Utility Advisory Board

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025, 9:00 A.M. 120 LAISHLEY COURT PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950 MEMBERS PRESENT: Derek Rooney, Chair David Abderhalden, David Hooper MEMBERS ABSENT: George Ruchti CITY STAFF PRESENT: Steve Adams, Utilities Engineering Manager; Kristin Simeone, Finance Director; Tom Spencer, Utilities Director CALL TO ORDER Mr. Rooney called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Tim Ritchie voiced concern for the City’s infrastructure and waterways, expressing optimism that City Council would address same. Mr. Gary Skillicorn expressed concern for administrative procedures, questioning why water could not be withdrawn from the Peace River. He suggested utilizing sponge city concepts or retention ponds at City Marketplace. Mr. Abderhalden acknowledged there were many concerns for the City’s infrastructure. He spoke highly of Mr. Tom Spencer, Utility Director, expressing satisfaction with the direction the City was headed. He noted addressing the City’s infrastructure needs would be costly, stating staff was limited to the funding available for same. Mr. Rooney opined identifying funding for the City’s infrastructure would be more beneficial than revisiting the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.a April 28, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Exhibits: Cover Page April 28, 2025, Minutes Mr. Hooper MOVED to approve the April 28, 2025, minutes, SECONDED by Mr. Abderhalden. AYE: Abderhalden, Hooper, Rooney ABSENT: Ruchti MOTION CARRIED. 2) REPORTS 2.a Utilities Operational Data Exhibits: Cover Page APR2025 MOR

Mr. Tom Spencer, Utilities Director, reported the Water to Town Average for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was 7.4 million gallons per day (MGD) and Peak day usage was 8.4 MGD. He stated the reservoir was at 5.12 feet. He further stated that the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) statistics were as follows: Average Daily Flow- 2.3 MGD; Rolling Average for Three Months- 2.5 MGD; Peak Day Flow- 2.6 MGD. He reported 0.27 inches of rainfall recorded in the month of April, noting 100% of the County was facing drought conditions and the City was facing extreme drought conditions. Mr. Rooney requested Mr. Spencer address Mr. Skillicorn’s question regarding withdrawing from the Peace River. Mr. Spencer stated there were multiple reasons the City was unable to withdraw from the Peace River, noting the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority had exclusive rights for withdrawal from the Peace River. 2.b TDS Chart Exhibits: Cover Page APR2025 TDS Mr. Spencer presented the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) chart, noting the average concentration was 510 milligrams per liter (MPL) and the Blended Water Average TDS was 378 MPL. Mr. Rooney questioned the source of the TDS. Mr. Spencer replied same was primarily shell from Shell Creek. 2.c Utilities agenda items for City Council Exhibits: Cover Page APR2025 CC ACTIONS Mr. Spencer stated the Airport’s pre-annexation agreement had gone before City Council in April, noting they chose to waive same. Mr. Rooney questioned if the Airport was exempt from taxation. Ms. Kristin Simeone, Finance Director, replied same was dependent on whether they were a governmental agency or nonprofit. Mr. Rooney opined annexing the Airport would be a fiscal loss to the City. Ms. Simeone spoke of legislature that would affect the City’s ability to apply a 25% surcharge to utility users that were outside City limits, noting the difference in revenue would be spread amongst all users if same was passed. 2.d Utilities Financial report Exhibits: Cover Page UAB report 202504 Apr Ms. Simeone presented the Utilities Financial Report, reviewing the revenues and expenditures. Mr. Abderhalden expressed optimism that the water meter readings would help generate predictive data.

2.e CIP Status Update Exhibits: Cover Page CIP Update 5-12-25 Mr. Spencer reviewed the CIP status report, explaining the phase each project was in. Mr. Abderhalden questioned if a larger tank would fit at the Burnt Store Elevated Storage Tank site. Mr. Spencer replied affirmatively, noting an engineer would be reviewing other options to replace the tank. 3) GENERAL BUSINESS There was none. STAFF COMMENTS There were none. MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Abderhalden questioned if water demand had been impacted by the enforcement of the irrigation restrictions. Mr. Spencer replied affirmatively. Mr. Hooper questioned how many enforcement notices had been issued. Mr. Spencer replied with uncertainty. Mr. Rooney suggested allowing for turf could alleviate some of the water demand. Mr. Spencer stated the rewrite of Chapter 17 of the City’s Code of Ordinances had commenced, noting all departments would be involved. Mr. Abderhalden suggested the City use permeable pavement, noting same would be in the purview of Public Works. Mr. Spencer stated the Utilities department was working closely with Public Works. Mr. Abderhalden questioned how many properties were using septic in the City limits. Mr. Spencer replied same was minimal. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:54 a.m.Chair Board Recorder