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2 <br />from the borings that GF suggested would increase the cost of the dam from previous <br />estimates. There was also some question about the future demand needs. He did not <br />know where it was pointed out that the past studies were inaccurate. There were also <br />questions about how much more water could be conserved, which has also been studied <br />and is ongoing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Dennis Rooker, Board of Supervisors, said that based on information from <br />Tom Frederick that potential cost of these studies could be $750,000 to $1 million figure <br />and could take 9 months to 1 ½ years to complete, the Board of Supervisors felt it <br />necessary to meet with the other boards to discuss these issues <br /> <br /> Mr. Tom Frederick, Executive Director of Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority <br />said that staff information is not detailed and were ballpark estimates. <br /> <br /> Mr. Rooker said RWSA had planned to issue an RFP to retain an expert panel to <br />conduct a review of the Ragged Mountain project data. He asked Mr. Frederick if the <br />RFP was expanded to include additional elements as outlined in City Council’s <br />resolution, how long it would take to update the RFP. <br /> <br /> Mr. Frederick said the expert panel being suggested would consist of <br />representation by multiple firms. After solicitations were received, experts would be <br />selected from possibly more than one of these firms. It could possibly involve more than <br />one contract being developed. He said he feels that the scope of the panel process would <br />be determined after the panel members are selected and a moderator chosen. He said a <br />dredging feasibility study, water conservation, and the pipeline feasibility study could be <br />undertaken by individual firms. The question is whether you would like individual firms <br />to undertake these studies independent of the dam expert panel. There would be a higher <br />cost associated with having individual studies be further reviewed by a panel. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked if the expertise desired for the expert panel would fit with a <br />study of the pipeline alternative as well as to its feasibility. <br /> <br /> Mr. Frederick responded that it would be fair to say that there would be <br />individuals who would be qualified to review the Ragged Mountain Dam project data as <br />well as the feasibility of the pipeline. RWSA did not want to connect the two studies <br />because they wanted the best dam experts to review the data and not be restricted to firms <br />that could also do the pipeline work. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked if RWSA had an estimate on the cost for the expert panel to <br />review the dam design work. <br /> <br /> Mr. Frederick replied that when discussing the expert panel with the Board of <br />Supervisors, contacts had not yet been made to solicit some ballpark figures. Within the <br />context of some of the phone calls he made after November 3, he would estimate on the <br />low end of about $150,000 to $200,000 or possibly $300,000. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris replied that the reason for the November 3 resolution was to avoid <br />finding out sometime in the future that the pipeline project will cost much more than <br />estimated or there are other obstacles that would be problematic. City Council was not <br />asking that the expert panel conduct an independent engineering analysis on the pipeline, <br />but to review all the available information and provide their best objective opinion as to <br />whether this was the best approach. <br /> <br /> Mr. Boyd asked if City Council envisions holding a public input process during <br />the pipeline review. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he feels it would be very similar to what was being suggested for <br />the review of the Ragged Mountain Dam project. There is a lot of information on hand <br />that the panel would review in order to reassure the public that this proposal is sound. <br />The water conservation element would require some analysis and probably some public <br />engagement. He said Ridge Schuyler from The Nature Conservancy estimated that this <br />study would cost no more than $50,000. The dredging feasibility study would probably <br /> <br />