The meeting’s primary focus was the Village of Tequesta’s water treatment master plan, developed to comply with forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This plan, created by Kimley Horn, aims to address detected PFAS levels in the village’s water supply and ensure compliance with a 2029 deadline. Detailed by Nick Black, a representative from Kimley Horn, the plan outlines the necessary steps to meet regulatory standards while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Black, accompanied by colleagues, provided an overview of the water system, highlighting the treatment plant’s capability to process 6.3 million gallons per day, and the challenges presented by the village’s reliance on both surficial and Florida aquifer wells.

One key issue is the detection of PFAS in the surficial aquifer, which supplies about 30 to 33 percent of the village’s water. With the upcoming regulations setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of four parts per trillion for specific PFAS, the council discussed possible treatment alternatives. Ion exchange and nano-filtration emerged as promising methods, although each comes with operational challenges and costs. Nick Black emphasized the importance of addressing PFAS, stating, “It would address the ones that are going to be POS and POA that are going to be required for regulatory compliance.” The council was engaged in the discussion, seeking clarification on treatment capacity and compliance.

The council also examined the infrastructure improvements needed for the water treatment facilities, with projected costs for initial upgrades nearing $6.5 million. These upgrades include phase one improvements and the expansion of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system. The timeline for these developments is tight, with an estimated year for construction following a design and permitting phase. A critical concern is the aging clear well structure, described as a “single point of failure” for the water plant, highlighting the necessity for maintenance and potential operational challenges.

The discourse transitioned to the management of water resources, particularly the cost-effectiveness of sourcing water from different aquifers. Concerns about potential droughts affecting the surficial aquifer and saltwater intrusion challenges in the Florida aquifer were discussed. The council debated the necessity of additional wells, ultimately recommending planning for future demands without immediate expansion. Renewing the water use permit with the South Florida Water Management District was also a priority.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to resolving recent issues with water meter readings. Utilities director Allisonberg detailed the transition to advanced metering infrastructure and the subsequent errors discovered in meter readings. Specifically, 60 meters were incorrectly reading in thousand-gallon increments due to a transition error, resulting in underbilling. The council discussed potential solutions, including back billing at different rates or not back billing at all. The latter option would allow residents to continue billing at appropriate rates while the village absorbed the revenue loss.

The council debated the implications of these billing errors, with one member advocating for holding residents accountable for their usage, proposing a strategy to bill at full rates while considering payment plans. Another member opposed back billing, citing potential financial burdens on families. The council reached a consensus to draft a resolution likely not to pursue back billing, allowing for amendments based on resident feedback.

Additionally, the council discussed a revised merit pay program for non-union employees, emphasizing the need for a legally compliant framework tied to performance evaluations. The proposed program aims to reward satisfactory performance while addressing salary adjustments due to market conditions. The council underscored the importance of a transparent evaluation process, with plans to communicate expectations to employees and supervisors.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the potential establishment of new advisory boards and committees. The council expressed caution, emphasizing the importance of clear goals and the effective use of staff resources. Suggestions included limiting the number of active boards and implementing sunset provisions to ensure periodic evaluations.