HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - Water Board - Annual ReportFort Collins Water Board Annual Report
The following is a summary of the 2003 activities of the Fort Collins Water Board. The
report focuses on topics from the Board's 2003 Work Plan plus additional topics the
Board addressed during the year.
Water Board Members
Tom Sanders, Chairperson
Jim Finley
John Morris, Vice Chairperson
Bill Fisher
John Bartholow
David Lauer
Ted Borstad
Rami Naddy
Tom Brown
Robert Ward
Doug Yadon
F000dulain Variances
The Board heard and acted on four floodplain variances in 2003:
Wingshadow, 1225 Redwood Street
In January, the Board approved a request for a variance to change the use in an existing
structure from an "assisted living" to "group home, school and daycare facility" for
teenagers.
Ranch Way Feeds, 101 E. Lincoln
In February, the Board approved a variance of the floatable materials requirement to
allow overnight parking of trucks in a designated area on the site.
Armstrong Hotel, 259 S. College Avenue
In March, the Board approved a request for variance of the freeboard requirement for the
south east corner and front of the building to be changed from 1.5 feet to 0.2 feet. The
remodel will entail a cafe, restrooms and storage area in the basement, retail stores and
restaurants on the main level, and multi -family living units on the second and third floors.
Single family home,128 First Street
In May, the Board approved a variance of the dry land access provision and Regulatory
Flood Protection Elevation requirement for the heating duct and crawl space of a single
family residence. This allowed the remodel and expansion of a residence while
increasing the safety of residents in case of a fire.
Water Supply and Demand Policy
The Board helped develop the Water Supply and Demand Management Policy, which
was adopted by City Council in September 2003. This new policy combined and updated
the 1988 Water Supply and 1992 Water Demand Management Policies, and will help
guide the Utilities into the future. Key provisions of the approved policy include a
reduced water use goal, continuing to provide a water supply that meets the 1-in-50
drought criteria, acquiring additional storage capacity, maintaining a water supply
shortage response plan, and fostering regional cooperation
Fluoridation Issue
Following review and discussion of the Fluoride Technical Study Group's report and a
session for public comment, the Water Board discussed the issues related to fluoridation
and voted 9-2 to recommend discontinuation. In his letter to City Council, Water Board
Chair Tom Sanders cited concern for sensitive populations and declining value of the
fluoridation since the program was begun 30 years ago as well as the cost, risk and
ethical concerns.
Drought Response Plan
The Conservation and Public Education Committee reviewed the Drought Response Plan
and recommended that City Council adopt level two restrictions for the late spring and
summer months. Level two included watering restrictions plus a new tiered water rate
structure to encourage water conservation.
Halligan Reservoir
The Board reviewed the option to purchase Halligan Reservoir and the proposed
expansion alternatives. They recommended that Council exercise the option agreement
and that the City proceed with the Halligan enlargement project to the maximum practical
size. They also recommended that the City seek appropriate partners for the project to
minimize costs and maximize permitability.
Water Rate Options
In November, the Board reviewed several water rate options. They recommended that
Council adopt a water budget rate with a single rate for indoor and outdoor water use.
Each customer would have an indoor allotment based on their winter quarter average
consumption and an outdoor allotment based on their lot size's evapotransporation rate.
Presentations
The following presentations were discussed during the year:
Periodic updates from Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
Surplus Water Rental Rates
Monthly Treated Water Production Report
Market Research Presentation
Revisions to City Code and Land Use Code
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report
Halligan Reservoir Updates
Proposed 2004-2005 Budget
Midpoint Storage Easement
10 Year Capital Projects Review
Floodplain Regulations & Stormwater Master Plans
Stormwater Discharge Permit Presentation
Update on Chronic Wasting Disease