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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Board - Minutes - 11/19/19930 • WATER BOARD MINUTES November 19, 1993 3:00 - 4:53 P.M. Drake Water Reclamation Facility Conference Room East Drake Road Tour of Drake Water Reclamation Facility Several DWRF staff members conducted a tour from 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. of the greatly expanded and renovated Drake Water Reclamation facility for Water Board members, guests and Utility staff. Members Present Neil Grigg, President, MaryLou Smith, Vice President, Terry Podmore, Ray Herrmann, Tim Dow, Paul Chopper, John Bartholow, Howard Goldman, Dave Stewart, Tom Brown Staff Rich Shannon, Mike Smith, Keith Elmund, Steve Comstock, Dennis Bode, Wendy Williams, Ben Alexander, Tom Gallier, Scott Harder, Dave Meyer, Ray Kemp, Chuck Inghram, Beth Voelkel, Molly Nortier Guests Mayor Ann Azari George Reed, Citizen Observer Deanne DeJung, CSU Student Observer Member Absent Dave Frick President Neil Grigg opened the meeting. The following items were discussed: Presentation of proclamations for National First Place EPA Awards Drake Water Reclamation Facility and Industrial Pretreatment Presented by Mayor Ann Azari President Grigg said that it was especially appropriate to meet at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility for the presentation of the national first place EPA awards to DWRF and Industrial Pretreatment. "We are honored to have Mayor Ann Azari here today to present special proclamations from the City of Fort Collins," he said. Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 2 Mayor Azari began by saying that she had been invited to a celebration dinner after the awards were announced, but she wasn't able to attend. She was also invited to Anaheim, CA where the awards were presented, but she had a conflict. She sincerely wanted some way to personally tell those people responsible how proud she was of their extraordinary accomplishment, so she arranged to come to a Water Board meeting to present those people with special proclamations. First she presented the proclamation for the DWRF to Water Reclamation Director Steve Comstock and Ray Kemp, Operations Supervisor, and then to Dave Meyer Supervisor for Industrial Pretreatment. (Copies of the proclamations are attached.) Mayor Azari commented that in this City when something very special like these awards occurs, we essentially take it for granted because "we are so good at what we do! In everything we do, we work for excellence. And you people in the Water & Wastewater Utility are some of the best; just remember that," she stressed. Halligan Reservoir Agreement with North Poudre Aooroved by Council Rich Shannon wanted to recognize another extremely significant event that transpired recently. In October the Council unanimously approved the Halligan Reservoir agreement with North Poudre Irrigation Co. "This is the kind of project that is classic in terms of what has made the Water Utility such a strong entity," he said. "It's great staff work!" This agreement fits the role of long range planning. The City has been working on this for several years with quiet, persistent negotiations. It was not a decision that had to be made in a "crisis mode. " This agreement reflects the Community's values. It developed as a partnership with another water provider. "I can count the number of communities on one hand that have taken a major step towards a significant water project without any opposition from the community. I think that is a very positive reflection on the W&WW Utility and the Water Board," he concluded. Introduction of Visitor MaryLou Smith introduced Deanne DeYung, a young woman from CSU who is in the president's leadership program at the university. The students are matched with someone from the community. "I am learning what it's like to be a landscape architecture student, and she is learning what it's like to be a business person in the community," Ms. Smith explained. President Grigg welcomed Ms. DeYung to the meeting. Minutes Dave Stewart moved that the minutes of October 15, 1993 be approved as distributed. MaryLou Smith seconded the motion. John Bartholow noted that his first name was listed incorrectly. Following that correction, the Board voiced their unanimous approval of the minutes. Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 3 Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Undate John Bigham was unable to attend the meeting, so there was no report. Governor's Front Range Water Forum According to the local newspaper, Governor Romer, after a meeting with water experts and officials from across the state, signed an executive order setting up a 40-member Front Range Water Forum "to find ways to conserve water now available and locate water in the future." The forum's study, to be carried out with Hydrosphere Inc. serving as consultant, will begin by identifying projects for analysis. The new forum includes the mayors of Front Range cities; water leaders from the Front Range and the Western Slope; legislators; representatives from business and environmental organizations; and state agency officials. Prior to his resignation from the NCWCD Larry Simpson was the District's representative on the forum. Beth Voelkel said that Eric Wilkinson and Karl Dreher will now represent the District at the meetings. At the break after the proclamations were presented, the Mayor asked Dr. Grigg why Fort Collins doesn't have a representative on the forum. The Mayor and Dr. Grigg decided to ask staff to draft a letter to the Governor recommending that he appoint to the forum, someone from Northern Colorado representing the municipal water boards or water agencies. MaryLou Smith pointed out that, as she understands it, the 40-person forum is already filled with 40 people, "so some of us have been left out." Dr. Grigg said he hasn't learned who is on the forum yet. Mike Smith said that most of the representatives appear to be from the metro area, and apparently Larry Simpson, when he was appointed, was supposed to be representing Northern Colorado. Dr. Grigg said that Mayor Azari suggested the Water Board send a separate letter to the Governor. MaryLou Smith moved that the Board send a letter to the Governor, and Dave Stewart seconded the motion. Ray Herrmann asked what the Governor hopes to get out of this. "It sounds a lot like the Governor's Metropolitan Water Round Table that was established in the early 80s," Dr. Grigg replied, "except this time it's front range." In drafting the letter we would have to make sure that we wouldn't be in conflict, but in support of the other cities, he said. John Bartholow pointed out that there is a technical group as well as the forum. The policy group will draw on the technical group for facts and figures, he said. Dr. Grigg called for the question. The Board voted unanimously to approve the motion. Dr. Grigg said he would work with staff to draft the letter taking into account the Board's comments. President Grigg and Mayor Azari also talked about the possibility of having a regional meeting. Dr. Grigg told the Mayor that we already have annual meetings with the Greeley and Loveland water boards and staff to discuss regional issues. In addition, a few years ago, Fort Collins sponsored a regional water meeting shortly after the Thornton issue developed. The Board will discuss possible plans for some kind of regional gathering at a later time. Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 4 Approval of Draft Water Board Work Plan Dr. Grigg reminded the Board that each November City Boards and Commissions are required to submit a workplan to the Council for the coming year. Ray Herrmann moved that the Board approve the draft work plan for 1994. Tim Dow seconded the motion. Paul Clopper pointed out that the Engineering Committee lost Tom Sanders as a member when he retired from the Board. That leaves just two members. John Bartholow agreed to serve on the committee. The Engineering Committee, later in the meeting, agreed to add one item to their work list. Item D would read, "Review scope of work for Halligan Feasibility Study." Dr. Grigg called for the question. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the 1994 Water Board Work Plan as revised and forward it to the City Clerk's Office. Update: Joe Wright Reservoir Special Use Permit A joint meeting of the Water Board and Natural Resources Board will be held on Monday, November 22, 1993 in the Light & Power Training Room to discuss the Joe Wright Reservoir Special Use Permit and the draft Biological Opinion of the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service. The members of both boards received packets of information that were delivered last week. Mike Smith urged all Board members to attend. "It's a very important meeting," he said. Dr. Grigg asked who would be there besides the Boards and staff. The City Attorney, the Utility's special legal counsel, Steve Dougherty, the consultant working on the project will all be there, and there may be press there also, Mr. Smith replied. Staff Reports Treated Water Production Summary Beth Voelkel reported that October was another wet and cool month and treated water production was just shy of 1900 Ac-ft. Dave Stewart asked how the cool, wet weather, along with metering is affecting revenues. Mike Smith recalled that total revenue is about 4-5% above last year. "At the end of September we were running about 6% above last year, which is good," he said. He acknowledged that there has been some impact from metering. He pointed out that demand has been going down even though growth is going up. Dennis Bode said that staff is trying to determine more precisely what those trends are. Tim Dow pointed out that there have been 1000 new housing starts this year. Are we saying, in effect, that we are saving a 1000 households worth of water by metering and conservation? "I'm not sure we can answer that, but we do know that the winter base loads seem to be holding rather constant, and maybe even declining a bit," Mr. Bode responded. "So they are staying the same not even adjusted for growth," MaryLou Smith verified. "That's right," Mr. Bode replied. "With growth I think it may hold fairly constant for a few years." Ms. Smith asked if we are seeing any benefits from our new leak detection program. That could account for some savings, but we haven't formulated much data on that yet, Mr. Smith said. Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 6 the community regarding how to implement the part of the Demand Management Resolution related to landscaping requirements. At this point, we are waiting for comments from those boards, she said. Engineering Dave Stewart asked if the Engineering Committee will be doing anything on Halligan. Mike Smith said a more detailed report will be prepared in addition to the previous reconnaissance report which the Committee reviewed. He thinks that we need to decide which committee will review the scope of study once that is completed. Dr. Grigg thinks it should be the Engineering Committee, and the Water Supply Committee could be called on as they are needed and as they want to be involved. Mike Smith suggested that "Review the scope of work for Halligan Feasibility Study," be added as letter "D" in the work plan under Engineering. The Water Board agreed to do that. The previous motion approving the 1994 Work Plan will reflect that addition. MaryLou Smith asked if the Engineering Committee continues to work with staff on the backflow prevention program. "Not recently," Mr. Stewart replied. Mike Smith reported that staff is interviewing candidates for the cross connection and back -flow prevention position that was vacated by Keith Elliston. The Cross connection program has not been finalized. Once the position is filled, work will begin again to get the task completed. Cost of Service Ad Hoc Committee Scott Harder reported that the Committee will meet on Monday, November 22nd at 4:30, prior to the joint Water Board/Natural Resources meeting. Staff will be presenting information on cost of service with regard to CSU as requested by Dave Stewart. Tim Dow's question on the use of PIFs will also be explored. Neil Grigg will be reporting on specific applications of cost of service in AWWA manual language and methodology. From there the Committee's hope is to focus again on the policy issues of the water cost of service side for the next couple of meetings, and then concentrate on the wastewater side. With the passage of the 1994 work plan Mr. Harder noticed that the Legislative and Finance Committee would like to review what emerges from the Cost of Service Committee. He suggested that when the committee reaches a strategic point, perhaps the two committees could have a joint meeting. Mr. Harder also noticed when Mike Smith appeared before the Council at the first reading of the rate increase, several Council members had some questions on rate structure, and Mr. Smith mentioned that the Cost of Service Committee was looking at some of these kinds of issues. Perhaps the Committee could look at that at Monday's meeting, he said. Mr. Smith clarified that the expectations of Council on the sewer side of the issue, where we have metered water customers, is that their sewer bill be based on their winter quarter water consumption instead Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 7 of a flat rate. MaryLou Smith asked if that was fairly typical. Mr. Smith said some of the City's commercial customers are winter quarter based. That issue will be referred to the Cost of Service Committee. Regional Water SuQl2ly Strategy Update Rich Shannon said that Mayor Azari wondered if there might be value in having the City Council invite all the surrounding utilities to discuss issues of mutual interest in the spirit of regional planning. He wanted to share that with the Water Board to get reactions and ideas, and get an idea of what might be a reasonable agenda item. The Mayor was thinking about the PSC, perhaps the REA, not just water entities, which makes a meeting a little more challenging. "The obvious agenda would be: what public services are necessary for quality growth and how can we work together on it?" Dr. Grigg suggested. You could almost think about including transportation in the discussions. The Board will discuss this further at a future meeting. As for the regional water supply issue, Dr. Grigg thinks the Board needs to get more information regarding what is going on regionally. He specifically mentioned the District pipeline. There is opposition to the pipeline around Boulder, he said. Some people are speculating that perhaps the pipeline may not happen. "There are a lot of ideas being kicked around that can affect us," Dr. Grigg contends. As a Board we need to determine how we can get the information and deal with it on a regular basis. In that light, it may be worthwhile to invite one or all our regional Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District board members to meet with us, he concluded Regional Wastewater Service Issues Update Mike Smith suggested that the Water Planning Committee consider regional wastewater service issues to make sure that the Committee is brought up to speed before we pursue anything further. Dave Stewart asked how Windsor is fitting into the planning. Mr. Smith explained that earlier they had talked about going into a joint facility with Greeley, but now may be considering a facility with Kodak. Timnath has also expressed interest in a joint facility. Neil Grigg related that during the tour of the DWRF, Steve Comstock mentioned there was a plug-in which possibly could be used by a sanitation district in the future. Dave Stewart asked if we have an agreement with anybody on that. "We wanted to put that in there because in the long term it's just a matter of time before the State says no more lagoons, Mike Smith replied. That's a point where we could tie a system into ours as far as treating the water. Furthermore, it's much less expensive to put those facilities in now. Other Business Revisions to PRPA Proposed Resolutions Copies of the revised PRPA Proposed Resolutions were included in Water Board Packets. A letter from Dennis Bode to Bill Emslie of PRPA, with comments from Water Board members Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 8 and staff, was also included. The Board discussed the resolutions at their October meeting. Bill Emslie asked Dennis Bode to take any comments or questions from the Board about the revisions. Mr. Bode explained that the changes are minor. PRPA will be acting on this after the first of the year. Longmont and Loveland examined the resolutions more closely and expressed some thoughts about them, he said. Adjourn Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:53 P.M. Water BoaA Secretary City of Fort Collins Mayo PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program is part of the Water and Wastewater Utility's Environmental Services Division; and WHEREAS, the pretreatment program is an EPA mandated program that is designed to control the types and quantities of chemicals discharged to the City's wastewater treatment system; and WHEREAS, 240 programs in our size category were reviewed by a committee of national, regional, and state EPA pretreatment program coordinators based on compliance with environmental regulations, monitoring, inspection, and permitting program; and innovation in the application and development of pretreatment regulations; and WHEREAS, the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program was awarded the 1993 EPA national first place award for an outstanding Pretreatment Program in the 11-20 Significant Industrial User's category. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Ann Azari, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby Proclaim Friday, November 19, 1993 as THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM DAY and ask that citizens take this opportunity to congratulate the staff of the Industrial Pretreatment Program for this award and recognize their commitment to excellence in wastewater management and implementation of the pretreatment program. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,1 have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort Collins this 19tb day of November, A.D. 1993. oe Mayor ATTEST. 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6505 • FAX (303) 221-6329 A Water Board Minutes November 19, 1993 Page 5 Update: Meadow Springs Ranch Mike Smith announced that Council passed on second reading the appropriation ordinance for the Meadow Springs Ranch purchase. Closing is set in a couple of weeks. Everything will be wrapped up except for selling the piece on the east side. The Natural Resources staff is looking at the wet meadow on that property to determine its value and if it is a resource that should be preserved. They will be making a recommendation shortly. Whatever decision they make shouldn't hurt the Utility, Dave Stewart stated. In theory, that's right, Mr. Smith said. The Natural Resources people think that the uses of the land should maintain grazing on it, because it keeps the grass at a certain length. The initial impression is that uses should remain the same but it shouldn't be developed, he added. Update: Halligan Reservoir Agreement with North Poudre Irrigation Co. The Council unanimously passed the Halligan Reservoir agreement with North Poudre and were very supportive of it. The agreement has been signed and the next step is to outline the scope of the study, get the request for proposals out, and select a consultant. Rich Shannon spoke about the importance of this agreement earlier in the meeting. President Grigg reiterated that it seems remarkable that the City could get started on a project like this without any protest. Dr. Grigg was at the Council meeting and noted that a number of North Poudre members were there. He suggested that sometime in the future it might be good to have some kind of joint event with the North Poudre Board with a presentation about Halligan, or a social event; perhaps a picnic at the site. Manual Pineda who is on the North Poudre Board has told Dr. Grigg about the great outdoor experiences that are available there. It would be a way for Board members who haven't seen the site to become acquainted with it. Committee Re orts Water Supply Committee Chair Tom Brown's committee was supposed to meet at 2:00 today but the meeting was postponed to 2:00 prior to the December Board meeting. The Committee will be reviewing Sheep Creek Reservoir. The City and Board must make a decision about this project in the spring. Staff will provide the Committee with information about the reservoir, which is located on the south side of the main stem approximately half way between the south fork and Joe Wright Creek. Legislative and Finance No report Conservation and Public Education MaryLou Smith reminded the Board that Conservation Specialist Jim Clark has been meeting with the Natural Resources Board and other relevant boards to review the recommendations of the Conservation and Public Education Committee and those of a committee of professionals in City of Fort Collins PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Drake Water Reclamation Facility treats up to 20.8 million gallons of sewage in a single day; and WHEREAS, the Drake facility has operated for over three years without a permit violation; and WHEREAS, 15 percent of the waste treated at this facility comes from industry and the remainder of the waste comes from homes and offices; and WHEREAS, whatever we wash down our drains, garbage disposals, showers, and toilets is treated at this facility; and WHEREAS, at the end of the process the treated wastewater from this facility is clean enough to be used to irrigate crops or to be returned to the Cache La Poudre River; and WHEREAS, the EPA ranked all plants on compliance with water quality standards, pollution prevention, sludge handling, management, and safety awarding the Drake Water Reclamation Facility with the U.S. EPA Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award for the best run facility of its size in the nation. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Ann Azari, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby proclaim Friday, November 19, 1993 as THE DRAKE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY DAY and ask that citizens take this opportunity to congratulate the staff at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility for this award and recognize the initiative and effort the staff has taken to reduce pollution. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,1 have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort Collins this 19th day of November, A.D. 1993. Mayor ATTEST - 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6505 • FAX (303) 221-6329