time. Under no circumstances shall any funds
collected under the terms of any previously adopted ordinance or
under the terms of this ordinance be expended for any purpose
other than extending, oversizing, separating, or constructing new
additions to the treatment plant or collection and interceptor
systems of the water and wastewater system so as to meet the
increased demand which additional connections to the system
create.
H. Time payment of impact fee upon showing of hardship.
The Board of County Commissioners may establish an alternate
method of payment for units presently in existence which have
received occupancy permits from the County.
Upon a showing of proper hardship to the
Commission, the Commission may allow in its sole discretion pay-
ment of the water and/or sewer impact fees in whole or in part
over a period of three (3) years at such interest rate to be
determined by the Board.
Upon the Commission's authorizing an alternate pay-
ment schedule for an applicant, a. lien for the amount due shall be
executed in recordable form reflecting the payment schedule and
filed in the public records of Indian River County, Florida. Upon
all payments being made in full, said lien shall be released of
M M i
record.
SECTION 9
EXTENSION OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES
A. Contributions in aid of construction. The County
requires the contribution in aid of construction through the
installation of water distribution and sewage collection facili-
ties by the developer with title to such facilities being trans-
ferred to the County when the installation has been completed.
The facilities are "on-site" and "off-site" as defined in this
article. The requirement for such contributions is for the
purpose of defraying the cost of the water distribution and sewage
collection systems and to partially defray the cost of the
hydraulic share of the systems.
B. On-site facilities. Each developer shall be respon-
sible for.the design, installation, inspection --and testing of the
complete water distribution and sewage collection systems located
in the street or streets adjoining or within the boundaries of the
developer's property.
The term "complete water distribution and sewage
collection systems," as used herein, shall include all component
parts of a water distribution system including valves, fittings,
laterals, hydrants and all appurtenances as shown upon the
approved design of such water distribution system and all the
components of the sewage collection system, including all collec-
tion lines, manholes, force mains, lift or pumping stations,
including the site for same, and all other appurtenances as shown
on the approved design for installation of such sewage collection
systems. The developer shall supply the County with two sets of
"as built" plans.
SECTION 10
OFF-SITE WATER DISTRIBUTION AND
SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEMS
A. The location, size or proposed densities of a
developer's property may make such service to the property depen-
dent upon the developer's extension of off-site water distribution
and sewage collection facilities. For the purpose of this
APR 4 i 4 —ls— BoaK `56 PacE.6 34
9�
APR
4 1984BOOK ' WPACE 655'
article, the term off-site shall defined as those mains, water
transmission lines, sewage collection lines, sewage force mains
and/or pumping stations necessary to connect to the developer's
property with facilities of the County adequate in size to trans-
mit to the developer's property an adequate quantity of water
under adequate pressure and/or transmit sewage collected on the
developer's property to the treatment plant or disposal site of
the County. It is the County's policy to expand its water and
sewerage system in an orderly, economical manner and in those
cases in which the County would not normally be expanding its
system to serve a developer's project at that time and such an
extension would require an extraordinary expenditure by the County
for transmission facilities and such expenditure does not fall
within the "norm" associated with the County's standard impact fee
then such developer shall be required to construct or pay the cost
of off-site facilities associated with his project. In this
event, the County shall negotiate an. agreement with the developer
requesting service setting forth the developer's responsibility
for off-site facilities and the County's responsibility for
requiring such facilities to be oversized to meet future demands.
B. Refundable advances. The County may require, in
addition to the contribution in aid of construction of off-site
facilities herein set forth, a refundable advance by the developer
to further temporarily defray the cost of any "off-site" extension
of water and/or sewer mains and pumping stations necessary to
connect the developer's property with the then terminus of the
County's water and sewer facilities. This provision recognizes
instances in which a developer may be required to advance funds to
construct off-site facilities sized in accordance with the
County's Master Plan. All amounts expended by the developer pur-
suant to such an agreement over and above the developer's
hydraulic share for off-site facilities shall be refunded to
developer in accordance with the terms and conditions of a
refunding agreement which the County will execute with the
developer. County may assume a portion of the material cost of
such projects when it deems it to be in the best interest of the
M
County utility system. The refund agreement shall provide for a
plan of refund based upon the connection of other properties, to
the extent of their hydraulic share, which properties will be
served by the "off-site" facilities installed by the developer.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the County will
limit the life of such refund agreement to a term of not more than
five (5) years, after which time any portion of the refund not
made to the developer by the terms and conditions of the refund
agreement will have lapsed and thereafter such refund agreement
shall be canceled. In no event shall the developer recoup an
amount greater than the difference between the capitalized cost of
such "off-site" improvements and the developer's own hydraulic
share of such improvements. The developer shall not be entitled
to any interest upon the refund of the developer's advance.
SECTION 11 _
-, EXISTING AGREEMENTS.
County recognizes that certain developer agreements have
been executed by the County.and developers in the past. Nothing
in this ordinance shall be construed to abrogate, obviate or avoid
the respective parties obligations in those agreements.
SECTION 12
UNIFORM EXTENSION POLICY
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River
County hereby declares its intent to adopt a uniform non-
discriminatory water and sewer service extension policy. Such
policy is hereby authorized to be adopted by resolution of the
Board of County Commissioners and provide for but not be limited
to the following subjects:
(a) Uniform policy for the extension of the County's
water system
(b) Uniform policy for the extension of the County's
wastewater system
(c) Criteria for determining the financial feasibility
for such extensions
(d) Apportionment of costs for off-site water .systems
(e) Apportionment of costs for off-site sewage
a
-17 BOOK 56 PAGE 656
APR 41994
I r I*Ilie
LI
collection systems
BOOK 56` PAGE 6577
(f) Contributions in aid of construction
(g) Refundable advances
SECTION 13
UNLAWFUL CONNECTION
No person shall be allowed to connect into any water
line or sewer line owned by the County without the written consent
of the County, and then the connection.with such line shall be
made -only under the direction and supervision of the Utility
Department. Any property owner, plumber or other individual who
shall make any connection without such consent of the County
shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties hereinafter
provided.
SECTION 14
UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION
No person, group of persons, firm or corporation shall
build or remodel or cause to be built or remodeled any structure
used for human habitation or occupancy on a property within the
County which is within two hundred (200) feet of a public sanitary
gravity sewer line or water main without connection to the gravity
lihe or water main. All construction shall adhere to latest
revision of "Construction specifications for water distribution
and sewage collection facilities by Vero Beach."
SECTION 15
CONNECTING OLD PLUMBING
Whenever it is desirable or required to connect old
plumbing with the County sewer main and/or water line, the owner
or plumber contemplating doing such work shall notify the County
Utility Department, who will inspect said old plumbing and notify
the owner or plumber what alterations will be necessary to place
said old plumbing in an acceptable condition for such connection.
Alterations shall be made within two (2) months of notification.
Any owner or plumber who shall make any connection without the
approval of the County Utility Department shall, upon conviction,
be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided.
® =18 M
SECTION 16
SANITARY REQUIREMENTS
Every residence and building in which human beings
reside, are employed.or congregated, shall be required to have a
sanitary method of disposing human excrement, gray water discharge
such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc.; namely, either a
sanitary water closet that is connected with the County or fran-
chised sewer, or an approved type of septic tank. A septic tank
will be used only if the property is more than two hundred (200)
feet from the gravity.sewer line.
SECTION 17
DISPOSAL REQUIREMENT
It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, firm or
corporation owning or leasing any premises in the County to permit
the disposal of any human excrement on any property, leased or
rented by any such person, firm or corporation, except in a sani-
tary water closet, where sewage lines are available as defined
above.
SECTION 18
STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANK
No septic tank other than those approved by the appro-
priate agencies shall be constructed or installed within the
County. No septic tank shall be constructed on a property within
two hundred (200) feet of a County gravity sewer line. Where
elevation, soil conditions and environmental -requirements permit,
septic tanks will be preferred for single-family homes provided
with public or franchised water. For lots with wells and septic
tanks, there shall be no more than four (4) units per acre with a
limitation that the number of units per acre allowed shall be
determined by current Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation and Health Department Rules and Regulations existing as
of the date application is made. Multifamily buldings and commer-
cial buildings shall not be permitted to have septic tanks which
have a higher equivalent than that allowed for residential
connections. The standard of connection for multifamily and
commercial buildings not exceeding the above residential equi-
valent shall be as provided by the Florida Department of
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R 4 84 BOOK '56 mu' 658
AP 19
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 PACE 65 ,
Environmental Regulation and Health Department Rules and
Regulations existing at the time of application.
SECTION 19
MAINTENANCE OF PLUMBING SYSTEM
The owner of the property shall be responsible for
maintaining and keeping clean the water and sewer pipes leading
and connecting from the plumbing system to the County distribution
lines and main sewers. This includes the meter boxes and
easements for access to them.
SECTION 20
PAYMENT OF FEES AND BILLS REQUIRED
Bills for monthly charges and fees should be submitted
and shall be payable on the fifteenth day from the date of the
bill. If any monthly bill remains unpaid on the sixteenth day of
the month for such service, a penalty as set forth in Appendix "A"
shall be imposed and added to the bill. If the monthly bill
remains unpaid on the twenty-fifth calendar day after the bill,
the water service to the customer shall be subject to discontinu-
ance until all past -due water bills are fully paid, together with
such reconnection fee as set forth in Appendix "A." All other
parts of this article will apply as presently written.
SECTION 21
COLLECTION OF SEWER FEES WHERE
COUNTY WATER SUPPLY
Where sewage disposal fees are not paid in accordance
with the provisions outlined above, the County shall have a right
to cut off the water supply to the plumbing system, and the owner
shall have no right to reconnect the water supply until the sewage
disposal fees have been paid in full. Any violation of this pro-
vision by reconnecting the water supply, until such sewage dis-
posal fees are paid in full, shall be considered a violation of
this article and subject to the penalties hereinafter provided.
SECTION 22
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PLUMBING SYSTEM
Failure to keep the sewer pipe, i.e., the pipe leading
from the plumbing system to the sewer main, clean and maintained
- �20
I
in a proper manner will give the County the right to cut off the
water connection, which shall not be reconnected until the sewer
pipe is cleaned and maintained properly. Any violation of this
provision by reconnecting the connection from the County water
line, until such sewer pipes are cleaned and maintained properly,
shall be considered a violation of this article, and subject to
the penalties hereinafter provided. Cleaning by forcing obstacles
through service lines to the public system is forbidden.
SECTION 23
NO SERVICE FREE
No water nor sewage disposal service shall be furnished
or rendered free of charge to any person, firm or corporation
whatsoever; and the County and each and every agency, department
or instrumentality which uses either or both services shall pay
therefor at the rate fixed by this article. --
SECTION 24
SEPARATE CONNECTIONS FOR EACH SEPARATE UNIT
Each building, whether occupying one or more lots and
whether it shall occupy any lot or parcel jointly with any other
residential building,, shall be billed separately for the payment
of the water fees and the sewage disposal fees, and separate
connections and meters will be required for each building, unless
the Director of Utilities determines it is in the County's best
interest to approve the use of a master meter.
SECTION 25
WATER/SEWER FEES CHARGEABLE TO PROPERTY OWNERS --
COUNTY MAY BILL TENANT.
Water and sewer services are held to be furnished to the
property and the fees, therefore, are chargeable to the property
owner. The County may bill the tenant or occupant of each prem-
ises for the water and sewer charges at the request of the owner,
express or implied, but this shall in no way relieve the owner of
responsibility for payment. Any payment remaining unpaid for a
period of thirty (30) days shall constitute a lien in favor of
Indian River County against the property serviced and the County
Administrator is authorized and directed to record said lien in
1
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�6 PAG€ 660.
APR
BOOK
4 1994
APR 4 1994 Boa '56 PAcF 66
the public records of Indian River County, Florida. County is
authorized to discontinue service when payment is thirty (30) days
overdue and shall not reinstate service until full payment is.
received.
SECTION 26
BILLING CYCLE
The County Administrator may arrange the dates of bill-
ing into a cycle as he may deem best to most efficiently admin-
ister the system. Charges for water and sewer service shall be
billed on the same bill at the same time.
SECTION 27
WATER CHARGES ON NEW CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTS
On new construction accounts, water may be provided to
the contractor subject to a deposit determined by the Utility
Department refundable on cancellation and upon --payment of the
construction account for water used, and provided further that
this deposit shall be forfeited if the building is occupied prior
to the cancellation and payment of the construction account for
water used.
SECTION 28
DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE
N -PAYMENT, F
RESTORING SERVICES, PENALTY FOR TAMPERING WITH
WATER METER
A. If water and sewer bills are not paid within fifteen
(15) calendar days of the date rendered, a penalty will be gener-
ated. On the twenty-fifth (25) day if. the bill still remains
unpaid, then the County may turn off the water and discontinue
service until the bill is paid in full.
B. If the water is turned off and service is discon-
tinued under this action, an additional turn -on fee shall be
charged for restoring service and a deposit shall be required as
set forth herein.
C. If service has been discontinued, anyone tampering
with the water meter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as provided
by law.
MW2- -
3
SECTION 29
WATER AND SEWER EQUIPMENT IN EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF
UTILITY DEPARTMENT
The operation and maintenance of all buildings, equip-
ment and apparatus belonging to the water and sewer systems of
Indian River County shall be solely and exclusively in the charge
of the County Administrator and Utility Division and shall not be
molested, tampered with, or trespassed upon by any other person
whatsoever.
SECTION 30
PERMIT REQUIRED TO DRAW WATER FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
A permit shall be required from the County Administrator
or his designee before water is drawn from any fire hydrant or
other service outlet, except by the fire department in the regular
discharge of its duties, and only after arrangements have been
made for payment to the County for water so drawn at a just and
reasonable rate.
SECTION 31
PROHIBITION AGAINST DAMAGING EQUIPMENT
It shall be illegal and subject to the punishment pro-
vided herein for any person to maliciously, willfully or negli-
gently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any
structure, appurtenance or equipment which is a part of the Indian
River County water or sewerage systems.
SECTION 32
REQUIRED INSTALLATION OF BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICES
All new residential, commercial or industrial customers
requesting service from the Indian River County water system shall
first be required to install back flow prevention devices for the
protection of the Indian River County potable water system. Such
devices will meet specifications adopted by the Indian River
County Utility Department.
SECTION 33
POWER AND AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS
The Utility Director and other duly authorized employees
of Indian River County bearing proper credentials and identifica'*
tion shall be permitted to enter upon all properties for the
k .
y-0
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APR- 4 1984BooK 56 ma "662
J
APR 4 1984 BOOK 56 � PACE 663 N
purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and
testing in accordance with provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 34
DISCHARGE OF WATER IN SANITARY SEWERS
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any
stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface
drainage or unpolluted industrial processed waters into the Indian
River County sewerage collection and treatment system.
SECTION 35
PROHIBITING DISCHARGE OF SPECIFIED WASTE AND WA
A. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged
any of the following described waters or waste into the County
sewerage system.
(1) Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher
than 150° F.
(2) Any water or waste which may contain more than one
hundred parts per million, or Mg/L, of fat, oil, or grease.
(3) Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other
flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
(4) Any garbage that has not been properly shredded.
(5) Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings,
metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, or any other
solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the
flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of
the sewerage works.
(6) Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 6.2 or
higher than 8.0, or having any other corrosive property capable of
causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment, and personnel
of the sewerage works.
(7) Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poison-
ous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with
any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or
animals, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the
sewage treatment plant.
(8) Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of
such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is
-24-
required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant.
(9) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable
of creating a public nuisance.
B. Interceptors; when required, expense of maintaining.
Grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the
opinion of the Utility Director, they are necessary for the proper
handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts,
or any flammable wastes, sand, and other harmful ingredients. All
interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the
County Utility Division, and shall be located as to be readily and
easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of
impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme
changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construc-
tion, watertight, and equipped with easily removable covers which
when bolted in place shall be gastight and watertight.
Where installed, all grease, oil and sand inter-
ceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in
continuously efficient operation at all times.
SECTION 36
WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCIES
This section shall be enforced from time to time by the
Board of County Commissioners at any regular or specially called
public meeting declaring that a water shortage emergency.exists in
the County because of an impending condition and shall be enforced
until such time as the County Commission at a regular or specially
called meeting declares that the state of shortage no longer
exists.
A. Definitions. For the purposes of this section the
following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have
the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context,
words used in the present tense include the future, words in the
plural number include the singular number, and words in the singu-
lar number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always
mandatory and not merely directory;
(1) Countv is Indian River County, Florida.
a
y
-25- BOOK ' 5b' FACE 664
APR
1984
.v4
r SPR 4�'-4
�� BOOK 56 : PAGE 665-
(2) Person is any person, firm, partnership, associa-
tion, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(3) Water is water from the County water supply
system.
B. Application of regulations. The provisions of this
section shall apply to all persons using water in the County
regardless of whether any person using water shall have a contract
for water services within the County.
C. Certain uses prohibited. The use and withdrawal of
water by any person between the hours to be designated by the
County Commission in its declaration that a state of emergency
exists for the following purposes is hereby prohibited:
(1) Watering yards. The sprinkling, watering or irri-
gating of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground cover, plants,
vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any other vegetation.
(2) Washing mobile equipment. The washing of'automo-
biles, trucks, trailers, trailer -houses, or any other type of
mobile equipment.
(3) Cleaning outdoor surfaces. The washing of side-
walks, driveways, filling station aprons, porches and other out-
door surfaces.
(4) Ornamental fountains. The operation of any orna-
mental fountain or other structure making a similar use of water.
(5) Swimming pools. Swimming and wading pools not
employing a filter and recirculating system.
(6) Escape through defective plumbing. The escape of
water through defective plumbing, which shall mean the knowing
permission for defective plumbing to remain out of repair.
D. Exception to maintain sanitation and to provide for
hardship cases. The County Administrator shall have the authority
to permit a reasonable use of water in any case necessary to
maintain adequate health and sanitation standards. Any user of
water for business purposes may apply for a temporary permit from
the County Administrator for relief from the provisions of this
section provided a written request for authorization to use water
shall indicate that a hardship exists, and the nature of the
=26- M
hardship. The discretion of the County Administrator in issuing a
temporary permit to a business user shall be final, except that in
the event a temporary permit is not issued by the County
Administrator, the business user may appeal to the County
Commission for relief from the provisions of this section, at its
.next regular scheduled meeting.
E. Enforcement.
(1) Sheriff's officer enforce. Every Sheriff's officer
of the County shall, in connection with his duties imposed by law,
diligently enforce the provisions of this section.
(2) Discontinuance of service and penaltv fees. The
County Administrator shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this section by the discontinuance of water service
in the event of violation hereof. All water used in violation of
a declaration of water shortage shall be billed at three (3) times
the regular rate.
SECTION 37
WELLS AND LAWN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
A. No cross connections between the County's water
supply system and any other water supply system shall be allowed.
B. All sprinkler systems using the County's water
system as a source shall have a check valve so installed as to
prevent back drainage from the sprinkler system into the County
water system.
C. All residential and commercial sprinkler systems
shall be inspected and approved by the County Building Department
before initial.operation.
D. All potable water wells shall be inspected by the
County Health Department upon payment of such fee as established
by the Board of County Commissioners. Wells shall be installed in
accordance with the Florida Safe Water Drinking Act and shall meet
the standards outlined in the appropriate DER HRS or St. John's
River Water Management District regulations.
SECTION 38
PENALTIES
Any person, firm or corporation or anyone acting in
-27-
BOOK ; 56 PAGE,666
AR 4 1984
APR 4 1994
BOOK' S& PACE667'.
r
behalf thereof who shall violate or fail.to comply with any of the
provisions of this article shall, upon conviction, be punished by
a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). The Board of
County Commissioners may enforce the provisions of this article by
seeking injunctive relief or any other remedies provided by law.
SECTION 39
REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
All previous ordinances, resolutions, or motions of the
Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida
which conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict. All Special Acts of the
legislature applying only to the unincorporated portion of Indian
River County and which conflict with the provisions of this ordi-
nance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Specif-
ically, Section 24-31 through and including Section 24-67 of the
Code of Laws and Ordinances of Indian River County including
ordinances numbered 80-13, 80-21, 80-22, and 82-22 are hereby
repealed in their entirety and Section 1 through 38 of this ordi-
nance shall be inserted in their place according to.Section 40
hereof.
SECTION 40
INCORPORATION IN CODE
The provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated
into the County Code and the word "ordinance" may be changed to
"section", "article", or other appropriate word, and the sections
of this ordinance may be renumbered or relettered to accomplish
such .intentions.
SECTION 41
SEVERABILITY
If any section, part of a sentence, paragraph, phrase or
word of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitu-
tional, inoperative or void, such holdings shall not affect the
remaining portions hereof and it shall be construed to have been
the legislative intent to pass this ordinance without such uncon-
stitutional, invalid or inoperative part.
=28-
o
SECTION 42
EFFECTIVE DATE.
The provisions of this ordinance shall become effective
upon receipt from the Florida Secretary of State of official
acknowledgment that this ordinance has been filed with the
Department of State, or May 1, 1984, whichever is the later -date.
Approved and adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida on this 4th day of
April, 1984.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
By
DON C. SCURLOCK, JR.
Chairman
Acknowledgment by the Department of State of the State of Florida
this 23rd day of April , 1984.
Effective Date: Acknowledgment from the Department of State
received on this 27th_ day of April , 1984, at -1 n.�
A:M./P.M. and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Board of
County Com sioners of Indian River County, Florida.
APPROVE S T FO D
LEGAL FFIC N
By.
G AR D 6', County Attorney
APR1984 -29- BOOK 56 PAcE668
A P R 4 1984
RATES AND CHARGES
Water
Minimum Charge (Includes No Consumption)
BOOK 56 FAGF 66;''
Base Facilities Charge......... .............$5.34/ERU
Customer Charge: ............................... 1.82/Meter
Volume Charge,,,. , ...........................1,99/1,000 gallons
Water Production Charge.............................1.72/1,000 gallons
Sewer
Minimum Charge (Includes No Consumption)
Base Facilities Charge ..................... .1.53/ERU
Customer Charge................................1.84/Meter
*Volume Charge.......................................2.86/1,000 gallons
*Only applied to first 12,000 gallons of Water Consumption on each
Residential ERU.
SPECIFIC SERVICE CHARGES
Water Service Connection
5/8" Meter...................................$345.00
1" Meter........... ................... .402.00
1 1/2" Meter....................................706.00
Larger than 1 1/2" Meter ...................... .Cost Plus Overhead
Sewer Service Connection
Residential Unit............................$440.00
Commercial and Other .........................Cost Plus Overhead
Meter Installation
5/8" Meter....................................115.00
1" Meter....................................170.00
1 1/2" Meter....................................440.00
2" Meter...... ........................ ...550.00
3" Meters andabove...........................Cost plus Overhead
Fire Hydrant Meter...........................15.00
Reconnect (Turn -on Fee)
During Working Hours ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,12.00
After Working Hours...........................21.00
Meter Reread and Leak Inspection ...................12.00
Delinquency Charge (Late Payment Processing) ........ 1.50 Plus 1 1/2%
General Service Calls.............................Cost Plus Overhead
Meter Calibration (deter Testing)
5/8" Meter.....................................15.00
1" Meter.. ............ ,, 15.00
1 1/2" Meter orLarger„,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Cost plus Overhead
Damage Repair (Repair Water & Sewer Break),,,,,,,, 100.00 Plus Cost
Engineering Services
Site Plan Review
Under 40 units without a liftstation..... 50.00 Minimum
Over 40 units or a deve.lonment with
liftstation...........................150.00 Minimum
_ APP "A”
P.
Inspection Fee
r
Residential or Commercial
Water....................................20.00/Per ERU
Sewer.. .... .. .. ...................20.00/Per ERU
Hydrant.Flow .................50.00/Test.
Annual Fire Protection Charge
2" Meter .......................... .... .24.00
3" Meter......................................49.50
4" Meter... .. .. .75.00
6" Meter or.Fire ............. ......150.00
8" Meter.....................................240.00
Impact Fee
Water........................................380.00/ERU
Sewer........................................540.00/ERU
OTHER
De op sits
Residential or Commercial
Water .......................... ........40.00/Per ERU
Sewer....................................40.00/Per ERU
Hydrant Meter................................30D.00
±' L
Charge For Returned d Checks . g ......... .,.........10.00/Per Check
Issuing a Duplicate Bill .. ........................1,00
Water Tapping Charge
3/4" Line. ......... .....................186.50
1" Line....... .. ....................186.50
1 1/2" Line... .... .......................205.00
21'' Line and Over.... ......................Cost plus Overhead
Sewer Tapping Charge
4" Line ............. .......................Cost Plus Overhead
Above 4".....................................Cost Plus Overhead
Replace Meter
5/8" Meter . ....................................85.00
1" Meter.....................................110.00
1 1/2" Meter.. .................................265.00
2" and Above.................................Cost Plus Overhead
Removal of Meter -
5/8" Meter.......... ..........................25.00
1" Meter... . ......................25.00
1 1/2" Meter and Above ............................35.00
Paved Road Cuts...................................175.00 Minimum
(Cost Plus Overhead)
Road Jacking and Boaring................. .......Cost Plus Overhead
Installation of Water and/or Sewer................Cost Plus Overhead
Grass Restoration........... ....................Cost Plus Overhead
Fire Hydrant Meter Installation ....................15.00
Unauthorized Use of Fire Hydrants..... ... ....100.00
Unspecified Services .................... ........Cost Plus Overhead
-2- Bm 56; PAGE 670
APS 4 1984
APR 4 1984
Franchises
BOOK 56 PAGE 671
Application Fee...............................44.00 Minimum*
Established Franchise... ...................956.00 Minimum*
Franchise Name Change........................100.00 Minimum*
Franchise Territory Change ...................100.00 Minimum*
Change of Ownership
49 Units or Less............ .......100.00 Minimum*
50 Units or More... ....................250.00 Minimum*
Rate Hearing
49 Units or Less ........................250.00 Minimum*
50 Units or More ........................500.00 Minimum*
Public Hearing...............................100.00 Minimum*
*Expenses incurred in excess of the minimum will be billed at cost
plus overhead.
There being no further business, upon Motion duly made,.
.seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:58 o'clock
P.M.
ATTEST:
Clerk Chairman
25
poor 56 FAGF 672