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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-11-1993 Workshop• • CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING November 11, 1993 A Workshop Meeting of the Cape Canaveral City Council was held on November 11, 1993, at the City Hall Annex, .111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Pro Tem Porter. ROLL CALL: Mayor Joy Salamone Absent Mayor Pro Tem John Porter Present Councilmember Arthur Berger Present Councilmember Joan Calvert Absent Councilmember Rocky Randels Present City Manager Bennett Boucher Present City Attorney John Kancilia Present City Clerk Faith Miller Present BUSINESS: 1. Interview of prospective Boardmember. Mr. John Kancilia, City Attorney, interviewed Mr. Willie Clark as a prospective Boardmember whose first choice for a Board appointment was the Planning and Zoning Board. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 2. Discussion Re: Design Engineering Report - Hartman & Associates. Mr. Boucher stated that the engineers had selected the A20 treatment process for the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Hal Schmidt, Hartman & Associates, explained the A20 treatment process and reasons why the process was recommended for the treatment plant. He stated that the plant would be producing advanced secondary water because of the nitrogen content. He stated that the advanced secondary water had the capability of being used for public reuse. Mr. Boucher questioned what existing facilities in the plant were to be demolished. Mr. Schmidt responded that there would be only minor demolition to the plant, old grit removal facility would be relocated, storage facilities would be moved, eight (8) sludge drying beds were to be removed, and the trailers would be relocated. Mr. Gary DeVoir, Hartman & Associates, stated that it had been determined that the existing grit removal system was very deteriorated, therefore, a new grit removal unit would be installed. A new pre - treatment structure would be located as the first treatment unit in the process which . would consist of a new mechanical bar screen and a replaced grit removal unit. Mr. DeVoir explained the location of the ultraviolet disinfection system and the chlorine contact basin system. During the trial period until the DEP's endorsement of the ultraviolet system, the water will flow in a series through the chlorine contact chambers for chlorination and from there the water would be repumped to the wetlands system. Mr. Devoir stated that the repumping station for the wetlands system was not shown on the plans because the engineers were waiting on finalizing the hydraulics of the wetlands • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 2 system. Mr. Boucher stated that the equipment list showed that two (2) of the aerators in the oxidation ditch. Mr. DeVoir stated that the engineers had noticed that the existing horsepowers on the aerators was not enough to meet the design conditions. The engineers were proposing a two - speed aerator system which would allow the use of the low speed during the early phase of the system and high speed in the future when the loads were increased. Mr. Devoir stated that four (4) sludge pumps would be replaced because the existing pumps were in a fairly poor condition in a basement which was not readily accessible. He stated that the pumps would be replaced and put outside on a concrete pad. Mr. Randels expressed that it appeared that there was actually a small amount of new equipment proposed for the plant expansion. Mr. Schmidt stated that most of the new equipment dealt with the change in the treatment process itself and that the engineers had utilized as much of the existing plant as possible. Mr. Boucher questioned of any further retrofitting of the clarifiers was proposed. Mr. DeVoir stated that some minor modifications would be made. He stated that the electrical sub - consultant had noted that all of the existing electrical equipment was inside. He explained that the electrical sub - consultant had completed an analysis which had determined that it would be more cost effective to construct a new electrical motor control center and building to consolidate all of the new electrical equipment which resulted in a net savings of $25,000 to the City. Mr. Boucher questioned if the engineers had received a copy of the concerns addressed by Professional Plant Operators (PPO) regarding the filtration system. Mr. DeVoir stated that he had not contacted PPO directly; he stated that he had spoken to an equipment supplier who had problems with the filter because of a sporadic flow in a nutrient removal application. Mr. DeVoir stated that he was not proposing the use of a nutrient removal application; all nutrient removal would be done in the treatment basin. He stated that the filtration system proposed by the engineers was utilized throughout Central Florida on many different processes. He stated that the filter was a continually cleaning type filter which was very operator friendly. There was further discussion regarding the specifics of the ultraviolet system. Mr. Boucher questioned what the engineers had proposed to shore up the existing tanks. Mr. DeVoir stated that the plans included removal of two of the old clarifier basins, clean out all of the basins and remove all of the equipment. He stated that the structural consultant had also recommended that the addition of 8 -12" of concrete to restrengthen the basin floor. Mr. Boucher stated that during the first year of operation that alum and chlorine would still be utilized until the effectiveness of the ultraviolet system was demonstrated over time. Mr. Devoir explained that the fermentation basins were added to biologically remove phosphorus. He stated that to his knowledge all systems within the state polished with alum, therefore alum will continue to be used in treatment system although at a tremendously reduced amount. He remarked that the plant would need to continue to use chlorine and run it through the ultraviolet • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 3 process to the chlorine system in series and do high level chlorination. He stated that minor upgrades would be done to the chlorination system also as a backup system to the ultraviolet system. Mr. DeVoir stated that he had been notified by Chip Swindell, Ecotech, Inc., that he wanted a zero chlorine residual which would need to be addressed further. Mr. Boucher stated that the filters were designed to handle a 1.8 mgd flow which was a condition set by DEP to avoid the requirement of going to class one reliability. Mr. Schmidt stated that there was only one (1) ultraviolet equipment manufacturer (Trojan) within the United States. He expressed that Trojan had given the City a guarantee that if the system failed, it would be removed at no cost to the City, and the City would not have to pay for the system if it did not meet the DEP standards. Mr. Schmidt stated that the guarantee clause would be included in the bid specifications which would also list criteria for the ultraviolet system. He commented that he had spoken to DEP and that the draft Intent to Issue permit had been issued and that DEP's main concern had been the wetlands. Mr. Boucher questioned how many tons of sludge would be processed by the one belt press per day. Mr. DeVoir stated that the design flow rate (1.8 mgd) would run a dry solids ton of sludge per day and the belt press was sized to operate with a 6 -7 operation hour range. Mr. Schmidt stated that approximately 15 gallons of polymer feed would be utilized per day in the dewatering system which would be stored in 55 gallon drums. Mr. Devoir explained that a pump would be added to feed the press, a decant system and a digester /sludge holding tank would be used. Mr. Boucher addressed the overall site safety evaluation of all the walkways and access areas. Mr. DeVoir explained that the deteriorated and dilapidated handrail structures would be replaced and an eyewash station would be added to the chlorination system area. Mr. Boucher commented that the office trailers would be moved to the northern portion of the site and no facility modifications would be done to the laboratory. Mr. Boucher spoke in reference to the stormwater layout. Mr. Bill Musser, Hartman & Associates, explained that the seasonal high water table was very high throughout the site. He stated that the plans had shown only a stormwater concept that may have worked if there was a much lower groundwater table. The present drawings showed an actual design of a wet detention which was the preferred method of stormwater treatment whenever there was a high water table. He stated that a wet detention system would treat 2.5 inches of rain. Mr. Boucher questioned why the perimeter swale of the wetlands system could not be utilized to alleviate some of the on -site stormwater retention. Mr. Musser stated that the St. Johns river Water Management District (SJRWD) was the prevailing agency which set up the stormwater rules under which the City's project was to be reviewed. He stated the SJRWD would not being reviewing the City's project because it did not have authority over projects contained within wastewater treatment plants; the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would be reviewing the stormwater issues. DEP had advised that it did not want the perimeter swale to be used for stormwater treatment because Florida Administrative Code, Section 1725 (sets out the criteria for swale treatment systems) clearly defines the geometry and the treatment system • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 4 must be a dry bottom swale. The wetlands consultant concept recognized that the swale would intercept the water table and would cause it be a wet swale planted with wetland vegetation. If the City wanted the wet bottom swale to be approved as part of the wetlands system it could not be called a retention or stormwater treatment swale and could only be viewed as a groundwater interception swale and a conveyance swale. Mr. Schmidt stated that the wetlands engineering drawings were approximately 85 % complete and the wetlands permit would be submitted to DER within the next week. He stated that the drawings for the wastewater treatment plant were approximately 95 % complete. Mr. Randels expressed his opinion regarding the proposed retention areas and open space included in the design. He stated that Ecotech had submitted to DEP that the plant would produce 0% chlorine which he felt was unrealistic. Mr. Schmidt that the chlorine produced from the plant would be a non - detectable level and he stated that Hartman & Associates had reviewed and commented on Ecotech's report and Mr. Swindell would be incorporating Hartman's comments into the report. Mr. Schmidt explained that one of their concerns had been the effluent quality. Mr. Berger questioned if dismantling of the old electrical system would be included in the bid specifications and whether or not any of the old electrical was reusable. Mr. DeVoir stated that the equipment would become dormant, but not be removed. He stated that he ask the electrical consultant to determine if any of the equipment could be reused. He explained that the bid specifications typically included that any valuable material (aluminum and other precious metals) left due to demolition be returned back to the City. Mr. Berger stated that it would be feasible if the electrical equipment was not reusable to have it removed by the contractor. He questioned whether or not the new pumps would be housed outside or merely placed on a concrete slab and Mr. DeVoir answered that the pumps would be placed outside. There was discussion regarding whether or not the pumps should be placed under some type of covering. Mr. Gluskin explained that traditionally return sludge pumps were designed for outside. Mr. Porter commented that he understood that all of the drying beds were to be removed. Mr. Gluskin stated that the City could not dispose of liquid sludge at the County landfill, it was required to be 12% solids and the only way to achieve the 12% solids was by the use of drying beds. Mr. Porter questioned what would occur if the belt press was in disrepair and something had to be done with sludge and Mr. Devoir explained that the drying beds were capable of holding one month's worth of sludge. Mr. Leo Nicholas questioned why PVC pipe was not acceptable for stormwater use and Mr. Musser explained that the only time PVC was an acceptable burying material was if it was a very small quantity of water. The minimum size normally utilized for stormwater was 15" concrete pipes. 3. Oath of Office for new Councilmembers (November 16. 1993). Agenda this item for Tuesday. • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 5 4. Discussion Re: Resolution No. 93 -43, electing Mayor Pro Tem. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 5. Discussion Re: Resolution No. 93 -44. designatinig Councilmembers' areas of interest. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 6. Discus ion Re: Resolution No. 93 -45 . uthorizin . a • i r. val of the use of Ci ' - for Brevard County to expand City library. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 7. Discussion Re: Suggested changes to City Board procedures regarding special exception and variance processes. Mr. Boucher advised that he would be meeting with Kevin Markey the following day to prepare the ordinance for Tuesday's meeting. 8. Discussion Re: Equity Study Commission appointments for revising occupational license fees. ro Ms. Haggerty stated that in order to revise the City's occupational license fee structure it was necessary to appoint members to an Equity Study Commission. She questioned whether or not Council wanted to interview each applicant. Mr. Kancilia asked that each potential member of the Study Commission complete a standard Board application form. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 9. Discussion Re: Revised Personnel Rules & Regulations (set a special workshop meeting date). Council concurred to schedule a special workshop meeting for November 30, 1993, at 7:00 P.M. to review the revised Personnel Rules & Regulations. 10. Discussion Re: City Manager evaluation. Mr. Boucher stated that included in Council's packets was an evaluation form that he had selected for each Council member to fill out and discuss with him. Mr. Berger stated that he would like to have Mr. Boucher's subordinates evaluate him without signing the forms. He stated that would be a help to the City Manager to see how his Department Heads viewed his work. He said that having the Department Heads evaluate the City Manager would provide additional insight to the Council when it completed its evaluation of the City Manager. Mr. Berger spoke favorably regarding using this type of evaluation as a management tool to allow City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 6 the City Manager to realize his weak and strong points. Mr. Boucher stated that he would investigate the possibility of obtaining a management evaluation form to distribute amongst the employees. Mr. Berger stated that specific instructions to the employees not to sign the form upon submittal to ensure an honest view. Mr. Porter suggested that the Department Heads and City Manager could also critique the Council. Mr. Berger expressed that the employees could also participate in an evaluation of the Council. 11. Discussion Re: Sheriffs Department request for expenditures from Law Enforcement Trust Fund. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 12. Discussion Re: Space Coast League of Cities Christmas gift exchange. Council concurred to ask Mr. Randels to handle the selection of the gift for the Town of Melbourne Beach. 13. Discussion Re: City's position on Charter government for Brevard County. Mr. Boucher advised that the Brevard County Charter Commission wanted to know how the various municipalities felt about the possibility of Charter government for Brevard County. Mr. Randels stated he had attended some of the Charter Commission meetings and he briefly described the purpose of the Commission. Mr. Porter suggested placing this item on the next workshop meeting for further discussion. 14. Discussion Re: Tree Planting Program. Mr. Porter reported that he had researched the possibility of pursuing an aggressive tree planting program for the City. He stated that the City was devoid of any large trees. He explained that the State Urban Forestry Division had advised that there was a grant program available through the Division that was a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. He specified that the City's chances were very good if a professionally written and planned out grant was submitted; the grant provided for a one to one basis matching from $5,000 to $35,000. He proposed that the City utilize up to $35,000 from the Beautification budget to pursue the grant. Mr. Porter went through the specifics of his research regarding the grant program and the care and maintenance of the trees. He mentioned that within the matching funds the City could include the standard hourly wages of City employees who would be caring for the trees (in -kind labor) as part of the matching grant. Mr. Porter related that the Beautification Board was very excited about this program and had passed a vote to support the program and recommend that $35,000 be used from the Beautification funds for the program. He was looking for support from the Council. He summarized that the program would ensure a more beautiful City and would provide a positive • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 7 impact to the community. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 15. Monthly Activity Reports. No comments. 16. City Manager's Report. Mr. Boucher explained a proposed street sweeping contract with Harris Sanitation which would provide that the streets would be swept four (4) times per year at a cost of $4,380. Agenda this item for Tuesday. Mr. Boucher stated that the City Clerk had submitted a memo which was included in the Council packet regarding the proposed grant writer position. There was general discussion regarding the matching fund provisions of grants, the possibility of utilizing an intern from UCF or a private consultant. Mr. Randels stated that the City could possibly log on to the computer software that was available through UCF regarding availability of grants; the City Clerk would further research the expense involved in such a program. Mr. Boucher explained that Rep. Howard Futch had asked the City to state in written form why the City wanted to pursue the 111'N land. Mr. Porter briefly outlined the following reasons why the City wanted the land including: 1) land was totally within the City limits; 2) it has taken over five (5) years for the Port to close the deal; 3) there were several different agencies backing the City on this matter; 4) the City's stormwater plan for the property would include the Port as well; 5) City was limited in its options for dealing with stormwater; 6) use of the property for stormwater runoff would promote sea life in the Banana River for commercial fishing industries; 7) Foreign Trade Zone could be located almost anywhere; 8) the land on the barge canal is not able to be developed, there would be a net loss of environmentally sensitive wetlands; 9) Port had the legislation regarding the land swap because it more effectively lobbied the legislature; and 10) City applied for the land from the State first, Port applied for it after the City. Mr. Nicholas stated that the City needed more land in its national state to buffer or alleviate the intensity of the Port's industrial businesses. DISCUSSION: 1. Mr. Don Arabian presented his concept of locating a lagoon conservatory and natural park located next to the current wastewater treatment plant. He summarized the requirements of a federal grant including 75/25 matching funds and the grant application and design which had to be submitted by January 1994. Mr. Arabian suggested the following motion for Council which read: "Initiate a program to develop a lagoon conservatory and natural park for the citizens of Cape Canaveral along the Banana River on appropriate wastewater plant City land and authorize expenditures of up to City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting November 11, 1993 Page 8 $10,000 from the Beautification funds for the basic design specifications, Environmental Protection Agency application and permit." Mr. Porter mentioned that he wanted to see the grant package prior to voting on the matter. Mr. Randels expressed his concern that it was premature to spend $10,000 of Beautification funds before the wetlands were fully permitted. He stated that the original bond issue for the plant specified that the property be utilized for the sewer plant. Mr. Randels further explained that there were no funds available in the Beautification budget to pursue this grant. Mr. Porter stated that he was not comfortable allocating $10,000 at this point in time Discussion_,14Aarding the proposed conservatory and natural park. Mr. Randels questione.d'ifMr. Arabi ,'had considered use of the Long Point property which would also be compati6le for this type.of.p 9ject. Mr. Arabian described his plans for the use of the Long Point property in addition tZ he sewer plant property. Council concurred to place further discussion of t 0. iseu¢ on-T day's agenda. Them,1)6-4 no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M. Faith G. Miller, CM AE City Clerk } gg iF