Exh 8EAGENDA ITEM #SE
• APRIL 25, 2005
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
' CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Alternative Water Supply Legislation
SUBMITTED BY: Donna Kaluzniak, Utility Director
DATE: April 18, 2005
BACKGROUND: The City Commission received a March 21, 20051etter from Senator
' ~ Paula Dockery, which encourages the adoption of a resolution on the development of alternative
r . water supply sources.
No specific legislation is noted in Senator Dockery's letter. Staff was not able to contact the
Senator, but spoke to one of her assistants in Tallahassee, who said that the letter was meant as
an overall encouragement of developing alternative water supply sources.
' Staff conducted some reseazch and found a Senate bill to create a 2020 Water Study Commission ~ '
which was tabled by the Environmental Preservation Committee. There was also a Florida
House of Representatives Committee on Water and Natural Resources Interim Project entitled
" ' Water Supply Policy, Planning, and Production and Incentives for the Creation of Regional
Water Supply Authorities. This report suggests the creation of a new Part VII to Chapter 373 to
include all sections of the chapter that address water supply policy, planning, and production, and
recommends creating regional water authorities to address water supply issues. Our staff found
no active bills regarding alternative water supply, but will review any impending legislation on
this issue and provide recommendations on what potential action the City should take.
• BUDGET: No budget impact, for information only.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Commission prepare a resolution only when
` " specific legislation is pending, in order to ensure any requirements will be in the City's interest.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Letter from Senator Dockery dated March 21, 2005.
REVIEWED BY CITY MANriGER:
1
AGENDA ITEM #8E
APRIL 25, 2005
SENATOR PAULA DOCKERY
15th District
March 21, 2005
• City Commissioners
City of Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road,
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Dear City Commissioners:
THE FLORIDA SENATE
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100
COMMITTEES:
Environmental Preservation, Chair
Communications and Public Utilities
Domestic Security
Rules and Calendar
Transportation and Economic Development
Appropriations
Water is one of our most valuable and essential natural resources in the State of Florida. Not only
• do we rely on it for drinking water, household use, power generation, and industrial purposes,
.. but it is vital to our agriculture industry and the preservation our environment. In Florida we also
enjoy our many rivers and lakes for recreational uses.
However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we must reduce our dependence on
groundwater because it is a limited resource. In almost all of the major urban areas throughout
the State, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the water management
districts are advising Local governments that they have reached or will be reaching in the near
future the maximum usage of the groundwater resources in that area.
To address this problem and ensure that we have adequate water supplies far into the future, we
must develop alternative water supply sources. This past summer and fall I conducted a series of
workshops to address the issue of water resources. Participants in the workshops represented a
• variety of interests, including cities,~counties, environmental groups, homebuilders, developers
• , and agriculture. All participants agreed that the issue of water supply and alternative water
supply sources must be addressed before there is a crisis. As Chairman of the Senate
• Environmental Preservation Committee, I feel it is imperative that the Florida Legislature
address the issue of water resources/supply this year. I realize that certain areas of the state are
not facing a shortage in the near future; however alternative water sources are needed on a
' statewide level to ensure that we are able to protect those "water-rich" areas and the doctrine of
"Local Sources First," while also meeting the needs in other areas of the state.
' As a local government, you can help educate your local legislators on the need for alternative
. water supply sources by contacting them with your concerns and adopting a resolution on this
important issue. We take notice of the needs and requests from the cities and counties that we
• represent. Please let your legislators know that you support legislation that seeks to develop
REPLY TO:
Q Post Office Bax 2395, Lakeland, Florida 33606.2395 (683) 413.2000 Tall Frne: 1-866-248-6437
O 328 Senate Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100 (850) 487-5040
• 5enate's Website: www,Rsenafe.gov
TOM LEE CHARLIE CLARY
President of the Senate President Pro Tempore
AGENDA ITEM #8E
APRIL 25, 2005
March 21, 2005
Page 2
alternative water sources to offset the growing demand on our natural supplies of freshwater and
reduce the potential for environmental impact. If you support my efforts to move this issue
forward this session, please send a resolution or letter to me stating as much in an expeditious
manner.
Thank you for your partnership in working to develop alternative water supplies to meet the
current needs of all users and ensure an adequate supply for future growth.
W regards,
aula Dockery
State Senator -District IS