Okaloosa County BOCC — July 11, 2017 — Workshop 5-30-2017 — reading text

May 30 , 2017 Workshop A workshop of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 1: 30 p . m. at the County Administration Building in Shalimar . Members present were Carolyn N. Ketchel , Chairman; Graham Fountain, Vice Chairman ; Nathan Boyles ; Trey Goodwin; and Charles K. Windes, Jr. Also present were Gary Stanford , Director of BCC Services ; John Hofstad , County Administrator; Gregory Stewart, County Attorney; and members of the media . Mrs. Ketchel stated that due to a scheduling conflict for several members of the Board the workshop for June 27 , 2017 has been rescheduled for June 21 , 2017 at 1 : 30p . m. at the County Administration Building in Shalimar . STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Mr . Jason Autrey , Public Works Director, presented a slide show and gave an overview of projected stormwater projects for Okaloosa County . He stated the Stormwater Division of Public Works provides stewardship of the Okaloosa County stormwater assets and compliance with applicable regulatory obligations as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). He added that the Stormwater Division conducts regular point inspections because they want to stay ahead of the curve and remain in good standing in regards to regulation . He then introduced Scott Henson to provide detail on the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance. Mr. Henson stated there are 3 components to the MS4 (included in the slide presentation) • MS4 Compliance • Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance • Stormwater Construction He gave a brief overview of the components and stated the NPDES MS4 process requires compliance with NPDES Generic Permit for Discharge of Stormwater, and Okaloosa County submits their permits annually. May 30 , 2017 -1- Minute Book 76, Page 404 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Henson also gave a comparison between southend and northend needs for the County . The southend piping is deteriorating and needs a lot of maintenance , where the northend is very rural and stormwater issues come in swales . The cost for the current project list totals $7 million . Mr . Scott Bitterman with Public Works provided a description of three projects needing attention. The first project is the Golf Links Project off Lewis Turner Boulevard. There are multiple buildings and the foundation of one had been washed out to the point everyone had to be removed and the building reconstructed as it was in danger of sliding into the water. Cost of correcting this issue is a p proximately $250 , 000 . Mr . Hofstad provided some additional information in regards to the Golf Links Project, in that it involves three jurisdictions. The stormwater issue begins in FDOT' s jurisdiction , the Golf Links property is within the City limits of Ft . Walton Beach , and the end-point for the stormwater is in the unincorporated area of the County . The second project is the Baker Recreation Center . There are currently two ponds in this location however they are not adequate in size to handle the run off . After giving an overview , he advised the cost of this project would be approximately $450 , 000 . The third project is the Meigs Drive Stormwater Improvement . This project would cost approximately $650,000 and is an ongoing issue , to the extent they leave the "Road Closed" signs off to the side at this location because of the frequent need to be displayed . The pipes most recently used in this location are metal a nd will deteriorate over time , a more permanent solution is needed . Mr. Jason Autrey then discussed budget . These three projects total $1 . 6 million including other fees, such as cost of engineers . The County has an on - going obligation of $1 . 2 million a year just to maintain current systems . In-coming revenue per year for stormwater is $1 . 2 million which matches the operational commitment per year . The cost of the three projects identified will take up the remaining budget for 2017 . There will be no revenue available for the following year for projects , only the $1 . 2 million for the annual commitments . Mr . Autrey then suggested possible revenue sources which would be stable and consistent . His suggestions included property tax , sales tax , impact fees , or a stormwater utility tax . Currently May 30 , 2017 - 2- Minute Book 76 , Page 405 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners the Ci t y of Niceville and the City of Ft . Wal ton Beach have initiated stormwater utility taxes for their cities . Discussion ensued in regards to the different funding sources . Mr . Stewart stated he had spoken with the Property Appraiser ' s Office , who were very cooperative , they had calculated $27-$30 annually per property owner as an equitable sum for a stormwater utility tax . The City of Ft . Walton Beach assess a $36 stormwater utility tax annually which amounts to $3 per month . There was a consensus of the Board for staff to conduct research and return with a range of options and how the numbers would work in regards to the County ' s needs. Okaloosa is significantly behind ($70 million) in what the State of Florida believes should be in reserve for stormwater issues in this area . PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. David Parisot, Shalimar , spoke on his recollection of funding for stormwater issues as a previous County Commissioner . He also gave suggestions on disbursement of BP money that will be given to the County. Mrs . Ketchel thanked Mr . Parisot for the information and good points he brought to the meeting . ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board , the Workshop was adjourned at 2 : 37 p . m. J . D. PEACOCK II CAROLYN N. KETCHEL, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUI T COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Renee Ramirez) May 30 , 2017 -3 - Minute Book 76 , Page 406 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners