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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-11-18; Ad Hoc - Water Commission; MinutesMINUTES MEETING OF: WATER COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: TIME OF MEETING: 1:OO p.m. PLACE OF MEETING: November 18, 1992 (Regular Meeting) 5950 El Camino Real CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Henley called the Meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: None. Commissioners Henley, Kubota, Louis, Maerkle and Melideo. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Kubota. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Mark Steyaert, Parks and Recreation Department, gave an overview of Ordinance NS-219, introduced at City Council Tuesday, November 17, 1992, approving and adopting the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as mandated by the State of California’s Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB325), which became effective on January 1, 1991. This Act requires the City to adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance prior to January 1, 1993, or have the State’s ‘Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance’ take effect. The City of Carlsbad adopted the original Landscape Manual in 1983, and revised the Manual in 1990. Mr. Steyaert stated that the water conservation sections were extracted from the Landscape Manual to become this new Ordinance. This action meets the requirements of AB325 In reply to query as to how this Ordinance can be enforced, Mr. Steyaert stated this applies to new projects in the Clty and does not apply to single family residences. The question of follow-up to determine whether at some future time the plantings are changed to high water users, Mr. Steyaert and Bob Greaney agreed that it would be difficult to determine. Commissioner Melideo expressed concern that some requirements placed on developers are not met and there is no follow-up to enforce those requirements. Mr. Greaney stated that if there are landscaping modifications that require a great deal more water and there is another drought, those users will pay a penalty for having installed those plants. November 17, 1992 WATER COMMISSION Page 2 Mr. Steyaert stated that the Planning Department uses the Landscape Manual and there is a Landscape Architect on staff to check on plantings on any development. Commissioner Melideo requested a copy of the Landscape Manual. Mr. Greaney stated that the Landscape Manual is a step ahead of the new bill passed by the Legislature and Carlsbad has always been ahead of State action as far as water conservation. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Louis, the Water Commission accepted the report on the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. AYES: Henley, Kubota, Louis, Maerkle and Melideo Item #3 was taken out of order at this time. 3. Discussion of Commercial/lndustrial ULFT Rebates Bob Greaney stated that the Commission had requested this item be placed on the agenda for discussion. The District had not included commercial and industrial users in the rebate program, as they felt the single family residents needed the assistance, and if the rebates were offered to everyone initially, the funds for the program might be used up very quickly. The District started the rebate program on its own and then Metropolitan and the Water Authority added some money to the program. The program has been very successful, with close to 3,000 rebates to individual families. Mr. Greaney stated that if commercial and industrial users are included, the problem would be how to determine the limits as far as size of the company or the building, and who would be eligible. Commissioner Maerkle stated that it would benefit the buildings where there are six or eight units and the fixtures are standard tank-type toilets. Jeanne Flack stated that the District had limited the $100 rebate to less than 20 units, and after that the rebate was $75. Commissioner Louis inquired whether the District had contacted homeowners associations, and Ms. Flack stated that most of the apartments or condominiums did not have the literature distributed to the tenants. She stated that letters could be sent to homeowners associations and apartment buildings, as those areas were not targeted in the original program. Chairman Henley commented that there are many older buildings in Carlsbad that have tank top toilets and it would be helpful to include those buildings in the program. Commissioner Louis asked whether Metropolitan Water District would participate in such a program and Mr. Greaney stated that they would, as the only limit is the amount of money the Carlsbad District has to pay. Ms. Flack stated that it would be the District’s decision as to whether those businesses would be included in the program. If the District states it wants to include the commercial and industrial businesses, and place parameters on those classifications, it probably wouldn’t be possible for the Water Authority’s consultant to screen applicants that closely. Therefore, if the District chooses to include commercial and industrial, there could be no limits placed on qualifications. November 18, 1992 WATER COMMISSION Page 3 Chairman Henley stated that the main purpose of all programs is to save water. Mr. Greaney said he would write up a proposed revision to the policy and bring it back to the Commission. Commissioner Louis stated he would like condominiums to be considered and some way to get information to the homeowners associations. 2. Drouaht Update Bob Greaney presented an update on the drought, using transparencies to show reservoir storage levels, reports from the Department of Water Resources and Metropolitan Water District. Jeanne Flack continued the report giving statistics on the current conservation programs. WATER COMMISSION: Report on Presidents and Manaaers Meetinq Commissioner Maerkle reported on a recent P & M Meeting, stating the main topic of conversation was the bill signed by the President with regard to water from Central Valley (HR429). The farmers may decide to sell their water rather than to grow crops, as it would be financially beneficial. Commissioner Melideo stated she felt there should be individual meters in the mobilehome parks and also in condominiums. Ms. Flack stated that most of the waste is on the meters for irrigation in the mobilehome parks and also condominium complexes. Mr. Greaney stated that it could be very costly to install individual meters in mobilehome parks and condominium complexes, as they are private systems and they would have to be brought up to City standards. They also would have to convert their private streets to public, and that total cost would be prohibitive. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by Commissioner Maerkle, the Minutes of the Meeting held October 14, 1992, were approved as presented. AYES: Henley, Kubota, Louis, Maerkle and Melideo Mr. Greaney stated there would be only one meeting in December, and the consensus of the Commission was to hold that meeting on December 9, 1992, at 2:OO p.m. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Meeting of November 18, 1992, was adjourned at 2:36 p.m. R spectfully submitted, /ikw Harriett Babht Minutes Clerk