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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 08/15/1980dt MIN= WATER BOARD REGULAR MEETING August 15, 1980 Ward Fischer, Harvey Johnson, Glen Johnson, Bernie Cain, Tan Moore, George Wallace, Henry Caulfield, Tan Sanders (alt) and Chuck Turner (alt.). Roger Krempel, Mike Smith, Dennis Bode, Steve Olson, Molly Nortier. Ray Anderson, Norm Evans, Ev Richardson. The meeting was called to order by the chairman, Ward Fischer. The following items were discussed: Minutes a •,• t. ,-•A Budget Mike Smith explained the revised 1981 budget which reflects a 23% increase in water rates and a 28% increase in sewer rates. These will seem like large increases to the public, but it should be emphasized that there were no increases for water in 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980, and only a 10% increase in sewer in 1980, in spite of rampant inflation. It should be noted that the Water Board and the staff apprised the City Council of the fact that all City buildings pay nothing to water utilities for all services provided, even though the Department pays a substantial amount in lieu of taxes. The Council was sympathetic to this inequity, but they felt that the condition of the general fund is such that policy changes this year would be detri- mental. Essentially, the staff is pleased with the basic budget and they feel that it should be workable. Harvey Johnson moved to approve the revised budget. After a second from Glen Johnson, it was approved unanimously by the Board. Copies of the full budget are available for the Board's perusal. Alternates to the Board Mr. Fischer welcomed alternates Tan Sanders and Chuck Turner. It is the Chair's understanding that, unless there is a full board, the alternates will vote. If only one board member is absent, they will split a vote. tether voting or not, each alternate should feel free to participate fully in the discussion. Raw Water Policy The raw water policy has not been changed for several years. Dennis Bode presented a revised version to the Board for their review and input. There was general dis- cussion of the kinds of water the City accepts to satisfy raw water requirements for development purposes. Further duscussion followed on whether the City should be accepting North Poudre and Water Supply and Storage stock. Dennis Bode stated some philosophical reasons, related to urban growth concepts, why the City may not want to accept stock from these companies. (1) In general the City likes to take the water from lands that are being developed. (2) In the last eight years, no North Minutes - Water Board - Regular Meeting August 15, 1980 Page two Poudre stock has been turned over to the City, even though the policy says that the City will accept it. (3) The City is not accepting Water Supply and Storage stock until a new agreement is reached relating to the use of that water. Mr. Fischer discussed sane of the reasons that North Poudre and Water Supply and Storage stock was accepted or purchased in the past, even though both are a long distance outside the City and not included in the Urban Growth Area. It was concluded that not accepting this stock is consistent with the City's policy of protecting agricultural interests. Henry Caulfield moved to accept the staff's recommendation that the City delete North Poudre from its list of acceptable stock. The motion passed 5 to 3. The portion of the recamvndati,on concerning Water Supply and Storage Co. was tabled until there is further discussion with that Company, and an agreement can be reached on ways the City can use this water in the future. At this point in the meeting, it was suggested that the minority viewpoint be stated, since the vote was close. Hence, the minority viewpoint reflected in the 5 to 3 vote was as follows: (1) This is excellent water for the City to use. (2) It can be used easily in the system. (3) The use of it, in the past, has not affected in any negative way, the farm area in the north. (4) The City should keep an open door for flexibility. Next, The Board discussed point No. 4 on the proposed raw water policy, which reads as follows: "The City of Fort Collins will not, ordinarily, pursue the purchase of raw water absent unusual circumstances or outstanding value." Bennie Cain moved that No. 4 be deleted until the Board determines what the actual raw water policy is, pending review and discussion of the various raw water alternatives. After being seconded by Henry Caulfield, the motion passed 7 to 1. At the next meeting of the Board, Dennis Bode's report, a study of the various raw water alternatives, will be the first priority for the Board's attention. This discussion and further study of Yields and costs will lens to the development of an official raw water policy, sub- ject to the approval of the City Council. The Water Board will be meeting with the City Council to discuss the Conservation/ Metering report on Septeober 30th or October 14th. Mayor Gray suggested to Mr. Fischer that a meeting where the Council could feel free to participate on an infor- mal basis, would be preferable to a more structured format. A review of the Metering report, reflecting the viewpoints of the Water Board committees, will occur at the next board meeting. Platte River Power Authority has requested that the City of Fort Collins supply domestic water service to their Rawhide Plant. They are proposing that they be allowed to connect to the City's treated water transmission lines at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon and install a pipeline from that point to the power plant site. Prior to the discussion of this issue, Mr. Fischer excused himself as chairman and did not participate in the discussion because of his involvement in obtaining water for PRPA. Harvey Johnson chaired the meeting during this segment. The Board voted, unanamously, to ask the engineering committee of the Water Board and the staff to investigate the possibility of water agencies closer to the plant site providing domestic water service, although FortCollins Water Utilities is willing to negotiate a contract for that service. Letters are being sent to Wellington, East Larimer County Water District, and the Northern Colorado Water Association, asking then to submit information, as soon as possible, about their ability and desire to supply this service. A copy of that letter will also be sent to the Larimer County Planner for his review and input. The Water Board will be considering the PRPA Minutes - Water Hoard - Regular Meeting August 15, 1980 Page three proposed contract and the information that these agencies and the county provide, at a special meeting, or perhaps an hour before the regular September 19th meeting. A Sign for Joe Wright Reservoir Roger Kre� informed the will be erected soon. However, was, other than his status as a the name, "City of Fort Collins" District Merger Board that a plaque identifying Joe Wright Reservoir, it has been difficult to ascertain who Joe Wright trapper. It was decided that, instead of changing should be included on the sign in bold letters. The City Council has received a response from the attorney of the Fort Collins - Loveland Water District indicating their position on forming a metropolitan water district. An alternative proposal offered for consideration would be an indepen- dent goverrmient agency, by agreement, which would not have the legislative restri- tions that a metropolitan district has. The City is studying the legal aspects of both proposals and probably will respond in early Septanber. Other districts not involved in the suit, will be invited to reet with the City Council at their August 26th session. Ditch Consolidation On October 1st, the presidents of the South Side Ditches will meet with consul- tants, who will be submitting proposals on ditch consolidation. The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m. - - r