CC - Agendas - City Council - REGULAR - 12/2/2014

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Received at the November 18, 2014 Council Meeting. tk* Councilwoman Wilcox has asked that this item be distributed at the December 2, 2014 Council meeting with Item II.E. Comments for City Council Hearing for the Aquifer Protection Fee Presented by Chuck Budinger 1802 Short Line Lane Prescott, Arizona 86301 Name should be changed to Watershed Protection Fee. Aquifer protection is a result of watershed protection. The tax should be specifically designated for one type of activity, watershed protection. Aquifer protection comes under the wastewater program. II. The specific facilities and types of projects should be spelled out for Watershed Protection. Such facilities and projects might be identified as flood plain acquisition, construction of stormwater retention basins, restoration of wetlands and river banks (riparian areas), improvements to urban landscaping using infiltration and curb cuts, pervious pavement for sidewalks and parking lots, and/or rainwater harvesting. Basically, separate the tasks for wastewater, drinking water supply, and aquifer protection from watershed facilities or projects. III. Remove reference to "implementation of other measures...necessary to achieve and maintain water quality mandated by state and federal law...applicable to recharge assets." The City does not want to spend funds mandated, or directed, by an outside agency not accountable to those being taxed. Suggested phrasing might mention the following: "facilities designed and constructed to improve water quality consistent with federal and state standards as defined by scientific criteria using approved methods and techniques." But keep the design and construction options under the direction of the City or their partners. IV. Not sure what the City is intending to do with a "restricted water sub fund." Is this a sub-set of the overall Watershed Protection Fee or another fee or a contingency for sewer lines, etc?"