WEBVTT 00:00:04.940 --> 00:00:08.560 Good morning. 00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:10.419 This meeting of the Texas Water Developing Board is 00:00:10.419 --> 00:00:12.380 hereby called the order. For the record, my name is 00:00:12.380 --> 00:00:15.449 Peter Lake. With me today are Kathleen Jackson and Brooke 00:00:15.449 --> 00:00:20.920 Paup. The time is 9:36 AM. 00:00:20.920 --> 00:00:26.719 I want to welcome, Ashley Harden to the Board, our new 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:32.100 General Counsel. Glad to have you on Board, sir And 00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:36.292 with that, we will move to the first item. Ashley, fire away. 00:00:36.316 --> 00:00:39.799 The first item is the Board will discuss 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:44.549 regarding outreach efforts and activities by the Board. 00:00:46.670 --> 00:00:50.070 We obviously don't have much in the way of outreach 00:00:50.429 --> 00:00:54.000 given the current circumstances. Any updates from your 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:55.181 side, Jeff? 00:00:55.205 --> 00:00:58.820 Yes, sir. So thank you. So as I related 00:00:58.820 --> 00:01:01.119 at the last Board meeting, the agency as a whole has been able 00:01:01.119 --> 00:01:04.150 to transition to work from home as efficiently as possible. 00:01:04.430 --> 00:01:07.310 We continue meet expectations of the state in serving 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:10.579 our citizens. We finally received the additional hardware 00:01:10.579 --> 00:01:13.140 to enable everyone at the agency to fully work from home. 00:01:13.420 --> 00:01:15.640 There's still some glitches in the Matrix to use a 00:01:15.640 --> 00:01:19.650 geeky reference. Most of those are beyond our control. 00:01:20.040 --> 00:01:22.010 I'm sure all of you had incidents such as, you know 00:01:22.010 --> 00:01:25.239 sort of randomly freezes in mid sentence or talking 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:28.349 with no sound, and granted, sometimes those are 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:31.140 user errors, and I've done the same thing, but I think 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:33.129 its more a result of the whole United States was not 00:01:33.129 --> 00:01:36.140 ready for everybody to be online at the same time, working from 00:01:36.140 --> 00:01:40.060 home and watching Netflix at the same time. So we're doing 00:01:40.060 --> 00:01:43.629 the best we can. We continue to on-Board staff 00:01:43.629 --> 00:01:45.930 in a virtual world. In fact, we have a new General 00:01:45.930 --> 00:01:48.750 Counsel, as you said, Ashley Harden, who is on onBoard with 00:01:48.750 --> 00:01:52.879 staff as of Monday, four days ago. Want to welcome, Ashley, 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:56.650 and I'm glad he joined family. As you can see by the 00:01:56.650 --> 00:01:58.879 agenda, today's meetings will continue to make commitments 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:01.349 to applicants for essential services and waste water needs. 00:02:01.939 --> 00:02:03.980 We're continuing to implement the legislative direction 00:02:03.980 --> 00:02:07.180 to prepare Texas to be more resilient for flood. The 00:02:07.189 --> 00:02:09.030 floodplanning rules are up for adoption, which will 00:02:09.030 --> 00:02:12.000 start an intense solicitation process for potential 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.919 members of the regional flood planning groups. Eventually, 00:02:14.919 --> 00:02:18.030 the Board will have to approve a total of 180 members 00:02:18.159 --> 00:02:21.360 for initial floodplanning groups. That's a lot of nominations 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:23.969 that staff will need to review and recommend, and we've 00:02:23.969 --> 00:02:27.840 got a massive, like I said, a massive solicitation 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:30.620 process that will kick off after today's, hopefully, 00:02:30.629 --> 00:02:34.719 adoption of rules. We continue to seek stakeholder 00:02:34.729 --> 00:02:37.379 feedback and further our knowledge on flood. We have 00:02:37.379 --> 00:02:40.120 never claimed to be the experts in flood. So we continue to 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:43.719 listen to comments and ideas, make sure we're contemplating 00:02:43.729 --> 00:02:46.719 potential changes to what we've laid out to everybody. Example 00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:49.530 of that, we presented the Board this week, at the work session, 00:02:49.530 --> 00:02:53.620 some comments, concerns related to huck sizes 00:02:53.800 --> 00:02:57.229 for planning and the ability to use local match for loans 00:02:57.229 --> 00:02:59.819 in the fifth. And while we did not recommend changing 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:02.969 huck size, the Board was agreeable to expand the flexibility 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:05.370 what local sponsors can use for their match of various 00:03:05.449 --> 00:03:08.610 programs. So it just shows that we're flexible and 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:10.629 we don't know everything. If we find something that 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:14.539 we missed, we can be adaptable. 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:17.030 We continue to work on protocols to allow staff to voluntary 00:03:17.030 --> 00:03:20.050 return to the office. Voluntarily is a key word there. 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:23.080 We've demonstrated we can successfully work from home, 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:25.330 but there are sometimes in circumstances where the physical 00:03:25.330 --> 00:03:29.569 office is necessary. In fact, I'm here today, so. We're 00:03:29.569 --> 00:03:32.240 working with Governors Office, the Facilities Commission, 00:03:32.250 --> 00:03:34.849 various other agencies to make sure staff and members 00:03:36.080 --> 00:03:38.330 that do want to work in their office, we have protocol 00:03:38.330 --> 00:03:40.449 for them to follow that keeps everybody, them and their 00:03:40.449 --> 00:03:43.439 co workers, as safe as possible. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:45.569 And finally, as you saw yesterday, state leadership 00:03:45.569 --> 00:03:48.090 sent a letter to all agency heads asking us to reduce spending 00:03:48.090 --> 00:03:51.710 about 5% for the remainder of the biennium. We've been anticipating 00:03:51.710 --> 00:03:53.659 this, and I've been working on a way to do this and 00:03:53.659 --> 00:03:56.840 still maintain our essential services. Also in that letter, 00:03:56.840 --> 00:03:59.139 we were asked not to fill open positions that we have 00:03:59.150 --> 00:04:01.969 that are not related to COVID. While we anticipated this, 00:04:01.969 --> 00:04:05.259 we hoped it would not happen. However, depending how long 00:04:05.259 --> 00:04:07.539 that remains in place that could cause a tremendous hardship on our 00:04:07.550 --> 00:04:10.620 flood initiative. We're trying to staff up that flood 00:04:10.620 --> 00:04:12.919 planning and mapping groups. If we cannot do that, 00:04:12.919 --> 00:04:16.050 much of the flood initiative may be severely delayed. So 00:04:16.050 --> 00:04:18.449 we're looking at that since it just came out yesterday, 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:21.949 seeing what our options are there. And so I hate to end 00:04:21.949 --> 00:04:24.139 on a down note, but I do want remind everyone business 00:04:24.139 --> 00:04:27.240 is continuing. In fact, we had our first bond, virtual 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:30.759 bond sale this week and receive our lowest 00:04:30.759 --> 00:04:33.540 rat, received all time low interest 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:36.439 rates for our SRF program. This will help us continue to 00:04:36.439 --> 00:04:38.970 provide essential services to the state. I want to congratulate 00:04:38.970 --> 00:04:41.339 Georgia and her DPM team and all of our consultants for 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:47.649 a great sale. We were anywhere from 5 to 10 times subscribed. 00:04:48.139 --> 00:04:51.449 I think averages about 6 or seven times up described. 00:04:51.839 --> 00:04:54.019 And we were actually able to pivot instead of going 00:04:54.019 --> 00:04:56.139 on Tuesday, went on Monday when market was good. 00:04:56.139 --> 00:04:59.470 It showed that were very versatile 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:02.350 and very adaptable. It was a really, really good sell. 00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:07.279 That's all I got. 00:05:07.279 --> 00:05:11.500 Thank you, Jeff. There's no formal action required 00:05:11.500 --> 00:05:15.550 on this item. Item number two, please, Ashley. 00:05:17.160 --> 00:05:19.889 Item number two, the Board will consider approving 00:05:19.889 --> 00:05:23.040 material changes to contracts for goods and services 00:05:23.050 --> 00:05:26.649 executed during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 00:05:27.339 --> 00:05:30.670 in the contract and performance report for the 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:34.120 second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 points. And Angela 00:05:34.120 --> 00:05:37.257 Wallace will present on that item. I'm sorry. 00:05:37.269 --> 00:05:39.939 David Carter will present on that item. 00:05:39.939 --> 00:05:44.970 That's fine. Good morning. Welcome to the Board, Chairman 00:05:44.970 --> 00:05:47.560 Lake, Director Jackson, Director Paup. For the record, 00:05:47.560 --> 00:05:50.750 my name is David Carter. I'm a member of the Executive 00:05:50.750 --> 00:05:53.670 Administrator's staff. The agenda item before you today 00:05:53.670 --> 00:05:56.170 is for your consideration of a report regarding material 00:05:56.170 --> 00:05:58.680 changes to contracts for goods and services awarded 00:05:58.689 --> 00:06:03.240 under Chapter 2155 of the Texas Government Code, 00:06:03.250 --> 00:06:06.850 executed during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020. 00:06:07.480 --> 00:06:10.269 And also, for your consideration, material encompassing 00:06:10.269 --> 00:06:12.850 performance and contract monitoring for new contracts 00:06:12.850 --> 00:06:15.980 that were executed during the second quarter. The material 00:06:15.980 --> 00:06:18.139 changes included an Attachment One of the report are 00:06:18.139 --> 00:06:21.560 those that extend the length of or postpone the completion 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:24.519 of a contract for six months or more, or increase the 00:06:24.519 --> 00:06:27.029 total consideration to be paid under a contract by 00:06:27.029 --> 00:06:30.350 at least 10%. The performance reporting included in 00:06:30.350 --> 00:06:34.079 Attachment Two of the report conforms with TWDB contracting 00:06:34.079 --> 00:06:37.029 policies and associated rules. The Executive Administrator 00:06:37.029 --> 00:06:39.389 recommends approval of this item, and I am available 00:06:39.389 --> 00:06:41.330 for any questions that you may have. 00:06:57.139 --> 00:07:01.649 Ah, yeah, Jeff, you said user error earlier. Gosh. Wow. 00:07:02.670 --> 00:07:06.920 Alright. I'll go ahead and eat that one. Questions 00:07:06.920 --> 00:07:08.870 or comments, Director Jackson. 00:07:08.894 --> 00:07:10.189 I'm good. Thank you. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:15.787 Director Bob. Alright. Is there a motion? 00:07:15.811 --> 00:07:19.069 Chairman, I move we adopt material changes to contracts for 00:07:19.069 --> 00:07:22.160 goods and services executed during the second quarter 00:07:22.160 --> 00:07:25.709 of Fiscal Year 2020. And the contract and performance 00:07:25.709 --> 00:07:28.819 report for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 as 00:07:28.819 --> 00:07:31.536 recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:32.782 Is there a second? 00:07:32.806 --> 00:07:35.319 I second 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:40.279 All in favor, say aye. Motion passes. Thank you, 00:07:40.279 --> 00:07:44.740 Mr Carter. Appreciate you coming into the game, 00:07:44.740 --> 00:07:48.660 off the bench, on short notice. Next item, please. 00:07:50.379 --> 00:07:53.149 Item number three. The Board will consider adopting 00:07:53.160 --> 00:07:57.550 and authorizing publication of amendments and repeals 00:07:57.550 --> 00:08:01.329 to 31 Texas Administrative Code chapters 371 and 375, 00:08:01.329 --> 00:08:05.329 related to financial assistance from the Drinking 00:08:05.329 --> 00:08:09.170 Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund. 00:08:10.220 --> 00:08:13.939 Mark Wyatt will present on this item. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:17.110 Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, Director 00:08:17.110 --> 00:08:20.050 Paup. For the record, my name is Mark Wyatt of the Executive 00:08:20.050 --> 00:08:24.139 Administrator's staff. Today we bring for your consideration 00:08:24.139 --> 00:08:26.920 the adoption of revisions to the Texas Administrative 00:08:26.920 --> 00:08:29.420 Code, covering both the Clean Water and Drinking Water 00:08:29.420 --> 00:08:32.820 State Revolving Fund programs. The Board authorized 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:36.200 publication of proposed revisions related to these rules 00:08:36.529 --> 00:08:40.820 on February 13, 2020. The proposed rules were then published 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:44.279 in the Texas Register on February 28 with a comment 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:47.919 period that ended on March 30th. In addition, the proposed 00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:50.470 rulemaking and comment period where posted 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.259 on the Texas Water Development Board's website. No comments 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:56.570 were received and no changes have been made to the 00:08:56.570 --> 00:09:00.350 rulemaking as it was proposed. The purpose of this 00:09:00.350 --> 00:09:03.620 rulemaking is to implement changes in law from the 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:08.029 Federal America's Water Infrastructure Act, State Legislation, 00:09:08.029 --> 00:09:13.000 and House Bill 3339 of the 86th Legislative Session. Recent 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:17.090 changes in program deliver contained in the State 00:09:17.230 --> 00:09:21.539 Year 2020 Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF intended 00:09:21.539 --> 00:09:26.549 use plans and program enhancements. The changes resulting 00:09:26.549 --> 00:09:29.039 from America's Water Infrastructure Act extended the 00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:33.279 maximum term on loans from 20 to 30 years and 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:36.330 allowed principal payments on loans and bonds to commence 00:09:36.549 --> 00:09:41.480 18 months instead of one year after completion of project 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:45.330 construction. In addition, the rules would implement 00:09:45.330 --> 00:09:49.549 House Bill 3339 by requiring a water conservation plan 00:09:49.940 --> 00:09:53.379 prepared in accordance with Texas Water Code, Section 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:59.340 16.4021. The rules also implement several improvements 00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:03.149 contained in this State Fiscal Year 2020 Drinking 00:10:03.149 --> 00:10:08.399 Water and Clean Water SRF, such is incorporating 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:12.919 (inaudible) funding in the Drinking Water Program, an increased 00:10:12.919 --> 00:10:17.539 flexibility in the multiyear commitments in both 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:21.139 programs. Finally, the revisions incorporates several 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:25.129 important program enhancements. That's just adding language 00:10:25.129 --> 00:10:28.779 on covering that disallowance of project costs for 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:32.750 noncompliance in both programs and allowing an expedited 00:10:32.750 --> 00:10:35.509 environmental review in the Clean Water SRF program. 00:10:36.179 --> 00:10:38.370 The same is used currently in the Drinking Water SRF 00:10:38.370 --> 00:10:41.919 program. I will note that the repeals in the Drinking 00:10:41.919 --> 00:10:44.909 Water SRF rule reflect a renumbering of the sections 00:10:44.909 --> 00:10:47.149 in the rule to incorporate the equivalency and not 00:10:47.149 --> 00:10:51.009 equivalency provisions in those programs, that program, 00:10:51.389 --> 00:10:55.649 rather than the deletion of any specific program requirements. 00:10:57.169 --> 00:11:00.019 The Executive Administrator recommends adopting and authorizing 00:11:00.019 --> 00:11:03.320 the publication of revisions to 31 Texas Administrative Code 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:08.179 chapters 371 and 375 in order to conform to recent changes 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:12.470 in law and to implement program enhancements as presented today. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:17.679 And I would be pleased to answer any questions. 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:21.279 Thank you, Mark. Questions, comments? Director Jackson, 00:11:21.279 --> 00:11:22.498 Director Paup? 00:11:22.522 --> 00:11:25.850 I was just gonna thank Mark for 00:11:25.850 --> 00:11:27.649 the wonderful work that he's done and also for the 00:11:27.649 --> 00:11:30.419 staff. And you know, one of the things that you highlighted 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:33.309 was the program enhancements, which we've seen over 00:11:33.309 --> 00:11:37.000 time. And, I think if you look at how Texas and 00:11:37.009 --> 00:11:40.789 administers its SRF programs, you know, we continue 00:11:40.789 --> 00:11:44.500 to bring value to communities across the state, whether 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:46.840 they're big communities or whether they're small communities. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:48.799 And I think some of the changes that we were able to 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:52.000 implement today, the flexibility in the multiyear, 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:57.370 the longer loan program, longer loan terms, and then 00:11:57.370 --> 00:12:01.809 also, you know, being able to not make the 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:05.740 principal payments, allowing principal payments to commence 18 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:08.370 months, well, rather than one year after completion 00:12:08.370 --> 00:12:11.590 of construction. All of those things help communities 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:14.840 move forward with water infrastructure programs, both 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:17.840 water and wastewater, and they can use them also for 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:22.669 flood. So just appreciate the work on this work 00:12:22.669 --> 00:12:26.509 effort. Recognizing that it's not just the changes 00:12:26.509 --> 00:12:31.539 that were mandated by the Legislature or by federal 00:12:31.539 --> 00:12:34.899 rules, but also great work, I think from the staff 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:37.440 continuing to kind of look at what our opportunities 00:12:37.529 --> 00:12:40.450 out there across Texas and how can we enhance the program 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:43.370 to better kind of fit it to the communities needs, 00:12:43.370 --> 00:12:45.325 so thank you so much for all your work. 00:12:45.349 --> 00:12:46.610 Thank you. 00:12:49.139 --> 00:12:53.610 Yeah, Mark. Great job ensuring there's consistency 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:58.360 in our programs and state. (inaudible) essential 00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:01.169 And our customers are going to reap the benefits of it. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:04.092 So thank you again. Great job. 00:13:04.116 --> 00:13:06.580 Thank you. 00:13:06.580 --> 00:13:08.448 Alright. Is there a motion? 00:13:08.472 --> 00:13:10.409 Mr. Chairman, I move 00:13:10.409 --> 00:13:13.370 we adopt and authorize publication of amendments and 00:13:13.370 --> 00:13:17.539 repeals to 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 371 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:21.539 and 375, related to financial assistance from the 00:13:21.539 --> 00:13:24.570 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean 00:13:24.570 --> 00:13:28.415 Water State Revolving Fund as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:13:28.439 --> 00:13:30.252 Is there a second? 00:13:30.276 --> 00:13:31.428 I second. 00:13:31.452 --> 00:13:32.870 All in 00:13:32.870 --> 00:13:38.190 favor say aye. Motion passes. Thank you, Mark. Next 00:13:38.190 --> 00:13:43.639 item, please, Ashley. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:50.240 Okay. Item number four. The Board will consider 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:55.340 adopting and authorizing publication of 00:13:55.340 --> 00:13:59.850 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 361 and 362, 00:14:00.389 --> 00:14:03.840 relating to regional and state flood planning to implement 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:08.409 Senate Bill 8. And we have Reem Zoun here to 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:15.940 to speak on that. And I believe we also have, 00:14:15.940 --> 00:14:18.200 we also have some members of the public who wished 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:23.480 to speak on this particular item. 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:28.039 Thank you, Ashley. Good morning, Reem. 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:32.330 Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director Paup, 00:14:32.549 --> 00:14:37.850 I am doing Reem Zoun of the Executive Administrator's staff. Executive 00:14:37.850 --> 00:14:41.299 Administrator proposed adopting and authorizing publication 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:44.299 of new 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 361 00:14:44.590 --> 00:14:52.289 361 and 362, relating to regional and state flood planning implementing Bill 8. 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:56.909 The 2019 Texas Legislator and Governor Abbott 00:14:56.919 --> 00:15:00.440 greatly expanded the TWDB's roll in flood planning 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:05.620 making that (inaudible) responsible for administering in-state 00:15:05.629 --> 00:15:10.649 and (inaudible) process with floodplanning regions, 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:13.139 (inaudible) 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:16.299 Statewide Flood Planning for the state of Texas is 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:19.450 an ambitious undertaking, which is unique and first 00:15:19.450 --> 00:15:22.960 of its kind. While much has been done in the world 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:26.230 of (inaudible) production, there has not been anything 00:15:26.230 --> 00:15:29.200 done of this scale in the United States, or perhaps 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:33.399 even globally. The 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:38.149 361, proposes rules regarding regional flood planning groups 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:40.850 and regional (inaudible) 00:15:40.850 --> 00:15:44.909 Chapter 362 proposes rules regarding the development 00:15:44.909 --> 00:15:47.809 of the state flood plan. 00:15:47.809 --> 00:15:52.240 Recent public comments on draft Chapter 361 and 362 were 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:56.549 received through February (inaudible) 2020 and oral comments were received 00:15:56.549 --> 00:15:59.529 during a public hearing held at the January 30, 00:15:59.889 --> 00:16:04.700 2020 Board meeting. Comments were received from approximately 00:16:04.710 --> 00:16:08.919 45 entities comprising well over 200 pages of written 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:12.700 comments. In addition, 15 entries also addressed the 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:15.830 Board in person at the January 30th public meeting. 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:20.250 Inputs received from public during the comment period 00:16:20.250 --> 00:16:24.710 was thoughtful and constructive and resulted in beneficial 00:16:24.710 --> 00:16:28.779 changes to the 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 00:16:28.789 --> 00:16:33.929 361 and 362. We want to thank all the stakeholders who 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:37.450 took the time to review the proposal and made those 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:39.639 comments. 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:44.230 The attached Texas Administrative Code Chapter 361 00:16:44.230 --> 00:16:46.960 and 362 reflect the changes from the originally 00:16:46.970 --> 00:16:51.320 proposed rules. Any deliquent changes compared to the 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:54.750 original policy are shown as a strike through text 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:59.480 and any new additions are underlined. The attached preamble 00:16:59.490 --> 00:17:02.809 summary of public comments received and TWDB responses 00:17:02.809 --> 00:17:05.700 to public comments, provides further rules context 00:17:05.710 --> 00:17:09.160 and describes the public comments received and changes 00:17:09.170 --> 00:17:13.420 made in response to the comments. The changes that 00:17:13.430 --> 00:17:16.029 were made to the rules from the draft rules based on 00:17:16.029 --> 00:17:19.519 public comments received include but are not limited 00:17:19.529 --> 00:17:23.559 to the following that I mention. The number one. In 00:17:23.559 --> 00:17:26.759 addition of a single additional voting position for 00:17:26.769 --> 00:17:29.930 interest category of flood districts through the regional 00:17:29.940 --> 00:17:33.869 flood planning group, thereby resulting in 12 total voting 00:17:33.869 --> 00:17:36.349 positions that must be maintained within the group 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:41.440 whenavailable. Number two. Clarification that the regional 00:17:41.450 --> 00:17:44.950 flood planning groups may increase its number of voting positions 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:49.549 including for other interest categories upon a 2/3 vote. 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:54.619 Number three. The reduction in the public notice requirement 00:17:54.630 --> 00:17:57.710 for filling planning group position vacancies from 00:17:57.710 --> 00:18:03.009 14 days to seven days. Number four. A realign of 00:18:03.009 --> 00:18:06.299 the flood risk analysis process, which involves a three 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:10.819 step process comprising, first, a flood hazard analysis 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:13.960 that determines the location, magnitude, and frequency of 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:17.349 flooding. Second, the flood exposure analysis 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:21.500 to identify who and what might be at risk of 00:18:21.509 --> 00:18:26.549 flooding within the region. And now, the third, vulnerability 00:18:26.549 --> 00:18:29.700 analysis to identify vulnerabilities of communities 00:18:29.950 --> 00:18:35.180 and critical facilities. Number five. The modification 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:40.529 to plan requirements that if mitigation to a 1% annual 00:18:40.529 --> 00:18:44.210 transplant event is not attainable, allow 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:47.849 additional flood planning group to recommend 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:52.529 a project in the plans to mitigate for an event 00:18:52.529 --> 00:18:56.680 of a greater frequency or smaller event. The regional 00:18:56.690 --> 00:19:01.480 flood planning group still requires 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:04.009 identification of the solution to mitigate to at 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:08.660 least an 1% and old chance flood event. Number six, 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:12.049 an allowance for reimbursement to the planning group 00:19:12.049 --> 00:19:15.579 sponsors for direct personal costs for the staff 00:19:15.589 --> 00:19:19.660 hours that are directly spent providing public notice 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:23.180 for the regional planning meetings and other support 00:19:23.190 --> 00:19:25.849 of regional flood planning groups in, according with 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:28.940 the flood planning grant contract 00:19:28.950 --> 00:19:31.440 with the Board. 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:35.630 Number seven, addition of several definitions, including 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:39.539 nature based blood mitigation. 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:42.910 Upon adoption of the final regional flood planning administrative 00:19:42.910 --> 00:19:46.109 rules, the Executive Administrator will initiate a process 00:19:46.109 --> 00:19:49.380 to openly solicit potential members to serve on the 00:19:49.390 --> 00:19:53.759 initial regional flood planning group. Based on this rule 00:19:54.140 --> 00:19:56.900 and the anticipated membership solicitation by the 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:59.660 Executive Administrator, the Board will designate 00:19:59.670 --> 00:20:04.259 up to 180 initial members to serve on the 15 regional 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:08.160 flood planning groups. That process will rely on the flood 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:10.759 planning region boundaries that was designated by the 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:15.029 Board on April 9, 2020, and the initial flood planning group 00:20:15.029 --> 00:20:18.690 membership requirements as set forth in this regional 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:21.539 flood planning administrative rules. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:25.299 Upon approval of this rule, information regarding the 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:28.670 nomination process and online membership solicitation 00:20:28.670 --> 00:20:32.599 forms will be found on the TWDB website. 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:38.440 I joined the TWDB just before the first 00:20:38.450 --> 00:20:41.640 version of the proposed rules were approved for public 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:45.470 comment. During this process, we received over 200 00:20:45.470 --> 00:20:48.819 pages off feedback, which I mentioned before was constructive, 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:53.849 helpful, and was much appreciated. On our end, it was 00:20:53.849 --> 00:20:57.230 an enormous group effort. I would like to take this 00:20:57.230 --> 00:21:00.410 opportunity to acknowledge all the (inaudible) 00:21:00.410 --> 00:21:03.890 members that worked on the initial draft rule, the staff 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:07.569 of the newly created Flood Planning division, specifically 00:21:07.569 --> 00:21:11.849 James Makowski and Morgan White, our dedicated attorney, 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:16.339 Annette Maas, Saul Machukeli from (inaudible), and last 00:21:16.349 --> 00:21:20.720 but not least, Matt Nelson, who had led and guided 00:21:20.809 --> 00:21:24.579 this effort from behind the scenes. We look forward to the 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:29.049 next phase of this new flood planning program. 00:21:29.049 --> 00:21:32.440 Executive Administrator recommends adopting and authorizing 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:36.420 publication of new 31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 00:21:36.430 --> 00:21:41.220 361 and 362, relating to regional and state 00:21:41.230 --> 00:21:45.609 flood planning to implement Senate Eight. This concludes 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:50.559 my presentation and I can take questions. 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:54.690 Mr. Chairman, we have a Brandon Wade and Mindy Elmer 00:21:54.819 --> 00:21:58.720 here in the meeting. They're from Gulf Coast Water 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:03.240 Authority, and I'm told that Mr. Wade wishes to speak 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:08.490 on this item if the Chair chooses to recognize it. 00:22:08.490 --> 00:22:12.759 Sure, we can go ahead and hear from Mr Wade. If he's 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:20.579 ready to turn on his webcam. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:23.390 I think this will be our first virtual or 00:22:23.390 --> 00:22:25.950 second virtual comment, public comment. Good morning, 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:30.039 Good morning. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:31.661 Oh, my Good morning. 00:22:31.685 --> 00:22:33.555 Good morning. 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.420 Yes. Can you hear 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:36.630 me? 00:22:36.630 --> 00:22:40.420 Alright. Thank you very much. The Gulf Coast 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:43.130 Water Authority is Conservation and Reclamation District 00:22:43.130 --> 00:22:46.279 created to provide water for industry, agriculture and 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:50.049 municipalities in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston County, 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:53.990 and I'm the general manager. We supply up to 200 million 00:22:53.990 --> 00:22:56.519 gallons of water a day to Texas City Industrial 00:22:56.519 --> 00:22:59.529 Complex, the Chocolate Bayou industrial complex, 00:22:59.750 --> 00:23:03.380 thousands of acres of rice, and approximately 400,000 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:06.509 people from Galveston to Sugarland. The regional flood 00:23:06.509 --> 00:23:08.890 planning process will need to integrate with future 00:23:08.890 --> 00:23:12.079 growth in the region that we serve. Regional flood 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:16.819 planing groups six and eight overlap with the Gulf 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:19.869 CoastWwater Authority's service areas and our source 00:23:19.869 --> 00:23:22.839 water service areas. And for that reason, and given 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:25.089 our critical mission in both areas, I ask that you 00:23:25.089 --> 00:23:27.769 please consider appointing the Gulf Coast Water Authority 00:23:28.029 --> 00:23:31.920 as an initial voting member for both groups. Thank 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:34.299 you for your time. And I'd be happy to answer any questions 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:37.140 you might have. 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:41.250 Thank you for being here virtually, Mr Wade. And we 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:43.960 appreciate your comments and all the good work your 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:48.690 organization does. Any other members, Ashley? 00:23:48.690 --> 00:23:50.710 Any other members of the public who would like to address 00:23:50.710 --> 00:23:54.930 the Board on this item? 00:23:54.930 --> 00:23:58.009 Mr. Chairman, Mindy Elmer is also here from Gulf Coast 00:23:58.009 --> 00:24:00.430 Water Authority, but I was told that she did not wish 00:24:00.430 --> 00:24:08.240 to address the Board. Is is that correct, Mr Wade? 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:11.970 Alright, if Mindy changes her mind and would like to address 00:24:11.970 --> 00:24:13.880 the Board, of course, we'd always happy to hear 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:17.910 from her, but we'll certainly acknowledge her presence 00:24:17.910 --> 00:24:25.230 and appreciate her being here. On the item, 00:24:25.230 --> 00:24:28.259 number four, questions or comments? Director Jackson? 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:32.009 Well, I appreciate the great work that our team did 00:24:32.009 --> 00:24:35.480 and there were a number of things that you that you 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:38.670 kind of brought forth in your presentation. One 00:24:38.670 --> 00:24:41.210 of the ones that, things that I wanted to highlight 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:44.549 was something that I thought was, you know, very much 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:47.119 a great idea. And I think moving forward is gonna mean 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:50.660 a lot to the program and often times you kind of see 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:54.869 state agencies kind of come together and are asked 00:24:54.869 --> 00:24:59.049 to provide input in kind of the later stages, maybe 00:24:59.049 --> 00:25:03.529 even as far as in the implementation phase. But I thought 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:07.359 it was excellent that, you know, in this particular 00:25:07.430 --> 00:25:10.180 kind of maiden voyage work effort for the state flood 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:13.509 plan that we reached out to to the Texas Commission 00:25:13.509 --> 00:25:16.170 of Environmental Quality, the Texas Department of 00:25:16.170 --> 00:25:19.420 Agriculture, the Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:22.750 and Wildlife, the Texas Division of Emergency Management 00:25:22.750 --> 00:25:25.579 and the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board. And 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:28.400 actually worked with them on the guidance principles. 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:31.700 So I think, long term, that's gonna 00:25:31.710 --> 00:25:36.069 wreak tremendous benefits and getting everybody kind of together 00:25:36.069 --> 00:25:39.130 at the onset kind of, you know, an agreement of what 00:25:39.130 --> 00:25:42.970 the guiding principles are. And then, you know, taking 00:25:42.970 --> 00:25:45.940 that work effort along with, as you mentioned, Reem, 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:50.549 the the great commitment that we had from the public 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:53.890 in terms of offering up their time and their talent 00:25:54.009 --> 00:25:57.430 and working with us in providing the comments and 00:25:57.430 --> 00:26:02.700 the input that I think have made this a really good 00:26:02.710 --> 00:26:05.430 work product moving forward. One of the things that 00:26:05.430 --> 00:26:09.960 I think is going to really prove to be a benefit 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:15.640 to this rulemaking and to kind of this first round of our 00:26:15.650 --> 00:26:18.670 flood planning process is the flexibility that I think 00:26:18.670 --> 00:26:23.509 was intentionally implemented or impacted into 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:29.109 the program, and for, it will enable us kind of 00:26:29.109 --> 00:26:33.480 moving forward to be able to, as we get the flood science, 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:36.730 implement the flood science initiative, our base 00:26:36.730 --> 00:26:42.900 level engineering, that this new and updated modeling 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:47.660 information methods and data sets as well as, you 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:51.069 know, unique ways of addressing flood will be 00:26:51.069 --> 00:26:55.609 able to be implemented more easily. So I commend 00:26:55.609 --> 00:27:00.380 you on the process because we know it's sometimes 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:04.759 harder to create than it is to critique. So you 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:07.730 did a great job in kind of putting that if you will 00:27:07.730 --> 00:27:10.930 framework and foundation together and doing it in such 00:27:10.930 --> 00:27:14.450 a way that as we move forward in time and as we 00:27:14.450 --> 00:27:18.509 gain experience as the flood planning groups begin 00:27:18.509 --> 00:27:22.400 their work, we will be able to adapt to change that 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:26.259 we know will be coming, do things maybe in a 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:29.740 little bit different way than what we initially envisioned 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:33.329 at the very beginning. And also, I think, very importantly, 00:27:33.329 --> 00:27:36.089 and this is, you know, something that I know Brooke 00:27:36.089 --> 00:27:39.359 talks about, that Peter talks about, is the importance 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:42.380 of data and science in driving the decision making 00:27:42.710 --> 00:27:47.440 that the Board does, and also (inaudible) planning group. So thank 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:50.150 you a great work effort and it's exciting, I mean, 00:27:50.150 --> 00:27:53.680 and I just to kind of top it all off, Governor Abbott 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:57.539 proclaimed this week as National Flood Awareness Week. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:28:01.099 So how appropriate that we're, you know, we're bringing 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:03.220 this item before the Board and being able to move 00:28:03.230 --> 00:28:05.839 forward with something that, you know, as I think 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:08.799 you stated, is unique, and maybe hasn't been 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:11.920 done in the nation or even in the world. So great 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:15.430 job and really excited and looking forward to moving 00:28:15.430 --> 00:28:17.930 forward on this. 00:28:17.930 --> 00:28:19.113 Thank you. 00:28:19.137 --> 00:28:22.710 Thank you, Kathleen. We talk about the data and 00:28:22.710 --> 00:28:26.549 science because the engineer on the Board has been so 00:28:26.549 --> 00:28:31.069 vocal in leading that charge. Director Paup, questions, 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:31.906 comments? 00:28:31.930 --> 00:28:35.440 Well, just a very brief comment, well, Reem, 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:39.390 I feel like you been working at the Board for years 00:28:39.390 --> 00:29:07.640 now because (audio cuts out) 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:11.420 Brooke? Anything? 00:29:11.420 --> 00:29:12.868 You're back. 00:29:12.892 --> 00:29:17.259 Oh, good. I was going to say 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:20.720 that this is a marathon and not a sprint. And 00:29:20.730 --> 00:29:23.450 the agency has done an incredible job. I don't think 00:29:23.450 --> 00:29:25.910 that there is a single employee at the Texas Water 00:29:25.910 --> 00:29:29.319 Development Board that didn't have some hand in helping 00:29:29.549 --> 00:29:32.089 draft these rules. I think it is a work product that 00:29:32.089 --> 00:29:35.490 we should be very proud of. It provides as much flexibility 00:29:35.490 --> 00:29:37.859 as we can muster while still sticking with the spirit 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:44.440 of the legislation. Well done, guys. 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:49.230 Absolutely. Only thing I'll add in addition 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:52.650 to that is a strong, is a tremendous thanks to 00:29:52.650 --> 00:29:55.390 Senator Perry and Representative Larson for their leadership 00:29:55.400 --> 00:30:00.210 on this initiative. As we've all highlighted, 00:30:00.210 --> 00:30:04.880 this is truly groundbreaking effort, unlike anything 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:07.309 at this scale, anywhere in the world, as far as we 00:30:07.309 --> 00:30:12.410 know and so we're, I think, on behalf of agency and everyone else, 00:30:12.410 --> 00:30:14.609 we're grateful for their leadership and their vision. 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:18.556 Alright. Is there a motion? 00:30:18.580 --> 00:30:20.950 Chairman, I move we adopt 00:30:20.960 --> 00:30:24.470 and authorize publication of 31 Texas Administrative 00:30:24.470 --> 00:30:29.450 Code chapters 361 and 362, relating to regional and state 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:32.940 flood planning to implement Senate Bill Eight, as recommended 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:34.560 by our Executive Adminstrator. 00:30:34.584 --> 00:30:36.459 Is there a second? 00:30:36.483 --> 00:30:37.549 I second. 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:44.900 All in favor say aye. Motion passes. Reem, thank you, 00:30:44.910 --> 00:30:48.079 and again, thank you and the entire team for all 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:51.359 the tremendous work that went into this. Alright, 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.559 next item, please. 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:11.339 Ashley, on mute. 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:16.269 Sorry. Item number five. The Board will now consider 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:20.730 approving by resolution request to amend TWDB Resolution 00:31:20.730 --> 00:31:26.619 number 15-065 for the city of Anton to include water 00:31:26.630 --> 00:31:30.390 system improvements and Jeff Taylor will speak on this 00:31:30.390 --> 00:31:33.039 item. 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:36.230 Good morning. My name is Jeff Taylor of the Executive 00:31:36.230 --> 00:31:39.839 Administrator's staff. The city of Anton is approximately 00:31:39.839 --> 00:31:42.720 27 miles northwest of Lubbock with a population 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:47.779 of approximately 1126. The city is requesting amendment 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:51.339 of the Board's resolution to allow it to utilize available 00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:55.099 funds for its water system improvement projects. On 00:31:55.109 --> 00:31:59.579 July 2, 2015, the Board by resolution, approved $3 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:03.109 million financing for the city. The project, as described 00:32:03.109 --> 00:32:05.829 in the application, included construction of a new 00:32:05.829 --> 00:32:09.200 wastewater plant as well as improvements to the city's 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:12.720 water system. The resolution signed on that day mentioned 00:32:12.730 --> 00:32:15.670 only the wastewater system improvements and did not 00:32:15.670 --> 00:32:18.960 reference water system improvement. The new wastewater 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:22.180 treatment plan has been completed and the project has 00:32:22.190 --> 00:32:25.440 available funds. The city wishes to use those funds 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:28.779 to complete its water system improvements. The Executive 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:31.480 Administrator recommends approval of this request. 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:34.150 This concludes my presentation. I am available for 00:32:34.150 --> 00:32:43.420 any questions you may have. 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:45.819 Questions, comments? God, there's this muting thing is something 00:32:45.829 --> 00:32:49.779 is going around. 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:51.549 Questions, comments, Director Jackson? 00:32:51.573 --> 00:32:52.640 Well, great they 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:54.500 completed their wastewater treatment plant, an 00:32:54.509 --> 00:32:58.000 example of how we can utilize defund for a community 00:32:58.000 --> 00:33:00.930 that wants to do both, do improvements to their 00:33:00.930 --> 00:33:04.230 wastewater system as well as to their water 00:33:04.230 --> 00:33:08.349 supply. Congratulations. Things can kind of 00:33:08.349 --> 00:33:11.279 move forward and let's Help them with the second part of it. 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:18.580 All right. Is there a motion? 00:33:18.604 --> 00:33:21.039 Mr. Chairman, I move we 00:33:21.039 --> 00:33:25.559 adopt the proposed resolution to amend the TWDB Resolution 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:30.140 number 15-065 for the city of Anton to include water 00:33:30.140 --> 00:33:33.476 system improvements as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:35.402 Is there a second? 00:33:35.426 --> 00:33:36.672 I second. 00:33:36.696 --> 00:33:44.380 All in favor say aye. Motion passes. Next item, please. 00:33:53.160 --> 00:33:55.849 For item number six, the Board will consider approving 00:33:55.849 --> 00:34:00.490 by resolution a request from the Sandy Land Underground 00:34:00.490 --> 00:34:06.039 Water Conservation District for a $725,000 loan from 00:34:06.039 --> 00:34:09.460 the Agricultural Water Conservation Loan program to 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:12.980 provide financing or agricultural water conservation 00:34:13.004 --> 00:34:15.004 equipment loan program. 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:20.139 And Jeff Taylor will present on this item. 00:34:20.139 --> 00:34:23.019 Again my name is Jeff Taylor of the Executive Administrator 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:27.110 staff. Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:30.599 is located entirely in Yoakum County. The district 00:34:30.599 --> 00:34:34.300 covers an area of approximately 531,000 acres in the 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:38.829 county, of which approximately 316,000 acres are farmland. 00:34:38.829 --> 00:34:44.010 The district is requesting a $725,000 loan from 00:34:44.010 --> 00:34:47.730 the Agricultural Water Conservation Loan program to 00:34:47.730 --> 00:34:50.349 provide financing for a pass through loan program. 00:34:50.840 --> 00:34:53.750 The district will use the funds to provide area farmers 00:34:53.750 --> 00:34:57.369 loans to purchase drip irrigation systems and conversion 00:34:57.369 --> 00:35:01.659 packages for existent systems. The Executive Administrator 00:35:01.719 --> 00:35:04.360 recommends approval of this request. This concludes 00:35:04.360 --> 00:35:10.739 my presentation, and I'm available for any questions you may have. 00:35:10.739 --> 00:35:13.110 Thank you, Jeff. Questions, comments, Director Jackson? 00:35:14.139 --> 00:35:17.780 Well, great to see Sandy Land coming in and utilizing 00:35:17.780 --> 00:35:21.829 the agricultural conservation loan program, and course, 00:35:21.829 --> 00:35:26.440 since 1992, they got 17 other, $17 million worth of 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:31.409 loans out there. So investment by farmers in equipment 00:35:31.409 --> 00:35:34.739 that is much more efficient and promotes water conservation, 00:35:35.239 --> 00:35:39.639 and again, this is a loan, and so they basically 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:43.250 you know, utilize the resources of the Board on and 00:35:43.289 --> 00:35:47.489 eventually make the investment that then pay us back. 00:35:47.980 --> 00:35:50.800 We know that in agriculture their model is a little 00:35:50.800 --> 00:35:56.239 different than (inaudible) or utilities or businesses, and 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:59.780 so the fact that Sandy Land kind of steps up, I mean, 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:01.820 I commend them for their leadership in making this 00:36:01.820 --> 00:36:06.099 available to the farmers and the producers in that 00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:10.719 area. I think it's, I know it's needed. I was 00:36:10.719 --> 00:36:13.639 up there kind of touching base with their general manager, 00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:16.909 and they have, like a very, very small and compact 00:36:16.909 --> 00:36:19.369 office with kind of a window as folks come in the 00:36:19.369 --> 00:36:22.840 door and they can, you know, talk to folks, and as the 00:36:22.840 --> 00:36:25.199 general manager and I were talking, a farmer came in 00:36:25.199 --> 00:36:27.289 to kind of check to see if the loan money was in 00:36:27.289 --> 00:36:31.329 yet, they were ready to go. So it will be, I think, 00:36:31.329 --> 00:36:34.239 great news for them to be able to again communicate to the 00:36:34.230 --> 00:36:36.809 farmer that the funds are available. And they can come 00:36:36.820 --> 00:36:41.599 in and invest it and then pay us back and as you caught 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:44.170 many times, we're having that money utilized and 00:36:44.179 --> 00:36:47.250 being able to use it again. Thank you for the work on this 00:36:47.250 --> 00:36:49.670 project. And I appreciate the leadership of Sandy Land in 00:36:49.670 --> 00:36:52.530 making this available 00:36:52.530 --> 00:36:54.730 Director Paup? 00:36:54.730 --> 00:36:57.280 No, I just echo those sentiments. Sandy Land is a great 00:36:57.280 --> 00:36:59.820 partner of the Board. I mean, I think that this is 00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:03.190 the, either their 25th or 26th time to come to the Board 00:37:03.630 --> 00:37:07.340 for these funds. And these funds are essential to pass through 00:37:07.340 --> 00:37:10.199 to the farmers and to the ag community. So I applaud 00:37:10.199 --> 00:37:15.489 them for being such great partners. 00:37:15.489 --> 00:37:20.199 Indeed, i'm glad they are taking the leadership role 00:37:20.199 --> 00:37:24.099 to adopt a financing structure to facilitate this 00:37:24.099 --> 00:37:27.843 for their local stakeholders. Is there a motion? 00:37:27.867 --> 00:37:29.000 Chairman, 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:31.480 I move we adopt the proposed resolution providing the 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:34.190 Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District 00:37:34.369 --> 00:37:36.590 with financial assistance from the Agricultural Water 00:37:36.590 --> 00:37:39.639 Conservation Program to provide financing for an 00:37:39.639 --> 00:37:42.409 agricultural water conservation equipment loan program 00:37:42.599 --> 00:37:45.317 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:37:45.341 --> 00:37:46.957 Is there a second? 00:37:46.981 --> 00:37:48.011 I second. 00:37:48.035 --> 00:37:53.139 All in favor say aye. Motion 00:37:53.139 --> 00:37:58.929 passes. Next item, please. 00:37:58.929 --> 00:38:02.050 Item number seven. The Board will now consider 00:38:02.059 --> 00:38:05.739 approving by resolution a request from Westwood Shores 00:38:05.739 --> 00:38:11.000 Municipal Utility District for $1,400,000 in 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:13.469 financial assistance from the Drinking Water State 00:38:13.469 --> 00:38:16.309 Revolving Fund for planning, design and construction 00:38:16.650 --> 00:38:19.530 of a wastewater treatment plant improvement project, 00:38:20.119 --> 00:38:25.559 and Jeff Taylor will present to the Board on this item. 00:38:25.559 --> 00:38:28.380 Again. My name is Jeff Taylor of the Executive Administrator 00:38:28.380 --> 00:38:32.030 Staff. Westwood Shores Municipal Utility District 00:38:32.030 --> 00:38:36.010 is in Trinity County. I'm sorry. Trinity County approximately 00:38:36.119 --> 00:38:40.539 24 miles northeast of Huntsville, Texas. The district is 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:43.679 requesting $1.4 million from the Drinking Water State 00:38:43.679 --> 00:38:46.460 Revolving Fund for planning, design and construction 00:38:46.460 --> 00:38:49.630 of water system improvements. The district currently 00:38:49.630 --> 00:38:52.650 relies completely on purchased water, purchase 00:38:52.650 --> 00:38:57.289 water from Trinity Rural Water Supply Corporation 00:38:57.489 --> 00:39:00.659 and Trinity River Authority. The district's proposed 00:39:00.659 --> 00:39:03.159 project includes the construction of four drinking 00:39:03.159 --> 00:39:06.780 water wells within the existing service area to supplement 00:39:06.780 --> 00:39:09.460 and partially replace the water currently purchased 00:39:09.460 --> 00:39:12.780 from these entities. These wells will be operated by 00:39:12.780 --> 00:39:15.289 the district, and all treatment of the water supply 00:39:15.570 --> 00:39:18.369 will be performed at the existing water treatment plant. 00:39:18.920 --> 00:39:21.630 Additionally, the district proposes the recoding of 00:39:21.630 --> 00:39:24.920 the interior and exterior of the existing ground storage 00:39:24.920 --> 00:39:28.530 tank, replacement of all inoperable valves throughout 00:39:28.530 --> 00:39:32.250 the system to limit the system's downtime, and the extension 00:39:32.250 --> 00:39:35.110 of the water mainline. All of this will improve the 00:39:35.110 --> 00:39:38.329 district's water supply capacity as well 00:39:38.329 --> 00:39:42.480 as the quality and conservation of its water. The Executive 00:39:42.480 --> 00:39:45.469 Administrator recommends approval of this request. 00:39:45.650 --> 00:39:48.239 This concludes my presentation, and I'm available for 00:39:48.239 --> 00:39:52.719 any questions you may have. 00:39:52.719 --> 00:39:55.130 Thank you, Jeff. Questions, comments? Director Jackson? 00:39:55.619 --> 00:39:57.920 You mentioned that they're replacing the valves , all 00:39:57.920 --> 00:39:59.969 the isolation valves. So of course, this will also 00:39:59.969 --> 00:40:04.780 promote water conservation and make their system, you 00:40:04.780 --> 00:40:07.420 know, much more, I think, reliable because they will 00:40:07.420 --> 00:40:11.170 continue to be able to rely on their other two water 00:40:11.170 --> 00:40:13.920 supplies. But now they will also have a little help, 00:40:13.920 --> 00:40:16.300 their own well water to be able to utilize as well. 00:40:16.300 --> 00:40:19.190 So good project. And for a small community. Thank you 00:40:22.309 --> 00:40:25.932 Director Paup? Alright. Is there a motion? 00:40:25.956 --> 00:40:27.630 Mr. Chairman 00:40:27.630 --> 00:40:30.250 I move we adopt the proposed resolution providing 00:40:30.250 --> 00:40:33.489 Westwood Shores Municipal Utility District with financial 00:40:33.489 --> 00:40:36.079 assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 00:40:36.389 --> 00:40:38.889 for Planning, Design and Construction of Water System 00:40:38.900 --> 00:40:41.800 Improvements Project as recommended by our Executive 00:40:41.800 --> 00:40:42.929 Administrator. 00:40:42.953 --> 00:40:44.569 Is there a second? 00:40:44.593 --> 00:40:45.812 I second. 00:40:45.836 --> 00:40:47.469 All in favor 00:40:47.469 --> 00:40:53.139 say Aye. Motion passes. Thank you, Jeff. Good to 00:40:53.139 --> 00:40:54.418 see you, sir. 00:40:54.442 --> 00:40:55.509 Thank you. You too. 00:40:55.533 --> 00:40:57.730 Next item, please 00:40:59.039 --> 00:41:01.780 Item number eight. The Board will now consider approving 00:41:01.780 --> 00:41:06.409 by resolution the request from the city of Toledo for 00:41:06.420 --> 00:41:11.230 $4,230,000 financing from the Clean Water State Revolving 00:41:11.239 --> 00:41:15.329 fund for planning, design, acquisition and construction 00:41:15.340 --> 00:41:19.019 of a new interceptor system and lift station expansion. 00:41:19.809 --> 00:41:24.809 Joe Koen will speak on this item. 00:41:24.809 --> 00:41:28.000 Good morning, It's great to see everybody. My name is Joe 00:41:28.000 --> 00:41:31.949 Koen of the Executive Administrator's staff. The city 00:41:31.949 --> 00:41:34.960 of Toledo was is the oldest city in Parker County, 00:41:34.969 --> 00:41:40.099 located approximately 20 miles west of Fort Worth. The 00:41:40.110 --> 00:41:43.960 city provides water and wastewater services to a growing 00:41:43.960 --> 00:41:50.010 population of approximately 4240 residences. 00:41:50.010 --> 00:41:54.590 The city's growth is creating need for increased capacity 00:41:54.590 --> 00:41:58.659 of an old lift station and the downtown sewer line. The city 00:41:58.659 --> 00:42:01.949 is requesting financing to construct a new downtown 00:42:01.960 --> 00:42:05.510 interceptor line and upgrade the existing lift station 00:42:06.000 --> 00:42:09.369 These improvements will ensure that the city has the capacity 00:42:09.369 --> 00:42:13.619 to serve a growing population. The Executive Administrator 00:42:13.619 --> 00:42:17.579 recommends approval of this request. This concludes 00:42:17.590 --> 00:42:20.599 my presentation and I'm a available for any 00:42:20.599 --> 00:42:24.050 questions. 00:42:24.050 --> 00:42:25.880 Questions, comments, Director Jackson? 00:42:25.904 --> 00:42:26.690 Great to see 00:42:26.690 --> 00:42:30.829 the growth and utilizing the Revolving Fund 00:42:30.829 --> 00:42:33.610 to putting the facilities that they need to accommodate 00:42:33.610 --> 00:42:40.269 their growth and remain system reliability. 00:42:40.269 --> 00:42:40.995 Director Paup? 00:42:41.019 --> 00:42:43.329 Yeah, the growth a staggering, if you, if 00:42:43.329 --> 00:42:46.329 anyone passes through Oledo to get to Fort Worth. I mean 00:42:46.329 --> 00:42:49.239 it's just tremendous. So I am glad that they're being 00:42:49.239 --> 00:42:52.050 proactive and coming to the Board now taking care of 00:42:52.050 --> 00:42:56.289 this before they need it. 00:42:56.289 --> 00:42:59.690 Build it before you need it. Alright. Is 00:42:59.690 --> 00:43:00.557 there a motion? 00:43:00.581 --> 00:43:03.769 Chairman, I move we adopt the proposed resolution 00:43:03.769 --> 00:43:06.739 providing the city of Oledo with financing from the 00:43:06.739 --> 00:43:09.329 Clean Water State Revolving Fund for planning, design 00:43:09.329 --> 00:43:12.389 acquisition and construction of a new interceptor system 00:43:12.389 --> 00:43:16.337 and lift station expansion, as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:43:16.361 --> 00:43:18.451 Is there a second? 00:43:18.475 --> 00:43:19.636 I second. 00:43:19.660 --> 00:43:21.139 All in favor 00:43:21.139 --> 00:43:26.639 say Aye. Motion passes. Thank you, Joe. Nice to 00:43:26.639 --> 00:43:29.599 see you. 00:43:29.599 --> 00:43:33.849 Next item, please. 00:43:33.849 --> 00:43:36.989 Item number nine, the Board will now consider approving 00:43:36.989 --> 00:43:40.510 by resolution a request from the city of Bertram from 00:43:41.000 --> 00:43:45.510 for $4,750,000 financing from the Clean Water State 00:43:45.519 --> 00:43:48.510 Revolving Fund for planning, design, and construction 00:43:48.900 --> 00:43:53.329 of wastewater system improvements. Dain Larsen will present 00:43:53.500 --> 00:43:56.400 on this item. 00:43:56.400 --> 00:43:58.619 Good morning. 00:43:58.619 --> 00:44:02.329 For the City of Gertram, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, 00:44:02.449 --> 00:44:04.900 and Director Paup. For the record, I am Dain Larsen 00:44:04.900 --> 00:44:08.800 of the Executive Administrator's staff. The city of Bertram 00:44:08.809 --> 00:44:12.690 is located about 30 miles northwest of the city of 00:44:12.690 --> 00:44:19.130 Austin, and the city is requesting $4,705,000 in Clean 00:44:19.130 --> 00:44:23.250 Water SRF funding for a project to convert their lagoon 00:44:23.260 --> 00:44:26.710 wastewater treatment plant to a conventional plant 00:44:26.719 --> 00:44:30.909 with expanded capacity and the option for future expansions. 00:44:31.949 --> 00:44:38.360 Current capacity is for 144,000 gallons per day. This 00:44:38.360 --> 00:44:43.110 project will expand it to 200,000 gallons. The city 00:44:43.110 --> 00:44:46.000 has determined that an expandable conventional system 00:44:46.000 --> 00:44:49.250 will meet their long term needs with current and projected 00:44:49.250 --> 00:44:53.099 population growth that is spilling over from the Austin 00:44:53.099 --> 00:44:56.789 Round Rock MSA. 00:44:56.789 --> 00:45:00.250 This city has conducted a rate study and may increase 00:45:00.250 --> 00:45:04.820 rates later this Fiscal Year. Though the city is utilizing 00:45:04.820 --> 00:45:07.679 capitalized interest to manage the timing and quantity 00:45:07.679 --> 00:45:11.309 of any increases, the city is pledging both system 00:45:11.309 --> 00:45:15.929 rates and tax revenues. The Executive Administrator recommends 00:45:15.929 --> 00:45:19.519 approval of their request. I'm available for any questions 00:45:19.519 --> 00:45:22.590 that you have. 00:45:22.590 --> 00:45:25.035 Questions, comments, Director Jackson? 00:45:25.059 --> 00:45:25.920 I think sometimes 00:45:25.920 --> 00:45:28.840 we ask how small communities kind of grow and kind 00:45:28.840 --> 00:45:31.869 of accommodate the new needs. And this is a great example 00:45:31.869 --> 00:45:37.030 of a community that had a lagoon system. And is making 00:45:37.030 --> 00:45:40.659 the investment really before they needed it, projecting 00:45:40.659 --> 00:45:43.699 you know, 24 months out, as well as looking at 00:45:43.710 --> 00:45:47.849 the capacity they'll need in 2040, and moving towards 00:45:47.860 --> 00:45:51.210 an activated sludge system, which is a conventional 00:45:51.210 --> 00:45:55.789 treatment that will accommodate their growth and long 00:45:55.789 --> 00:45:58.980 term protect water quality. Also having the foresight 00:45:58.989 --> 00:46:02.070 to look at doing it in a staged way so that they're 00:46:02.070 --> 00:46:06.050 providing for an initial capacity growth and then expanding 00:46:06.059 --> 00:46:08.920 you know, even more on down the road when they need 00:46:08.920 --> 00:46:13.780 it. And, of course, great forethought and a big thumbs 00:46:13.780 --> 00:46:16.269 up to that they're doing an asset management plan as 00:46:16.269 --> 00:46:20.489 well, so you know, not only investing but also putting 00:46:20.519 --> 00:46:22.780 you know, the system in place to make sure that that 00:46:22.780 --> 00:46:26.860 promote operational integrity and make their system 00:46:26.929 --> 00:46:30.046 quite frankly, last longer. So great job. 00:46:30.070 --> 00:46:31.289 Thank you. 00:46:33.480 --> 00:46:35.510 Director Paup? 00:46:35.510 --> 00:46:37.790 All right. Is there a motion? 00:46:37.814 --> 00:46:40.219 Mr. Chairman, I move 00:46:40.219 --> 00:46:43.059 we adopt the proposed resolution providing the city 00:46:43.059 --> 00:46:45.650 of Bertram with financing from the Clean Water State 00:46:45.650 --> 00:46:48.400 Revolving Fund for planning, design and construction 00:46:48.780 --> 00:46:51.579 of wastewater system improvements as recommended 00:46:51.579 --> 00:46:54.880 by our Executive Administrator. 00:46:54.880 --> 00:46:55.891 Is there a second? 00:46:55.915 --> 00:46:56.899 I second. 00:46:56.923 --> 00:47:00.219 All in favor say Aye. 00:47:02.079 --> 00:47:05.181 Motion passes. Next item, please. 00:47:05.205 --> 00:47:08.070 Item number 10. The 00:47:08.070 --> 00:47:11.519 Board will now consider approving by resolution a request 00:47:11.519 --> 00:47:14.909 from the city of San Antonio, acting by and through 00:47:14.909 --> 00:47:21.150 the San Antonio Water system, for $11,805,000 in 00:47:21.150 --> 00:47:24.199 financing from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 00:47:24.269 --> 00:47:28.130 for construction of water system improvements. And Dain Larsen is 00:47:28.130 --> 00:47:29.522 here to speak on the item. 00:47:29.546 --> 00:47:32.550 Thank you. Again, good morning 00:47:32.559 --> 00:47:41.239 for the record. I'm getting some feedback. 00:47:41.239 --> 00:47:43.730 For the record, I'm Dain Larsen of the Executive Administrator's 00:47:43.730 --> 00:47:47.280 staff. The City of San Antonio Water System requests 00:47:47.280 --> 00:47:51.039 funding for the construction phase of projects to provide 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:54.510 1.5 million gallons of additional water storage for 00:47:54.510 --> 00:47:58.730 an area just west of the city's downtown area and to integrate 00:47:58.730 --> 00:48:01.619 2 pressure zones, one of those being the same area 00:48:01.630 --> 00:48:04.989 and the other about 11 miles northeast of downtown. 00:48:06.269 --> 00:48:09.329 Projects allow the system to meet Texas Commission 00:48:09.329 --> 00:48:12.559 on Environmental Quality elevate storage requirements 00:48:12.570 --> 00:48:17.909 and provide more reliable water supply to the areas. The system 00:48:17.909 --> 00:48:21.820 request total funding of 11.8 million from the Drinking 00:48:21.820 --> 00:48:25.170 Water State Revolving Fund. Construction is expected 00:48:25.170 --> 00:48:28.989 to begin later this year and to be completed in 2022. 00:48:30.820 --> 00:48:33.360 The Executive Administrator recommends approval of their 00:48:33.360 --> 00:48:39.570 request, and I'm available for questions. 00:48:39.570 --> 00:48:41.849 Thank you, Dain. Questions, comments, Director Jackson? 00:48:42.670 --> 00:48:44.909 It's great to see SAWS coming in and continue to work 00:48:44.909 --> 00:48:48.480 with the Board. They've done a great job in water conservation 00:48:49.000 --> 00:48:53.840 developing new sources for water supply, their 00:48:53.840 --> 00:48:57.239 de-sal facility, their brackish de-sal facility. 00:48:57.239 --> 00:49:00.159 And their, you know, work ongoing to kind of look 00:49:00.159 --> 00:49:03.570 and manage things as a system and upgrade the system 00:49:03.570 --> 00:49:06.449 as this project notes, so great that they're 00:49:06.449 --> 00:49:09.570 utilizing the resources of the Board and, you know, 00:49:09.579 --> 00:49:13.039 continuing to do great things in San Antonio, a growing 00:49:13.039 --> 00:49:17.769 area. 00:49:17.769 --> 00:49:20.670 Director Paup? 00:49:20.670 --> 00:49:23.639 We're always happy to see SAWS come to the Board. They are 00:49:23.639 --> 00:49:28.119 proactive. They are incredibly innovative. We 00:49:28.119 --> 00:49:32.440 are always happy to see them. So thank you. 00:49:32.920 --> 00:49:35.624 Great partners. Is there a motion? 00:49:35.648 --> 00:49:37.800 Chairman, I move we adopt 00:49:37.800 --> 00:49:40.590 the proposed resolution providing the city of San Antonio, 00:49:40.789 --> 00:49:44.530 acting by and through the San Antonio Water System, 00:49:44.650 --> 00:49:47.280 with financing from the Drinking Water State Revolving 00:49:47.280 --> 00:49:49.980 Fund for construction of water system improvements 00:49:50.119 --> 00:49:54.739 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:49:54.739 --> 00:49:55.932 Is there a second? 00:49:55.956 --> 00:49:58.670 I second. 00:49:58.670 --> 00:50:03.360 All in favor, say, Aye. 00:50:03.360 --> 00:50:07.769 Motion passes. Next item, please. Thank you, Dain. Good 00:50:07.769 --> 00:50:09.909 to see you. 00:50:09.909 --> 00:50:13.329 Item number 11. The Board will now consider approving 00:50:13.329 --> 00:50:16.869 by resolution a request from the city of Rio Grande 00:50:17.110 --> 00:50:22.719 City for $7,495,615 financial assistance consisting of 00:50:24.750 --> 00:50:33.409 $5,410,000 financing and $2,085,615 in principal forgiveness 00:50:33.409 --> 00:50:36.719 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for planning, 00:50:36.719 --> 00:50:39.929 design, and construction of a wastewater system improvement 00:50:39.989 --> 00:50:45.030 project, Mireya Loewe is here to speak to the Board on 00:50:45.030 --> 00:50:48.059 this item. 00:50:48.059 --> 00:50:50.940 Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director 00:50:50.940 --> 00:50:53.469 Jackson, Director Paup. My name is Mireya Loewe of the 00:50:53.469 --> 00:50:56.599 Executive Administrator's staff. The city of Rio Grande 00:50:56.610 --> 00:50:59.789 is located in Stark County along the US-Mexico border. 00:50:59.980 --> 00:51:03.380 It provides water and sewer service to about 16,000 00:51:03.380 --> 00:51:06.380 residents, and it provides wholesale potable water 00:51:06.760 --> 00:51:09.849 to Alsace Water Supply Corporation, El Tanke, and Rio 00:51:09.849 --> 00:51:12.570 Water Supply Corporation, and Rio Water Supply Corporation. 00:51:13.510 --> 00:51:16.159 The city's wastewater peak flows have been surpassing 00:51:16.159 --> 00:51:19.369 90% of the wastewater treatment plants current capacity 00:51:19.500 --> 00:51:23.429 of 1.5 million gallons per day. Thus the city needs 00:51:23.429 --> 00:51:27.289 to rehabilitate the deteriorated equipment at the treatment 00:51:27.289 --> 00:51:30.789 plant and increase its capacity to meet the 00:51:30.789 --> 00:51:34.179 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or TCEQ regulations. 00:51:35.960 --> 00:51:38.980 The proposed project includes rehabilitation and upgrade 00:51:38.989 --> 00:51:41.960 of most of the plants treatment components, as well 00:51:41.960 --> 00:51:45.079 as the electrical control systems, main lift station, 00:51:45.090 --> 00:51:48.199 and piping throughout the plant site. This will not 00:51:48.199 --> 00:51:50.650 only increase the plant's capacity to three million 00:51:50.650 --> 00:51:53.110 gallons per day to meet TCEQ requirements, 00:51:53.199 --> 00:51:57.510 but it will also improve the operating capacity. 00:51:57.510 --> 00:52:00.969 The proposed financing will be taxable public entities 00:52:00.980 --> 00:52:04.329 issuing tax exempt debt are subject to IRS limits on 00:52:04.329 --> 00:52:07.530 pledged revenues received from taxable entities. Because 00:52:07.530 --> 00:52:10.389 the IRS considers water supply corporations taxable 00:52:10.400 --> 00:52:13.730 entities, the revenues the city receives from the whole 00:52:13.730 --> 00:52:17.289 selling water of the three water supply corporations 00:52:17.300 --> 00:52:20.860 exceed those IRS limits. Thus, the proposed financing 00:52:20.869 --> 00:52:24.289 will be taxable. The Executive Administrator recommends 00:52:24.289 --> 00:52:27.199 approval of this funding request. This concludes my 00:52:27.199 --> 00:52:29.760 presentation. I'm available to answer any questions. 00:52:31.849 --> 00:52:33.251 Thank you, 00:52:33.263 --> 00:52:35.778 Mireya.Qquestions, comments? Director Jackson? 00:52:35.802 --> 00:52:39.630 It's a great project for South Texas and I'm so 00:52:39.630 --> 00:52:42.239 glad that we were able to provide some loan forgiveness 00:52:42.239 --> 00:52:44.780 in addition to their, you know, very affordable and 00:52:44.780 --> 00:52:49.179 low interest loan. And again, you know, a fairly major 00:52:49.179 --> 00:52:51.809 project, they're doubling their wastewater treatment 00:52:51.809 --> 00:52:54.269 capacity. And, you know, I think the other thing 00:52:54.269 --> 00:52:58.900 that we heard from the staff was there's new administration 00:52:58.900 --> 00:53:03.780 and a lot of focus to audits and staying on time 00:53:03.780 --> 00:53:07.059 and that is what we hope all of our borrowers do. And 00:53:07.059 --> 00:53:10.090 so we kind of encourage them as they move through the 00:53:10.090 --> 00:53:12.420 process. I mean, not just in building the plant. 00:53:12.420 --> 00:53:14.849 But, you know, if you take that first dollar for the 00:53:14.849 --> 00:53:18.010 Board, you're a member of the family until you pay the last dollar 00:53:18.010 --> 00:53:21.949 back. So looking forward to continued to see their 00:53:21.949 --> 00:53:25.210 you know, their audits and their compliance 00:53:25.219 --> 00:53:28.210 and working with us in providing that information 00:53:28.420 --> 00:53:34.349 as you have done recently in a timely manner. Thank you, 00:53:34.349 --> 00:53:35.151 Director Paup? 00:53:35.175 --> 00:53:39.170 Now it's, I mean, obviously, Kathleen always, 00:53:39.550 --> 00:53:42.699 can always just put it the perfect way. But this is 00:53:42.699 --> 00:53:45.630 an important project for South Texas. And there's a 00:53:45.630 --> 00:53:48.519 massive public health element to this project. So I'm 00:53:48.519 --> 00:53:51.130 very happy to have them come to the Board. And I'm 00:53:51.130 --> 00:53:53.929 glad to see the leadership has kind of righted their 00:53:53.929 --> 00:53:58.449 ships. So it's good to see. 00:53:58.449 --> 00:54:02.340 You bet. Leadership matters, and none of this would 00:54:02.340 --> 00:54:04.849 be possible about great leadership from our local partners. 00:54:05.510 --> 00:54:06.476 Is there a motion? 00:54:06.500 --> 00:54:09.340 Yes, Mr. Chairman, I move we adopt 00:54:09.340 --> 00:54:12.090 the proposed resolution providing the City 00:54:12.090 --> 00:54:15.780 of Rio Grande City with financial assistance from the 00:54:15.780 --> 00:54:18.449 Clean Water State Revolving Fund for planning, design 00:54:18.449 --> 00:54:21.429 and construction of a wastewater systems improvement 00:54:21.440 --> 00:54:24.599 project, as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:54:25.940 --> 00:54:26.813 Is there a second? 00:54:26.837 --> 00:54:27.929 I second. 00:54:27.953 --> 00:54:30.019 All in favor, say aye. 00:54:30.739 --> 00:54:32.889 Aye. 00:54:32.889 --> 00:54:35.365 Motion passes. Thank you, Mireya. 00:54:35.389 --> 00:54:36.196 Thank you. 00:54:36.220 --> 00:54:37.320 Good to see you. 00:54:37.320 --> 00:54:39.620 Same here. 00:54:39.644 --> 00:54:43.213 Right. Next item, Ashley. 00:54:43.237 --> 00:54:44.039 Okay, Item 00:54:44.039 --> 00:54:47.179 number 12. The Board will receive comments from the 00:54:47.179 --> 00:54:50.420 public on any matters within the jurisdiction of the 00:54:50.840 --> 00:54:53.719 of the Texas Water Development Board with the exception 00:54:53.719 --> 00:54:57.039 of matters which are subject to the ex parte prohibition found 00:54:57.039 --> 00:55:02.860 in Texas Government Code, section 2001.6. 00:55:02.860 --> 00:55:06.460 If any member of the public would like to address 00:55:06.460 --> 00:55:08.940 the Board, I don't think we have anybody signed up, 00:55:08.949 --> 00:55:12.429 but if they'd like to address the Board, now would be that 00:55:12.440 --> 00:55:14.739 time. 00:55:14.739 --> 00:55:19.329 Please indicate interest by utilizing the 00:55:19.329 --> 00:55:24.230 GoToWebinar feature. We'll let folks have a couple 00:55:24.230 --> 00:55:34.860 minutes to raise their hand if they so wish. 00:55:34.860 --> 00:55:37.539 Jonathan's running that. Anything? Anybody raise their 00:55:37.539 --> 00:55:40.409 hand, Jonathan? 00:55:40.409 --> 00:55:44.539 I don't see any at the moment. 00:55:44.539 --> 00:55:46.969 Alright. 00:55:46.969 --> 00:55:50.429 In that case, the Board will meet in closed session 00:55:50.429 --> 00:55:54.690 today. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 551.071 00:55:54.690 --> 00:56:00.250 at 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of 00:56:00.250 --> 00:56:04.829 the Texas Government Code and Section 6.060 of the Texas 00:56:04.829 --> 00:56:09.550 Water Code. This meeting of Texas Water Development Board 00:56:09.559 --> 00:56:15.269 stands in recess. The time is 10:32 a.m. See y'all in a little bit. 00:56:21.639 --> 00:56:25.603 Session. If Kathleen and Brooke are ready to go. 00:56:25.627 --> 00:56:26.940 Ready. 00:56:29.139 --> 00:56:32.179 All right. This Board meeting of the Texas Water 00:56:32.179 --> 00:56:34.719 Development Board is now back in session. The Board took 00:56:34.719 --> 00:56:38.340 no action in Executive Session. There being no further 00:56:38.340 --> 00:56:42.929 business, the Texas Water Development Board, this meeting is 00:56:42.929 --> 00:56:48.340 now adjourned. The time is 11:25 a.m. Thank you all. 00:56:48.349 --> 00:56:51.050 And thanks IT and support staff for making it all work. 00:56:51.539 --> 00:56:54.360 Have a good weekend, everybody. Bye.