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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 02/28/2008Fort Collins Utilities Water Board Minutes Wednesday, February 28, 2008 Water Board Chairperson Citv 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, Reagan Waskom, Johannes Gessler, David Pillard, John Bartholow, Mike Connor, Gary Wockner and Phil Phelan Board Absent Steve Balderson and Eileen Dornfest Staff Present Brian Janonis, Jim Hibbard, Bob Smith, Patty Bigner, Susan Smolnik, Beth Molenar, Dennis Bode, Carrie Daggett, Kevin Gettig, DeEtta Carr, Olivia Brown, Laurie D'Audney and Susan Hayes Guests Brian Werner, Don Carlson and Eric Wilkinson from Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Meeting Convened Chairperson Doug Yadon called the meeting to order at 5:15pm. Chairperson Yadon presented a vase with an engraved inscription to DeEtta Carr, former Water Board Staff Liaison, in appreciation of her many years of service to the current and past Water Boards. Citizen Participation None Minutes of January 24, 2008 Board Member John Bartholow stated that he would like the sentence on page 7 that reads, "Board Member Bartholow stated that he has placed the idea of seasonal fluoride dosing on the agenda in the past, but it has been tabled" to be changed to "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." The correction was noted. Board Member Mike Connor motioned to approve the minutes from the January 24, 2008 meeting. Board Member David Pillard seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 2 Chair and Vice Chair Elections Board Member Reagan Waskom motioned to retain the current officers. Board Member Connor seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Board Member Bartholow encouraged other Water Board members to obtain more experience and training by volunteering to serve as officers in the future. Northern Integrated Supply Policy Don Carlson, Assistant General Manager of Operations, Brian Werner, Manager of Public Information and Eric Wilkinson, General Manager of the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) provided a project overview of the Northern Integrated Supply Policy (NISP). Today there are 15 water districts and towns that are participants of NISP. The role of NCWCD is to facilitate access to water supplies for its constituents: cities, towns, farmers, and irrigation companies. Each year acre foot units from the Colorado -Big Thompson project get converted from agricultural use to municipal and industrial (M & I) use. There are a finite number of units available. When the project started, agriculture owned 85% of the units and municipal and industrial owned 15%. Over time, the ownership has changed so that now agriculture owns 36% while M & I own 64%. They project that by 2010 the NISP participants will begin to experience water shortages and by 2025 they will be short around 40,000 acre feet of water per year. NISP would create Glade Reservoir to store water from Poudre River water rights owned by NCWCD. At some point in the future a pipeline could be built between Glade and Horsetooth Reservoirs to supplement supply in Horsetooth. Recognition was given to concerns by the City of Fort Collins of the potential impacts to raw water quality in Horsetooth Reservoir if and when water from the proposed Glade Reservoir is piped into Horsetooth Reservoir. Water quality in Glade Reservoir would be monitored prior to initiating any flow to Horsetooth Reservoir. The total cost of the NISP project is currently estimated at about $400,000,000, up from an original estimate of $350,000,000. Mr. Carlson recognized the Water Board's concern for mitigation of the environmental impacts of the project. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will address mitigation measures required, for example replacement of wetlands and riparian habitat preservation. Mr. Carlson stated that diversion to storage in Glade Reservoir would only be made when minimum flows could be maintained in the Poudre River. The potential to move some current agricultural diversions above Fort Collins further downstream to preserve higher flows through town is also being considered at a preliminary level. All of the representatives from NCWCD expressed a desire to work as closely as possible with the City of Fort Collins, which is not a participant of NISP, and recognized the need for cooperation with the City's water resources staff and collaboration to provide acceptable levels of flows in the Poudre River. A preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been made available to the project's cooperating agencies: Larimer County, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Department of Transportation. They have reviewed the draft and submitted comments, and now a third party consultant is incorporating their comments into a public draft EIS. It is tentatively scheduled to be released on April 30. After the release there will Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 3 be a 90 day public comment period, and two public hearings are planned for July. They will be run by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lead federal agency working on the project. There will be a link to the technical reports used to create the draft EIS on NCWCD's website. These should be released prior to the draft EIS. It was acknowledged that the schedule for release of the EIS has been delayed approximately a year from the original estimate. Board Member Bartholow asked what they estimate will be the maximum pumping capacity into Glade Reservoir. Mr. Werner said several small pumps with combined 30,000 horsepower could be adjusted depending on the flow of the river for a maximum diversion rate of 800-1000 cubic feet per second (cfs). He estimated the average diversion would be 200-300 cfs. Board Member Gary Wockner asked why the reservoir would need 177,000 acre-feet of storage capacity if they only estimate a use of 40,000 acre feet per year. Mr. Werner explained that 177,000 acre-feet of storage capacity was required to ensure a firm yield during dry years, and that the reservoir would not be full all the time. They would be able to store water for project participants when it was legally and physically available. Storage of non -participant's water would only be allowed (at a price) on the condition that it would be released whenever participant storage space was needed. Board Member Wockner stated that he believed if Glade Reservoir is built and it sits half full, it would threaten the argument for the need to expand Halligan -Seaman. Mr. Carlson responded that the purpose of Glade Reservoir is to provide a new source of water for NISP's 15 participants and the full capacity is needed to meet that purpose. The proposal to expand Halligan -Seaman is for a different purpose for Fort Collins and Greeley. Vice Chairperson Janett asked if the Flaming Gorge pipeline was being considered as an alternative to this project. Mr. Carlson said it is not seen as a reasonable and foreseeable project at this time. The four alternatives that are being considered for NISP are: 1. No action 2. Glade Reservoir and Galeton Reservoir 3. Cactus Hill Reservoir and Galeton Reservoir 4. Either Cactus Hill Reservoir or Glade Reservoir with a smaller Galeton Reservoir plus continued purchase of agricultural water rights. Chairperson Yadon thanked the representatives of NCWCD for sharing the information about NISP with the Fort Collins Water Board. Upper Cooper Slough Stormwater Master Plan Update Jim Hibbard, Water Engineering and Field Service Manager, gave the Water Board some background about the Upper Cooper Slough Master Plan Update. In 2004 the City adopted a new city-wide Stormwater Master Plan which guides capital projects, criteria for new development, environmental projects, bank stability, and erosion control. When the plan was adopted, there were two sections of the City not adopted with it: one is the Box Elder basin, which will come later as part of a proposal city is working on with Larimer County and Wellington. The other is the Upper Cooper Slough. The Cooper Slough Basin was divided in half at the Larimer-Weld Canal, the lower part was adopted with the Stormwater Master Plan. Additional time was needed to work out details in the upper portion of the Cooper Slough. This area is largely outside of the City's Growth Management Area and is farmland with some urbanization taking place. This Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 4 master plan will provide guidance for new development in the area and sizing for infrastructure, specifically the No. 8 Outlet Irrigation Ditch. Bob Smith, Water Planning and Development Manager, explained that the update of the Stormwater Master Plan was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Natural Resources Board and the Planning and Zoning Board. It was then approved by the Utilities General Manager in August of 2007. Since that time, a major land owner in the basin, Anheuser-Busch Inc. has asked City Council to affirm the adoption of the master plan update as well. This is tentatively scheduled to go to Council on April 1. Staff is asking if the Water Board has a recommendation for Council regarding the affirmation of the Upper Cooper Slough Stormwater Master Plan update. Board Member Waskom asked about the volume of water in the Upper Cooper Slough. Mr. Smith said it varies, but the total is around 900 cfs. Right now that water is going over the top of the railroad tracks and the Larimer-Weld ditch. About 125 cfs runs through the No. 8 Outlet Irrigation Ditch. Mr. Smith showed slides that demonstrated its unsafe, steep, unsightly and unstable banks. The objectives of the Master Plan are to ensure that the water flows under and through the existing infrastructure in a controlled manner, and to work with developers in the area to use water detention and water quality ponds to reduce the flow leaving their sites. While much of the Upper Cooper Slough is on County land, the improvements identified in the Master Plan are within the City's UGA. Board Member Wockner asked for clarification of the County's flood control responsibilities in this area. Mr. Hibbard said the county is not financially responsible for the existing flows. If Latimer County allows development that makes the flow worse on any downstream property, they can be held responsible. There is development occurring in the area, and the Master Plan will help address developers' responsibilities. Anheuser-Busch has a Master Agreement with the City that dates prior to the Master Plan. It has some different terms than what the Master Plan requires of other developers. The Anheuser- Busch Master Agreement term is 30 years, and it expires in 2012. The Lower Cooper Slough was updated in the 2004 Master Plan. A consultant was hired to do an assessment on the implications of future urbanization in the area. Erosion and run off from irrigation need to be addressed to ensure the stability of habitat. Recommendations include cleaning the run off before it enters the slough and increasing the diversity of vegetation. The Master Plan suggests a future work assignment in collaboration with the Natural Resources staff that will address the stability and water quality of the slough. Board Member Connor questioned the expense of the proposal in relation to the population density of the area. Board Member Wockner asked if money is spent in the slough, will there be other places in town that have a need for stormwater infrastructure where money cannot be spent. Mr. Hibbard explained that the 2004 Master Plan identifies how much water is flowing through the slough, how much has to be stored and how development will proceed in relation to stormwater management. The City prioritizes projects and decides what projects are done. The costs of these projects have not been included in the budget. The only money spent to date has been on developing the Master Plan. Chairperson Yadon reminded the board that stormwater Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 5 staff has certain obligations under city's code to create a master plan for developers who want to build in the area. Board Member Bartholow stated that because Upper Cooper Slough does not present a clear and present danger in terms of stormwater risks (as for example the Canal Importation Basin), he urged Council to direct Utility and Natural Resources staff to thoroughly investigate and implement best management practices that are the most appropriate to cost-effectively prevent any degradation to the habitat and water quality values in Lower Cooper Slough. Given the foreseeable development of the Upper Cooper Slough Urban Growth Area, engineering of its stormwater system needs to progress carefully to protect the distinctive natural values in Lower Cooper Slough. Proper mitigation measures will need to be thoughtfully considered, diligently engineered, and vigilantly monitored. Fixing any problems will cost far more than doing it right the first time. Chairperson Yadon stated that staff had asked the Water Board to provide a recommendation to City Council regarding the affirmation of the Stormwater Master Plan Update. Board Member Johannes Gessler motioned for the Water Board to endorse the Stormwater Master Plan Update as presented on February 28, 2008. Board Member Reagan Waskom seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Vice Chairperson Gina Janett asked if the Water Board could convey the information from the discussion regarding the importance of ensuring development would not damage the Lower Cooper Stough. Chairperson Yadon asked the maker of the motion or the seconder to incorporate that language into the motion. Chairperson Yadon asked if Board Member John Bartholow would be willing to draft the memo from the Water Board to Council and send it by email to the Water Board for approval. Board Member Bartholow agreed to do so. Raw Water Rental Rates and Delivery Charges Susan Smolnik, Water Resources Engineer, provided information to the Water Board regarding proposed raw water rental rates and delivery charges. Fort Collins Utilities typically has surplus water in excess of the customers' needs that is made available for rent. Each year prior to the irrigation season, the City sets water rental rates and delivery charges for use of its raw water. These uses include rental to agricultural users, meeting certain raw water delivery obligations and use by other City departments. Consistent with the last few years, staff is again proposing two separate categories for raw water rates and charges. The first category includes only those sources for which an active rental market exists, and this accounts for 95% of the City's water rentals. The second category includes sources with a limited rental market or which are used primarily to irrigate City facilities (parks, golf courses, etc.). The Board was provided with tables showing actual and proposed figures for assessments, rental rates, and delivery charges for the years 2005-2008. There was some discussion about setting the rates in relation to supply and demand, but because the water supply can change depending on a number of factors, it's difficult to project whether Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 6 the rates will be proportional to the demand. There is some ability to adjust rates downward later in the season if it appears necessary. On the North Poudre Irrigation Company system, the City will return to using a proportional allocation method instead of the first -come first served method used last year. In the past, some North Poudre shareholders increased their requests if they thought they would not receive adequate supply, so this year, a reasonable upper limit request will be set by staff using data such as the number of acres irrigated and water delivery reports. If the supply is adequate, no upper limit will be necessary. North Poudre shareholders seem to prefer having a little bit of water rather than a lottery system that allows renters all or nothing. The early snow pack is encouraging and the City will continue to monitor its supply when making surplus raw water available for rental this year. The first priorities are to ensure that citizens have enough water, and that adequate supplies will be carried over into 2009. Current projections indicate that the City will have ample surplus supplies available for rental this year. Board Member Gary Wockner made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Pillard, to recommend to City Council the staff s proposed raw water rental rates and delivery charges for the 2008 season. The motion passed unanimously. Draft 2008 Water Board Calendar Vice Chairperson Jarrett provided the Water Board with a draft 2008 Water Board Calendar with recurring and special agenda items, City Council agenda items related to the Water Board, and committee meeting dates and topics. Chairperson Yadon asked committee chairs to use the calendar to plan their meetings according to the need based on upcoming Water Board and City Council agenda items. Board Member Waskom urged staff to notify committee chairs when their input is needed on a topic so a committee meeting can be scheduled, ensuring the most efficient use of everyone's time. Chairperson Yadon said he hopes the calendar will be updated periodically throughout the year to allow the Water Board to accomplish all the tasks on the 2008 Work Plan. Vice Chairperson Janett suggested the Water Board consider rescheduling November and December meetings for earlier in those months to allow the board to meet 12 times per year. 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 — Phil Phelan, Chair Vice Chairperson Janett reported on behalf of committee chair Phil Phelan. The Conservation and Public Education Committee met just prior to the Water Board meeting. City parks staff presented on irrigation and conservation measures. Meeting notes were sent by email to all Water Board members the following day. Chairperson Yadon reminded committee chairs to send notice of committee meetings all board members. D. Engineering — Steve Balderson, Chair No report E. Instream Flow Committee — Gary Wockner, Chair Committee Chair Gary Wockner provided notes from their January 18 and February 15 meetings that were included in the board packet. Water Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008 Page 7 Staff Reports No additional staff reports aside from the agenda items. Other Business Board Member Waskom, chair of the Water Supply Committee, will be working to set up a committee meeting regarding the proposed Flaming Gorge Pipeline project. The meeting was set for April 10, 2008 at 5 PM in the Energy Room at 700 Wood Street. The Tri City meeting of water boards will be held May 22, 2008 at the Country Club. Rob Renner, Executive Director of American Water Works Association Research Foundation, will be the guest speaker. Board Member Bartholow suggested a meeting date of April 10, 2008 to begin to discuss the trends highlighted in AWWARF's "A Strategic Assessment of the Future of Water Utilities." The format of the meetings would be informal discussion, questions and answers, and consideration of further study or action. Executive Director Janonis will not be available at that time due to a prior commitment, so it was decided an alternate date would be set over email. DeEtta Carr distributed hats and water bottles with the Fort Collins Utilities logo to Water Board members. Future Aeenda Items Strategic Issues Discussion Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. Olivia rown, Interim Water Board Staff Liaison