Tequesta council adopts new backflow testing policy and fees, approves chemical and security contracts for water plant

The Village Council adopted an amendment to its cross‑connection control manual to implement an enhanced backflow prevention testing and compliance program.

Under the new approach the village will begin with commercial properties: HydroCorp (HydroPort) will manage reminders and reporting; properties already using certified testers may continue submitting results via the platform. For commercial properties not in compliance, the village (through HydroCorp) will send a certified tester to perform the test; the cost of that test will be billed to the property as actual cost plus a 10% administrative fee, consistent with a rate resolution approved earlier in the meeting.

Utilities director Allison Berg said the policy will be piloted for commercial accounts for at least one year; staff will return with results and a recommendation on rolling the program out to residential properties. Council approved the manual amendment and the fee resolution by voice vote.

Council also approved two piggyback contracts tied to water‑plant operations: a first/ final renewal with Odyssey Manufacturing Company for 50% sodium hydroxide (caustic) with an anticipated annual expenditure around $117,000 and a piggyback agreement with Coast to Coast Garage Door not to exceed $126,493.46 for perimeter fence and gate actuator replacement (including barbed wire) to implement security recommendations and coordinate with previously approved access control work.

Councilors noted the water plant security work is part of a multi‑year hardening program and the fence replacement will allow access control installations to proceed.

Next steps: staff to implement the HydroCorp pilot for commercial properties, collect compliance data over one year, and report back to council; purchase orders and work orders will be executed for the approved piggyback contracts.