February 15, 2000
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers

Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. , and City Clerk Martin called the roll.

Council Member Soliz arrived at 7:20 P.M.

1. PRESENTATION OF ANTIOCH'S UPDATED WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN AND DISCUSSION OF FUTURE WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS

City Manager Ramsey introduced the report stating a decision would need to made during the next 30-45 days on this issue.

Public Works Director Brandt introduced Public Works Deputy Director Harrington, who in turn introduced the staff from the City's Water Treatment Plant. Following a brief staff report, Public Works Deputy Director Harrington introduced and turned the meeting over to William K. Faisst, Vice President of the City's consulting firm of Brown and Caldwell Environmental Engineering and Consulting.

Mr. Faisst presented a slide presentation giving an in-depth analysis of the City's current and future water needs. He then opened the meeting to questions from the Council.

In answer to Council Member Freitas' question of what was meant by "improved water quality," Mr. Faisst explained a new method of water treatment, approved by the State Health Department, reduces to a new low the amount of chemicals left in treated water, adding the Year 2000 costs would be approximately $1.3M.

During the course of the slide show Mr. Faisst answered several questions from Council, and also made several clarifications. Mr. Faisst did make it clear the $1.3M cost did not include capital costs, explaining those costs would be borne by developer fees.

Council Member Freitas asked to see the capital costs, and Council Member Sudario requested all costs be put into a tabular table when the item returns to Council. In response to Council Member Freitas, Mr. Faisst stated the proposed water treatment plant had the approval of the County, State and Federal governments.

Fielding questions from the Council Members, he further explained water standards differ from one agency to another, and that all Antioch pumps were fully equipped for emergency pumping. He also explained California's water standard was higher than Federal standards, and while the quality of well-water during periods of drought was usable for agriculture and other non-potable uses, the poor quality makes it unuseable as drinking water. He explained Pittsburg had offered to provide Antioch with water on a short-term basis should it become necessary, and had the ability to do so because they had built a large-capacity facility.

Public Works Director Brandt stated the City had two or three options available for consideration right now. They were as follows:

1. Expansion of the existing water treatment plant;
   
2. Buy surplus water from the Contra Costa Water District; and
   
3. Take water from the parallel pipeline, which will be installed with water available in a few years.

Council Member Soliz cautioned the money spent today would come much cheaper than it would in 20 years. He also urged Council to stay with Antioch's past practice of planning long-term for the future, realizing the standards are constantly being raised.

Council Member Freitas suggested another study session in the immediate future to hear the parameters of the Master Plan, the pipeline along with both a short- and long-term plans.

Council Member Davis requested more information on the Actiflow System during the next presentation, to which Mr. Faisst stated he would provide the results from the testing completed in Antioch and in several other states.

Following Council Member Soliz' suggestion to not consider the option of buying water from Pittsburg until a concrete agreement had been reached was followed by a general consensus of the Council, this option should not be the pursued at this time. Questioning the cost of manpower to run the proposed plants, and the cost of the required undergrounding, Council Member Soliz suggested book marking this item for consideration in a year. Public Works Director Brandt stated the increase to a 10MGD would not require additional staffing.

Jean Kuberra felt the number of housing units used for this report were inaccurate. Public Works Director Brandt asked her to direct her questions to him and he would reply.

With no further business or discussion, Mayor Rocha adjourned the meeting at 8:32 P.M. to the meeting of February 22, 2000.

Respectfully Submitted:

L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk