Charlotte County Utilities Meeting Apr2024: Commissioners Open Conversation About Cape Haze

First, I want to say thank you to everyone that attended Saturday’s membership meeting (whether a member or not). Also, a big thanks to all those that have been actively communicating with the County regarding the Cape Haze Septic-to-Sewer (S2S) project. I also think we owe a big thanks to Commissioner Joe Tiseo, who spent two hours speaking with a well-attended membership meeting on Saturday. While the presentation and Q&A was respectful, it was broad and filled with passion. Obviously, the Commissioner listened and took the concerns of Cape Haze back to the other Commissioners. If you listen to the Commissioner’s meeting (link below), you’ll see that their dialogue has unearthed holes in the County’s process in general, not just for Cape Haze. A wise sage once said, “that it is never too late to do the right thing.” My sense is that the County Commissioners are at least having the discussion to do the right thing, and that takes courage and wisdom.

I strongly encourage every property owner in Cape Haze to listen to yesterday’s Commissioner’s Utilities meeting (link==>> https://fb.watch/rvsGQge_AQ/). The discussion regarding Cape Haze begins around the 1-hour mark. It lasts off/on for a good 30 minutes or so. Whether you are for or against sewers, please listen and get involved. If you have any questions, reach out to someone on the CHPOA board or to the County Commissioners directly. As I’ve said before, this project will impact all of our lives for literally, years… roads torn up, yards disrupted, fixing problems, big costs, etc.

Sincerely,
Rob Matthews, President
Cape Haze Property Owners Association

Summary Highlights of Utilities Meeting:

Tiseo made the point to Dave Watson for the SSO’s and asked why not call them “Spills” instead of “Overflows.”  They then talked about violations, DEP consent decrees and fines – while we know about these, they never (rarely) seem to be discussed in public…before today.

Dave Watson also mentioned that gravity sewers are still the most common sewer for today,

About the Cape Haze project Dave Watson says they will have the preliminary engineering report in July and then it will come “back to the board to get some direction.” 

Tiseo brings up the issue of cost and sustainability and it is supposed to be part of the plan and these costs and subsidies are getting out of hand.  He mentions a affordability factor and 2.5% of household median income “Affordability Standard.”

Tiseo appeared adamant that it is a “water quality project” which means it must have water quality data.

Then Doherty jumps in about affordability and implies the sewer master plan is outdated. He brings up the cost, the “operations and maintenance” cost for the utility to maintain such a big system.

Then Constance makes it clear that he wants to see all the data at next month’s workshop. 

Tiseo brings up Ackerman project.  He asked if were monitoring wells and data for Ackerman.

And then Truex comments something about the larger lots in Cape Haze, that he doesn’t have a problem with getting samples but says “I guarantee it’s going to show, I know what it’s going to show.”

They discussed Rotonda WWTP and mentioned the fact it has high nutrient reclaimed water that could reach waterways so at least some reality about reclaimed water and conversation is starting to sink in with the commissioners.

Tiseo brought up the issue of subsidy once again and then brought up lot sizes.  

Tiseo brought up the fact that reclaimed water is a possible impairment of water quality
He jumps back in and mentions the bottom line is the residents want the water quality data and only then they will feel more comfortable.