2018-04-25 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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for the whole commission to do this—it would be easier to have a little work group put together the goals and guidelines and then bring them back to the commission for consideration. Ms. Wong further explained that the Sunshine Law requires all boards to make decisions at an open meeting, but the statute does allow commissioners to meet as a subcommittee in order to get something done without violating the law. The subcommittee’s decision will occur in an open meeting, and all commissioners will be able to vote. Commissioner Gaffney said he was in. Chair Bennett announced that Commissioners Fritz, Gaffney, and he would be on the subcommittee. He said he’ll be in touch with them on the work. He did not anticipate it being lengthy or arduous, but he wanted the opportunity to work together in a smaller group so they can bring something written back. Ms. Wong said a motion was needed. Motion and vote: Chair Bennett said the motion would be to form an interaction group consisting of Commissioners Fritz, Gaffney, and himself, to develop some written recommendations about how the County might fulfill the objectives of their resolution dated March 28, 2018. Commissioner Gaffney so moved, Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted aye. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE a. Director’s Informational Report. Regarding the status of the maintenance at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant, Director Kucharski said they are on the punchlist for the upgrades, repairs, and replacement of lines. Regarding R-1 water management, Director Kucharski said it will be a major issue for the department in next year’s budget. The water is to be available in 2020 and will require DEM to become the purveyors of the water. It will be DEM’s responsibility to ensure that users have DOH permits, and DEM will need to meter, distribute, and repair breaks. They will need to decide how to price the water and what to pay to bring it down to distribution points. Individual metering will be needed. The Wastewater Division will need to get into the distribution system in addition to the collection system. Planning has started on what will be needed. It is a large undertaking. They are also looking into the possibility of making it a requirement to use the R-1 water for commercial operations that have access to it, rather than using potable water. R-1 water can also be used to wash down boats, but a keyed card would be needed to unlock the hose bibs. It is doable, but regulations need to be put in place. Regarding legislative bills, Senate Bill 2567 and House Bill 2626 (regarding cesspools) are very similar and are before the Conference Committee. There is a large advisory group to study the cesspool issue. If anyone is interested in being a part of it, let him know. The main 11