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Water Board Minutes
March 17, 2016
Fort Collins Utilities Water Board Minutes
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Water Board Chairperson City Council Liaison
Rebecca Hill, 970-402-1713 Wade Troxell, 970-219-8940
Water Board Vice Chairperson Staff Liaisons
Brett Bovee, 970-889-0469 Carol Webb, 970-221-6231
ROLL CALL
Board Present: Vice Chairperson Brett Bovee, and Board Members Steve Malers, Phyllis
Ortman, Andrew McKinley, Kent Bruxvoort, Jason Tarry.
Board Absent: Chairperson Rebecca Hill, Duncan Eccleston, Alexander Maas, Michael Brown,
Lori Brunswig.
OTHERS PRESENT
Staff: Jon Haukaas, Matt Parker, Heidi Hansen, Mike Gavin, Lisa Rosintoski, Travis Paige, Ken
Sampley, Katherine Martinez, Matt Parker.
Members of the Public: None
Meeting Convened
Vice Chairperson Bovee called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Public Comment
None
Approval of February 18, 2016 Board Meeting Minutes
Board Member Phyllis Orton moved to approve the minutes of the February 18 meeting as
amended. Board Member Kent Bruxvoort seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously, 6-0.
Staff Reports
(Attachments available upon request)
Water Resources
Information included in meeting packet only. No verbal report.
Legislative Update
Policy and Project Manager Dan Weinheimer’s update was rescheduled to the April 7 Work
Session.
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Discussion Highlights
Board members inquired why a few water-related legislative bills they had heard of are not on
Mr. Weinheimer’s tracking spreadsheet. Mr. Haukaas replied that some bills are withdrawn; that
might be why they’re not on the list.
2016 West Nile Virus (WNV) Update
(Attachments available upon request)
Natural Areas Crew Chief Matt Parker summarized the West Nile Virus Management Policy
adopted July 1, 2008, which states “Reduce the risk of human WNV infection while limiting
adverse human health and environmental impacts.” He shared updated information on
management efforts and requested Water Board feedback on outreach centered on risk reduction.
The WNV team plans to incorporate Water Board feedback into the 2015-2016 off-season
improvements prior to fully implementing the outreach methods for this upcoming season.
West Nile Virus is a human health threat managed at both the individual and community level.
Community level management (pesticide applications) includes implications for both water use
and water quality. The Technical Advisory Committee plans to focus on (1) communicating data
more effectively to the public (maps, historical data, risk factors, etc. to make the webpage more
useful). (2) implementing a robust engagement plan, focusing on target groups (seniors, outdoor
athletes, low-income, new residents, youth), and using a variety of techniques (kiosks at
trailheads, meetings, events).
West Nile came to U.S. in 1993 in New York. The virus is present year-round in the bird
community. The City spends $300,000 on weekly reports and testing of the two mosquito species
known to carry West Nile Virus. About 80 % of people infected with the virus do not show
symptoms and don’t become ill.
Discussion Highlights
Outreach will emphasize the same message as the City’s sprinkler program: prevent standing
water (mosquito breeding grounds) by not over-irrigating. Board members commented that its’ a
good idea to post maps and information, and to be careful with maps and algorithms. A board
member inquired whether the public would understand that a red zone is an area that would be
sprayed. Mr. Parker explained that public outreach (direct contact such as informational door
hangers) would precede spraying. Board members commented that Natural Areas Department
has done a good job.
Larimer County Hazard Mitigation Plan Five-Year Update
(Attachments available upon request)
Battalion Chief II Mike Gavin of Poudre Fire Authority summarized the plan, and also reported
that obtaining credit for mitigation planning under Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) to maintain the City’s Class 4 rating is resulting in a
30% discount on flood insurance for citizens and businesses. The City will become Class 2
effective in May (40% discount on flood insurance) and is one of the top five cities in the
country of 2,000 in the CRS (of 20,000 flood communities in the U.S.)
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Hazard mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and
property from hazards and their effects. The City of Fort Collins in coordination with other
Northern Colorado jurisdictions created its previous Mitigation Plan in accordance with the
requirements of the Federal Stafford Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, and Title 44 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), which addresses Emergency Management and Assistance. The
Northern Colorado Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by FEMA on July 26, 2010.
Mitigation strategy goals include:
1. Protect life and property
2. Improve public awareness
3. Strengthen partnerships and promote plan implementation
4. Improve emergency services response plans
Mitigation plans must be updated and approved by FEMA every five years and the current plan
will expire on July 26, 2015. Due to the damaging floods in the fall of 2013, Larimer County was
granted an 'Extraordinary Circumstances' timeline by FEMA which allows the County until
March 2016 to have this new Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA.
Civil Engineer II Heidi Hansen reported the plan has a separate appendix for flood information,
including 17 different capital improvement projects, so when applying for grants in the future,
staff can mention these actions are part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Many other City
departments did the same. Mr. Gavin added that the information in the plan can serve as
supporting data for public education and for program changes or program implementation.
Staff requested the Water Board recommend City Council to adopt the 2016 Larimer County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Discussion Highlights
A board member inquired whether drought was considered a hazard. Mr. Gavin replied it is, but
is not considered one of the top hazards. Mr. Gavin stated that the last hazard mitigation plan
was completed in 2008; for this year’s update, the City’s consultant did new impact studies for
the new plan and draft potential action items.
Mr. Haukaas stated staff would write a memo to Council including mention of board’s support.
Mr. Gavin estimated this agenda item will go to City Council in early June.
Board Member Steve Malers moved Water Board recommend to City Council to adopt the
2016 Larimer County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Board Member Phyllis Ortman seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: It passed unanimously 6-0.
2015 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
(Attachments available upon request)
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Community Engagement Manager Travis Paige summarized results of the phone survey,
conducted in October and November 2015. Fort Collins Utilities Customer Service Survey
Highlights: Most respondents are satisfied with services provided by Fort Collins Utilities.
When asked about their overall satisfaction with Fort Collins Utilities, most Fort
Collins residents and small/medium business respondents gave positive reviews
(86% for each subgroup gave a rating of a 4 or 5-extremely satisfied), while all
key accounts (100%) reported that they were satisfied).
Respondents were asked which factors were the most important in choosing a
utility provider, if they had a choice. At least 95% of respondents, from all three
customer groups, indicated that reliable service, timely repairs and service
restoration, accurate bills, a company you can trust and providing good value for
the money, were important or very important factors.
Discussion Highlights
Board members inquired about various aspects of the survey, including the response rate
(successful contacts: 1 out of 10 calls; common for phone surveys), total responses (600 total
residential and 200 total small/medium commercial), and whether trains/construction contributed
to lower-rated responses (no; cable failure was the reason). Mr. Paige stated the City’s reputation
for highly reliable electric services means customers will notice when outages occur. Utilities
Customer Connections Manager Lisa Rosintoski pointed out that perception influences
responses.
Mr. Paige stated that for benchmarking, he looked up the American Customer Satisfaction Index
(operated by the University of Michigan) and found the nationwide average score for utilities
overall customer satisfaction surveys is 74; the City of Fort Collins is 86. A board member
pointed out the issue of perception, and given that the Flint, Michigan water crisis has been in the
news, our City services fare very well in comparison, but will that be the case a year from now?
Another board member mentioned the statistic that 16% of the local population is in danger of
not being able to pay their bills and possibly losing service, and was concerned about whether
they missed the chance to participate in the survey due to lack of a phone.
Boxelder Basin Regional Stormwater Authority (BBRSA): Board Recommendation
(Attachments available upon request)
Water Engineering Field Operations Manager Jon Haukaas and Water Utilities Engineering
Manager Ken Sampley presented background information on the establishment of the BBRSA
and the structure of its Board of Directors. Flooding in the Boxelder and Cooper Slough drainage
basins has been a regional concern since 2005. Mr. Sampley has served as Fort Collins’
appointed Board Director since joining the City staff in June 2010 and as President of the Board
of Directors since mid-2011.
City Councilmembers feel a political presence on the board will help the City connect on a
Council level and help Council stay better informed of activities. Mr. Sampley will serve as
technical advisor and continue to attend meetings, but a Councilmember would serve as Fort
Collins’ appointed BBRSA Board Director. Staff and Council feel the timing is right for this
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transition because the construction phase will be completed in the next three months and the
BBRSA will transition into the maintenance phase. Staff is requesting Water Board comments
and feedback.
Discussion Highlights
A board member inquired about the benefits of having a City Councilmember on the BBRSA
board. Mr. Haukaas replied that it provides more direct oversight by an elected official and a
more direct connection to other City Councilmembers. Another board member inquired who the
other BBRSA Directors are. Staff noted the current BBRSA Board Directors are:
DIRECTOR OFFICE HELD TERM EXPIRES APPOINTED BY
Ken Sampley President April 2016 City of Fort Collins
Richard Seaworth Director April 2018 Town of Wellington
Vic Meline Treasurer April 2017 City of Fort Collins/Larimer County
George Reed Secretary April 2017 Larimer County
Bill Schneider Director April 2019 Town of Wellington/Larimer County
A board member supported the idea of a staff member continuing in the position for another year
and questioned why a Councilmember, who is busy with so many other projects, would want to
serve as a director if all the controversial issues have passed. What is the value? It was noted the
BBRSA Board of Directors has been meeting approximately twice per month over the past two
years, however the number of meetings is expected to decrease to monthly or possibly bi-
monthly now that construction is almost complete.
Mr. Haukaas stated Councilmember Gerry Horak has expressed interest and City Council has the
power to appoint the representative for this three-year term. A board member commented that as
long as the Council appoints someone who is passionate and interested in the topic, they are
supportive of the idea. Staff noted that several of the BBRSA Directors are expected to resign
before their terms are finished since they have served on the Board for multiple terms. Mr.
Haukaas stated that long-term issues are (1) the sunset date, (2) who will own and maintain the
BBRSA regional stormwater facilities, and (3) terms for repayment of the Colorado Water
Conservation Board (CWCB) loan. The BBRSA could be disbanded, for example, if each
municipality agrees to take on maintenance of specific facilities. BBRSA Board of Directors’
meetings are open to the public.
Other Business
Michigan Ditch
A board member inquired about Michigan Ditch tunnel construction. Mr. Haukaas reported the
final design phase is underway; it features trenchless technology. The project consultant is at a
conference on this topic, the team is finalizing designs, and work will begin in June after the road
is plowed. A tunnel-boring machine is on order; expected to be delivered by June 1. Staging
areas will be set up in the last two weeks of May. The state land board has been cooperative; the
trail will be closed to public hiking this summer. Everything is greenlighted at this time.
Udall Natural Area/Stormwater