MINUTES
Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council
April 24, 2009
USGS Building #3
2255 N Gemini Drive,
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Water Advisory Council Members Present
Liz Archuleta, Coconino County, WAC Chairman
Carl Taylor, Coconino County
Sara Presler, City of Flagstaff
Bill Justice, City of Page
Rob Adams, City of Sedona
Joelynn Roberson, Hopi Tribe
Tom Whitmer, Arizona Department of Water Resources
Byron James, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Ron Sieg, Arizona Game and Fish Department
Stephen Williams, Arizona State Land Department
Rory Steinke, Coconino National Forest
Don Bills, U.S. Geological Survey
Bob Michaels, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
John Nystedt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Diane Chung, National Park Service
Barry Baker, Tusayan-Valle
1. Welcome and Introductions
Joelynn opened the meeting and introductions were made by those in attendance.
2. Approval of Minutes from February 27 and March 2 2009 WAC meetings
On a motion by Bob Michaels, which was seconded by Tom Whitmer, the minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.
3. Presentation and Overview WIFA Programs and Products
Sandy Sutton, CFO, WIFA Tahne Corcutt, Technical Assistance Grant Manager
(These presentations are available at the WIFA Website
http://www.azwifa.gov/publications/publicpresentations/FY2010CMAAPresentation.pdf and http://www.azwifa.gov/publications/publicpresentations/FY2010TAProgram.pdf
Sandy Sutton, CFO for WIFA, introduced herself and explained that WIFA is the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority which WIFA acts as a bond bank by funding below market interest on loans for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, generally through matching federal money with state money. Ms. Sutton explained how the loan program works and the current portfolio and repayment sources. She reviewed the program operations and current 2008 loans for both the drinking water and cleaning water programs. She said that WIFA received $80 million in funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, noting that over 300 applications have been received for this money totaling over $1 billion dollars. She explained the process and timeline for evaluating these requests.
Tahne Corcutt gave a presentation on Technical Assistance program for planning and design of water and wastewater projects. She reviewed the purpose and mission of the program, describing eligible applicants and project eligibility requirements noting that the sustainable/green infrastructure is a new aspect of their program. She noted that the 50/50 local match is not required for green projects.
Carl Taylor asked if there is any money to pay for consultants for a Sustainable Building Program. Ms. Corcutt said that would probably not be eligible under WIFA. Sara Presler asked about low impact design. Ms. Corcutt said that if it is not germane to drinking or wastewater it would not apply. There was further discussion about what type of projects could benefit from this program. Ms. Corcutt suggested WIFA’s guidance document “Sustainable Infrastructure: A Best Practices Guide for Arizona Wastewater Utilities” as a good resource to answer some of these questions. She said that for FY 2010 they have over $1 million available, and will award up to $25,000 per applicant.
4. Presentation and Discussion SB1575 – Mandatory Water Adequacy Program Brad Hill, City of Flagstaff Sue Pratt, Coconino County
Brad Hill began by presenting background on the State Water Adequacy Programs and SB1575 which was passed in 2007 providing the authority for cities, towns, and counties outside of Active Management Areas to adopt Mandatory Water Adequacy Ordinances. If adopted, such an ordinance would require all new subdivisions to obtain a determination of water adequacy by the Director of ADWR. Brad explained the elements of proving 100-year adequacy and the proposed rule changes which would apply specifically to the Coconino Plateau region where the depth to groundwater in many areas is at depths greater than the 1200’ below land surface tied to the current rules. Brad explained that the City of Flagstaff is undertaking an analysis of their water budget, that is what the current resources are from their supplies of surface and groundwater, and what the demands are as predicted through the build-out within the City limits per the current Regional Plan. Brad explained pros and cons of the program, per the city’s perspective. Brad noted that it is a consumer protection program which connects land use to water supply.
Sue Pratt presented on behalf of Coconino County and explained what process they are pursuing in relation to SB1575. Sue noted that per Brad’s presentation, the current adequacy determination is in part based on depth to groundwater and that in general wells over 1200’ deep cannot be deemed adequate. Sue noted that in most subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of Coconino County cannot meet the adequacy determination due to this one aspect. Sue said that the County is not a water provider and described the different means of how county residents obtain water. Ms. Pratt pointed out some significant differences in the statutory authority as it applies to cities and towns, versus how it applies to counties. She noted that for cities and towns it requires only a majority vote of the Council to adopt a mandatory adequacy ordinance, whereas for counties it requires a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors. Also, cities and towns can repeal the Ordinance, but once a county adopts one it is irrevocable. Sue also noted that if a county adopts an ordinance it applies to all new subdivisions within the county, including those in incorporated cities and towns. Further, the irrevocable nature of the ordinance would then apply within those cities and towns.
Sue noted that the law provides local jurisdictions to adopt a water hauling exemption in conjunction with a mandatory adequacy ordinance. Coconino County is considering how to draft such an exemption and provided some possible aspects, including that any such exemption would be tied to strict water conservation, reuse, and catchment methods incorporated in the approved development plan.
After some discussion and questions with Brad and Sue, the WAC thanked them for their presentaions.
5. Committee Reports
Technical Advisory Committee Leslie Meyers, Chair
Leslie mentioned that the TAC was continuing to work on the Sustainable Water Budget and still waiting for the model runs for the USGS Regional Groundwater Flow Model that is being run in conjunction with Yavapai County WAC.
Government Affairs Committee Joanne Keene, Chair
Joanne mentioned that the ADWR Budget was at a critical point and asked that each individual community who sits on the CPWAC send letters in support of the ADWR.
Public Outreach Committee Patricia Cox, Chair
Patricia said that they are still updating the web site and would like to add the current strategic plan. TAC developed map for use by the CPWAC. She also mentioned that there is a Sustainable Living Fair in September the POC is looking into participating in. She noted that the POC is still fine-tuning the speaker’s bureau and other resources.
6. Report on SWAG and other State Tom Whitmer, ADWR
Water Issues
Tom reported that the State legislative session has primarily been focused on budget, which was significantly affecting the ADWR budget, particularly for the Regional Watershed Initiative. Tom thanked the WAC and its members who have already expressed their support to the legislators.
7. Wrap-up and set agenda for next meeting Liz Archuleta,
Friday, May 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. WAC Chairman
Liz announced that Joanne Keene is leaving the County and becoming the Director of the Governor’s Northern Arizona office. Liz thanked Joanne for all of her work on behalf of the WAC and particularly the Government Affairs Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 12:05