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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/2025 - Water Commission - AGENDA - Regular MeetingWATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING February 20, 2025 02/20/2025 Agenda (revised 02-18-2025 10:45 a.m.) Page 1 of 3 Online via Microsoft Teams and in person at 222 Laporte Ave., Colorado River Community Room, 1st Floor MS Teams – See Link Below 1. Call To Order (5:30) 2. Roll Call 3. Introduction of 2025 Water Commission Staff 4. Agenda Review 5. Public Participation (3 minutes per individual) 6. Approval of Minutes: Nov. 21, 2024 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Staff Reports i. Financial Monthly Report (meeting packet only/no presentation) ii. Dec. 19 Memo to Council: “2024 Fall Water Quality Update – Upper Cache la Poudre Watershed” (meeting packet only) Participation for this Water Commission meeting will be in person at 222 Laporte Ave. You may also join online via Teams, using this link: https://teams.microsoft.com Meeting ID: 213 162 835 324 Passcode: 23EW6u Online Public Participation: The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5 p.m., Feb. 20, 2025. Participants should try to sign in prior to the 5:30 p.m. meeting start time, if possible. For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the online Teams session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Water Commission. To participate: • Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). • You need to have access to the internet. • Keep yourself on muted status. Masks Strongly Recommended in Indoor Public Spaces While there are currently no public health orders in place, Larimer County Public Health officials strongly recommend that well-fitting, high-quality masks are worn in crowded indoor spaces. For more information, please visit fcgov.com/covid WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING February 20, 2025 02/20/2025 Agenda (revised 02-18-2025 10:45 a.m.) Page 2 of 3 iii. Draft 2025 Natural Areas Strategic Framework (Presentation: 10 minutes, Discussion: 10 minutes) Julia Feder, Natural Areas Environmental Planning Manager The framework provides grounding direction for the department’s Conservation and Stewardship Planning process and serves as an update to the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan. It aims to define a 10-year vision and department values, in addition to updating existing goals. This discussion item is to notify the Water Commission that the plan is available for review and comment. Staff would like to provide a presentation and receive comments from the Water Commission as part of the document draft review process. Staff may return to Water Commission in May for a recommendation to City Council, if requested. The updated plan is scheduled for adoption by Council on June 17. iv. One Water Utilities Biannual Update (Presentation: 10 minutes, Discussion: 10 minutes) Nicole Poncelet-Johnson, One Water Executive Director A. Utilities and Finance reorganization and leadership transition B. 2025 One Water Goals C. Key Projects Update B. Regular Items None 8. COMMISSIONER REPORTS (Committees, event attendance, etc.) 9. OTHER BUSINESS (Commissioner concerns, announcements) a. Commissioner question: In light of California wildfires, what is Fort Collins Utilities’ readiness to provide adequate water supply for responding to urban wildfires? (15 minutes) b. Commissioner question: Consider revising regular meeting frequency given cancellation rate (10 minutes) c. Staff recommends Water Commission reschedule the June 19 regular meeting to June 26 due to Juneteenth holiday (City offices will be closed) WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING February 20, 2025 02/20/2025 Agenda (revised 02-18-2025 10:45 a.m.) Page 3 of 3 d. Staff recommends Water Commission consider as the date approaches: reschedule Dec 18 regular meeting to Dec 4 work session due to its proximity to the holiday e. 2025 Work Sessions (1st Thursdays of even-numbered months) will be located at Utilities Service Center, 700 Wood St., unless otherwise noted f. Water Resources Archive at Colorado State University • Patricia J. Rettig, Water Resources Archive at CSU, shared links to the City of Fort Collins Water Board meeting documents and papers of former chairperson Norm Evans (meeting agendas, minutes, reports, correspondence, his notes, and reports from other municipal water systems that he collected) • Papers of Norman A. Evans (full collection)(1906-2014) • Fort Collins Water Board section (1954-2014) g. Reminder: Council Code of Conduct instructs Boards and Commissions members to identify themselves and clarify whether they are speaking personally or as a representative when providing public comment • Link to code • The code is listed on the City Clerk’s website h. Reminder: Respectful Workplace Policy applies to all City employees, Boards and Commissions, and City Council • Link to policy • The policy is on the City’s website under Legal Disclaimers > Notice of Non-Discrimination 10. ADJOURNMENT (7:30) DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING November 21, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hybrid in person at 222 Laporte Ave and online via Teams 11/21 /20 2 4 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 1 The Water Commission advises City Council regarding water, wastewater, and stormwater policy issues such as water rights, planning, acquisition and management, conservation and public education, floodplain regulations, storm drainage, and development crite ria. Read more at https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/water. 1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL • Commissioners Present In Person: Jordan Radin (Chairperson), Tyler Eldridge (Vice Chairperson), James Bishop, Paul Herman, Nicole Ng, John Primsky, Greg Steed • Commissioners Present via Teams: Rick Kahn • Commissioners Absent - Excused: Nick Martin • Staff Members Present In Person: Jeremy Woolf, John Song, Andrew Gingerich, Matt Fater, Nicole Poncelet-Johnson, Gregg Stonecipher, Michael Neale, Jen Dial, Leslie Hill, Jill Oropeza, Theodore Bender, Kelly Wasserbach • Staff Members Present via Teams: None • Members of the Public: None 3. AGENDA REVIEW • Chairperson Jordan Radin briefly summarized items on the agenda 4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION • None 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Radin asked for comments and revisions on the draft minutes. Commissioner Bishop moved to approve the September 19 minutes. Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: it passed unanimously, 8-0 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Introduce Executive One Water Director Nicole Poncelet-Johnson DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING 11/21 /202 4 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 2 b. Staff Reports i. Financial Monthly Report (Meeting packet only) Discussion Highlights A Commissioner commented that revenue and expenses seemed favorable for all three water enterprises. Senior Director of Integrated Operations Jeremy Woolf added that there are still purchasing deadlines to meet by the end of the year, but there’s nothing unforeseen on the horizon as budgets are on projected levels. ii. Fluoride Brief (No presentation/staff available for questions) Discussion Highlights A Commissioner inquired about the context that brought about this brief. Director of Sciences Leslie Hill provided information regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lawsuit regarding the apparent risks associated with certain fluoride level. The lawsuit was based on a monograph regarding fluoride issued by the National Toxicology Program. None of the studies included in the monograph considered fluoride levels at the level the City uses, nor were the experiments conducted in the United States. Mr. Woolf added history of the benefits of fluoride that were discovered in Colorado in 1901. iii. Water Supply and Demand Overview and Outlook Michael Neale, Water Resources Engineer This is a general overview of Utilities water supplies and demands, and water resources operations. Discussion Highlights Commissioners commented on or inquired about various related topics including the limit to the Colorado Big-Thompson (CBT) carryover, which Mr. Neale confirmed is 20%. Another Commissioner inquired whether the carryover is considered prior to any needed restrictions, which Mr. Neale explained that the restrictions are actually considered prior to the carryover. Another Commissioner inquired about whether the Poudre River and CBT sources are blended prior to the treatment plants, which Gregg Stonecipher, Director of the Water Treatment Facility, confirmed is the case. Another DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING 11/21 /202 4 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 3 Commissioner commented on the ability for the Michigan Ditch to be used to extinction and wondered about the ways the City leverages that ability. Another Commissioner commented on the numerous resources of water that Fort Collins has and wondered how that compares to other municipalities along the Front Range. iv. Overview of Water Field Operations Andrew Gingerich, Director of Water Field Operations This presentation was given in 2019 and some materials have been updated. Since then the Commissions has welcomed new members, so it’s prudent to revisit this information. Discussion Highlights Commissioners commented on or inquired about various related topics including the useful life expectancy of different types of pipes, replacement rates of aging infrastructure, proactive efforts vs. reaction to failure, operator turnover rates, the One Water Operator budget offer, workforce pathways, and lead and copper in the City’s systems. v. Stream Rehabilitation Program Update Matt Fater, Director of Capital Projects Theodore Bender, Stormwater Master Planning Manager Kelly Wasserbach, Special Projects Manager This item will provide the Water Commission with an update on the Stream Rehabilitation Program, a program of the Capital Projects team within Water Utilities. Discussion Highlights A Commissioner inquired about the potential uses of excess dirt during stream rehabilitation. Another Commissioner commented on changing hydrographs and detentions to mitigate flash flood risks during developments. Mr. Fater responded that a lot of these streams were acting as flood conveyances to their detriment. Mr. Bender spoke about modeling changing hydrology, and Mrs. Wasserbach added comments regarding diversifying and stabilizing ecosystems. 7. COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. None DRAFT UNAPPROVED MINUTES WATER COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING 11/21 /202 4 – DRAFT Unapproved MINUTES Page 4 8. OTHER BUSINESS a. Work Plan Discussion Discussion Highlights A Commissioner would like to see a risk assessment on PFAS and biosolids. 9. ADJOURNMENT 7:27 p.m. These minutes will be approved by the Water Commission on Feb. 20, 2025. Water Wastewater Stormwater $33,505,000 $37,491,702 Budget Actual Operating Revenues $28,500,172 $27,073,002 Budget Actual Operating Expenses $24,670,000 $25,603,587 Budget Actual Operating Revenues $17,948,126 $16,589,089 Budget Actual Operating Expenses $18,960,000 $23,181,598 Budget Actual Operating Revenues $10,852,327 $9,698,549 Budget Actual Operating Expenses Water Fund Revenue in thousands Percent of Year 100.0% December Year to Date Actual Over/ (Under)Budget Actual Over/ (Under) Inc/(Dec) % Bud Recvd % Act Recvd 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023 Residential Water Sales $ 1,205 * $ 78 $ 18,210 $ 18,925 $ 715 (A)$ 2,477 104% 115% Com/Indl Water Sales 571 * (42) 9,970 10,681 711 (B)1,280 107% 114% Excess Water Use Surcharge 141 * (29) 630 1,839 1,209 898 292% 195% District Water Sales 360 * 172 2,060 2,970 910 (C)508 144% 121% Other Water Sales 36 * 13 825 1,134 309 591 137% 209% PILOTs 115 0 1,810 1,941 131 232 107% 114% Operating Revenue 2,428 192 33,505 37,492 3,987 5,986 112% 119% Interest Revenue 288 196 1,105 2,527 1,423 (D)542 229% 127% Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 179 45 1,615 2,614 999 (E)1,306 162% 200% Financing Sources 361 361 0 367 367 212 236% Other Misc.110 (87) 420 479 59 (F)144 114% 143% Total Lapsing Revenue**3,366 706 36,645 43,479 6,834 8,191 119%123% Non-lapsing Revenue 15 66 (4) TOTAL**$ 3,382 $ 43,545 $ 8,187 Variance Analysis: (A) (B) (C) (D)Per Treasury: higher than budgeted income due to being able to take advantage of the higher bond yields the market has been producing. (E) (F) * ** Overly conservative budget estimate for FCLWD (corrected in 2025-26 budget) as well as additional revenue due to temporarily providing water during the Soldier Canyon plant shut down. Residential Water Sales were 3.9% over budget and 15.1% more than 2023. Note: Water rate increase of 4.0% for 2024, as budgeted. Commercial/Industrial Water sales were 7.1% over budget and 13.6% more than 2023. December billed revenue is for November and early December. Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value. Repair Charges $175 (received settlement for AB Transmission Main that was struck). Contribution in Aid of Construction $474 (FCLWD and NWCWD payment for 2014 Pleasant Valley Pipeline Munroe Turnout Screen and Sedimentation Basin), Water Rights $372 (mainly a large senior living complex in February), and Plant Investment Fees $73 (would have been under if not for Accounting recognition of $496 from unearned revenue related to 2019 FCLWD loan prepayment). Water Fund 2024 Department Expense In thousands `Percent of Year 100.0% December Year to Date Actual (Over)/ Under YTD Bdgt Actual (Over)/ Under (Inc)/Dec Actual + PO's Spent & Committed 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's Water Treatment $ 749 $ (88) $ 6,557 $ 6,534 $ 23 $ (353) $ 6,576 100% Water Resources 143 (53) 3,548 3,344 203 (37) $ 3,344 94% Water Quality Lab 131 1 1,294 1,306 (13)(A)(84) $ 1,306 101% Subtotal WR&T $ 1,023 $ (139) $ 11,399 $ 11,185 $ 214 $ (473) $ 11,226 98% Transmission & Distribution 452 15 3,844 3,878 (34)(B)133 $ 3,902 102% Water Meters O&M 112 (34) 1,348 1,109 238 (C)(205) $ 1,109 82% Engineering 49 44 941 438 503 (D)146 $ 438 47% Subtotal WEFS 612 26 6,133 5,425 708 75 $ 5,450 89% Water Conservation 143 (10) 1,327 1,063 264 (E)24 $ 1,063 80% PILOTs 115 0 1,810 1,941 (131)(F)(231) $ 1,941 107% Admin Services - CS&A 439 (0) 5,270 5,270 (0) (391) $ 5,270 100% Other Payments & Transfers 200 492 2,561 2,188 373 (G)24 $ 2,188 85% Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 2,532 $ 368 $ 28,500 $ 27,073 0 $ 1,427 $ (973) $ 27,139 95% Debt Service 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 0 Minor Capital 76 607 1,924 869 1,054 (H)(52) $ 934 49% Total Lapsing $ 2,608 $ 975 $ 30,424 $ 27,942 $ 2,482 $ (1,025) $ 28,073 92% Non-lapsing Expenses 3,353 14,197 (1,752) TOTAL $ 5,961 $ 42,139 $ (2,777) Variance Analysis: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) Personnel ($47) (position budgeted 100% at PCL but should have been 50/50 PCL/WQL and no vacancies), offset by Federal Gov't Services $19 (haven't received Q4 USGS invoice, pursuit underway). $185 related to BFO offer 4.40 for Meter Crawlspace Conversions due to contractor for meter box installations awarded in early May and delays in getting mailing addresses, under budget by year-end and $147 encumbered and working toward extending the work order completion date to utilize the PO carryforward process and continue work in 2025) and other small underspends. Street & Bridge Maint. ($108) and Traffic Control ($76) (95 water main breaks 4 year average is 98, overages due to repairs after planned work and increased costs for asphalt patching (up 30%) and concrete repairs from Streets (Streets labor up 8-10%, equipment costs up, etc.)), Clothing Supplies ($17) (clothing allowance doubled this year due to inflation and comparing clothing spend in other water operations), Building Maintenance ($12) (number of office upgrades, furniture, etc.), Food & Meals ($16) (increased frequency of crew appreciation lunches and team sit-downs and increased cost), Vehicle Repair ($11) (had to replace transmissions on backhoe and loader), offset by Personnel $100 (vacancies, conservatively budgeted Allocations Out offset by Hourlies, Standby Pay, and Termination Pay), Solid Waste Services $31 (recycled soil to county sites instead of hauling to landfill, avoiding landfill fees), Motor Fuel, Oil, and Grease $29 (conservatively budgeted per Ops Services, historically underspent), Tools & Related Supplies $24 (intentionally underspent by delaying purchases to help offset overages), and Other Professional & Technical $27 (reactionary item). Consulting $121 (CIS project paying for MyWater/Watersmart), High Efficiency Rebate $65, Urinal & Toilet Rebates $40 (spending depends on projects and is highly variable, but are expecting a large multi-family invoice to come in Dec), Personnel $15 (Primarily in hourly labor offset by Regular labor and Assumed Vacancy Factor (no vacancies)), Water Efficient Landscape Rebates $47 (still approving project costs for participants), and Conservation Incentives $10 (Natural Areas paying for Garden in a Box intended to use this for XIP minor amendments), offset by Grants ($24) (revised programming, overage offset in Water Efficient Landscapes), and City & Community Programs ($17). Water Treatment: Consulting $161 (might spend down depending on timing, e.g. Asset Risk & Resiliency Assessment), Water Filter Material $134 (media replacement performed as part of capital project and 25-26 BFO offer reduced), Security Equipment $51, Construction Contracts $44, Other Capital Outlay $38, Mechanical & Heavy Equipment $26, and Engineering Services $16, Computer Hardware $15, and Lab Supplies $12, offset by Building Improvements ($21), Building Maintenance Services ($17) (for annual inspections and repairs to existing roofs), and Machinery & Equipment Parts ($11). Transmission & Distribution: Mechanical & Heavy Equipment $630 (awaiting delivery and upfitting for 2 dump trucks delay related to clean energy grant agreement - carrying forward $419; $62 as vehicle swap hadn't posted at time of report) and Motor Vehicles ($49) (purchased an extra F150 that wasn't budgeted for and want to take advantage of $8 grant match). Consulting $277 ($200 dedicated to BFO offer 4.5 Large Valve Maintenance, which is on hold until Purchasing Policies around emergency repairs are figured out; considering reappropriation), Personnel $165 (vacancies), Other Professional & Technical $18, and Software Maint. & Support $15. Contingency $500 offset by Legal Services ($88) (related to Open International lawsuit) and Building Maintenance Services ($47) (unanticipated repairs to 701 Wood St). PILOTs (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) are 6% of operating revenues that are paid to the General Fund. Revenue is over budget thus this expense is as well. Wastewater Fund Revenue in thousands Percent of Year 100.0% December Year to Date Actual Over/ (Under)Budget Actual Over/ (Under) Inc/(Dec) % Bud Recvd % Act Recvd 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023 Residential WW Sales $ 1,451 * $ 68 $ 16,860 $ 17,092 $ 232 (A)$ 529 101% 103% Com/Indl WW Sales 446 * 39 5,790 6,210 420 (B)334 107% 106% District WW Sales 37 * 2 420 450 30 23 107% 105% Other WW Sales 34 * 18 210 429 219 (C)33 204% 108% PILOTs 116 8 1,390 1,424 34 51 102% 104% Operating Revenue 2,084 135 24,670 25,604 934 971 104% 104% Interest Revenue 163 114 582 1,505 923 (D)351 259% 130% Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 175 97 935 867 (68)(E)210 93% 132% Financing Sources 62 62 0 139 139 139 Other Misc.40 (375) 489 159 (331)(F)8 32% 105% Total Lapsing Revenue**2,523 33 26,676 28,273 1,597 1,678 106%106% Non-lapsing Revenue 0 0 (4) TOTAL**$ 2,523 $ 28,273 $ 1,674 Variance Analysis: (A) (B) (C)Septage Treatment Charge $216. (D) (E)Plant Investment Fees ($93). (F) * ** Residential sales were 1.4% over budget and 3.2% more than YTD 2023. Commercial/Industrial sales were 7.2% over budget and 5.7% more than YTD 2023. Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value. Per Treasury we should have higher than budgeted income due to being able to take advantage of the higher bond yields the market has been producing. Ordiance 179 created budget for unanticipated revenue. December billed revenue is for November and early December. Note: Wastewater rate increase of 4.0% for 2024, as budgeted. Wastewater Fund 2024 Department Expense In thousands Percent of Year 100.0% Excludes depreciation and transfers December Year to Date Actual (Over)/ Under YTD Bdgt Actual (Over)/ Under YTD (Inc)/Dec Actual + PO's % Bud Spent & Committed 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's Water Reclamation & Biosolids $ 735 $ (20) $ 7,120 $ 6,571 $ 549 (A)$ (148) $ 6,571 92% Pollution Control Lab 138 (3) 1,386 1,247 139 (43) 1,247 90% Subtotal WR&T 872 (23) 8,506 7,818 688 (191) 7,818 92% Trunk & Collection 225 (24) 2,064 1,976 88 (167) 1,976 96% Engineering 54 5 661 457 204 (B)21 457 69% Subtotal WEFS 279 (19) 2,725 2,433 293 (146) 2,433 89% PILOTs 114 (4) 1,390 1,422 (32) (49) 1,422 102% Admin Services - CS&A 257 0 3,085 3,085 0 (226) 3,085 100% Other Payments & Transfers 196 492 2,242 1,831 410 (176) 1,831 82% Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 1,718 $ 447 $ 17,948 $ 16,589 $ 1,359 $ (789) $ 16,589 92% Debt Service 0 2,099 2,287 2,287 0 $ (166) 2,287 100% Minor Capital 442 (66) 1,327 841 486 (C)$ 243 841 63% Total Lapsing $ 2,161 $ 2,479 $ 21,563 $ 19,718 $ 1,845 $ (711) $ 19,718 60% Non-lapsing Expenses 1,391 7,722 (1,413) TOTAL $ 3,551 $ 27,440 $ (2,124) -$ 0 Variance Analysis: (A) (B) (C) Under budget in Personnel $127 (Vacancies), Consulting Services $192 (POs for ongoing projects have been carried forward into 2025), Machinery & Equipment Parts $100, Other Prof & Tech Services $82 (Change in requirements are delaying work. POs carried forward into 2025), Land Maintenance Services $30, Software Maint & Support Serv $24, Conference and Travel $22, Legal Services $11 (No ongoing cases.), and Education & Training Services $10. Offset by Laboratory Supplies ($16) (More supplies needed than expected), Vehicle Repair services ($22) (High mileage work truck needed repairs), Electricity ($34) (Warmer weather than anticipated, construction projects underway and rate increases), Chemical Supplies ($68) (Other Chemical Supplies $115, Sodium Hypochlorite ($1), Ferric Chloride ($5), Magnesium Chloride ($42), Carbon ($31), Polymer ($36), Magnesium Chloride ($42), Magnesium Hydroxide ($67). Under budget in Personnel $56 (Vacancies), Consulting Services $89 (POs carried forward into 2025), Other Prof & Tech Services $23, and Software Maint & Support Serv $10. Trunk & Collection $751: Mechanical & Heavy Equipment $808 (POs carried forward into 2025. Awaiting JE to process for internal purchase of large vehicle). Offset by Motor Vehicles and Accessories ($57), Water Reclamation & Biosolids $57: Motor Vehicles and Accessories $165(Used to offset overage in Plant & Garage Equipment.), Other Equipment $20, and Security Equipment $13. Offset by Mechanical & Heavy Equipment ($17), Plant & Garage Equipment ($124) (Purchased miscellaneous replacement parts for equipment. Offset by underspend in Motor Vehicles and Accessories.), Pollution Control Lab: $10 Other Equipment (Used for unexpected repairs. Needs did not exceed the budget). Stormwater Fund Revenue in thousands Percent of Year 100.0% December Year to Date Actual Over/ (Under)Budget Actual Over/ (Under) Inc/(Dec) % Bud Recvd % Act Recvd 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 2023 Single Family Residential SW Services $ 748 * $ 20 $ 8,560 $ 8,834 $ 274 (A)$ 251 103% 103% Non-single Family SW Services 908 * 55 10,400 10,769 369 (B)309 104% 103% Operating Revenue 1,656 74 18,960 19,602 642 561 103% 103% Interest Revenue 261 229 374 2,450 2,076 (C)1,223 655% 200% Development Fees/PIFs/Contributions 154 79 900 1,049 149 (D)51 117% 105% Financing Sources 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other Misc.15 (236) 266 80 (186)(E)(13) 30% 86% Total Lapsing Revenue**2,086 147 20,501 23,182 2,681 1,822 113%109% Non-lapsing Revenue 0 0 0 TOTAL**$ 2,086 $ 23,182 $ 1,822 Variance Analysis: Note: Stormwater rate increase of 3.0% for 2024, as budgeted. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) * ** Per Treasury we should have higher than budgeted income due to being able to take advantage of the higher bond yields the market has been producing. Non-Single Family fees were 3.5% over budget and are 3.0% greater than 2023. Single Family Residential fees were 3.2% over budget and are 2.9% greater than 2023. Excludes transfers and unrealized gain/loss on value. December billed revenue is for November and early December. Stormwater Development Fee $128, Erosion Control Inspection $31. Offset by Development Review Charges ($13) Ordiance 179 created budget for unanticipated revenue. Stormwater Fund 2024 Department Expense In thousands Percent of Year 100.0% Excludes depreciation and transfers December Year to Date Actual (Over)/ Under Budget Actual (Over)/ Under (Inc)/Dec Actual + PO's % Bud Spent & Committed 2024 2024 Bud 2024 2024 2024 Bud 2023 2024 by PO's Drainage and Detention $ 257 $ (53) $ 2,694 $ 2,641 $ 53 (A)$ (178) $ 2,641 98% Engineering 177 (14) 1,965 1,718 246 (B)(123) 1,718 87% Stormwater Quality Programs 45 11 705 522 183 (C)1 522 74% Admin Services - CS&A 307 (0) 3,680 3,680 (0) (257) 3,680 100% Other Payments & Transfers 107 753 1,808 1,138 671 (D)487 1,138 63% Subtotal Operating Expenses $ 894 $ 698 $ 10,852 $ 9,699 $ 1,154 $ (70) $ 9,699 89% Debt Service 1,941 99 3,125 3,026 99 (2,361) 3,026 97% Minor Capital 22 29 1,634 1,173 461 (E)(942) 1,173 72% Total Lapsing $ 2,856 $ 826 $ 15,612 $ 13,897 $ 1,714 $ (3,374) $ 13,897 89% Non-lapsing Expenses 4,661 14,887 (10,363) TOTAL $ 7,517 $ 28,784 $ (13,737) Variance Analysis: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Under budget in Personnel $127 (Vacancies), Street & Bridge Maintenance $67 (Reactionary to needs), Solid Waste Services $37(Based on waste quantities to landfill), Consulting Services $30 (Reactionary to needs), Motor Fuel, and Oil & Grease $16 (Reactionary to vehicle/equipment use and fuel prices). Offset by Leased Equip Rental Services ($10) (Leased a large Vac Truck unexpectedly for production needs), Clothing Supplies ($10) (Employee allowances increased in 2024), Health & Safety Supplies ($11) (Higher than anticipated needs), Conference and Travel ($11) (Reactionary to training needs and opportunities. Partially offset by an underspend in Education & Training Services of $6 at YE), Tools & Related Services ($13) (Higher than expected needs), Sewer Pipe & Accessories ($31) (Replaced a large gear actuator for flood control and other reactionary items), Maintenance Contracts ($59), and Land Maintenance ($79) (Large tree project). Drainage & Detention Min Cap $461: Mechanical & Heavy Equipment $86 (Being used to offset overage in Motor Vehicles and Accessories). Offset by Motor Vehicles and Accessories ($255) (Purchase of a vactor truck. Overage is offset by Mechanical & heavy Equipment) Under budget in Consulting $155 (Used as needed), Personnel $99 (Vacancies earlier in the year), Conference and Travel $15, and Software Main & Support Serv $11. Offset by Easements ($48) (services provided by City Real Estate Services). Under budget in Disposal of Hazmat $93, Consulting Services $54, Educational Programs $26 (Due to new Comms staff), and Other Prof & Tech Services $14. Under budget in Disposal of Hazmat $75 (primarily timing, but likely under at YE), Consulting Services $57, Educational Programs $25 (due to new Comms staff, under by YE), and Other Prof & Tech Services $14. Utilities electric · stormwater · wastewater · water 700 Wood Street PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-221-6700 utilities@fcgov.com CC: Jill Oropeza, Senior Director of Water Planning and Sciences, Utilities Leslie Hill, Director of Water Quality Services Division, Utilities Richard Thorp, Watershed Program Manager, Utilities Water Commission MEMORANDUM Date: December 19th, 2024 To: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager Nicole Poncelet-Johnson, One Water Director From: Diana Schmidt, Specialist, Sciences Subject: 2024 Fall Water Quality Update – Upper Cache la Poudre Watershed BOTTOM LINE The Upper Cache la Poudre (CLP) Watershed Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program is a partnership between the cities of Fort Collins, Greeley and Thornton, Northern Water Conservancy District and Soldier Canyon Water Treatment Authority. The goal of this monitoring program is to assist participants with meeting current and future drinking water treatment goals by reporting current water quality conditions and trends within the Upper CLP Watershed. The attached water quality update provides a summary of precipitation and drought, streamflow, and water quality conditions observed in the Upper CLP watershed during fall 2024. BACKGROUND Seasonal updates are published annually during spring, summer, and fall each year. These updates are meant to inform program partners, their customers and other community stakeholders about the current condition of our source watershed and the quality of the raw drinking water supply. In-depth water quality trend reporting is accomplished through annual and five-year technical reports. Water quality reports and seasonal updates are publicly available on the Fort Collins Utilities’ website, https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we- do/water/water-quality/source-water-monitoring/upper-poudre-quality-monitoring. Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 FALL 2024 WATER QUALITY UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS The 2024 fall update summarizes Poudre Watershed conditions when streamflow transitions to baseflow levels (or low flow). The Upper CLP Watershed experienced drought conditions during the fall season, including below average precipitation and above average air temperatures that contributed to below average streamflow. While measurements of average water temperature, pH, and conductivity at several sites were somewhat elevated, they were still within expected ranges. These elevated values can likely be attributed to drought conditions experienced across the watershed. Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 Upper Cache la Poudre Watershed Collaborative Monitoring Program FALL 2024 WATER QUALITY UPDATE Source Water Monitoring The Upper Cache la Poudre (CLP) Watershed Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program is a partnership between the cities of Fort Collins, Greeley, and Thornton, Soldier Canyon Water Treatment Authority, and Northern Water Conservancy District. The goal of the program is to help these water providers meet present and future drinking water treatment goals. Water quality monitoring of the CLP River drinking water supply is conducted from April through November using sites strategically located throughout the watershed. Water quality data provide valuable information about the health of our source watershed and quality of our raw water supply. The Fall 2024 Water Quality Update provides a seasonal summary of watershed conditions in the Upper CLP watershed by highlighting weather, drought, streamflow, and water quality conditions over the fall season (September – November). Routine water quality monitoring results are reported for six key monitoring sites located throughout the Upper CLP watershed, which capture water quality conditions above and below major tributaries and near water supply intake structures (Figure 1). Fall 2024 water quality data are compared to baseline water quality data, collected between 2008 to 2012. Figure 1 – Upper Cache la Poudre Collaborative Monitoring Program water quality sampling sites and real- time water quality instrument locations. JWC - Joe Wright Creek above the confluence with the Poudre River PJW - Poudre River above the confluence with Joe Wright Creek PBR - Poudre River below Rustic PSF - Poudre River below the confluence with the Little South Fork PNF - Poudre River above the confluence with the North Fork at the City of Fort Collins’ Intake PBD - Poudre River below the confluence with the North Fork at the Bellvue Diversion Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 2 Temperature Air temperature measured at the Joe Wright Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) station over the 2024 fall season was 1.9°F warmer than the long-term average and ranked as the 11th warmest fall on record (out of 35 years). Monthly mean air temperature was above average in September, well above average in October, and below average in November. The month of October was 6.2°F warmer than the long-term average and ranked as the warmest on record (Table 1). Temperature 2024 (ºF) Average (ºF) Departure (ºF)2024 Rank September 47.2 44.7 +2.5 9th (H) October 40.9 34.7 +6.2 1st (H) November 22.1 24.8 -2.7 10th (C) Fall 36.7 34.9 +1.9 11th (H) Precipitation Precipitation measured at the Joe Wright SNOTEL over the 2024 fall season was slightly below average, ranking as the 20th driest fall on record (out of 45 years). Precipitation was well below average in the months of September and October, measuring only 50% and 54% of average, respectively (Table 2). Wet conditions returned in the month of November when precipitation measured 144% of average. Drought conditions were prevalent throughout the Upper CLP watershed during the fall season due to above average temperatures and below average precipitation. Despite wetter and cooler conditions in November, drought conditions intensified throughout the watershed, from abnormally dry conditions at the start of the fall season, to severe drought conditions by the end of the fall season (Figure 2). The North Fork CLP and Mainstem CLP below its confluence with the North Fork experienced extreme drought conditions by the end of November. Total Precipitation 2024 (inches) Average (inches) % of Average 2024 Rank September 1.4 2.8 50%10th (D) October 2.1 3.9 54%9th (D) November 6.0 4.2 144%10th (W) Fall 9.5 10.8 88%20th (D) Table 1 – Monthly mean air temperatures measured at the Joe Wright SNOTEL over the fall months of 2024 compared to the long-term average (1991 – 2020). Note: H = hottest and C = coldest Table 2 – Monthly accumulated precipitation totals measured at the Joe Wright SNOTEL over the 2024 fall season compared to the long-term average (1991 – 2020) Note: W = wettest and D = driest Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 3 Streamflow Conditions Streamflow at the Cache la Poudre River near the Canyon Mouth (CLAFTCCO) stream gage measured 8,367 acre-feet of water over the fall season, which was 46% of the long-term average (calculated over the 1881 – 2023 measurement period). The 2024 fall season’s water yield was ranked as the 10th lowest on record out of 142 years. The total amount of water measured notably below normal in all fall months, with none exceeding 50% of the average (Figure 3). These low flows are likely due to a combination of the quick return to baseflow during the late summer months, intensified drought conditions across the watershed, changes in high elevation water storage, and high demand. Stream gages below each high elevation reservoir (LAPLODCO, JWCCHACO, CLANSECO) confirm that Long Draw Reservoir releases ceased mid-September, Chambers Reservoir releases ramped down at the end of September with periodic releases throughout October, and Milton-Seaman Reservoir ramped down releases in July and remained constant through the fall months. The demand for treated water was high due to drought conditions resulting in increased raw water diverted from the Poudre River at Fort Collins and Greeley’s intakes located upstream of the Canyon Mouth gage. Figure 3 – Streamflow conditions on the Poudre River over the 2024 fall season (left) and monthly total water volume measured over the fall season (right) compared to the long-term average (1885 – 2023). Figure 2 – Drought conditions for the state of Colorado as monitored by the United States Drought Monitor on September 3rd, 2024 (left) and November 26, 2024 (right). (Map source: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/) Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 4 Water Quality Indicators The Upper CLP Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program uses several key water quality indicators, including pH, conductivity, temperature, and turbidity, which act as surrogates for other parameters. (Table 3). These indicators provide a snapshot of water quality conditions and are useful for identifying trends or changes in water quality. Significant changes in these water quality indicators may provide an early warning of potential water pollution. Water Quality Indicator Explanation Temperature Water temperature influences other water quality parameters and is a major driver of biological activity and algal growth in rivers, including certain phytoplankton species that produce the taste and odor compounds, geosmin and 2-methlyisoborneol. pH pH is an important water quality parameter to monitor, because it influences the solubility and biological availability of chemical constituents, including nutrients and heavy metals. pH near 7 is considered neutral, with more acidic conditions occurring below 7 and more basic, or alkaline, conditions occurring above 7. Specific Conductivity Conductivity is an index of dissolved ionic solids in water. Conductivity is used as a general measure of water quality. Significant increases in conductivity can be used as an indicator of increased pollution. Turbidity Turbidity is monitored to track changes in water clarity. Clarity is influenced by the presence of algae and/or suspended solids introduced to surface waters through various land use activities, including runoff and erosion, urban stormwater runoff and drainage from agricultural lands. For water treatment, turbidity is an important indicator of the amount of suspended material that is available to harbor pollutants, such as heavy metals, bacteria, pathogens, nutrients and organic matter. Table 3 – Water quality indicators measured as part of the Upper Cache la Poudre Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program. Streamflow on the Poudre River during fall transitions to baseflow (or low flow) conditions. During this time, water quality is generally sta- ble throughout the watershed. However, water releases from high elevation water storage reservoirs and storm events may cause changes in streamflow and water quality through September and early October, although these events are temporary. Substantial water releases in the Upper CLP watershed typically cease in October, depending on demand. Storm events this time of year are less common, as precip- itation in the Upper CLP shifts from rain to snow. Typically, most water quality constituents concentrate under fall baseflow conditions and water temperature decreases, especially in the higher elevations of the watershed. Nearly all water quality indicators at key sites along the CLP River were within the baseline range of values over the 2024 fall season (Figure 4). Water temperature was warmer than normal (defined as the median value) at all key monitoring sites over the baseline period of record. pH levels were notably higher than normal at nearly all monitoring sites. Exceptions included the Mainstem Poudre River above Joe Wright Creek (PJW) and below the City of Greeley’s diversion (PBD) where the pH was near baseline. Specific conductivity was elevated at all mon- itoring sites downstream of the Mainstem Poudre River below Rustic (PBR). Turbidity was near baseline at Mainstem Poudre River below Rustic (PBR) and below the City of Greeley’s diversion (PBD) but was below normal at all other monitoring sites. Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 5 The Upper CLP watershed experienced prolonged drought conditions during the 2024 fall season. Releases from high elevation reservoirs ramped down in the beginning of the fall season and few substantial releases were made during October. The combination of the drought conditions, subsequently high demand, and fewer substantial reservoir releases likely induced the observed extreme low flows, contributing to higher water temperatures across the watershed. Additionally, during extended low-flow periods, groundwater carrying higher concen- trations of dissolved minerals can enter the water column without notable dilution from surface waters. Low-flow conditions experienced in the watershed likely exacerbated the effects of groundwater recharge, contributing to the elevated specific conductivity. Variability in turbidity is typically small during the fall season and was <3 NTU at nearly all key monitoring sites. Turbidity likely trended low in the 2024 fall season due the lack of variability in streamflow and extended dry conditions throughout the watershed. Additionally, in-stream algal activity was observed at nearly all key monitoring sites during fall 2024. The combination of drought and low-flow conditions may have extended algal activity into the late fall, possibly contributing to the elevated pH observed across all study sites. Lucas Lane, Water Quality Technician with the City of Greeley, collecting water quality samples from the Mainstem Poudre River above Joe Wright Creek (PJW). Joe Wright Creek Canyon Mouth Figure 4– Water quality indicator data collected at key monitoring sites over the 2024 fall monitoring season (September, October, and November) compared to baseline fall water quality conditions. Fall 2024 Median Maximum Median Minimum Graphic Explanation Baseline data range based on long-term data record 2008-2012 Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 6 FCGOV.COM/WATER-QUALITY Learn More Docusign Envelope ID: BC6602C6-97D0-4B3B-9970-4B5AA4F19859 Headline Copy Goes Here Natural Areas Strategic Framework Draft Plan Discussion Water Commission 02 20 2025 Conservation and Stewardship Planning Manager Julia Feder Headline Copy Goes HereProject Timeline City Council Work Session City Council Adoption Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Foundations of Conservation and Stewardship Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Conservation and Stewardship Planning Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Strategic Framework Engagement Headline Copy Goes Here 6 Key Considerations Related to Water Conserving land and water remain a focus. Protecting water bodies and water quality are highly valued. Leveraging partnerships to improve ecological conditions and address climate-related risks needs to be a priority. Connecting with nature near to home, especially rivers and streams, is important to the community. Headline Copy Goes HereVision 7 Headline Copy Goes HereVision 8 Headline Copy Goes HereVision 9 Headline Copy Goes Here 10 Looking Forward 1.Revise draft plan based on public feedback 2.Council adoption scheduled for 6/17/2025 3.Integrate the vision, values, and goals into management planning and project prioritization Headline Copy Goes Here 11 Water Commission: Next Steps Submit comments to your staff liaison, Jill Oropeza,or fill in the online questionnaire. Water Commission could make a recommendation to Council on May 15, ahead of the June 17 Council meeting, if you’d like.