Item 8CAGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: 2009 Florida Municipal Achievement Award Nomination
SUBMII"TED BY: Donna Kaluzniak, Utility Director
DATE: May 14, 2009
BACKGROUND: The Florida League of Cities initiated a new program to recognize innovations
and excellence in city government. The 2009 Florida Municipal Achievement Awards recognizes
cities that have shown superior efforts in three categories-City Spirit, Florida Citizenship and
Environmental Stewardship. Award. winners will be featured in abest-practices workshop at the
League's annual conference, will be spotlighted in a special "best practices" publication and be
featured in the League's magazine, Quality Cities, and website, www.flcities.com. In addition,
winners will be featured in statewide publications through press announcements.
Staff would like to submit an application in the Environmental Stewardship category. This award
focuses on city programs that improve and protect the environment, and staff felt the City's Septic
Tank Conversion Assistance Program was worthy of recognition.
A letter of recommendation on behalf of the Mayor and Commission must accompany the
application.
BUDGET: No budgetary impact.
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Mayor to sign the letter of recommendation to submit the
City's nomination for the 2009 Florida Municipal Achievement Award in the Environmental
Stewardship category.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Letter of recommendation
2. Nomination package for 2009 Florida Municipal Achievement Award
REVIEWED BY CITY MAN
AGENDA ITEM Ie 8C
MAY 26, 2009
CITY OF ATLAMfIC BEACEI
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WURKS
1200 SANllPIPER LANE
ATLANTIC BEACH. FLORIDA 32233-4318
7'ELEPNONE: (904) 247-5834
FAX: (904) 247-5843
SUNCOM: 852-5834
www.coab.us
May 26, 2009
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Attn: Florida Municipal Achievement Awards
301 S. Bronough St., Suite 300 (32301)
P.O. Box 1757
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757
To Whom It May Concern:
Please accept our nomination for the Florida Municipal Achievement Award in the
Environmental Stewardship category.
I and the Atlantic Beach City Commission believe the City's Septic Tank Conversion Assistance
Program has improved environmental conditions.
As authorized during the Commission meeting of May 26, 2009, we fully support the attached
award nomination.
Sincerely,
John Meserve
Mayor
AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
2009 Fbrida Municipal Achievement Awards Program -
Environmen~l Stewardship
City of Atlantic Beach -Septic Tank Conversion Assistance Program
Background and Program Description
Septic tanks have potential to pollute local waterways if they are not properly designed, located
or installed. Failed septic systems may cause environmental damage and threaten public
health.
State law requires connection to central sewer systems within a year of availability, but
enforcement is up to the local government.
The City of Atlantic Beach could have just forced septic tank owners to connect to the City's
sewer system-but instead opted to help citizens convert to City sewer. By doing so, the City
reduced the possibility of untreated sewage entering the local waterways.
In May, 2000 the City passed an ordinance requiring those on septic tanks to connect to the City
sewer and timeline for enforcement which provided between five and twelve years to connect
depending upon their situation.
Many of the septic tank owners were already paying assessments for the sewer system
installation. The City Commission was concerned that the cost of both the assessment and the
conversion would be burdensome. Therefore, the timing of City enforcement was set for 5
years for those without assessments, and 1-year after the assessments are paid off for those
that have them. However, the City requires immediate connection for any failed septic tanks.
Along with the ordinance, the City adopted a unique Septic Tank Conversion Assistance
Program. To encourage connection to City sewer, the assistance program included these
policies:
Public Assistance Policy
The City sends notification letters to let homeowners know that City sewer is available and
advise that they need to connect.
At that time, the City's Public Utilities Division Director contacts the property owner directly to
discuss contracting and financing options.
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AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
The Division Director will meet with the property owner on-site, meet with contractors to assist
in getting quotes or locating services, coordinate with the contractor during the connection,
and answer questions. He will also explain financing options that are available through the City.
The City's Building Inspector provides the final inspection, along with the County Health
Department.
Financing Assistance Policy
The City assists with financing the septic to sewer conversion for those who desire that option.
The City designates a portion of its Community Development Block Grant funds toward septic
to sewer conversions for residents that meet the income threshold and other requirements.
The entire conversion cost, including impact fees, tap installation, septic tank abandonment
and the sewer connection is included in the grant.
For property owners who do not qualify for grant funds, the City will finonce the entire
conversion, including impact fees, up to $15,000.
City financing is through a Voluntary Assessment Agreement. The property owner can choose
any length of term in 6-month increments up to 10 years.
If the property owner agrees to have the assessment attached to his or her monthly utility bill,
the interest rate is 4% simple interest. if a separate bill is desired, the interest rate is 5%.
The City places a lien on the property for the full amount of the charges with interest for the
duration of the outstanding balance.
Environmental Stewardship
The City of Atlantic Beach Septic Tank Conversion Assistance Program has been:
Effective
Because the C'~ty made it easier to connect to central sewer, the majority of septic tanks have
been properly abandoned. Wastewater from those properties is sent to the Atlantic Beach
Wastewater Treatment Plant where an average 99% of secondary pollutants are removed and
the effluent disinfected. Atlantic Beach is in the process of designing upgrades to the treatment
plant for removal of nitrogen as well.
In contrast, septic tanks that are improperly installed, maintained or located have the potential
to discharge disease-causing bacteria or nutrients that cause algae blooms into the ocean, the
marsh or local creeks. The Septic Tank Conversion Assistance Program means cleaner
waterways in and around our City.
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AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
Successful
When the program started, 279 properties were served by septic tank systems. By 2008, there
were only 78 septic tanks left in the City. Septic tank connections were reduced by 72%. This
means approximately 16 million gallons of sewage per year will be transported to a central
wastewater plant providing a higher level of treatment and disinfection.
Of the 201 septic tank conversions, 65 were financed through the City and 14 were completed
with the City's CDBG funds.
Results Oriented
Most of the septic tanks in the City were located along the Atlantic Ocean to the east or near
the Intracoastal Waterway marsh to the west. Much of the marsh area is owned by the City.
The marsh side natural parks include canoe trails and fishing docks. On the east side of the City,
the beach continues to attract residents and visitors who enjoy swimming, fishing and other
recreation. Eliminating septic tanks in these areas greatly reduces the risk of contaminating
these waters. Keeping the waterways clean protects the public health and the fish and wildlife
into future years.
In addition, Atlantic Beach's water supply is from wells, so reducing the number of septic tanks
helps to maintain sustainability for drinking water supply by protecting the water source.
Innovative
Most cities take a more hard-line approach to enforcing septic tank conversion, basically saying,
"Here's the law-if you don't comply you'll be punished."
Atlantic Beach used a more encouraging approach. Many homeowners have no idea how to
convert to sewer. Many don't have the cash to do a conversion. Instead of saying, "that's your
problem;' Atlantic Beach said, "we'll do this together. We'll help you figure out what you need
to do, we'll help you along the way, we'll give you grant money if you qualify, or if not, we'll
finance the conversion for you."
Atlantic Beach also offered a lot of flexibility with the financing. The term can be any length of
time up to 10 years. The property owner can put the payment on his utility bill or get a separate
bill. The City will finance the entire conversion including the impact fees, or just a portion of the
work.
Throughout the entire process, the property owner gets plenty of personalized service. From
discussing options, to contracting assistance, to financing, the customer gets one-on-one
attention from City staff.
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AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
Adaptable
Any city could implement a program similar to the Atlantic Beach Septic Tank Conversion
Assistance Program. A large neighboring utility has already met with the Atlantic Beach to learn
more about our program, and started a similar program of their own.
The concept is simple. It only takes the support of the elected ofFicials to put the program in
place, and a staff that is willing to provide great customer service.
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MUNICIPAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
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AGENDA ffEM p BC
hLIY 26, 2009
2009 Florida Municipal Achievement
Awards Program
Nomination Form
Category (Please check one)
See Award Criteria for more information. Please print or type. One nomination per page.
^ FLORIDA CITY SPIRIT AWARD
Name of Project
Nominated by
(Name of City/TownNillage)
^ FLORIDA CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Name of Project
Nominated by
(Name of City/TownNillage)
C~ ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Name of Project Atlantic Beach Septic Tank Conversion Assistance Program
Nominated by Atlantic Beach, FL
(Name of City/TownNillage)
Contact Person
Please print or type.
Name Jim Hanson
Title City Manager
Government City of Atlantic Beach
Address 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Telephone Number 904-247-5806
E-mail Address Jhanson@coab.us
FaX 904-247-5805
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AGENDA ITEM # 8C
MAY 26, 2009
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