HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 05/23/2003Citv Council Liaison
David Roy
Staff Liaison
DeEtta Carr 221-6702
BOa{IIlill
Water Board Chairman Water Board Vice Chairman
Tom Sanders 491-5448 John Morris 491-0185
Secretary
Leslie Mooney 416-2703
Roll Call:
Board Present
John Bartholow, Ted Borstad, Jim Finley, Bill Fischer, David Lauer, John Morris, Rami Naddy,
and Doug Yadon
Board Absent
Tom Brown, Tom Sanders and Robert Ward
Staff Present
Patty Bigner, Dennis Bode, Kevin Gertig, Susan Hayes, Marsha Hilmes-Robinson, Jim Hibbard,
Leslie Mooney, Bob Smith and Wendy Williams
Guests
Al Jakubauskas and David Rogers
Meeting Opened
Vice Chairman, John Morris, called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Vice Chairman John Morris asked for any corrections or amendments to the minutes of the April
24, 2003 meeting.
Board member David Lauer noted that on the bottom of the first page, the year of the customer
service survey should be 1999 and that on the second page, Gale McGaha Miller's title should be
corrected to read Regulatory and Government Affairs Manager; and on page three, the third line
under the fluoride recommendation should read, "He stated that kids fluoridated all their
lives..."Board member Bill Fischer added that on pages one and three, his name is misspelled,
and on page three, fifth paragraph, the sentence should include " Findings #1, #2,43 and #4......
Board member Bill Fischer made a motion, seconded by Board member Doug Yadon to approve
the minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
Water Board Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2003
Page 2
Poudre River F000dalain Variance —128 First Street
Bob Smith, Water Planning Manager, stated that the petitioner, David Rogers of 128 First Street,
is requesting three variances in order to add onto his house. The proposed addition would replace
two existing bedrooms; formerly the porch and laundry room, and provide more space and safety
for his three children living at home.
The first variance would allow an addition to an existing structure located in the Poudre River
floodplain; the second would waive the requirement for dry land access to the building; and the
third would waive the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation requirement for the heating duct
and crawl space.
Board member David Lauer asked why the floor couldn't be elevated to accommodate the flood
requirements. Bob Smith replied that the roof line of the existing house would not match with the
addition and would raise the construction costs to an unmanageable level.
Bob presented a site plan that illustrates that although the proposed floor will be .48 of a foot
higher than required by City Code, the heating ducts and pipes would not be in compliance.
Jim Hibbard, Water Engineering and Field Services Manager, noted that his staff will be going to
City Council in the near future to request an amendment to the City Code; crawl spaces would no
longer be considered the lowest floor of a building for floodplain regulations.
David Rogers, of 128 First Street, spoke to the Board about his concern for his daughter's safety
in the event of a fire, as the outside door is blocked by her dresser. The new addition includes
two additional bedrooms.
Board member Bill Fischer made a motion, seconded by Board member Jim Finley, to approve
staff recommendation — option #2 which states:
"- Allow an addition in the Poudre River floodplain.
- Waive the dry land access requirement.
- The minimum elevation of the crawl space at 4847.23, the bottom of the heat duct at
4949.14 and the finish floor at or above 4950.00.
The reason for this recommendation is that due to the shallow depth of flow and low
velocity on this site, the addition would not place additional people at risk since the two
new bedrooms are replacing existing bedrooms. The requirement for the dry land access
seems impractical to accomplish for this single property owner due to the cost of
providing that dry land access. The shallow depth of flow on this particular area makes
the conditions on this property different than many other properties in the Poudre River
floodplain:'
Water Board Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2003
Page 3
Board member Doug Yadon stated that he would be in favor of approving the motion because the
overall safety of occupants will be enhanced with the new addition.
Vice Chairman Moms called for a vote on the motion which was unanimously adopted.
Drinkine Water Quality Annual Report — Kevin Gertie
Kevin Gertig, Water Production Manager, asked the Board if they had any questions about the
report that was submitted.
Board member Doug Yadon asked about the compound "geosmin" being detected in raw water
in Horsetooth and the Poudre River. Kevin replied that geosmin is found in sediment and is
harmless to health but does impart an earthy musty odor to the water. During 2002, several pilot
experiments were conducted to investigate ways of to remove geosmin and staff has had some
success in removing or masking the odor. While there are very low concentrations, around 6
parts per billion, some consumers can detect the odor.
Board member John Bartholow commended staff for their efforts to develop and preserve water
resources at Horsetooth Reservoir and asked Kevin what the next steps are for the Poudre River
watershed. Kevin replied that the use and storage capabilities of the Poudre are different from
Horsetooth. Ben Alexander, Senior Process Design Engineer, is working with others in an effort
to develop a similar program. He added that progress has been slow because all involved entities
have been experiencing budget shortages. The Board requested that Ben Alexander come to one
of their meetings to update them on their progress.
Board member Ted Borstad requested that the minutes note that Fort Collins has the best water
he has ever tasted. Board member Doug Yadon agreed and added that he was impressed with the
tremendous effort to save 1500 acre feet of water and many millions of dollars by using the
ultraviolet process in the backwash. It is just another example of good thinking, good
engineering and follow through.
Board member John Bartholow asked if it was true that we know that hydrofluorosilic acid
(HFS) has some contaminates like, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals even though samples
taken both before and after the addition of HFS confirm non detect levels of the contaminant.
Kevin replied that is correct. All chemicals have some degree of contaminants and the key is to
know the chemical you are adding and monitor the final product. Board member Bartholow
asked if there are other elements that rival heavy metals. Kevin replied that the only other
element that stands out is arsenic. We analyze and collect data but it is very expensive.
He added that though the issue of co -contaminants may be somewhat alarming, when you
consider how products are developed for water treatment it stands to reason that you are going to
have some background metals in the product. What is important is that we consistently monitor
the quality of the finished water to ensure that standards are met or surpassed.
Water Board Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2003
Page 4
Board member John Bartholow stated that when they had the public hearing for fluoride, an
employee at a water treatment plant stated that he was concerned about the safety of handling
fluoride. Kevin replied that he was aware of the problems and one of the reasons why Fort
Collins changed to the liquid form is because it requires less handling. There is very little
handling except for the sample, but that is in a double containment liquid system. He stated he
was not sure of the specifics of the question and would follow up.
The Board thanked Kevin for an excellent job.
Treated Water Production Summary — Dennis Bode
Dennis Bode, Water Resources Manager, reported that at the end of April we were at about 72%
of normal demand for the month and so far in May, we are at about 60% of normal. From the
beginning of the year, we are at about 79% of projected use, so we have seen significantly
reduced demands. On the water supply side, the two Snotel sites show 135% of average as of
today.
Board member Ted Borstad asked what impact the snow has had on reservoir levels. Dennis
responded that CBT is approximately 30% full and Granby is about 60% full. The District has
maintained the 40% quota to date. Dennis stated that reduction in demand has saved around
2700 acre feet of the projected use for this time of year.
Committee Reports
Board member Ted Borstad gave an update on the Stormwater Utility Master Plan.
Other Business
The Board briefly spoke of the fluoride discussion at the May 27th City Council Study Session.
Board member Doug Lauer reminded the Board that the Poudre Riverfest will be June 7`h. He
also complimented city staff on the Children's Water Festival.
Board member Ted Borstad thanked the staff for the informative tour of Halligan Reservoir.
Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
Leslie Mooney, Secretary LJ