Committee approves draft utilities element and hears water-system updates, including mapping, tank and treatment-plant work

The Utilities Committee voted to approve the draft utilities element of the comprehensive plan with minor modifications and heard a range of infrastructure updates from city staff, including distribution of a water system business plan, outreach for potential main extensions and progress on a new water tank and treatment-plant upgrades.

Motion and outcome: A committee member moved to approve the draft utilities element with the minor modifications discussed at the meeting. The motion was seconded and, after no further discussion, Chair called the vote; audible “ayes” were recorded and the Chair declared the motion approved. The motion text on the record was: “I’ll make a motion to approve the draft of the utilities element of the comp plan with these minor modifications.”

Why it matters: Adoption of the utilities element language sets policy priorities and signals items that will be candidates for future budget or council action; staff said action items in the element will inform budget decisions but do not themselves appropriate funds.

Water system business plan and consolidation talks: Staff told the committee the water system business plan from the consultant had not arrived by the meeting start but will be circulated to committee members before the next meeting so members can review the draft and provide comments. Staff said the plan includes strategies for handling small water systems, possible consolidation and technical direction.

City staff also said Kitsap Public Utility District may be invited to present to the committee or council to discuss opportunities to collaborate or consolidate systems. “They are ready to start that conversation,” staff said, adding that previous agreements about the wastewater treatment plant may be revisited now that KPUD controls the facility.

Small-system outreach: Staff described outreach to a small system (referred to as Johnston Group B) with a low-producing well; the city will mail postcards to nearby parcels to gauge neighborhood interest in a potential main extension. Staff cautioned that topography may require a booster pump for the project, increasing cost, and said the city will assess interest before advancing a formal project.

Capital projects: Staff reported progress on the new water tank and related pressure-release valves (PRVs). The project will proceed in phases and, staff said, PRVs must be installed and tested before full activation; staff expect PRV installs and related work to be complete by early to mid-summer. The presenter also described a contractor dispute over power-conduit length for telemetry connections; staff said they are working through the issue and have not yet issued any major change orders.

Wastewater treatment plant: Staff said the upgrade contract for the treatment plant is in place, procurement is ongoing and construction will be phased over two summers to allow work during low-flow conditions.

Next steps: Staff will distribute the water system business-plan draft ahead of the next meeting (planned for March 19) and the committee will consider KPUD participation and any extension projects when the plan and consultant materials are available.