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MINUTES
Water Board
February 17, 1984
MEMBERS PRESENT Henry Caulfield, Neil Grigg, Tom Moore, Bernie Cain,
Ev Richardson, Dave Stewart, Mort Bittinger (alt),
MaryLou Smith (alt)
STAFF PRESENT Mike Smith, Dennis Bode, Jim Hibbard, Ben Alexander,
Andy Pineda, Rosita Bachmann
MEDIA Mark Radke, KCOL
GUESTS Bob Emmert, Dave Green from Platte River Power Authority
MEMBERS ABSENT Ward Fischer, Norm Evans, Ray Glabach, Tom Sanders
(excused)
In the absence of Chairman Ward Fischer and Vice -Chairman Norm Evans, Henry
Caulfield opened the meeting. The following items were discussed:
Minutes
The minutes of January 27, 1984 were approved.
PRPA Videotape on Reuse Plan and Windy Gap
Dave Green and Bob Emmert from PRPA showed an excellent videotape on the Fort
Collins -Rawhide water supply reuse plan and the Windy Gap Project. They also
answered a few questions about the Rawhide facility. The plant is nearly
completed and should be producing power by April.
Report from Engineering Committee
Ev Richardson reported that the Engineering Committee had reviewed, in detail,
the proposed staff recommendation for the relocation of Water Treatment Plant
No. 1. The proposed modifications to the originally selected alternative are:
1. Replace the existing WTP #1 with a 20 mgd expansion at WTP #2 instead
of constructing a new water treatment plant near the mouth of the
canyon. The expansion at WTP #2 would cost approximately $15 million
as compared with $18 million for a new water treatment plant.
2. As a joint effort with the other water entities, start developing
plans for a regional treatment facility to be constructed 6-10 years
from now.
Water Board Minutes
February 17, 1984
Page Two
Dr. Richardson remarked that, after considerable discussion, the committee
concluded that the staff recommendation was justified and the favorable vote
by the Board at their last meeting was reasonable. The committee felt
especially comfortable about the fact that the recommendation is still
conceptual and thus, there will be a chance for input later when more details
are known. At that time, the Engineering Committee will again interact with
the staff. Mike Smith said that the process is such that after the engineer
is selected and begins to design the 20 mgd expansion at Plant 2, a
preliminary design report will be produced. At that time, the staff will
bring the report to the Engineering Committee for review.
Ev Richardson presented the following motion; Following the Engineering
Committee's review and acceptance of the proposal and with the understanding
that the Committee will be allowed to review the design engineer's preliminary
report, Dr. Richardson recommended concurrence with the staff's proposal.
After a second from Bernie Cain, the motion carried unanimously.
Proposed Rental Rates
Prior to the meeting, Water Board members had received a memo which listed the
proposed rental rates. Dennis Bode explained that each year, after the
irrigation companies have set their annual assessments, the staff tries to set
the rental rates they will use for the coming irrigation season for any
surplus water that the City may want to rent. The rates are based on past
rental rates in the area, current assessments, and anticipated supply and
demand conditions. After the Water Board makes its recommendation, the staff
takes it to the City Council for their approval. Dennis Bode recommended
approval of the rates. Following discussion and two minor corrections, Ev
Richardson moved that the Water Board recommend acceptance of the rates. Tom
Moore seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously for approval.
Staff Reports
Mike Smith reported that we are still in the process of selecting consultants
for the rate and drought studies. We have narrowed the selection down to two
for the drought study and three for the rate study. Within the next two or
three weeks, interviews will be conducted with the finalists.
Committee Reports
Dave Stewart announced that the Education Committee met on February 14th.
Dave Stewart, Chairman; Marylou Smith; Mary Stewart (an elementary school
teacher); and Molly Nortier are making progress on a teacher's guide to be
designed for use in the water units of the fourth grade.
Water Board Minutes
February 17, 1984
Page Three
New Business
Mike Smith and Jim Hibbard brought to the meeting the latest model water meter
with a remote reader and explained how it works, the cost, and some of its
advantages. The water meters would attach easily to the yokes that have been
installed in 5,000 to 6,000 new homes since 1978. The meter itself would cost
about $40. Henry Caulfield asked how much it would cost to install the meters
in homes that have no yokes. Mike Smith explained that it would vary from
house to house depending on conditions and how much work would have to be
done. Jim Hibbard informed the Board of some of the advantages and
disadvantages and costs of different meters and meter parts. He said that
today, meters commonly last for approximately 20 to 25 years in a single
family home. About the only thing that needs to be checked periodically is if
the reading on the meter matches the reading on the remote.
Other Business
Henry Caulfield asked if the Utility has had any problems with the use of
plastic pipe. Mike Smith said that he has not heard of any complaints. Dave
Stewart mentioned that California is currently doing a study on plastic pipe,
but the results won't be available for at least a year.
Ev Richardson asked how the land exchange with CSU is coming. Mike Smith said
that, at this time, the City and CSU have been unable to reach an agreement.
Henry Caulfield asked if the City has its facilities completed up to Lake
Agnes. Ben Alexander said that the extension from Sawtooth to Agnes is
completed; from Sawtooth down to the Michigan is the section that we need to
work on during the summer in order to get the water into the portion of the
ditch that has been in operation. Mr. Alexander added that because of heavy
snows each year, we could increase our yield by bringing the winter flows
across in pipes. Mort Bittinger suggested that with a heat cable and wind
generation, we could probably keep that channel open all winter without pipe.
Henry Caulfield announced that recently he had visited the new Northglen
sewage treatment facility and it is worth seeing. He added that he was
certain staff and other members of the Board would find it interesting.
Some questions about the City's sludge farm were answered. Mike Smith offered
to take the Board on a field trip to the site sometime when arrangements could
be worked out. In addition, since so many Board members are interested in the
Michigan Ditch and Joe Wright Reservoir, the staff will arrange a day in the
late summer for interested Board members to tour each of the areas.
The staff brought the Board up-to-date on some of the major projects that are
currently in progress.
Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
water ora Secretary