Purpose of the Special Meeting is to discuss the Water Exploration and Development Plan.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, to excuse Commissioner Terry from the Piqua City Commission Work Session April 1, 2010. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Vogt, Fess, and Wilson. Nay; None. Motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Enderle introduced Dasch Underwood, a volunteer interning in the City Managers Office.

City Manager Enderle stated he would like to bring the Commission up to date on the progress so far.

Wastewater Supervisor Don Freisthler introduced Utility Director Dave Burtner, Bob Yoxthimer a Consultant from Camp Dresser and Magee (CDM), and Brent Huntsman with Terrain and Associates.

Mr. Freisthler stated the purpose of the meeting is to seek direction as we enter the phases of the search for ground water.

The City hired Tritium Inc. in early 2009 to do a hydrogeologic investigation for a new well field, they were advised of several properties the City wanted them to evaluate. But by late July no report was generated so there services were terminated. The City then looked at engineering firms to help guide them through the source water study.

After reviewing three engineering firms, CDM, CH2M Hill and HDR. CDM was chosen to do the study.

The City was able to get an option on the Carnes Property that is adjacent to the Lime Lagoon property and hoped with its location to the hydrologic maps indication of were the underground water availability was that a production well could be located on the site, and if the location would work for locating a new Water Plant.

It was the City's intention to drill two wells on this site, one deep well 100 ft. deep or deeper, and one less than thirty feet. The theory is that there are actually two levels of water to draw from. A shallow level that most area wells are in and a lower aquifer that has very few users since most people are not looking for the quantity of water the City is looking for.

The City was only able to place one well on the Carnes property because they hit bedrock at twenty-five feet. (This well must be removed ASAP and abandoned properly.) Wanting to be able to monitor the water table in the area long term to see if it might be possible to put a production well on our own site, the City went ahead and bored three wells on the Lime Lagoon site. This gave no better results than on the Carnes property. The deepest well was only thirty-seven feet deep, one was so badly clay laden that it wasn't worth doing the development process on. This was virtually a bust for any help with meeting the City's source water needs.

The cost of these borings was just under five thousand dollars. In looking at the aquifer maps there was an area that shows a deeper more productive area. So in an effort to identify this area where the bedrock runs deeper, Dave Burtner studied the maps and contacted Bob Yoxthimer of CDM, and Brent Huntsman with Terrain Company to verify the sites.

Mr. Huntsman suggested the City consider using Seismic Refraction to evaluate the sites before deciding to drill. With this equipment they can evaluate ten locations within two days for a cost of around $10,000. This will give a much better idea of where to place observation and production wells.

There were a couple of very promising tracks of land that could be used for the location of the New Water Plant that they wanted to have evaluated by the seismic refraction equipment. There are two properties that are being appraised at this time.

Additional funds are now needed to continue the search for Groundwater. Staff is now seeking the Commission's input and guidance prior to making a proposal at a Commission meeting.

See enclosed copy of the five tasks required for Well Development- Phase 2, and Source Water Options to be considered.

There was discussion of the location for the wells, the placement of a New Water Plant, how deep the wells need to be and how close they can be located to each other. There was also discussion on the treatment of the water whether it be ground water or surface water, the type and cost of plant that would be needed be it a Membrane or Blended plant, and the type of chemicals that would be required to maintain the water, and how much water would be need per day to maintain the city's requirements. A question was raised on why the west side of town was not considered, it was stated there is too much bedrock in the west end of town.

Jeff Lange, St. Rt. 66, voiced his opinion and concern over the use of Johnson Farm with it being located in the Flood Plan.

The use of now-interest loans for the project was explained, and the various forms of loans that are available and how they would be applied.

City Manager Enderle stated the goal is to find six million gallons, to do a Study first, keeping the long-term views in mind because we are not sure what will be like in twenty years, then determine the next phase. Do we need to have a Blended Plant or a Membrane Plant that needs to be determined first, stated City manager Enderle. There was discussion on the cost of building a new plant versus going in with Troy. There was also discussion of the possibility of raising water utility fees in the future if necessary, but would not be until next year. It was mentioned if it would be possible to go in with Sidney, but City Manager Enderle stated Sidney has told us they have no interest in working with Piqua at this time. There are no easy answers to this situation stated City Manager Enderle.

Mayor Fess stated the community is aware of the fact the City needs to build a new water plant as soon as possible.

It was stated and agreed to by all Commissioners present to go forward with the next step on putting Phase 2 in place on putting on the April 20, 2010 Commission Agenda for approval.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Work Session at 11.30 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Wilson, Martin, Hudson and Vogt.
Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
LUCINDA L. FESS, MAYOR
PASSED: ________________________

ATTEST: _________________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION