HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 11/17/1972�,
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WATER BOARD
November 17, 1972
Present: Ward Fischer
Norman Evans
Everitt Richardson
Fred Feit
Owen Moore
Karl Carson
Robert Brunton
Charles Liquin
Ed Hilgenberg
Mike DiTullio
Verna Lewis
Also: John Gagnon, Coloradoan
Dunn Krahl, City Fiscal Agent
Absent: Harvey Johnson
Dougan Wilkinson
Sewer Sub -Committee member Norman Evans gave a summary of the breakfast meeting
heldtoday. He discussed the results of the meetings between EPA and State Water
Pollution officials and the City Administration held on November 15, 1972, and
the resulting decision to use alternate III as a basis for their application for
funding.
Water Board member Dougan Wilkinson expressed his concern at the breakfast meetin,
with regard to Alternate III as it would effect the Poudre River, stating he felt
it might be a detriment to the river and in particular two diversions, one, for the
Timnath Reservoir and two, at the Box Elder Ditch. Mr. Wilkinson also felt the
River Commissioner would have to reduce delivery to the two diversion points, thus
this alternate could have an impact up and down the river. It was stated the
City could legally implement the alternate, but should consider the moral implication
The Sub -Committee's recommendation therefore, was that it felt the City should
give further consideration to the impact on the river and work with the water users
on the river to get a complete and clear picture with other diversions on the river
that could be effected.
Board member Everitt Richardson, who had served on the Sewer Sub -Committee at
the request of Harvey Johnson, stated that although the City has no legal obligation,
there is a moral obligation and an added cost to the City of approximately $17,000.
He stressed Mr. Wilkinson's concern about water going out of the area.
Chairman Ward Fischer, spoke of the awkwaprod�oY several Board members in this
situation, namely, Harvey Johnson, Fred Feit, Dougan Wilkinson and himself, as they
either represented, or were on Boards of various water associations, and what might
be interpreted as a conflict of interest.
Member Everitt Richardson, suggested perhaps Chairman Ward Fischer could arrange
for a meeting with the Ater Users Association, the Water Board and the Administratio;
to consider the matter.
City Manager Robert Brunton stated it was unfortunate this problem had not
surfaced sooner, and suggested the answer might include transfer of water or
pumping.
Suggested people of various water associations to meet with the Water Board and
the Administration were as follows:
Harvey Johnson
Harlan Seaworth
Robert Davis
Herb Spencer
Elmer Gustayson
Joe Haythorne
Gordon Wilson
Olie Johnson
Fred Feit
The suggested meeting time was 12:30 at the Farm Fair in Lucerne, on December
1, 1972.
Mr. Richardson stated the Board was talking in terms of doing something for
the area, and they were also talking .about the cost of this contribution in the
amount of $17,000 to $25,000 a year. Also, the fact that it seems
politically better to keep both plants.
It was the concensus of those present, that Chairman Ward Fischer, assuming
that Dougan Wilkson can attend, would contact the ivater users and schedule a
meeting at the aforementioned time and place.
The next question addressed by the Water Board was that of the Plant Investment
fee.
Chairman Ward Fischer stated the recommendation from Black and Veatch, sub-
mitted on November, 1972, partially explained the dillema.
City Manager Robert Brunton stated that in the final analysis the Plant Invest-
ment Fee would be subjective. That some assumptions had to be made as to how much
money the City can spend and whether we would go ahead with construction of Joe
Wright Reservoir, or have a 100% increase in the water rates.
Mayor Carson stated it might be the City would delay implementation of the
Joe Wright project and increase the Plant Investment Fee.
Chairman Ward Fischer stated there were many alternatives in the Michigan
Ditch proposal and perhaps they could recommend to the Council an increase in
rates, make reasonable assumptions, and adjust the rates to make them politically
feasible.
Mayor Carson and Board member Everitt Richardson spoke to the question of the
need to show improvement on the Michigan Ditch each year. Mr. Richardson also
indicating the City should install two gauging stations, one at Lake Agnus and one
at the head of Joe Wright to establish a five year record. He also indicated
that G.S. might have records and he would check with them on this.
City Manager Robert Brunton stated he and staff members Cain and-DiTullio would
work with Owen Moore on assumptions to use in building up a fund.
The cost of new developments was discussed with Manager Brunton, stating we are
asking new developments to pay for past mistakes. Also any announced increases
would encourage developers to come in and try to stay out from under new rates.
Fiscal Agent Dunn Krahl spoke to the question of bond issues and future bond
issues.
Rate Sub -Committee Chairman Owen Moore announced his committ=_ewould meet
immediately after the proposed meeting on December 1, 1972.
There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned.
at 4:45 P.M.
Secretary