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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 01/24/2008Fort Collins Utilities Water Board Minutes Wednesday, January 24, 2008 Water Board Chairperson City Council Liaison Doug Yadon, 484-3611 David Roy Water Board Vice Chairperson Staff Liaison Gina Janett, 493-4677 Olivia Brown, 221-6700 Roll Call Board Present Chairperson Doug Yadon, Vice Chairperson Gina Janett, Johannes Gessler, John Bartholow, Eileen Domfest, David Pillard, Steve Balderson, Mike Connor and Phil Phelan Board Absent Reagan Waskom and Gary Wockner Staff Present Dana Leavitt, Dennis Bode, Kevin Gertig, Dennis Sumner, Laurie D'Audney, Terri Bryant, Carrie Daggett, DeEtta Carr, Patty Bigner, Jim Hibbard and Olivia Brown Guests Mike Gebo, Building Codes Services Manager and Brian Brown Meetina Convened Chairperson Doug Yadon called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. Mr. Yadon started the meeting by offering congratulations to Brian Janonis who was chosen as the new Executive Director of Utilities. On behalf of the Water Board, Mr. Yadon expressed appreciation to Darin Atteberry, City Manager, for choosing Mr. Janonis. Mr. Yadon also offered DeEtta Carr congratulations for her promotion to a new position with the Utilities, and welcomed Olivia Brown as Interim Water Board Liaison. Mr. Janonis was at a conference in Denver and asked Jim Hibbard, Water Engineering and Field Service Manger, to take his place at the Water Board meeting. Citizen Participation Visitor Brian Brown lives and works in Fort Collins. He is researching boards for possible future involvement. Minutes of December 6.2007 Board Member David Pillard pointed out that the header on page 2 reads, "October 24, 2007." It should read "December 6, 2007." The correction was noted. Mr. Pillard motioned to approve the Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2008 Page 2 minutes from the December 6, 2007, meeting. Board Member Eileen Dornfest seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. 2006 International Building Code — Amendments Mike Gebo, Building Codes Services Manager with Neighborhood and Building Services, presented on the 2006 International Building Code (IBC). The IBC is the latest national standard that regulates construction standards for all commercial and multi -family buildings. He is proposing that the City adopt the 2006 IBC and the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to replace the current code, the 1997 Uniform Building Code with local amendments that were adopted by the City in 1998. A committee comprised of architects, engineers, developers, Larimer County Building Department, Poudre Fire Authority, Building Review Board members and City staff convened in August 2006 to review the IBC. The committee members agreed to amend the IBC as little as possible for consistency for builders across jurisdictions along the Front Range, the state and nationally. There are some amendments the committee chose to keep, however, because they deal specifically with local conditions. Mr. Gebo shared a handout which compares the current building code to the 2006 IBC. One significant change from the current building code related to water is the requirement of fire - suppression systems (sprinklers) rather than fire -resistive construction that only delays the spread of fire. A system piped through the building moves potable water throughout the building continually. If a sprinkler head goes off, the water is available. Because it's potable water, it saves the need for a second tap. Chairperson Doug Yadon asked if the use of potable water is required or if raw water would be permissible under the new code. Mr. Gebo replied that the new code requires sprinkling, the source or type of water is not addressed. Mr. Hibbard explained that in a sprinkler system, the water beyond the backflow device is considered non -potable. He said the Utilities have already developed a standard with the Poudre Fire Authority regarding the sprinkler water source and does not foresee a need to change it with the adoption of the new code. Vice Chairperson Gina Janett asked if this change will increase the need for water supply. Mr. Hibbard explained there is no water consumption except during a fire, so it should not have any appreciable affect on the overall level of water consumption in our area. Board Member Johannes Gessler explained each sprinkler head has its own heat sensor, so the water consumption will be localized in the event of a fire. Board Member Steve Balderson asked what types of existing buildings must upgrade to a fire sprinkler system. Mr. Gebo replied that for existing buildings and remodels, there is no requirement to upgrade to sprinklers. The fire suppression regulation would apply only to new construction and to some buildings that change use or occupancy classification after a remodel. Board Member Pillard asked for a cost analysis for builders to go from fire containment to fire -suppression construction. Mr. Gebo replied that they calculated the cost per square foot for fire -containment construction compared to sprinkler systems and found they are basically equal when all aspects of construction materials and labor are taken into account. Board Member John Bartholow asked if this might be a good opportunity to discuss the idea of implementing sub -metering requirements in multi -family buildings as a water conservation measure. The 2006 IBC code does not require or even address sub -metering because it is a Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24,2008 Page 3 building code; there are other codes that address plumbing. Mr. Hibbard said the plumbing code adoption would be the best opportunity to address issues of water conservation and specifically, sub -metering. Chairperson Yadon asked about the changes in the code that address rooftop gardens. Mr. Gebo explained the code addresses weight and draining structural issues if rooftop gardens are planned on a new building. Mr. Hibbard commented that few rooftop gardens have been attempted in our area because the lack of rainfall makes them hard to maintain without irrigation. Mr. Hibbard commented that adopting the 2006 IBC is a requirement in order to maintain the City of Fort Collins FEMA rating that measures stormwater program effectiveness. The benefit of a good rating is that our customers get a reduction in their flood insurance premiums. As of October 2007, Fort Collins is fourth in the nation in the community rating system. FEMA has been willing to allow Fort Collins time to adopt the 2006 IBC in order to maintain our high rating. Mr. Gebo has presented to several other City boards and received support from all of them. At their Work Session on January 22, City Council agreed to move the adoption to First Reading on March 4, 2008. After Mr. Gebo s presentation on the 2006 International Building Code to the Water Board, Board Member Gessler motioned to endorse adoption of the new code. Board Member Pillard seconded the motion, and it was unanimously passed by the Water Board. Green Buildine Roadmap Dana Leavitt, Green Building Program Manager, gave an overview of the City of Fort Collins' Green Building Roadmap, which will facilitate integration of energy code, water conservation, stormwater and development review. Mr. Leavitt is a new staff member at Utilities. He works half time at Utilities and half time at Development Review. Green Building Definition: Green buildings are designed, constructed and operated to provide maximum benefit to people, prosperity and our planet. Green buildings demonstrate a reduced carbon footprint, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, resource -efficient materials, pollution prevention and improved indoor air quality to conserve natural resources and improve environmental quality —both indoors and out. Green building practices extend these concepts to the entire built environment for the life cycle of new and existing buildings, the surrounding sites and transit interconnections. The Green Building Roadmap, process started approximately 14 months ago. There is good community support, and while the City strives for leadership in many ways, programs and efforts are scattered. There are 45 programs and services related to green building, found in several different departments. Some are voluntary (such as programs through Utilities or Natural Resources) while others are regulatory (such as standards and codes). The Roadmap project sought guidance from City staff and community stakeholders, conducted a survey of other key cities and organizations, as well as the existing City services and programs. The project used LEED° (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as the research benchmark, although it may not be the green building reference point in the future. Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2008 Page 4 The Green Building Roadmap recommendations were to remove barriers, encourage innovation, reward success and further develop internal capacity. Short-term, mid-term and ongoing objectives were developed for each recommendation. The plans for 2008 are to develop a Green Building Team, create a supporting Web site linked to the various existing programs on the City's site and research City code related to green building. Municipal codes actually prohibit HOA covenants that restrict clotheslines, compost bins and PV on roofs, for example. The Green Building Team will undertake a comprehensive review of the codes and identify areas where there are barriers to conserving energy and water and where there are opportunities. The executive summary and full report from the Green Building Roadmap are available by e-mail from Mr. Leavitt and will be available by download from the Planning Web site within the week. Board Member Mike Connor asked Mr. Leavitt to elaborate on what it means to be a LEED building. He explained that a LEED-certified building has to reach a minimum number of points based on six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design process. The higher the number of points the better the level of certification (bronze, silver, gold and platinum). The certification process starts after the building is built and occupied, and it does take some time. Mr. Connor asked about the relationship between green building and LEED. Does a building have to obtain LEED certification in order to be considered a "green" building? Mr. Leavitt explained that some unscrupulous people will say they have a green building as a marketing strategy, without having any evidence to support their claim. The U.S. Green Building Council developed LEED to measure green buildings based on industry accepted criteria. The Governor's Energy Office is sponsoring an initiative to develop an optional certification for new homes that meet the standards of the ENERGY STAR°brand. This is another example of a standard to measure the claim of green building. Chairperson Yadon asked if LEED is still completely voluntary. Mr. Leavitt explained that it is, but new City buildings are constructed to reach a minimum of Gold LEED Certification. The focus of the Green Building Roadmap is not solely on City -owned buildings. It is an effort to promote green building and leadership in the field in all sectors of the City. Chairperson Yadon asked if green building pertains to a building's site as well as its structure. Mr. Leavitt explained that it can. He pointed to LEED certification standards that deal with site sustainability such as choosing a pervious rather than impervious layer for parking lots, to allow water to return to the water table. Just like Green Roofs, some of these design concepts present challenges because of Colorado's particular environmental conditions. Mr. Hibbard commented that Utilities are initiating a concurrent review of stormwater best management practices as they relate to sites that will contribute to this effort, as well. Vice Chairperson Janett asked if the City has a provision for dual water systems using non - treated water for landscaping. Mr. Hibbard said there are currently some developments that use well or raw water for their landscaping, but it is a function of their location. If they are located close to an irrigation ditch and have access to raw water, they might use it, but the City does not have a piped system of raw water. Some places in the country encourage the use of grey water, but Colorado's water laws prevent the reuse of water in many cases. Chairperson Yadon commented that there are reasons for the laws; reuse affects people downstream. He encouraged Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24,2008 Page 5 the Water Board's Committee Chairs to be aware of the Green Building Program and to use Mr. Leavitt as a resource. Committee Reports A. Water Supply —Reagan Waskom, Chair No report. B. Legislative, Finance, Liaison Issues — David Pillard, Chair No report C. Conservation and Public Education — Eileen Domfest, Former Chair and Phil Phelan, New Chair o No meeting, no report. o Chairperson Yadon reported that Board Member Domfest had asked if anyone else would be willing to take on the position of chair of the Conservation and Education committee. Board Member Phelan volunteered, and the Board agreed that Mr. Phelan would be the new chair. o Board Member Domfest reported on the Water Conservation Plan. The public comment period ended in December. According to Laurie D'Audney, Water Conservation Specialist, right now they are doing an internal review and research on some of the impacts of reaching the conservation goals related to water supply, water treatment, wastewater treatment, water rates and the Utilities budget. Those reports will be completed by approximately February 15, then they will incorporate any needed changes into the plan, and the revised report will come back to the Conservation and Public Education committee. o Board Member Phelan spoke about a new committee that was created to look at Landscape and Irrigation Regulations based on a suggestion by Ms. D'Audney that commercial landscape standards needed to be reviewed. The current regulations have been in place since 1994. A group of people from the City, green industry and development have been invited to coming together to review them. Ms. D'Audney is trying to get more development and land use code people involved, as well. The committee has met twice, and they are hoping to meet once or twice a month with the goal of having something put together by the end of the year. D. Engineering — Steve Balderson, Chair No meeting, no report. E. Special Committee on Poudre River Issues — Gary Wockner, Chair Board Member Bartholow stated that they refined the committee mission when they met and decided that their focus initially will be on mitigating the minimum flows on Poudre River. The first meeting was a brainstorming session, and their task for the next meeting is to gather data for further discussion. Vice Chairperson Janett said the Water Board Instream Flow Committee will meet again on Friday, February 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Utility Service Center, 700 Wood Street. This committee meeting and future ones should be listed on the City calendar of meetings. Board Member Wockner wrote a summary of the meeting, and it should be forwarded to the rest of the Water Board. Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2008 Page 6 Chairperson Yadon asked if the other board members want to receive committee reports over email, and it was generally agreed that they would. It was decided that the reports should it be sent directly to all board members and key staff members should be copied on the e-mail. Committee reports will be placed on the agenda and in the board packet every month, but if a committee has an item of special importance that can be added as an official item to the agenda. Chairperson Yadon sent an e-mail in January to the Water Board committee chairs asking them to provide him with a proposed list of topics each committee is planning to address this year, with the months they currently envision scheduling committee meetings on those topics. The intent is to produce a 12-month planning tool, recognizing that new issues may arise that will necessitate changes as the year progresses. Chairperson Yadon, with the help of Utilities staff, will then prepare a draft master look -ahead monthly calendar. The calendar will also include the recurring items that the Water Board deals with every year, for example, budgets, fees, regulatory updates and items from the Councils 6-month planning calendar related to water. Chairperson Yadon asked that the committee chairs send him this information via e-mail by the end of the month, so a draft of the calendar can be prepared by the next meeting. Vice Chairperson Janett suggested that each committee schedule their meetings for the year as well, if possible. Staff Reports — Questions Water Resources Manager Dennis Bode spoke briefly about the Treated Water Production Summary and Water Supply Outlook reports found in the board packets. Most of this data is available on the City's Web site, but it might be in a slightly different form online. He pointed out that they provided information about snowpack for the board meeting, with a comment that the snowpack is close to average for this time of year. Chairperson Yadon congratulated Mr. Bode for the accuracy of his water demand projections for 2007. Other Business Mr. Hibbard mentioned that the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a program called AWARE (Addressing Water and Natural Resources Education) focusing on stormwater at Plymouth Congregational Church on February 11, 7-9 p.m. Several City staff members, along with City of Loveland staff, will be participating in a short presentation and panel discussion to talk about best management practices in the stormwater arena. Mr. Hibbard shared copies of the Six Month Agenda Planning Calendar for City Council, and pointed out the following items of interest to the Water Board: • April 1, Regular City Council Meeting: Affirmation of Upper Cooper Slough Stormwater Master Plan Update • May 27, Council Work Session: Boxelder Creek Stormwater Master Plan and Intergovernmental Agreement • July 1, Regular City Council Meeting: Adoption of Boxelder Creek Stormwater Master Plan and Intergovernmental Agreement Board Member Bartholow pointed out further items of interest to the Water Board: 0 March 25, Council Work Session: Northern Integrated Supply Project Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24,2008 Page 7 • April 22, Council Work Session: Northern Integrated Supply Project • May 6, Regular City Council Meeting: Northern Integrated Supply Project Chairperson Yadon said it is his intention to keep an eye on this City Council Agenda Planning Calendar and update the new water board calendar with these agenda items as they arise. Mr. Hibbard emphasized that the dates for these topics may be moved because as the calendar states, it is subject to frequent change. There was some discussion about the timeframe for submitting comments on the draft EIS for the NISP. Kevin Gertig, Water Production Manger, stated that it's typically 45 days. A request for extension will likely be filed, but if the court does not grant an extension, the cross -sectional expertise group will have to work quickly to provide feedback to City Council. Board Member Bartholow suggested the City ask the Corps of Engineers for an extension. It has been discussed and may happen. Vice Chairperson Janett stated that the joint group from both the Water Board and Natural Resources Board are planning to meet and review the draft EIS when it is released, which is rumored to be March 1 at the latest. DeEtta Carr, former Water Board Liaison, passed around a list of Water Board members and their contact information for update. The updated list will go into the boards and commissions manual. Ms. Carr also mentioned that it is Fort Collins Water Board's turn to host the Tri-City meeting of water boards. She asked for ideas on speakers. Vice Chairperson Janett suggested that we showcase our leadership on the issues of green building and water conservation for the Tri- City meeting. Vice Chairperson Janett mentioned that Pati Caputto of the local anti -fluoride group Clean Water Advocates contacted her to tell her that a major medical society has issued a statement saying fluoride is harmful to children under a certain age. The statement about fluoride in Fort Collins most recent annual Water Quality Report reads as follows: If you or members of your household are sensitive to fluoride or fluoridation -related substances or if you provide our water to an infant younger than six months of age, please consult with your physician or another health expert regarding fluoridation -related precautions you may want to consider. Most of the Water Board has turned over since the failed measure on the ballot to remove fluoride from Fort Collins water, but Board Member Janett wanted to remind the Water Board that there are still community members concerned about this issue. Board Member Bartholow stated that he has placed the idea of seasonal fluoride dosing on the agenda in the past, but it had been tabled. He has spoken with Dr. Bruce Cooper, Medical Director of the Health District of Northern Larimer County, about several possible approaches to fluoridation, including seasonal dosing and lowering the concentration throughout the year. Chairperson Yadon mentioned that he was recently at a meeting for Wyoming Water Development Commission and was surprised to learn that they have recently decided that communities have to commit to tiered water rates as a conservation measure in order to get state grant and loan funding for water development projects. Water Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2008 Page 8 Chairperson Yadon asked Board Member Bartholow to research topics from the AWWA information for possible inclusion on the Water Board's general meetings and Committee meetings. Future Agenda Items Carrie Daggett, Deputy City Attorney, stated that the Boards and Commissions manual recommends that the chair and vice -chair elections take place in January or February each year. Chairperson Yadon suggested this be added to the agenda for February's meeting, and the Board agreed. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. after a motion to adjourn was made by Chairperson Yad Olivia Brown, Interim Water Board Staff Liaison