Return on Investment (ROI)

1. All such projects require a business case.  The simpler, the better.
2. Our homes can be viewed as investments with some expectation of ROI.  Expenses should be kept as low as practical.
3. In the business case for septic to sewer conversion, like all renovation projects, there is a breaking point on feasibility.  That point differs from neighbor to neighbor.
4. Investment by the Town in tax dollars (you and me) to implement these types of projects should also include an expected ROI over time.
5. A good example is the business case for the City of Stuart’s septic to sewer project which was predicated on a 10-year payback with 75% population hookup.
6. A simple business plan that covers the implementation of septic to sewer in the Town of Sewall’s Point for both point projects as well as the overall project is warranted.
7. Developing a simple business plan for a septic to sewer offering should not require a consultant.  We have significant resources and skills on staff and in the Town.

Financial Concerns

1. There is an expense associated with our existing septic systems when they need pump-outs, repair, and replacement.  The business case should include these cost parameters as a baseline.
2. Like all construction projects, this would need to be implemented in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.
3. Converting to a more modern, cleaner, more efficient municipal sewage removal system may be more expensive than a septic system.
4. If tax dollars are used to invest in the project, there should be tangible benefit for all taxpayers.
5. We need an accounting of expenses incurred to date on this initiative to ensure an adherence to annual budget.
6. To determine feasibility, we need to understand the overall cost of the entire project as an aggregated sum of each neighborhoods project.
7. Part of managing the investment in our home is working to improve our property values by improving infrastructure, aesthetics, safety, and the appeal of our community.
8. Determining cost efficiency is usually handled through a process of competitive bids sourced from multiple competitors, weighing both ability to deliver successfully and expense.
9. The grant process should not drive the price or cost of the project, it should offset it.

Logistics

1. Many of our surrounding communities now have realistic access to modern sewage treatment services from the City of Stuart and Martin County, and many more are scheduled for conversion.
2. There are a variety of technologies available and each has its advantages, drawbacks, and cost parameters.  I trust our engineers to bring forward a feasible technical solution.  My focus is on the simple business case.

Aesthetic Concerns

1. Replacing a drain field often requires raising the elevation of that property in that location leaving an unattractive berm on otherwise attractive landscapes.
2. Property consumed by septic drain fields restricts the usable living space of our property.

Environmental Concerns

1. Population in our town is nearly fully saturated and we live in relatively close proximity to neighbors in all directions and public waterways on all sides.
2. In a relatively modern, up-scale neighborhood on the shores of what should be the pristine waters of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary, it’s irresponsible to be pumping our untreated sewage into our yards containing household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and human waste.
3. The science is clear that the most significant negative impact to our water quality is from Lake Okeechobee.
4. There is also significant evidence that our water quality is impacted from shoreline run-off.  Pumping our household waste into the soil contributes to the environmental impact of the shoreline run-off.

City of Stuart Example

1. The plan the City of Stuart offers its residents is simple and straight forward.
2. Stuart offers a significant incentive to hook-up within the first 12 months after the main sewer backbone is operational for a given neighborhood.
3. Stuart offers customers the ability to include the cost of hook-up into their water bill spread over 10 years.  They offer an additional incentive if paid in full at time of hook-up.
4. Both Stuart and Martin County offer voluntary hook-up systems until such time as connection becomes mandatory (no mandatory date yet specified unless a septic system fails).

Offering a Service to Sewall’s Point Residents

1. It should be the responsibility of the town to offer smart waste treatment options to our residents.  Today, we only have a single option (septic).
2. “Breaking the Septic Cycle”, a phrase introduced to us by the City of Vero Beach, means making a municipal sewer option available to residents at the time they are considering upgrading their septic system.
3. Simple offering plans need to be published by zone to cover all geographies of Sewall’s Point.  Conversion costs may vary from zone to zone.
4. Neighborhoods who want to strike out on their own to move the ball forward for their own hook-up, should be encouraged to do so, but it stands to reason that a larger Town-wide project will be more efficient and economical.
5. Perhaps a committee of residents to assist in the development of the septic to sewer plan offering is also worth discussing.

Before I can vote in favor of moving forward with this project

1. We cannot design this system during Town Commission meetings.  Staff needs to bring forward simple, actionable, business plans prior to scheduling public meetings to discuss feasibility.
2. Only when a clear and simple vision can be articulated to both the Commission, and to residents, should we waste valuable time, and resident heartache, discussing about intangibles and design options publicly.

In Summary

I offer the above observations for clarification on my position and maintain an open mind to revise this list as we discuss the matter further as neighbors.  I am, at base level, in favor of offering the service of a municipal waste treatment system and septic to sewer conversion to our Town residents.  I am sensitive to the additional expense both the Town, and residents who might be on a fixed income, may incur.  I still think delivering this system is achievable with minimal long-term impact through creative financing options, logical incentives, and appropriate requirements on when conversions should occur (septic replacement, failed septic inspection, long-term deed restriction).

I welcome your input.  I am interested in all perspectives to help us build the proper approach for our small community.  Feel free to email your thoughts to [email protected] or call/text.