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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 01/15/2015Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 1 Fort Collins Utilities Water Board Minutes Thursday, January 15, 2015 Water Board Chairperson City Council Liaison Steve Malers, 970-484-1954 Wade Troxell, 970-219-8940 Water Board Vice Chairperson Staff Liaison Becky Hill, 970-402-1713 Carol Webb, 970-221-6231 Roll Call Board Present Chairperson Steve Malers, Board Members Michael Brown, Phyllis Ortman, Brett Bovee, Brian Brown, Andrew McKinley, Duncan Eccleston, Lori Brunswig, Alex Maas. Board Absent Vice Chairperson Rebecca Hill and Heidi Huber-Stearns. Staff Present Carol Webb, John Phelan, Laurie D’Audney, Lucinda Smith, Jennifer Shanahan, Renee Davis, and Katherine Martinez Guests Dan Baker/Colorado State University and John Bleem/Platte River Power Authority Meeting Convened Chairperson Malers called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and asked staff members to introduce themselves. Public Comment None Approval of December 18, 2014 Minutes Board members requested the following revisions to the draft December 18 minutes.  On page 2, revise the date of the Halligan Reservoir update for City Council Work Session to April 28.  On page 4, correct the spelling of Xcel Energy.  On page 4, correct the name from Red Fox Meadows to Rodeo Stormwater Detention Pond. The board member mentioned Red Fox Meadows but meant Rodeo.  On page 5 under Other Business, in the sixth line, revise “their business” as mentioned verbatim during the meeting to “their minutes,” which is what the board member meant. Board Member Brian Brown moved to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2014, meeting. Board Member Mike Brown seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously with one abstention. *Board Member Phyllis Ortman abstained due to her absence at the December meeting. Staff Reports (Attachments available upon request) Monthly Water Resources Report Carol Webb, Water Resources & Treatment Operations Manager, summarized the report by Donnie Dustin, Water Resources Manager. Water demands for December and the calendar year Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 2 were about 90% of projected, and 130% of the amount in 2012 and 2013. The Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) system is very full now. It will be interesting to see how the year progresses. The Halligan quarterly update includes an official letter from the City to the U.S. Corp of Engineers separating from Greeley. Seaman Reservoir was on a different timeline and path; also, Greeley will work with a different contractor. Fort Collins will stay with the current contractor; we’re making progress on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, and staff is on track with an early 2016 release of the EIS. The press release went out today and there might be a newspaper article tomorrow. Chairperson Malers suggested board members attend the City Council Work Session in March. Carol Webb will notify the board about meeting details. Utilities Administration Building Update Energy Services Manager John Phelan summarized the project timeline and discussion of staff and City Council last fall. Last September, Utilities Executive Director Kevin Gertig asked Mr. Phelan to act as project manager for construction of the new Utilities Administration Building and renovation of the Utilities Service Center (USC) at 700 Wood Street. Discussion Highlights  A board member summarized the Water Board’s concerns voiced at the August regular board meeting and work session: 1) the project wasn’t part of the City budget process, Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO), and 2) the costs for making the new building energy efficient. Mr. Phelan explained the energy efficiency features of the new building and the features that were on the wish list, but not funded. The project includes a renovation of, and 20,000 square feet added to, the Utilities Service Center at 700 Wood Street. Mr. Phelan showed a drawing of the layout for the block northwest of Mason Street and Laporte Avenue, “Current Block 32/42 Master Plan” and the current site plan. Construction is scheduled for July or August 2015 and will take one year to complete.  Most of the 700 Wood Street renovations consist of upgrades and repairs to the envelope, and a complete replacement of the antiquated heating and air conditioning system; bringing the Light & Power crews inside the main building, adding a women’s locker room for L&P crews, and limited lobby renovations.  A board member inquired about any new features, such as plumbing the building to use graywater; smart meters; rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar; orienting the building to be south-facing, etc. Mr. Phelan stated there is money in the project budget to cover the roof with PV to provide about 75% of the building’s energy use; they’re considering direct current lighting (DC); photovoltaic (PV) and light-emitting diode (LED); possibilities for backup battery storage; and metering analyzed for each floor to evaluate how the building is working. He stated staff is doing what they can where they can, and mentioned the possibility of demonstration areas for stormwater and efficient irrigation and water systems.  A board member commented on not seeing newspaper articles about the building and inquired when outreach to the community will begin because it’s a significant project. Mr. Phelan stated he will ask the project team and report back. Another board member mentioned seeing an article about the building in The Coloradoan. Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 3 On-Bill Financing Rate Ordinance Updates (Attachments available upon request) Energy Services Manager John Phelan stated the City Council will discuss this issue at its meeting on January 20. It involves editing parts of the City Code. The Home Efficiency Loan Program ─ consisting of loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water service line repair ─ started January 2013 and was revised January 2014. Single family and town homes are eligible. Rental properties are eligible; owner makes loan payments. Monthly payments are listed on customers’ utility bills along with other services. The loan program typically provides a minimum loan of $1,000 and a maximum of $15,000 and has been offered for the past two years. About five or six loans for water improvements have been given during that time.  A board member inquired about the proposed switch to Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing. Mr. Phelan stated it was a complicated issue. If the case involves an owner- lease scenario, written notification of the loan existence is required. He acknowledged there is some risk and uncertainty but that staff believes the risk is worth the benefits.  A board member inquired what capital is used for these loans. Mr. Phelan stated the money comes from reserve funds. The loan program was originally a City budget Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) offer, but the Finance Department came back and stated it’s not an expense because the money is not spend, it’s paid back. Staff clarified the language and discussed it with Council, which authorized Utilities to have outstanding loans of no more than $800,000. It works like a revolving loan fund.  A board member inquired if the interest rates are fixed. Mr. Phelan replied they are. The loan program will offer an interest rate of 4% this year. The board member inquired about the credit score required. Mr. Phelan stated a minimum 640 credit score is required, and only one interest rate is used. The initial model for this program was other loan programs; the longest track record was in New York; the idea was to make it a simple process for customers.  A board member inquired if the main benefit for the customer is convenience and whether it’s better to get a bank loan. Mr. Phelan stated his loan might not be best for everyone, but there’s a market being served, and he doesn’t believe banks are interested in small loans of $2,000. He stated the goal is efficiency programs, not loan programs. Board Member Brian Brown made a motion for the Water Board to recommend City Council adopt the Ordinance being presented for first reading on January 20, 2015 amending the City Code to modify on-bill utility financing terms and allow for on-bill utility financing of business customers. Board Member Alex Maas seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously. 2014 Annual Report (Attachments available upon request) Board members received the draft 2014 Annual Report from Chairperson Malers via email. It will appear on the February agenda for approval. Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 4 2015 Work Plan Approval (Attachments available upon request) Board Member Duncan Eccleston moved that Water Board approve the 2015 Work Plan. Board Member Brett Bovee seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously. Poudre River Ecological Response Model (Attachments available upon request) Environmental Planner Jennifer Shanahan works for Natural Areas Director John Stokes on a variety of projects. She summarized the Poudre River Ecological Response Model (ERM) and answered questions, along with Research Scientist Dan Baker, PhD, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University (CSU). In 2011, the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department initiated a collaborative project with scientists to develop the ERM for the Poudre River through Fort Collins. The ERM effort supports a community-driven quest to manage for an ecologically healthy and resilient Poudre River. The core purpose of the model is to identify probable ecological responses to a range of potential future changing conditions related to streamflows and important secondary factors affecting the river system. Nine separate model scenarios were developed to provide a lens through which the past, present, and potential future conditions of the river may be examined. The study area covers a 13-mile segment of the Poudre River along the Front Range, through the City of Fort Collins from Overland Trail to Interstate 25. Ms. Shanahan stated the ERM is a vast and complicated project. The presentation to Water Board is to inform the board about the ERM, which is on the City’s website, http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/eco-response.php, and is a way to understand the current ecological condition of the river, possible future conditions, and understanding priorities for improvements to the river. The volunteer team consists of professors and experts from organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey and The Nature Conservancy. Ms. Shanahan discussed flows and function of flow (the master variable of river systems. Based on well-accepted ecological. Nine flow scenarios.); physical and chemical; and ecological indicators. She stated we will see periods of extreme floods and of drought. Final thoughts: Under current management, the river is on a trajectory of decline, but there are measures the City and partners can do to improve the river’s chances of thriving.  A board member inquired about a past document about the Poudre River and historic functions of it that was on the City’s website in the past. Another board member inquired who the study is designed to influence. Ms. Shanahan stated it wasn’t designed to influence anyone externally; the project was undertaken to inform themselves.  A board member commented that the project relies on a small budget and volunteers, and inquired about next steps. Ms. Shanahan replied that there is a lot of information that will come out of the environmental impact studies for the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), and that the ERM project team will mostly likely run different flows through the model for their own information, not necessarily to publish another document.  A board member inquired whether the team will incorporate other studies of nearby ditches and other areas of the river. Ms. Shanahan stated they looked at areas including Taft Hill/Shields, Shields/College, and by I-25. Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 5  A board member commented that the study has improved the board’s understanding, and inquired about the message. Ms. Shanahan replied that the study is a “decision support tool” and it indicates that everyone is doing the right things, such as restoration efforts, working with ditch companies and other groups such as Poudre Runs Through It. Ms. Webb stated staff can use the ERM to support a mitigation project, for example. She stated the Poudre River is a complex system the City can’t manage on its own, and the study provides information to answer questions whenever issues come up; staff is more informed for those types of conversations.  A board member inquired about using ERM to comment on the NISP Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Ms. Shanahan stated the ERM is a tool she’d use to check whether the analysis evaluates the impacts accurately. The board member commented that the ERM is a ground-breaking work and inquired whether it would be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Ms. Shanahan replied affirmatively; it’s in the plan.  A board member commented on the ERM executive summary. Ms. Shanahan stated it the Poudre River might change into a smaller system, and there are things we can do to improve the low flows; it’s not a foregone conclusion the river will decline.  A board member inquired about the internal City team and its efforts. Ms. Shanahan replied that the goal is collaboration between departments; a December meeting focused on transparent dialogue from the start. Ms. Webb added that senior managers from water and wastewater, etc. including everyone whose main focus is the river, are working to determine shared principles, identify where projects overlap, and align projects and missions. She stated having a more deliberate conversation internally leads to more deliberate conversation externally.  A board member commented that the City’s collaboration between departments will be really important regarding NISP.  Mr. Baker commented the good thing about having various indicators is it gives a broader scope into what certain flows, etc. mean, not just for single functions but for two and three functions, leading to a more holistic approach and more valuable information. Climate Action Plan (Attachments available upon request) Environmental Services Director Lucinda Smith summarized the project status. In April 2014, City Council asked that an ad hoc committee be formed to develop a proposed updated Climate Action Plan that describes how the community could achieve a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 80% below 2005 by 2030, and carbon neutrality (a 100% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions) by the year 2050. The presentation was meant to provide the Water Board with an overview of the suite of strategies that could enable Fort Collins to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions to the levels identified above. The draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) is intended to provide a high level framework to set Fort Collins on the path to achieve carbon emissions reduction objectives as requested by Council, but will not determine future implementation details, which will be developed as strategies and tactics are considered on a case-by-case basis, and will be brought forward to Council for approval prior to implementation. Water Board Minutes January 15, 2015 6  A board member inquired about the State of Colorado’s goals. Ms. Smith replied that it’s the same as the City’s current goals. Greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 80% by 2030, etc.  A board member inquired about solar energy. John Bleem of Plate River Power Authority stated 30 MW of solar will come online in 2016.  Board members inquired about water in relation to the CAP. Ms. Smith stated it’s true the CAP doesn’t have a large emphasis on water, but that water conservation can have an impact on City-wide total system energy efficiency; energy is required to deliver water. The water and wastewater facilities have already improved efficiency with environmental management systems. Green buildings and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings require water conservation. Mr. Bleem stated all water used at Rawhide is taken from City’s wastewater facility. Ms. Webb stated it’s about 4,200 acre feet. Board Member Brett Bovee left the meeting at 7:46 p.m.  A board member commented that CAP is an energy-focused plan and stated it’s appropriate for Water Board to make connections between energy and water. Ms. Smith stated she could have staff focus on more clearly defining the plan’s water-related aspects.  Ms. Webb suggested the Water Board draft a letter to City Council if board members want to put more thought into it, before Council is asked to adopt the CAP framework.  A board member commented they support the plan but inquired about the link between water and energy. Ms. Smith suggested the possibility of another presentation later in the year with staff focused on water and habitat.  A board member commented that this is a great opportunity to ask Utilities to update the drought criteria study from the 1980s. Ms. Web stated she will follow up with a staff member who works on climate adaptation issues.  Ms. Webb said other projects address some of the issues the Water Board has brought up at tonight’s meeting; she can arrange for staff to give presentations. Board Member Brian Brown made a motion stating the Water Board sees a strong linkage between climate change impacts and encourages City Council to consider adopting the Climate Action Plan to protect water quality and quantity and provide increased resiliency against extreme weather events such as flooding and drought.  Discussion on the motion: Board members commented on supporting the CAP but wanting to mention how it relates to water issues. There was no conclusion on exact language. A board member mentioned addressing the four or five points at the end of page 2 of the Agenda Item Summary covering vulnerability of water quality, inclusion of water conservation strategies and other strategies that protect water quality and quantity, and encouraging increased focus by City government, local, and regional partners on adaptation efforts designed to protect water quality and quantity and provide increased resiliency against extreme weather events such as flooding and drought.  Board Member Brown retracted his proposed motion after the discussion. Ms. Smith stated she appreciated the board’s comments. Board Member Brian Brown left the meeting at 8:11 p.m.