2014 -- H 7801

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LC004822

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE TIVERTON WASTEWATER DISTRICT

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, and Canario

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2014

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Short title.

     This act shall be known as the "Tiverton Wastewater District Act".

     SECTION 2. Legislative findings and intent.

     It is hereby found and declared that:

     (1) The 2013 Wastewater Facilities Plan Update recommended providing a wastewater

collection system in North Tiverton, portions of eastern Tiverton as well as the Stonebridge area

of Tiverton.

     (2) Provision of sewers in these areas will have a direct beneficial impact on Tiverton's

economy.

     (3) The expansion of sewers will minimize the financial burden to property owners

within the district in regard to the wastewater disposal systems.

     (4) The town as a whole will benefit from the expansion of the collection system through

preservation of the town's environment.

     (5) The passage of Rhode Island's 2007 Cesspool Phase-Out Act set a timetable for the

inspection and replacement of cesspools located within two hundred (200) feet of a coastal area,

and these cesspools must be replaced by January 1, 2014. This has proven to be cost prohibitive

to numerous residents.

     (6) The act identifies an exemption which applies to cesspools located in areas to be

sewered on or before January 1, 2020.

     (7) The 2013 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended creating a sewer district

encompassing the existing and future sewer collection areas so that only properties located within

the sewer district will be responsible for the costs of design, construction, and operation of the

system.

     (8) Pollution in the storm water outfalls identified in the January 2010 Total Maximum

Daily Load (TMDL) study must be addressed by the town.

     (9) It is further found and declared that there is a potential health hazard from surfacing

of wastewater effluent due to poor soil characteristics, underground water movement and the

large number of subsurface disposal systems.

     (10) It is in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare that present users of

the Tiverton sewer system, as well as future users, to establish the Tiverton wastewater district.

     SECTION 3. Definitions.

     As used in this act, the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless

the context shall indicate another or different meaning or intent:

     (1) "Authorized areas" means all properties within Tiverton's census designated place as

defined by the 2010 United States Census Bureau; all sewer connections outside the census

designated place being served by the wastewater management commission; all sewer connections

approved by the town of Tiverton and the wastewater management commission; and all sewer

connections approved by the Tiverton wastewater district.

     (2) "Board" means the board of directors of the Tiverton wastewater district;

     (3) "Bonds and notes" means the bonds, notes, securities or other obligations, or

evidences of indebtedness issued by the district pursuant to this act.

     (4) "District" means the district and instrumentality authorized, created and established

pursuant to this act hereof which is known as the Tiverton wastewater district.

     (5) "District voter" means a resident and registered voter within the census designated

place.

     (6) "Municipality" means any city or town now existing or hereafter created.

     (7) "Personal property" means all tangible and intangible personal property, including,

without limitation, contract rights, accounts receivable, rights and privileges of all kinds, all

machinery, equipment, transportation equipment, pipelines, pipes, tools, hydrants, meters, assets,

franchises, and all other personal property incidental to and included or necessary for the

operation of a water supply and distribution system or water supply facility. Personal property

shall also mean and include any and all interests in such property which are less than full title,

such as leasehold interests, security interests and every other interest or right, legal or equitable.

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     (8) "Real property" means land, structures, new or used, franchise and interest in land,

including lands under water, riparian rights, space rights and air rights, and all other things and

rights included within said term. Real property shall also mean and include any and all interest in

such property less than fee simple, such as easements, incorporeal hereditaments and every estate,

interest or right, legal or equitable, including terms for years and liens thereon by way of

judgments, mortgages or otherwise, and also claims for damages to said real property.

     SECTION 4. Creation of Tiverton wastewater district.

     Subject to the requirements of section 16 hereof, there is hereby authorized, created and

established the Tiverton wastewater district, having distinct existence from the state and any

municipality, and not constituting a department of state government or any municipality, which is

a public instrumentality to be known as the "Tiverton wastewater district" with such powers as set

forth in this act for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, developing, managing, maintaining,

repairing and replacing wastewater facilities.

     SECTION 5. Territorial limits.

     The territorial limits of the district shall be consistent with Tiverton's census designated

place as defined by the 2010 United States Census Bureau.

     SECTION 6. Purposes.

     The district is authorized, created and established for the following purposes: to acquire,

own, develop, operate, maintain, repair, improve, enlarge and extend the wastewater collection,

treatment, and disposal facilities within and without the borders of the district, within the town of

Tiverton, within neighboring Rhode Island communities, and within the city of Fall River,

Massachusetts.

     SECTION 7. Powers.

     Except to the extent inconsistent with any specific provision of this act, the district shall

have the power:

     (1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in its corporate name;

     (2) To have a seal which may be altered at pleasure and to use the same by causing it, or

a facsimile thereof, to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced;

     (3) To purchase, take, receive, lease or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, operate,

maintain and repair, use or otherwise deal in and with, both real and personal property, or any

interest therein, wherever situated;

     (4) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of,

all or any part of its real and personal property and assets for such consideration and upon such

terms and conditions as the district shall determine;

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     (5) To collect, pump, and treat wastewater within or without its authorized areas as

specified in section 5 and section 6 of this act;

     (6) To fix rates, make assessments and collect charges for the use of its wastewater

collection facilities, or for services rendered by, or any commodities furnished by, the district;

     (7) To make use of such contracts and guarantees, to incur liabilities, and to borrow

money at such rates of interest as the district may determine;

     (8) To make and execute agreements of lease, conditional sales contracts, installment

sales contracts, loan agreements, mortgages, construction contracts, operation contracts and other

contracts and instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers and functions of

the district granted by this act;

     (9) To lend money for its purposes, invest and reinvest its funds and at its option to take

and hold real and personal property as security for the funds so loaned or invested;

     (10) To acquire, or contract to acquire, from any person, firm, corporation, municipality,

the federal government or the state, or any agency of either the federal government or state by

grant, purchase, lease, gift, condemnation or otherwise, or to obtain options for the acquisition of

any property, real or personal, improved or unimproved, and interests in land less the fee thereof;

and to own, hold, clear, develop, maintain, operate and rehabilitate, sell, assign, exchange,

transfer, convey, lease, mortgage, or otherwise dispose or encumber the same for the purposes of

carrying out the provisions and intent of this act for such consideration as the district shall

determine;

     (11) To apply for, receive, accept, administer, expend and comply with the conditions,

obligations and requirements respecting any grant, gift, loan, including without limitation any

grant, gift or loan from agencies of local, state and federal governments, donation or

appropriation of any property or money in aid of the purposes of the district and to accept

contributions of money, property, labor or other things of value.

     (12) To accept wastewater and to contract for same outside of the district and from

outside the state of Rhode Island;

     (13) To continue serving all existing customers within the town of Tiverton and the city

of Fall River, Massachusetts;

     (14) To conduct its activities, carry on its operations and have offices and exercise the

powers granted by this act within or without the state;

     (15) To elect or appoint officers and agents of the district, to hire employees and

independent contractors, and to define their duties and fix their compensation, and to enter into

contracts with the town of Tiverton to do the same, and with the city of Fall River, and

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neighboring municipalities, except as otherwise expressly limited herein;

     (16) To make and alter bylaws not inconsistent with this act, for the administration and

regulation of the affairs of the district, including the annual and special meetings of the district,

and the election of directors. Such bylaws may contain provisions which authorize the

indemnification of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the district,

or who is or was serving at the request of the district as a director, officer, employee or agent of

another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, provided said

indemnification conforms with Rhode Island law;

     (17) To be a promoter, partner, member, associate or manager of any partnership,

enterprise or venture;

     (18) To possibly contract with the town of Tiverton to manage the on-site wastewater

management program;

     (19) To enter into cooperative agreements with cities, counties, towns or wastewater

companies within or without the state for interconnection of wastewater facilities or for any other

lawful corporate purpose necessary or desirable to effect the purposes of this act; and

     (20) Establish rules, regulations, policies, procedures, regarding extensions to the sewer

system, including but not limited to, financing and construction standards; sanitary sewer

standards; service connection standards; inspection programs; discharge standards; pre-treatment

standards; wastewater discharge permitting; and metals discharge limits;

     (21) To establish collection systems service districts, and to conduct referenda within

these districts, to determine sewer extensions and cost based assessments;

     (22) To have and exercise all powers generally incident to quasi-governmental

corporations or which are necessary or convenient to affect the purposes of this act.

     SECTION 8. Building sewers, sewer extensions and connections.

     (1) Permits

     No connection of private or proper sewer system shall be made until the owner of the

land, or duly authorized agent, has made application in writing to the district for permission to

make same, and has been granted such permission;

     (2) Separate and connecting building sewers.

     A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building. Where

one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or

can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard or driveway, the

building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole

considered as one building sewer. The district does not and will not assume any obligation or

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responsibility for damage caused by or resulting from any such single connection

aforementioned. The rights appurtenant to such single connection or extension from a front

building to a rear building shall be recorded with each of the respective deeds. No sewer service

connection shall serve more than one building except by permission of the district.

     (3) Costs

     All costs and expense incident to the installation and connections of the building sewer

shall be borne by the owner. The owner shall indemnify the district from any loss or damage that

may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.

     (4) Service connection standards.

     Sewer service connection from the public sewer to the street line shall be laid at such

depth and gradient and in such location as the district may determine. No sewer service

connection shall serve more than one building, except by permission of the district.

     (5) Prohibited connections.

     No person shall make or keep a connection of roof downspouts; exterior foundation

drains are away drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or

building drain, which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sewer.

     SECTION 9. Requirements for excavation.

     All excavation for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades

and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other public

property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the

department of public works or state of Rhode Island department of transportation as appropriate

in accordance with the street opening permits and regulations.

     SECTION 10. Inadmissible waters.

     Stormwater, groundwater, roof drainage, street drainage, yard drainage or subsurface

drainage shall not be discharged through direct or indirect connections to the public sanitary

sewer district.

     SECTION 11. Prohibited discharge standards.

     (1) General prohibitions. No user shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the

Wastewater Collection System (WWCS) any pollutant or wastewater which causes pass through

or interference at the Fall River Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). These general

prohibitions apply to all users of the WWCS whether or not they are subject to categorical

pretreatment standards or any other national, state, or local pretreatment standards or

requirements.

     SECTION 12. Wastewater discharge permit requirements.

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     (1) No significant industrial user shall discharge wastewater into the WWCS without first

obtaining a wastewater discharge permit from the district. Any violation of the terms and

conditions of a wastewater discharge permit shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and

subjects the wastewater discharge permittee to the sanctions established by the district. Obtaining

a wastewater discharge permit does not relieve a permittee of its obligation to comply with all

federal and state pretreatment standards or requirements or with any other requirements of

federal, state, and local law.

     SECTION 13. New discharges and changes in discharges.

     Any person proposing a new discharge into the system, or a substantial change in the

volume or character of pollutants that are being discharged into the system shall notify the district

at least forty-five (45) days prior to the proposed change or connection. Such notification will not

relieve users of liability for any expense, loss or damage to the sewer system, wastewater

treatment works or treatment processes.

     SECTION 14. Monitoring, sampling and analyses.

     (1) Inspection powers:

     (a) Inspections. Inspections shall be conducted at the discretion of the district. The district

or the duly authorized employees and agents of the district, upon presenting identification and

appropriate credentials is authorized:

     (i) To enter without delay and at reasonable times those premises (public or private) of

any person or class of user either receiving services from the district or applying for services from

the district in which a discharge source or treatment system is located.

     (ii) During regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable

limits and in a reasonable manner, to have access to and to copy any records, inspect any

monitoring equipment and sample any effluents which the owner or operator of such discharge

source is required to sample, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and

     (iii) During such on-site inspections, to carry out all inspections, surveillance, and

monitoring procedures necessary to determine, independent of information supplied by any

person discharging into the facilities, compliance or noncompliance with town pretreatment

requirements.

     (2) User documentation: The district may, by regulation, order, permit, or otherwise,

require any person who discharges into the facilities to:

     (a) Establish and maintain records; make reports;

     (b) Install, calibrate, use and maintain monitoring equipment or methods (including

where appropriate, biological monitoring methods);

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     (c) Sample discharges and amounts (in accordance with the methods, at the locations, at

the intervals, and in the manner as the district shall prescribe); and

     (d) Provide other information relating to discharges into the facilities as the district may

reasonably require ensuring compliance with prescribed pretreatment.

     (3) Enforcement of inspection powers: Any person obstructing, hindering, or in any way

causing the obstruction or hindrance of the district or any of its employees or agents in the

performance of their duties or who shall refuse to permit said district or any of its employees or

agents entrance into said premises, buildings, plant or equipment, or other places belonging to or

controlled by any such person, in the performance of his duties as such, shall be subject to civil

and/or criminal penalties.

     SECTION 15. Directors and officers.

     (1) The powers of the district shall be vested in a board of directors which shall consist of

five (5) members, with a quorum being defined as three (3) members of the board.

     (2) Only residents and registered voters of the town of Tiverton shall be eligible to serve

on the board.

     (3) Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act, the town council of Tiverton

shall appoint five (5) of the current seven (7) members of the wastewater management

commission to the board. Each appointee to the first board shall serve an initial term consistent

with his or her current term, plus an extension of one (1) year. Subsequent board members shall

be elected by vote of the qualified electors of the wastewater district to staggered 3-year terms.

     (4) Terms, eligibility requirements, vacancy, the terms of directors, eligibility

requirements and filling vacancies are authorized by this subsection. Except for the first board,

directors shall serve three (3) year terms. If a director ceases to be a resident of Tiverton, the

director shall be deemed to have vacated that office and the remainder of the term shall be filled

by board appointment. A director shall be eligible for reelection. Any person, who is an appointed

or elected official of the town of Tiverton, or a district employee, shall not be eligible for

appointment or election as a director. When the term of office of a director expires, the director's

successor shall be elected by a plurality vote of the voters of the district at the annual meeting of

the district. For the purpose of election the annual meeting shall be held, as required in

accordance with the procedures set forth in the district bylaws.

     (5) The board shall meet at least monthly, shall organize annually, and shall, at its first

meeting, elect officers from among its members who shall have the titles of chair, vice-chair,

secretary and treasurer. The chair shall preside at meetings of the board. The vice-chair shall act

as chair during the absence or disability of the chair and, if a vacancy in the position of chair

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should occur, shall become chair. The chair and vice-chair shall have a voice and vote in the

proceedings of the board. The board may adopt any rules of procedure it deems necessary or

appropriate for the proper discharge of its duties, and shall publish all such rules of procedure as

adopted or amended.

     (6) Meetings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 46 of title 42 of

the general laws of Rhode Island, "The Rhode Island Open Meetings Act," as the same may be

amended from time to time.

     (7) The compensation, if any, to be paid to the district directors and the officers of the

board shall be determined by the district voters at the annual meeting of the district.

     SECTION 16. Transfer of assets and liabilities.

     Upon the effective date of this act, the district shall acquire and take legal title to all

wastewater-related real property, personal property, accounts, plants, assets, franchises, rights and

privileges, including, without limitation lands, buildings, pipes, collections systems, pump

stations, tools, equipment, and apparatus, held by the town of Tiverton. The district shall assume

all outstanding liabilities, debts, bonds, notes, and other wastewater obligations of the town of

Tiverton. The Tiverton town council is hereby authorized to assign, sell, or otherwise transfer the

same to the district. The district shall not assume responsibility over the town of Tiverton's storm

water system.

     SECTION 17. Rates.

     (1) The governing body shall establish just and reasonable rates, fees, charges, and

assessments that provide the revenue required to perform its public services, for the following

purposes: to pay current expenses for operation and maintenance; to provide for repairs,

replacements, and renewals; to provide for the payment of interest on the indebtedness created or

assumed by the district; to provide for the principal payments on serial indebtedness created or

assumed by the district; to provide for contingency and capital reserve allowances; to maintain

such reserves as may be required by any trust agreement or resolution.

     (2) The governing body may establish assessments within service zones whenever the

construction and maintenance or the cost of the service is substantially uniform. If the cost of

construction and maintenance, or the cost of the service exceeds the average, the governing body

may establish higher assessments for that zone, but the assessments shall be uniform throughout

that zone.

     (3) In order to provide for the collection and enforcement of its rates, fees, charges, and

assessments, the governing body is hereby granted all powers and privileges with respect to such

collection and enforcement held by the town of liens for unpaid taxes and of the ability to block

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vehicle registrations. All unpaid charges shall be a lien upon the real estate of the person.

     (4) Shut off of water supply for nonpayment of sewer user fees, charges, and

assessments.

     (a) Notwithstanding the provision of this section, the commission is authorized to order

any water supplier which services any person assessed by the district pursuant to this section to

terminate the water supply service of any person for nonpayment of sewer user fees, charges, and

assessments. The commission shall abide by the rules and regulations of the public utilities

commission governing water shut-offs.

     (b) Upon notification by the commission to terminate service, the water supplier shall,

within fourteen (14) days, terminate said service and notify the commission that said termination

has occurred. Upon notification by the district, the water supplier shall restore the water supply in

accordance with the water supplier's policy on water supply restoration.

     (c) The district shall have the authority to assess any person any fees, charges and

assessments affiliated with the shut off and restoration of service.

     (d) When service is provided to a residence occupied by a tenant, the tenant may, after

paying the fees, charges and assessments in order to restore or prevent termination of service,

deduct the amount paid from the rent due the landlord. The tenant shall provide the landlord with

a copy of the receipt from the district when making a deduction from the rent.

     (5) Not later than one hundred eighty (180) days following the end of the district's fiscal

year, the board shall make an annual report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year, including

its budget and operation plans.

     SECTION 18. Taxes.

     Taxes, Assessments, Penalty for nonpayment:

     (1) Directors of the district, at any of the meetings of the district, have the power to order

taxes, and provide for assessing and collecting taxes on the ratable real estate and tangible

personal property of the district, as they deem necessary for the purpose of:

     a) Operating and maintaining a wastewater collection, pumping, and treatment system;

     b) For designing and constructing a wastewater collection system;

     c) For acquiring and leasing real estate and other property and property rights necessary

for a wastewater system, and replacing, laying, and maintaining pipes, and other structures

connected with them, and purchasing implements, machinery, and other appliances;

     d) For the payment of the current expenses of the district;

     e) For the payment of officers, employees, and other agents as the district and the board

are authorized to elect, appoint, or otherwise choose under this act; and

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     f) For the payment of any indebtedness that has been or may be incurred by the district.

The taxes so ordered shall be assessed by the assessor of the district on the taxable inhabitants

and the property in the district according to the last valuation made by the assessors of the town

or towns wherein the property to be assessed lies, next previous to the assessment, adding,

however, any taxable property which may have been omitted by the town assessors or afterwards

acquired, using the assessed valuation made by the assessor of the town where such property lies.

In all cases where the town assessors have included property within and without the district in one

valuation, the assessor of the district shall make an equitable valuation of that portion of the

property lying within the district; and in the assessing and collecting of taxes, proceedings shall

be had by the officers of the district, as near as may be, as are required to be held by the

corresponding officers of town assessing and collecting town taxes. All taxes assessed against any

person in the district shall constitute a lien upon his or her real estate for a period of three (3)

years after the assessment, and, if the real estate be not alienated, then until taxes are collected, as

provided in chapter 9-1, et seq., of title 44 of the general laws. The collector of taxes for the

district shall, for the purpose of collecting taxes assessed by the district, have the same powers

and authority as are now by law conferred on collectors of taxes for towns in this state. Directors

of the district may provide for a maximum flexibility deduction, from the tax assessed against any

person if paid by the appointed time, or for a penalty, by way of percentage on the tax if not paid

at the appointed time, not exceeding twelve percent (12%) per annum, as they deem necessary to

insure punctual payment.

     SECTION 19. Bonds and notes of the district.

     (1) The district shall have the power and is hereby authorized to issue from time to time

its negotiable bonds and notes in one or more series in such principal amounts as, in the opinion

of the district shall be necessary to provide sufficient funds for achieving its purposes, including

the payment of interest on bonds and notes of the district, the establishment of reserves to secure

such bonds and notes and the making of all other expenditures of the district incident to and

necessary or convenient to carrying out its corporate purposes and powers;

     (2) All bonds and notes issued by the district may be secured by the full faith and credit

of the district and may be payable solely out of revenues, earnings and receipts of the district.

Such bonds and notes may be executed and delivered by the district at any time from time to

time, may be in such form and denominations, including interest coupons, if any, to be attached to

them, and of such tenor and maturities, and may be in bearer form or in registered form, as to

principal and interest, or at such discount in lieu of interest, or as to principal alone, all as the

district may determine. Such bonds and notes may provide for authentication of bonds and notes

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by a directors or fiscal agent;

     (3) Bonds may be payable in such installments, and at such times not exceeding fifty (50)

years from the date thereof, as shall be determined by the district;

     (4) Except for notes issued pursuant to section 20, notes, and any renewals thereof, may

be payable in such installments and at such times not exceeding ten (10) years from the date of

the original issue of such notes, as shall be determined by the district;

     (5) Bonds and notes may be payable at such places, which may be any bank or trust

company, whether within or without the state, may bear interest at such rate or rates payable at

such time or times and at such place or places, and evidenced in such manner, and may contain

such provisions not inconsistent herewith, all as shall be provided in the proceedings of the

district under which they shall be authorized to be issued. Bonds shall bear the seal of or a

facsimile of the seal;

     (6) There may be retained by provision made in the proceedings under which any bonds

or notes of the district are authorized to be issued an option to redeem all or any part thereof at

such prices and upon such notice, and on such further terms and conditions as shall be set forth in

the record of such proceedings and on the face of the bonds or notes;

     (7) Any bonds or notes of the district may be sold from time to time at such prices, at

public or private sale, and such manner as shall be determined by the district, and the district shall

pay all expenses, premiums and commissions that it shall deem necessary or advantageous in

connection with the issuance and sale thereof;

     (8) Moneys of the district, including proceeds from the sale of bonds or notes, and

revenues, receipts and income from any of its water supply facilities, may be invested and

reinvested in such obligations, securities and other investments consistent herewith as shall be

specified in the resolution under which such bonds or notes are authorized.

     (9) Issuance by the district of one or more series of bonds or notes for one or more

purposes shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds and notes, but the proceedings

whereunder any subsequent bonds or notes may be issued shall recognize and protect a prior

pledge or mortgage made for a prior issue of bonds or notes unless in the proceedings authorizing

such prior issue the right is reserved to issue subsequent bonds or notes on a parity with such

prior issue;

     (10) The district is authorized to issue bonds or notes for the purpose of refunding its

bonds or notes then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and

any interest accrued or to accrue to the earliest or subsequent date of redemption, purchase or

maturity of such bonds or notes, payment of any expenses of issuance of such bonds or notes,

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payment of any expenses of redeeming bonds or notes being refunded, reserves for debt service,

and, if deemed advisable by the district, for the additional purpose of paying all or part of the cost

of acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, or improving any wastewater treatment,

conveyance or other appurtenant facility. The proceeds of any issuance of bonds or notes for the

purpose of refunding outstanding bonds or notes may be applied, in the discretion of the district,

to the purchase, retirement at maturity, or redemption of such outstanding bonds or notes either

on their earliest or subsequent redemption date, and may, pending such application, be placed in

escrow. Any such escrowed proceeds may be invested and reinvested in obligations of or

guaranteed by the United States of America, or in certificates of deposit or time deposits secured

or guaranteed by the state of Rhode Island or the United States, or an instrumentality thereof,

maturing at such time or times as shall be appropriate to assure the prompt payment, as to

principal, interest and redemption premium, if any, of the outstanding bonds or notes to be so

refunded. The interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on any such investment may

be applied to the payment of the outstanding bonds or notes to be so refunded. After the terms of

the escrow have been fully satisfied and carried out, any balance of such proceeds and interest,

income and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments thereof may be returned to the

district for use by it in furtherance of its purposes. The portion of the proceeds of bonds or notes

issued for the additional purpose of paying all or part of the cost of acquiring, constructing,

reconstructing, rehabilitating, developing or improving any water supply facility, may be invested

and reinvested in such obligations, securities and other investments consistent herewith as shall

be specified in the resolutions under which such bonds or notes are authorized and which shall

mature not later than the times when such proceeds will be needed for such purpose. The income,

interest, and profits, if any, earned or realized on such investments may be applied to the payment

of all parts of such costs, or to the making of such loans, or may be used by the district otherwise

in furtherance of its purposes. All such bonds or notes shall be issued and secured and shall be

subject to the provisions of this act in the same manner and to the same extent as any other bonds

or notes issued pursuant to this act.

     (11) The directors of the district, and other persons executing such bonds or notes, shall

not be subject to personal liability by reason of the issuance thereof.

     (12) Bonds or notes issued under any of the provisions of this act shall require the

approval of the annual or a special meeting of the district voters, but otherwise shall not require

the consent of any department, division, commission, board, body, bureau or agency of the state,

and may be issued without any other proceedings or the happening of any conditions or things

other than those proceedings, conditions or things which are specifically required by this act and

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by the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or notes or the trust

agreement securing the same;

     (13) The district, subject to such agreements with noteholders or bondholders as may then

be in force, shall have the power out of any funds available thereof to purchase bonds or notes of

the district, which shall thereupon be cancelled, at a price not exceeding:

     (a) If the bonds or notes are then redeemable, the redemption price then applicable plus

accrued interest to the next interest payment date; or

     (b) If the bonds or notes are not then redeemable, the redemption price applicable on the

earliest date that the bonds or notes become subject to redemption, plus the interest that would

have accrued to such date.

     (14) Whether or not the bonds and notes are of such form and character as to be

negotiable instruments under Rhode Island law, the bonds and notes are hereby made negotiable

instruments within the meaning of and for all purposes of Rhode Island law, subject only to the

provisions of the bonds and notes for registration;

     (15) If a director or officer of the district whose signature appears on bonds, notes or

coupons shall cease to be a director or officer before the delivery of such bonds or notes, such

signature shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such director

or officer had remained in office until such delivery;

     (16) Any bonds or notes issued under authority of this act may be issued by the district in

the form of lines of credit, loans or other banking arrangements and under such terms and

conditions not inconsistent with this act, and under such agreements with the purchasers or

makers thereof, as the district may determine to be in the best interest of the district;

     (17) The district may at any time deposit with a trustee, a sum sufficient, with amounts

then on deposit, including the debt service reserve fund, to purchase direct or guaranteed

obligations of the United States of America which are adequate to pay the entire principal amount

of the bonds or notes of a series, together with the interest to maturity, or to an applicable

redemption date specified by the district to the trustee and any applicable redemption premium; or

the district may deposit direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States of America in lieu of

money for their purchase. The obligations are deemed adequate if the principal and interest

payable on them are sufficient to pay the previously mentioned sums when due. Upon any deposit

of money and a request by the district, the trustee shall purchase direct or guaranteed obligations

of the United States of America. When adequate direct or guaranteed obligations of the United

States of America are held by the director pursuant to this section, the bond resolution or

indenture shall cease to be in effect with respect to such series of bonds or notes. The obligations

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and their proceeds shall be held in trust for the benefit of the bondholders or note holders, and the

trustee shall, on behalf of the district, call bonds or notes for redemption on the applicable

redemption date. Any compensation or expenses of the trustee in carrying out this section shall be

paid by the district, and any surplus funds held by the trustee under this section shall be remitted

by the trustee to the district;

     (18) The district may covenant in any resolution, trust indenture or other agreement that

as long as bonds or notes are outstanding the district shall establish and maintain its rates and

charges adequate at all times to pay and provide for all operating expenses of the district, all

payments of principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on bonds, notes or other

evidences of indebtedness of or assumed by the district, all renewals, repairs, or replacements to

the property of the district deemed necessary, and all other amounts which the district may by

law, resolution or contract be obligated to pay. On or before the last day of the district's fiscal

year, the district shall review the adequacy of its rates and charges to satisfy the above

requirements for the next succeeding fiscal year. If the review indicates that the rates and charges

are, or are likely to be, insufficient to meet the requirements of this act, the district shall promptly

take such steps as are necessary to cure or avoid deficiency, including but not limited to, raising

its rates and charges;

     (19) It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company to act as a depository or trustee of

the proceeds of bonds, notes, revenues or other moneys under any such trust agreement or

resolution and to furnish such indemnification or to pledge such securities and issue such letters

of credit as may be required by the district. Any pledge of revenues or other property made by the

district under this act shall be valid and binding and shall be deemed continuously perfected from

the time when the pledge is made; the revenues, moneys, rights and proceeds so pledged and then

held or thereafter acquired or received by the district shall immediately be subject to the lien of

such pledge without any physical delivery or segregation thereof or further act; and the lien of

any such pledge shall be valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind in tort,

contract or otherwise against the district, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof.

Neither the resolution, any trust agreement nor any other agreement by which a pledge is created

need be filed or recorded except in the records of the district.

     SECTION 20. Short-term notice.

     Money borrowed by the district for the purpose of providing temporary financing of the

district operations pending the issuance of bonds or other notes shall be evidenced by notes or

other obligations. The principal and interest of all notes or other obligations of the district so

issued under the provisions of section 12 shall be payable no later than the fifth anniversary of the

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date of issue thereof, and shall be payable from the following:

     (1) From the proceeds of bonds subsequently issued; or

     (2) From the proceeds of subsequent borrowings which comply with the provisions

hereof; or

     (3) From general revenues of the district which may be equal and proportionate with, but

not superior to, that securing bonds then outstanding or subsequently issued. Notwithstanding any

other provisions of this act, all such notes shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the

laws of the state subject only to the provisions for registration contained therein. Such notes or

other obligations or any issue thereof shall be in a form and contain such other provisions as the

district may determine and such notes or resolutions or proceedings authorizing such notes or

other obligations or any issue thereof may contain, in addition to any provisions, conditions,

covenants or limitations authorized by this act, any provisions, conditions, covenants or

limitations which the district is authorized to include in any resolution or resolutions authorizing

bonds or notes or in any trust indenture relating thereto. The district may issue such notes or other

obligations in such manner either publicly or privately on such terms as it may determine to be in

its best interests.

     SECTION 21. Security for bonds or notes.

     (1) The principal of and interest on any bonds or notes issued by the district may be

secured by a pledge of any revenues and receipts of the district and may be secured by a mortgage

or other instrument covering all or any parts of one or more wastewater treatment, conveyance or

other appurtenant facilities, including all or part of any additions, improvements, extensions to or

enlargements of such facilities thereafter made.

     (2) The resolution under which the bonds or notes are authorized to be issued and any

such mortgage, lease, sales agreement or loan agreement, or other instrument may contain

agreements and provisions respecting the maintenance of the facilities covered thereby, the fixing

and collection of rents, payments or repayments or other revenues there from, including moneys

received in repayment of loans, and interest thereon, the creation and maintenance of special

funds from such rents or other revenues and the rights and remedies available in the event of

default, all as the district shall deem advisable.

     (3) Each pledge, agreement, mortgage or other instrument made for the benefit or

security of any bonds or notes of the district shall continue in effect until the principal of and

interest on the bonds or notes for the benefit of which the same was made shall have been fully

paid, or until provision shall have been made for such payment in the manner provided in the

resolutions under which such bonds or notes were authorized.

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     (4) The district may provide in any proceedings under which bonds or notes may be

authorized that any wastewater treatment, conveyance or other appurtenant facility or part thereof

may be constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated or improved by the district, or any lessee,

vendee, obligor or any designee of the district and may also provide in such proceedings for the

time and manner of and requisitions for disbursements to be made for the cost of such

construction, and for all such certificates and approvals of construction and disbursements as the

district shall deem necessary and provide for in such proceedings.

     (5) Any resolution under which bonds or notes of the district are authorized to be issued

(and any trust indenture established thereby) may contain provisions for vesting in a trustee or

directors such properties, rights, powers and duties in trust as the district may determine including

any or all of the rights, powers and duties of the trustee appointed by the holders of any issue or

bonds and notes pursuant to section 27; in which event the provisions of section 27 authorizing

the appointment of directors by such holders of bonds or notes shall not apply.

     SECTION 22. Reserve funds and appropriations.

     To assure the contained operation and solvency of the district for the carrying out of its

corporate purposes:

     (1) The district may create and establish one or more special funds (herein referred to as

"capital reserve funds"), and may pay into each such capital reserve fund:

     (a) Any moneys appropriated and made available by the state, or any municipality for the

purpose of such fund;

     (b) Proceeds from the sale of notes or bonds to the extent provided in the resolution or

resolutions of the district authorizing the issuance thereof; and

     (c) Any other moneys that may be made available to the district for the purpose of such

fund from any other source. All moneys held in a capital reserve fund, except as hereinafter

provided, shall be used solely for the payment of the principal of bonds secured in whole or in

part by such fund or of the sinking fund payments hereinafter mentioned with respect to such

bonds, the purchase or redemption of such bonds, the payment of interest on such bonds or the

payment of any redemption premium required to be paid when such bonds are redeemed prior to

maturity, provided that moneys in such fund shall not be withdrawn therefrom except for the

purpose of making (with respect to bonds secured in whole or in part by such fund) payment

when due of principal, interest, redemption premiums and the sinking fund payments hereinafter

mentioned, for the payment of which other moneys of the district are not available if such

withdrawal would reduce the amount of such fund to less than the minimum capital reserve

requirement established for such fund as hereinafter provided. Any income or interest earned by,

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or incremental to, any capital reserve fund due to the investment of the funds thereof may be

transferred by the district to other funds or accounts of the district if such transfer would not

reduce the amount of the capital reserve fund below the minimum capital reserve fund

requirement for such fund.

     (2) The district shall not at any time issue bonds secured in whole or in part by a capital

reserve fund if, upon the issuance of such bonds, the amount of such capital reserve fund would

be less than the minimum capital reserve required for such fund, unless the district, at the time of

issuance of such bonds, shall deposit in such fund from the proceeds of the bonds so to be issued,

or from other sources, an amount that, together with the amount then in such fund, is not less than

the minimum capital reserve fund requirement for such fund. For the purpose of this section, the

term "minimum capital reserve fund requirement" shall mean, as of any particular date of

computation, an amount of money, as provided in the resolution or resolutions of the district

authorizing the bonds or notes with respect to which such fund is established, equal to not more

than the greatest of the respective amounts, for the current or any future fiscal year of the district,

of annual debt service on the bonds of the district secured in whole or in part by such fund, such

annual debt service for any fiscal year being the amount of money equal to the sum of:

     (a) The interest payable during such fiscal year on all bonds secured in whole or in part

by such fund outstanding on the date of computation; plus

     (b) The principal amount of all such bonds and bond anticipation notes outstanding on

said date of computation that mature during such fiscal year; plus

     (c) All amounts specified in any resolution of the district authorizing such bonds as

payable during such fiscal year as a sinking fund payment with respect to any of such bonds that

mature after such fiscal year, all calculated on the assumption that such bonds will, after said date

of computation, cease to be outstanding by reason, but only by reason, of the payment of bonds

when due and application in accordance with the resolution authorizing those bonds of all of such

sinking fund payments payable at or after said date of computation.

     (3) In computing the amount of the capital reserve funds for the purpose of this section,

securities in which all or a portion of such funds shall be invested, shall be valued as provided in

the proceedings under which the bonds are authorized but in no event shall be valued at a value

greater than par;

     (4) The district may create and establish such other fund or funds as may be necessary or

desirable for its corporate purposes;

     (5) The district may by resolution permit the issuance of bonds and notes to carry out the

purposes of this act without establishing a capital reserve fund pursuant to this section and

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without complying with the limitations set forth in this section. Bonds and notes issued pursuant

to this paragraph may be secured by such other funds or methods as the district may in its

discretion determine by resolution.

     SECTION 23. Trust funds.

     All moneys received as proceeds from the sale of bonds or notes as revenues, receipts or

income therefrom, shall be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in the

proceedings under which such bonds or notes are authorized. Any officer with whom or any bank

or trust company with which such moneys shall be deposited as trustee hereof shall hold and

apply the same for the purposes thereof, subject to the applicable provisions of this act, the

proceedings authorizing the bonds or notes and the trust agreement securing such bonds or notes,

if any.

     SECTION 24. Notes and bonds as legal investments.

     The notes and bonds of the district are hereby made securities in which all public officers

and bodies of this state and all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all insurance

companies and associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business, all banks,

bankers, trust companies, savings banks and savings associations, including savings and loan

associations, building and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on

a banking business, all administrators, guardians, executors, directors and other fiduciaries, and

all other persons whatsoever who are now or may hereafter be authorized to invest in bonds or

other obligations of the state, may properly and legally invest funds, including capital, in their

control or belonging to them.

     SECTION 25. Agreement of the sale.

     The state does hereby pledge to agree with the holders of any bonds or notes issued under

this act, that the state will not limit or alter the rights hereby vested in the district to fulfill the

terms of any agreements made with the holders until such bonds or notes, together with the

interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in

connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of such holders, are fully met and

discharged. The district is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any

agreement with the holders of such bonds or notes.

     SECTION 26. Credit of state.

     Obligations issued under the provisions of this act, shall not constitute a debt, liability or

obligation of the state or of any political subdivision thereof other than the district or a pledge of

the full faith and credit of the state or any political subdivision thereof other than the district, but

shall be payable solely from the revenues or assets of the district. Each obligation issued under

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this act shall contain on the face thereof a statement to the effect that the district shall not be

obligated to pay the same or interest thereon except from revenues or assets pledged therefor and

that neither the full faith and credit, nor the taxing power of the state, or any political subdivision

thereof, other than the district is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such

obligation.

     SECTION 27. Remedies of bondholders and noteholders.

     Any holder of a bond or note issued by the district under the provisions of this act or of

any of the coupons appertaining thereto and any trustee under a trust agreement or resolution

securing the same, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by such trust

agreement or resolution securing the same, may bring suit upon the bonds or notes or coupons

and may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus, or other proceedings for legal or

equitable relief, including proceedings for the appointment of a receiver to take possession and

control of the business and properties of the district, to operate and maintain the same, to make

any necessary repairs, renewals and replacements in respect thereof and to fix, revise and collect

fees and charges, protect and enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this

act or by such trust agreement or resolution to be performed by the district or by any officer

thereof.

     SECTION 28. Authorization to accept appropriate moneys.

     The district is authorized to accept such moneys as may be appropriated from time to

time by the general assembly, any municipality, or any other source, for effectuating its corporate

purposes including, without limitation, the payment of the initial expenses of administration and

operation and the establishment of reserves or contingency funds to be available for the payment

of the principal of and the interest on any bonds, notes or other obligations of the district.

     SECTION 29. Exemption from taxation.

     The exercise of the powers granted by this act will be in all respects for the benefit of the

people of this state, the increase of their commerce, welfare and prosperity and for the

improvement of their health, safety and welfare and will in all respects constitute the performance

of an essential governmental function. Therefore, the district shall not be required to pay taxes or

assessments of any kind upon or in respect to any of its operations, real or personal property, or

any wastewater treatment, conveyance or other appurtenant facilities, or on account of

instruments recorded by it or on its behalf, or upon any earnings, revenues, moneys or other

income derived by the district. The bonds and notes of the district and the income therefrom shall

at all times be exempt from taxation.

     Bonds and notes issued by the district and their transfer and the income therefrom,

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including any profit made on the sale or exchange thereof, shall at all times be exempt from

taxation by the state and all political subdivisions of the state. The district shall not be required to

pay any transfer tax of any kind on account of instruments recorded by it or on its behalf.

     SECTION 30. Right to alter, amend, or repeal.

     The right to alter, amend or repeal this act is hereby expressly reserved to the general

assembly, but no such alteration, amendment or repeal shall operate to impair the obligation of

any contract made by the district under any power conferred by this act.

     SECTION 31. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE TIVERTON WASTEWATER DISTRICT

***

     This act would create and establish the Tiverton Wastewater District.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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