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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/1996 City CouncilOOBO MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 17, 1996 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on the 17th day of June, 1996, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilmember Present Mary Watts, Councilmember Present David Stanwick, Councilmember Present Wilma Avey, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Present Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present INVOCATION - Kay Hardin 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CITIZEN INPUT Darrell Pope, 5530 Squires, asked for a progress report on the extension of F.M. 423 to Josey Lane and also asked if our water situation had been straightened out. Mayor Manning said that would be a fairly lengthy report and asked Mr. Pope to call Mr. Smith personally for that information. The Mayor advised the water situation would be reported on during the staff reports section of the agenda. 3. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF JUNE 16, 1996 AS TEXAS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS WEEK Mayor Manning read the proclamation in its entirety. It will be mailed to the Texas Department of Health. B. PRESENTATION TO FORMER COUNCILMEMBERS KAY HARDIN, DAVID HEIMAN AND DAVID MCCREARY Mayor Manning presented former Councilmember Kay Hardin with a plaque recognizing her service to the city during her recent term of office. Former Councilmembers David Heiman and David McCreary were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their service during their recent partial terms of office. C. PRESENTATION OF EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS Mayor Manning and Margaret Burkett, Personnel Director presented the following employees with awards recognizing their tenure with the city: 15 years - Bob Hutchison - Inspections Department 10 years - Leslie Smith - Police Department Alan Orr - Public Works Department Elise Knox - Aquatic Park 5 years - Joy Morrison - Utility Administration 3 years - Chris Plemons - Police Department 2 years - Johnny Smith - City Manager Other employees not present, but whose names were called are as follows: Sandy Tausend, Dave Deslauders, George Wintle, Teresa Sink, Dan Baas, David Swain, Emily Palmer, Brent Young, and Sherrill Wilson. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. AS REQUESTED BY DAVID SURDUKAN FOR A REPLAT OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED SHOPPING CENTER AND WHICH IS A PORTION OF THE COLONY NO 33 ADDITION GENERALLY LOCATED 413 FEET SOUTH OF S. COLONY BLVD AND WEST OF F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET) Motion to open the public hearing - Stanwick; second - Dillard, carried with all members voting Aye. Sam Chavez, City Planner, stated the applicant is requesting approval of a replat of a portion of Tract 1 of The Colony No. 33 Addition which is located approximately 314 feet south of S. Colony Blvd. and west of F.M. 423 (more specifically, behind the Diamond Shamrock). The site is zoned Shopping Center and is currently undeveloped, and is slated for a self-service car wash. The site plan does not require Planning & Zoning approval, however, it will be reviewed by staff during the building permit process. Applicant David Surdukan, 5120 N. Colony Blvd., was present to answer any questions. Mayor Manning asked if the site plan would go to council. Mr. Chavez said it would not have to but to be consistent, it should go to P & Z and Council. Motion to close the public hearing - Dillard; second - Kovatch, carried with all members voting Aye. B. AS REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF THE COLONY SEEKING TO AMEND APPENDIX A-ZONING, SECTION 24-100 TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO POST ZONING NOTIFICATION SIGNS ON SUBJECT PROPERTY, ESTABLISH A MINIMUM DEPOSIT FOR SIGNS AND PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE 9 Motion to open the public hearing - Longo; second - Watts, carried with all members voting Aye. Mr. Chavez gave background on this item, stating that in accordance with state statutes, adjacent property owners are notified by mail in the form of property owner notification notices and the general public is notified by legal notices printed in The Leader on all pending zoning cases in the city. In an effort to the keep the citizens better informed, P & Z established as one of its goals in 1995 to require applicants to post zoning notification signs on subject properties. Staff has initiated a zoning text amendment on behalf of the Planning & Zoning Commission which would amend Section 24-101 of the Zoning Ordinance to require applicants to post and maintain zoning notification signs on subject properties on all pending zoning requests. The amendment establishes posting criteria, minimum security sign deposits and a non- monetary penalty on the applicant for failure to post and maintain the required signs. Staff will supply the applicant with the required signs and will periodically inspect the subject site for compliance. Councilman Stanwick suggested adding a provision for damages if the signs are not returned in good condition. Mr. Chavez advised the property owner really has no control over conditions that could damage the signs, but that language can be added if the council desires. Councilman Stanwick suggested at least asking them to pay for the cost of the signs, which Mr. Chavez advised will be $25.00 per sign. David Heiman said the time frame for placement of signs needs to be doubled. The recommendation is to place them 10 days before the P & Z hearing and stay in place until the council takes final action. '-" Councilman Watts said the number of signs required should be increased especially on large properties. Mr. Chavez said that is up to the city's discretion. Councilman Watts asked if it would be appropriate to put notice on the cable at the same time the signs are put up. Mr. Chavez said he would give that some thought as well. Councilman Dillard said we don't want this to become too cumbersome. Motion to close the public hearing - Dillard; second - Watts, carried with all members voting Aye. C. AS REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF THE COLONY SEEKING TO ADOPT STATE HIGHWAY 121 CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FOR PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN 1200 FEET ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF STATE HIGHWAY 121 Motion to open the public hearing - Stanwick; second - Kovatch, carried with all members voting Aye. Mr. Chavez said staff, P & Z and the city's consultant, Marcie Diamond (Ferram Architects) have met in several work sessions in order to establish a set of development standards for property along the north and south sides of State Hwy. 121. He said the guidelines address items such as building design, parking areas, landscaping, screening, utility placement and site 10 lighting. The intent of the guidelines is to encourage the inclusion of aesthetic design features for all aspects of development along this corridor, without establishing inflexible design formulas that rule out unique design solutions to specific design problems. Mr. Chavez reiterated the purpose of these development guidelines is to enhance, not control development with the defined corridor. Mr. Chavez continued, stating that as a result of the work sessions, four planning teams were developed to address retail, commercial, industrial and office development sectors. He said the teams were made up of professional engineers, architects and end-users of non-residential property. The teams reviewed the guidelines from a practical standpoint and the information provided to P & Z from them (teams) along with the assistance of the consultant and staff allowed the refining of the standards while still maintaining the intent of the proposed guidelines. Mr. Chavez then responded to questions from the Council. Councilman Stanwiek asked what the incentive is for developers to follow these guidelines. Developers will be given the zoning ordinance and these guidelines and asked to follow them closely because this is the direction in which the council wants this property to be developed. Councilman Longo asked about parking lots, screening and landscaping and encouraged using common sense so views are not obstructed. These items will be reviewed closely. Councilman Watts said all references to masonry walls should be consistent. Brief discussion. They will be cross referenced so that they are consistent and equal. Councilman Longo asked if this would prevent someone from putting up a restaurant with sheet metal on the outside for atmosphere. The standards will define what is expected, but we can't keep a developer from asking for a variance. The sign ordinance is currently being reviewed for amendment and that is why there are no references in the guidelines to signs. The preliminary draft of the ordinance is ready and will be presented soon. Mayor Manning said instead of using the term "matching" colors perhaps the term "complementary" colors would be better. He went on to say he would like to see all of the utilities along 121 underground. Mr. Chavez said the first draft of the guidelines included underground utilities, but representatives from T.U.E. and Denton County Cooperative Electric were in on those discussions and, because of the exorbitant costs, suggested an alternative. Mr. Jim McCormick with T.U.E. addressed the council agreeing that this would be very expensive and those costs would eventually be passed on to the customers. He said they (utility companies) have agreed to move the utilities to Memorial Drive or to a back property line, which would be more aesthetically pleasing. Mr. McCormick stated the cost to put underground is approximately $250.00 per linear foot, which would be paid by the developer, may cause some developers to build somewhere else rather than pay the price. Councilman Watts questioned condition 8.1 regarding landscaping. Mr. Chavez said that section of the Landscape Ordinance is not achievable. He said it's fine for small developments but not for large ones, such as Albertson's, because it cuts up the property too much. He said the council can modify this for Albertson's when they bring in their site plan. Discussion followed about the need to amend the landscape ordinance. Councilmembers Watts and Kovatch expressed concern over the idea of council having to modify during site plan, even though that is within their authority. Councilman Dillard said he is comfortable with that method. Councilman Watts commended the work done on these guidelines and stated she is very 11 pleased with them. Mr. Chavez said these guidelines provide a common ground for all development along S.H. 121. Motion to close the public hearing - Stanwick; second - Avey, carried with all members voting Aye. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Manning summarized the items on the Consent Agenda. Councilman Watts pulled item D for discussion. A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD JUNE 3, 1996 Council meeting minutes have been prepared for the council review and approval. Motion to approve the nfinutes as written - Dillard; second - Longo, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. B. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION NOMINATING DON FRANKLIN TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE DENCO AREA 9-1-1 DISTRICT Mr. Don Franklin was appointed two years ago to serve and has asked to be nominated for another term. This resolution names him as The Colony's nominee. Motion to approve the resolution as written - Dillard; second - Longo, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. C. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE REPLAT OF PROPERTY AS REQUESTED BY DAVID SURDUKAN GENERAL LOCATED 413 FEET SOUTH OF S. COLONY BLVD AND WEST OF F.M. 423 (MAIN STREET) Following the public hearing, the council will take action on the request for a replat. Motion to approve the replay as recommended - Dillard; second - Longo, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. D. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 24-100 OF APPENDIX A-ZONING BY REQUIRING APPLICANTS TO POST ZONING NOTIFICATION SIGNS ON SUBJECT PROPERTY; ESTABLISH A MINIMUM DEPOSIT FOR SIGNS AND A PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE Mayor Manning read the caption of the ordinance as follows: 12 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, ORDINANCE NO. 61, AS AMENDED, PASSED AND APPROVED ON JUNE 4, 1979, THE SAME BEING APPENDIX A OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, BY AMENDING SECTION 24-101 OF APPENDIX A-ZONING; REQUIRING APPLICANTS TO POST ZONING NOTIFICATION SIGNS ON SUBJECT PROPERTY, ESTABLISH A MINIMUM SIGN DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT; ESTABLISH A PENALTY FOR NON- COMPLIANCE; AND PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilman Watts said one sign should be placed at the beginning of the street frontage of the property and one at the end of the street frontage so residents can see where the zoning change begins and ends. Councilman Kovatch suggested one sign for every 500 feet. Mr. Chavez suggested the following language, "one sign every 400 linear feet with at least 2 signs on the subject property." Council agreed. Motion to approve the ordinance as amended - Longo; second - Watts, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 6. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION FROM PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR REGARDING CHEMICAL BIDS This item was postponed from the June 3, 1996 meeting for further review. Pat Dunlap, Public Services Director, addressed the council and explained how the chemical bids had been received, citing reasons why he is still recommending rejecting all the bids and re-bidding these items. He said if the bids are awarded based strictly on low bidder, then we would have 5 separate contracts. Mayor Manning opened the floor for public comments. There were none. Councilman Watts said the council asked Mr. Dunlap to review this with the city attorney to be sure it is legal for us to reject these bids. John Hill, city attorney was present and stated that the city council can reject any and all bids according to State law. Motion to reject all bids and authorize re-bidding of these products - Dillard; second - Longo. Councilman Stanwick suggested the specifications be more specific and Mr. Dunlap agreed, stating they will be rewritten to try to alleviate the problems we had this time. Mr. Smith suggested a pre-bid conference. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 7. CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE WATER'S EDGE ADDITION GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF F.M. 423, NORTH OF HAVEN HILLS DRIVE 13 While this property is not within the City Limits, it is within our ETJ and the plat does require approval of Council. Mr. Chavez summarized stating the applicant is requesting approval of a final plat for the Water's Edge Addition along with approval of a waiver of the sidewalk requirement. This is a proposed 43 lot subdivision west of F.M. 423 adjacent to the west city limit line and within the city's extra territorial jurisdiction (ET J). The preliminary plat for this subdivision was approved by the council in January 1996 and it included a realignment of the proposed extension of Etheridge Drive. There are two points of access proposed, first located on the southern end of the subdivision and the second on the northeast portion of the site. The applicant will extend Nervin Drive from its existing location, west to and through the Corps of Engineers property to the subject site. Easements for this extension have been granted by Fox & Jacobs (1984) and by the Corps of Engineers (1981). A condition of approval of the preliminary plat for this proposed gated community was for the applicant to amend the existing road easement on the Corps land to provide a mm-around at the entrance to the subdivision. The applicant has petitioned the County and the Corps for this amendment and is in the process of acquiring the required amendment to the existing road easement in order to construct the required cul-de-sac at the entrance. The proposed second point of access will connect the existing Haven Hills Drive, located in the Garza Little Elm Lake Estates Addition. In order to accomplish this, the applicant submitted a replat application for the affected lots in the Garza Little Elm Lake Estates in accordance with the conditions of approval for the preliminary plat. With regard to the sidewalk waiver request, Mr. Chavez said the applicant is requesting approval of a sidewalk waiver for the subdivision due to the nature of the gated community. This community will not provide access for the general public, therefore, the use of sidewalks will only serve the residents of the community. Based upon the review of the city's subdivision ordinance, which requires sidewalks in all residential subdivisions, and the city's responsibility to protect the general welfare of all pedestrians, staff recommends that the request for the sidewalk waiver be denied. The staff however, does recommend approval of the final plat. Mayor Manning opened the floor for public comments. There were none. Vernon Jackson, developer, addressed the sidewalk waiver request, stating the primary reason sidewalks are constructed is to allow foot traffic to and from various areas. He said that would not be the case in their private, gated community. He said it is adjacent to a higher density area of 8 lots to an acre. Their development will be 1.6 lots to the acre and he doesn't feel a sidewalk is needed throughout this area. Mr. John Hill, city attorney, clarified that a 3/4 vote of the council is not needed on this item if the council does not go with the P & Z recommendation because this is not a zoning case. Councilman Kovatch asked if the city would have to build the sidewalks if in 5 - 7 years this subdivision was annexed into The Colony and if so, if there is any way that can be prevented. Mr. Hill suggested that deed restrictions can be placed on each lot and Mr. Jackson agreed stating that can be done through the homeowner's association restrictions. Councilman Longo expressed concem for the safety of children in the area if there are no sidewalks. Councilman Stanwick also expressed a safety concern and stated that areas without sidewalks don't foster as much of a sense of community as those with sidewalks. Councilman Stanwick suggested that sidewalks could be planned as a part of the landscaping and look very nice. 14 Mr. Jackson said the lots will be very large with large front lawns and stated they (developer) are trying to get away from the concrete jungle appearance. He said there will be substantial areas for children to play without them getting in the street. Councilman Avey said sidewalks give a safer passage to walk to and from school and Mr. Jackson agreed that is tree where the general public is driving in the area, but he reminded council that this is a gated community (where only residents and guests will be driving). Councilman Dillard said he is familiar with areas without sidewalks and that he supports this waiver, stating it should be handled (through deed restrictions) by the homeowner's association. Motion to approve the final plat and the sidewalk waiver - Dillard; second - Kovatch. Councilman Watts said with sidewalks it is the parents' prerogative to allow children to play in the street, but without sidewalks there is no choice. She said it is irresponsible to suggest that the streets be used for other than vehicle traffic. Mr. Jackson said that was not his intent, however, he was trying to explain there will be ample space for playing without children needing to play in the street. He said the speed limit will be 20 mph. Mr. Smith said he supports the P & Z recommendation to deny the waiver because there is no guarantee we can enforce our ordinance in the future. Councilman Avey asked if is possible for the developer to put the funds aside now to pay for a sidewalk later. Attorney Hill said the city cannot require the developer to do that, but deed restrictions could be used to establish the escrow of funds for that purpose and the city could be made a party to that. Mr. Jackson said he has no problem with such a plan in case sidewalks should become necessary in the future. Councilman Kovatch said he grew up without sidewalks and that he doesn't see a problem as long as the city doesn't have to pay for them later. Motion failed with the following roll call vote: Ayes - Dillard, Kovatch, Manning Noes - Longo, Watts, Stanwick, Avey Motion to approve the final plat denying the sidewalk waiver - Longo; second - Watts, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 8. CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR MUTUAL AID IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE BELOW LISTED CITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS The Colony is being asked to participate in a Mutual Aid Agreement with the following entities for assistance during disasters: Cities of Carrollton, Coppell, Denton, Flower Mound, Ft Worth, Frisco, Lewisville, Plano, South Lake. Fire Departments - Aubrey, Double Oak, Highland Village, Justin, Krum, Lake Dallas, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Ponder, Prosper, Roanoke, Sanger and Trophy Club. Mr. Smith encouraged the council to approve this agreement. Chief Morrison said the Denton County Fire Chief's Association has been working on this agreement for some time. Mayor Manning opened the floor to public comments. There were none. 15 0060 9 Motion to approve the agreement as written - Dillard; second - Avey, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 9. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF A VOLUNTARY WATERING PROGRAM IN THE CITY Due to the recent drought conditions, staff is recommending the implementation of a voluntary even-odd watering program in the city. Mr. Smith recommended the council to authorize the plan based on staffs research and information. Mayor Manning opened the floor to public comments. There were none. Councilman Watts asked if approving this would authorize the city to expend funds to notify the citizens. Mr. Smith said no, not at this time, stating other methods of notification will be used. Councilman Watts noted that at this time no un-budgeted funds are to be spent. Motion to authorize a voluntary watering program as recommended - Kovatch; second - Longo, carried with the following roll call vote. Ayes - Longo, Watts, Stanwick, Avey, Kovatch, Mannh~g Noes - Dillard 9:22 p.m. Recess - 9:27 p.m. Executive Session 13. EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 551.074 REGARDING '"" PERSONNEL, TO-WIT: A. MAYOR, CITY MANAGER, CITY SECRETARY 11:32 p.m. Reconvene 14. CONSIDERATION OF ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None 10. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRACT WITH J.T. DUNKIN AND ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,280.00 FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF THE COLONY This item was postponed from the June 3, 1996 meeting because the contract for preparation of the portions of the Comprehensive Plan, which are to be completed by Hunter Associates, had not been received. Mr. Smith said the contract has been reviewed by the City Manager, City Planner and the City Attorney. We feel the agreement is satisfactory and will get the job done. Mayor Manning asked Mr. Dunkin if he was prepared to respond to some recommended changes received this afternoon. Mr. Dunkin addressed the council, stating the hour is late, that he has been in this 16 business 23 years, has done business with over 60 cities, some of them more than once, and that he has never been in the position he is in this evening. He said he always felt his firm's credibility and professionalism was sufficient, but that apparently it is not sufficient (for The Colony) and, therefore, he is withdrawing his firm's proposal. Mr. Dunkin then left the meeting. Mayor Manning said that makes item 10 moot and asked if item 11 needs to be addressed. Mr. Smith advised we do need impact fees and the Mayor then addressed item 11. 11. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRACT WITH HUNTER AND ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,600.00 FOR THE PREPARATION OF CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Hunter Associates will be preparing certain portions of the Comprehensive Plan as outlined in the agreement with J.T. Dunkin and Associates. This agreement sets out the scope of service. Mr. Smith stated again that the impact fees must be done and Mr. Chavez agreed. Hal Jones stated the population estimates must be completed and that was part of Mr. Dunkin's proposal, not Hunter Associates. He said he can do the impact fee study for $10,000, but that he cannot say what the population estimates would cost because that was not part of his scope of services. Motion to authorize Hunter Associates to prepare an update on the Impact Fees and authorize the city manager to use money from the Impact Fees, not to exceed an amount of $10,000 - Dillard; second - Stamvick Mr. Chavez said the Land Use Assumption must be done as well and that was part of Mr. Dunkin's contract. Mr. Jones said he could work with staff to prepare this document but that it was not part of the original scope of work. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Jones to be sure the mount of money is adequate to get the job done. Mr. Jones said he has no control over the number of meetings to be held and reiterated this was not in their original scope of services. Councilman Longo suggested postponing action on this item, stating the council had caught Mr. Jones off-guard and had put him in an awkward position. Mr. Jones recommended finalizing the water and wastewater studies first. He said his fn'm can project growth, but that it is not currently in the budget. Councilman Watts said we will seek proposals on the comprehensive plan and since we have already said what we want we should receive them by the next council meeting. Mr. Smith said that would not be possible, whether we seek proposals or just contact frans to present proposals they cannot be ready for review by the next council meeting. Councilman Watts said she hopes Mr. Dunkin will submit a bid and that she is sorry he withdrew his proposal. She said his ability was never questioned. Motion withdrawn by Councilman Dillard Motion to postpone action of this item until the next meeting - Stanwick; second - Kovatch, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 17 0t1{507 At this time, Mayor Manning said he is doing something a little out of order, and brought Item 10 back on the floor. 10. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRACT WITH J.T. DUNKIN AND ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,280.00 FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF THE COLONY Mayor Manning entertained a motion to approve the contract as written. Motion to approve the contract with J.T. Dunkin & Associates as written - Dillard; second - Kovatch, carried with the following roll call vote: Ayes - Watts, Stanwick, Dillard, Kovatch, Manning Noes - Longo, Avey 12. CITY MANAGER AND STAFF REPORTS Pat Dunlap gave a report on the Investigation of Positive Bacteriological Tests (see Attachment "A"). Mr. Dunlap recommended postponing the purchase of the ammoniator system at this time, based on Mr. Stone's report. A suggestion was made that the fire department flush the fire hydrants, since Mr. Dunlap's department is short staffed. With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 12:07 a.m. APPROVED: William W. Manning, ATTEST: Patti A. Hicks, City Secretary, TRMC 18 006073 "ATTACHMENT A" Memorandum Date: Jtme 13, 1996 To: David P. Yordy, Water Production Superintendent, The Colony From: Fred Stone Subject: Investigation of Positive Bacteriological Tests Positive Bacteriological samples result from several obvious sources: incorrect or improper sampling technique laboratory errors including contaminated media or equipment and contamination in the water tested. All samples were collected by the same employee who has a record of negative results for several years. However, the records show an elapsed time of only 10 to 15 minutes between sample points. Is this sufficient time for travel, proper flushing, field testing for chlorine residual, faucet disinfection, and bacteriological sample collection? Perhaps it is since the distances between locations is short. Adequate flushing must not be compromised since the sample must be from the water in the main; not fi.om the supply line to the customer. There is no information to support laboratory errors as the primary cause of the positive samples. The Colalert test is more sensitive than either the membrane filter or five tube fermentation tests. The increased sensitivity is due in part to its ability to detect weak or dying organisms the older methods could not. Therefore, the Colalert test could be considered to hold the utility to a higher standard than the older methods. The Colalert test cannot be blamed for the positive results on March 21 st, unless additional evidence is presented. The test has been used by the Lewisville Laboratory since 1994. The percentage of positive samples fi.om The Colony's system has not increased in the past two years. If sampling and laboratory errors are ruled out, then the presence of coliform organisms in the sample must have been responsible for the positive results. If this is the case, then there are several sources of coliform that include: contamination in the source of water contamination in a ground storage reservoir or elevated tank backflow fi.om a cross connection with a nonpotable water source contamination fi.om improper main break repair technique contamination fi.om improperly disinfected new mains biological regrowth in dead ends or lines with sluggish flow improper system operation causing surge or flow reversal. Source water contamination is discounted by records showing the sources to be coliform free. The . same can be said for the waters in the ground storage reservoirs. However, some additional testing of water in the two elevated tanks is in order. Water in the tanks may remain relatively stagnant for long periods of time if pumping closely matches demand throughout the day. Stagnant water will lose its combined chlorine residual with time. This is particularly tree if the tanks contain a mixture of waters with different types of residual. Surface water from OCPS contains a combined chlorine residual as monochloramine, while water from The Colony's wells has a free chlorine residual. Monochloramine forms when the chlorine to ammonia nitrogen (Cl:n) ratio (by wt.) is 5:1 or less. Adding water with free chlorine will increase the ratio unless excess free ammonia is present. Excess ammonia is discouraged since it can cause both corrosion problems and lead to nitrification. If a mixture of surface and well water raises the Cl:n ratio above 5:1, monochloramine is converted to dichloramine and then to nitrogen trichloride at low pH. Both compounds should be avoided due to their adverse taste and odor. (Dichloramine is the source of the chlorinous "swimming pool" odor, and nitrogen trichloride odor is pungent, and disagreeable.) At Cl:n ratio >7.6:1 the classic breakpoint reactions can reduce the total chlorine residual to zero unless organic nitrogen compounds are present. (The combined residual formed from organic nitrogen compounds has little to no disinfecting power and should be ignored.) Breakpoint occurring in a tank may either reduce or destroy the chlorine residual and provide conditions favorable for biological regrowth. Tanks are open to the atmosphere by necessity and subject to airborne contaminants. In addition, purified water in the system is not sterile and neither is the inside of the distribution system. Low levels of bacteria can be present in properly maintained water systems and provide a source for biological regrowth. Surface waters also contain sufficient total organic carbon (TOC) to provide food for micro-organisms in the absence of an effective -- disinfectant residual. ~ I recommend testing of the water in each elevated tank for disinfectant residual, total coliforms, and herotrophic plate count (HPC) on a routine schedule. A weekly test should be sufficient unless a problem is found, then more frequent testing is needed. ( High HPC counts indicated the presence of bacteria other than coliform.) Collecting a sample representing the water in an elevated tank is difficult. One method is to lower the water level and collect the sample as the level falls and when the tank is nearly empty. This may be impractical with two tanks floating on the same system. Drawing down one tank cannot be done without affecting the level in the other unless it is valved off, and that could be a liability. Alternately, installation of a small sample line up and into the bowl allows sampling without drawing down the tank. The installation is made when the tank is emptied for routine inspection and cleaning. Also, the sample line must be protected from freezing and vandalism. I have no information about cross connection control, however the test results do not point to either cross connection or backflow from a nonpotable source as the source in the positive samples. While total coliforms were present, fecal coliforms ere not present in any of the samples. Fecal coliforms are an indicator of recent contamination and expected to be present in the case of cross connection related contamination. __.,. Also the absence of fecal coliforms makes it unlikely the source of contamination was from either an improperly repaired main break or from an improperly disinfected new main. I therefore conclude the contamination resulted either from biological regrowth in the distribution system, improper system operation, or a combination of both. As stated above, all surface water supplies (and some well supplies) contain sufficient TOC for micro-organism growth in the absence of an effective disinfectant residual. These conditions often occur in dead ends or in lines that have insufficient flow to keep the water fresh. Regrowth can be controlled by a main flushing program that routinely flushes dead ends and mains with low flow. Dead ends are easy to locate and flush, but low flowing mains, are often difficult to locate. It is possible that biological regrowth is present in the system at a location between OCPS and 4813 Arbor Glen, the positive location closest to OCPS. If this is the case, and if conditions occurred that caused water from the regrowth area to be injected into the 18" or 12" mains leading from OCPS; the organisms would have been pushed north into the distribution system causing the positive results. Possible Scenario Since all water on March 21st was supplied from OCPS, the direction of flow in the 18" and 12" lines from OCPS would be north toward the city. If pumping was stopped for any of a number of reasons early in the moming, the flow in the 18" and 12" lines would reverse. The pressure would drop to zero for an instant before the flow reversal. The entire system was supplied from the elevated tanks while the pumps were stopped. (A lesser condition would occur if the rate of pumping was reduced sufficiently to cause the tank levels to drop.) Either condition could have caused regrowth containing water from a dead end or low flow main to be introduced into the system. When pumping resumed, the contaminated water was pushed north into the active distribution system. The first sample was collected from 4813 Arbor Glen at 8:45 am, and all samples had been collected by 11:20 am. Eleven samples were collected, with eight positive. All eight locations are in the anticipated direction of flow from OCPS northward. Two of the locations testing negative, 4430 Chapman and 4028 N. Colony, axe at the apparent longest travel time from OCPS. The contaminated water either did not have time to reach those locations, or the disinfectant residual had time to inactivate the micro-organisms. The third location testing negative was 5021 Brandenburg, a location which should have tested positive under the scenario. Perhaps the flow in the line supplying this location was low, or the sample point was not flushed long enough o pull contaminated water from the main. Monochloramine is an effective disinfectant only if given sufficient contact time with the micro- organisms. The EPA Guidance Manual specifies a CT value of 365 for monochloramine at 5°C (41 °F) to provide a 0.5 log inactivation of Giardia cysts. CT is the product of residual in mg/1 and contact time in minutes. Coliforms normally do not require the long contact time necessary for . Giardia cysts. However, in a regrowth environment, the organisms may be protected from disin- 00{50"?.0 fectant contact by slime or other particulate matter. The high CT value may therefore be justified. The lowest disinfectant residual recorded from any sample taken that day was 2.4 mg/1. 365/2.4 = 152 minutes or 2.5 hours detention time was required to satisfy the CT requirement. If the locations were sampled before the micro-organisms had been in contact with the disinfectant for 2.5 hours, positive results could occur. The high sensitivity of the Colalert test may have accentuated the problem. The above scenario does not explain the positive recheck samples collected at later dates. It is provided only as a possibility and a starting point in finding the real cause. Since we are now three months after the fact, we may never know exactly what happened to cause the positive samples2 One way to minimize future problems is to expand the sampling program by including routine testing for HPC. Samples with high counts (200 organisms per ml. or greater) may indicate biological regrowth. That could be used to justify additional flushing of lines and sampling until the counts drop to normal. I cannot define "normal" until sufficient data has been collected. Samples from the Dallas system used to have HPC counts of<10 per ml. with many showing no colonies. Sampling technique is extremely important since the agar medium will grow nearly any- thing. A sneeze or cough while the sample container is open can result in a count of TNTC (too numerous to count), and bear no relationship to water quality. This is the main reason the test has never been used by regulators to define water quality. It is a valuable in-house test to locate problems in a distribution system and storage reservoirs. I would also consider increasing the number of coliform samples collected for reporting to the state. Collecting samples at more locations increases the allowed number of positive results, but it also exposes you to greater risk. Cost is also a factor, but it is good public relations to be able to say you routinely are doing more than the minimum required by the state. Ammonia feed at the well GSR You mentioned considering the feed of ammonia to form a chloramine residual at the three wells. Doing this would avoid the problems of mixing chloraminated water with chlorinated waters. The data supplied to me does not indicate a problem exists in your system. Unless the waters are mixed in a storage reservoir or elevated tank, problems should be minimal. In your system, most mixing takes place in the distribution system at the interface between waters from the two sources. This water is consumed before there is time for the breakpoint reactions to occur. I would consider ammonia feed only ifI found water in one of the elevated tanks to rapidly lose residual under normal operation. Even then, I would do so only if I were convinced the chlorine loss resulted from breakpoint reactions. Feeding the proper chlorine to ammonia ratio requires close operational control since the ratio calculation should be based on chlorine residual rather than feed. Excess ammonia feed as a safety factor can cause both nitrification problems and costly corrosion to bronze pump impellers. 4 00607,.' Nitrification causes the rapid loss of chloramine residuals in tanks and storage rese~oirs in warm weather. Elevated tanks are especially vulnerable if they are allowed to float on the system and stagnate for long periods of time. Nitrification occ~s when nitrosomonas bacteria convezt ammonia to nitrite and liberate free chlorine. The free chlorine immediately oxidizes the nitrite to nitrate and is completely destroyed. Since one mg of nitrite can destroy more than one mg of chlorine, excess nitrite is lef~ in the water. One easy way to test for nitrificationis to field test for rdtfite. If present, nitrification can be assumed to be its source. (Primary disinfection destroys nitrite present in the raw water.) Nitrosmonas axe highly resistant to chloramine and cannot be detected by the usual Il]PC test. They axe autotrophic bacteria and testing for their presence is beyond the scope of most water laboratories. Once they colonize a system, they axe haxd to control. Some utilities routinely shut down the ammonia feed and fill the entire system with free chlorine residual to kill nitrosomonas before nitrification occurs. The easiest control is to make sure no water remains in the system for more than four or five days. To accomplish this, the elevated tanks must be either regularly exercised up and down, or drained when the residual drops below an acceptable level. In summaz~, feeding ammonia to prevent chlorine loss due to mixing of well and surface waters is like trading a headache for an upset stomach. I cannot in good faith recommend ammonia feed unless you can provide data showing its need. R. F. Stone, P. E.