Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Presentation to the Mayor and City Council on the Kingdom of Thailand Delegation Tour of the St. Lucie River/C-23 Water Quality Project at McCarty Ranch Extension.
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Submitted By: Kevin R. Matyjaszek, Utility Systems Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Kingdom of Thailand Delegation, headed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, visited the St. Lucie River/C-23 Water Quality Project at McCarty Ranch Extension in early December to learn more about its benefits.
Presentation Information: Utility Systems Department (“USD”)
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council accept the gifts given by the Kingdom of Thailand Delegation as a thank you for the tour of St. Lucie River/ C-23 Water Quality Project.
Background: City Staff attended the American Water Works Association Florida Section Conference in Orlando on November 29th. A "National Dialogue on Water in Thailand" was launched in 2021, ahead of the country's new Ministry of Water, which seeks to upgrade its environmental management in order to protect their water resources while aligning with their national security goals. Tasked with understanding how successful utilities operate, this delegation visited three sites in Florida, a climate similar to theirs, to learn more from water and wastewater industry experts. In addition to their stops in Orange and Miami-Dade Counties, the group visited the St. Lucie River/C-23 Water Quality Project located at the McCarty Ranch Extension. City staff answered questions about Port St. Lucie and its utility operations and customers. The Delegation also shared in a traditional cultural gift exchange that included scarves, a pin featuring American and Thailand flags, plus a beautiful tea set from the Vocational Education Commission. Thanks to our community partners, the delegation received bags filled with items from the City of Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Oxbow-Eco-Center, St. Lucie Mets, and Side Door Brewing Company.
Issues/Analysis: After this educational visit, Minister Sophonpanich will develop a plan with short and long-term goals to strengthen the mission of the new Ministry of Water. Her focus is to implement a process to certify operators, lab technicians, and other water sector professions. The plan will also include water demand management and streamlined costs, while adapting to climate change.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: McCarty Ranch
Attachments: N/A
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
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