HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0975Lineberger said the suppliers knew this was important, and they would have to
supply the information to the elected officials.
Commissioner Johnson said he recognized that Duke did not need county
permission, but rather a "blessing" would be requested. He said the county officials
would be more inclined to offer the "blessing" if special interest groups were "avoided"
by the individuals/groups setting the fees. Johnson said the group should be concerned
about two things: (1) capacity (drinking water) and (2) ability to generate electric
power. He said the composition of the fee -setting board would directly translate to the
quality of the water and availability. Johnson stressed that he had to feel comfortable
that the right composition was on the fee -setting group, and they had to be "insulated"
so they wouldn't give in to special interest groups.
Commissioner Robertson said, "Otherwise, the fees just become another tax."
Johnson thanked the Duke officials for their assistance ori the Stumpy Creek
Park lease. He asked about the possibility of a lease amendment where a year was
added after each passing year, assuming all parties were agreeable. He said the land
belonged to Duke Power, but much county money had gone into the park facility.
Lineberger said he didn't see any reason why the lease couldn't be renegotiated
as a part of the relicensing. He said it could even extend the length of the relicensing --
year 2058.
Hart said the two of them would look at the lease and get back with the
commissioners.
Lineberger said the Catawba was a working river, and he wanted it to work for
another 50 years. He said drought preparation would be important in the future, and
"stretching the value of the lakes would be important."
Commissioner Williams asked about conservation programs.
Lineberger said there were immediate and long-term programs. He said there
was a demonstration on water re -use and there were other simple measures (low-volume
toilets, energy efficient appliances, leak detection devices, etc.).
Commissioner Williams asked if there was anything other than educational
programs.
Lineberger said education was a "big piece." He said the fund would not fix
everything -- there wouldn't be enough money.
Williams asked if there were plans for any new reservoirs.
Lineberger said not out of the fund. He said at some point, however, more
reservoirs would be needed. He said water usage would outgrow the storage, but there
wasn't any money for reservoirs.
Johnson requested that focus be placed on what was important in the project.
He said, "Don't be distracted by radical fringe groups."
Robertson said he understood the utility's goals, but he didn't want an "inlet
pipe going into the peoples' pockets."
Hart again said the two would get back to the board on the Stumpy Creek lease.
Lineberger offered to reappear a a future commissioners' meeting, if additional
information was needed.