TITLE: Title
Resolution Authorizing Preparation of Draft Boundary Resolution Mechanism for Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) Amendment
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to provide an opportunity for the Town Council to support the preparation of a draft WASMPBA map interpretation/boundary resolution mechanism for consideration by all partners to the agreement.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Trish McGuire, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org>, 919-918-7327
INFORMATION: The Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement is an agreement signed in 2001 between Orange County, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough.
During staff review of a recent petition (see Town Council agenda item 20-408) for a boundary adjustment to add properties to the primary service area mapped as part of the Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA), two factors were noted. First, that that the original service boundary included within WASMPBA was drawn on topographic maps that were of a fairly small scale. And, second that the actual gravity sewer service potential was not field verified, so some locations where gravity service would be possible were not included.
The circumstances described for the Bayberry Lane properties discussed in agenda item 20-408 are not the only instance where natural features (e.g., a stream or ridge line) have been designated as the boundaries of a service area. Natural features were not surveyed when the WASMPBA boundaries were mapped. Technology has improved since 2001, including geographic information systems (GIS) capability and more detailed topographic mapping.
Staff from the five WASMPBA parties have discussed a potential mechanism that would authorize the resolution of minor discrepancies in the future through GIS analysis and staff interpretation, rather than through the existing process which requires formal action by each of the five governing boards. Staffs of the WASMPBA parties are requesting direction from the respective governing boards regarding the development of an administrative provision that could be included in the WASMPBA. If authorized, staffs would work together on language and bring an item forward for future consideration.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: No extraordinary staff and fiscal impacts are anticipated with preparation of an administrative WASMPBA boundary resolution mechanism. Some additional use of properties and some increased development potential and associated property tax revenues could be expected with development served by water and sewer services in areas added to the Primary Service Area.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended that the Town Council consider adoption of a resolution (Attachment A) that directs staff to work with WASMPBA partners to prepare a draft map interpretation/boundary resolution mechanism for possible incorporation into the agreement at a later date.