HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-05/11/2021-Work Session
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 14, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Abbye Neel, Interim Water Conservation Manager
Liesel Hans, Interim Utilities Deputy Director
THROUGH: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
RE: May 11, 2021 Work Session Summary – Water Supply Requirements and
Allotments
Summary: The purpose of this item was to receive feedback on a proposal to update the
methodology for calculating Fort Collins Utilities Water Supply Requirements. Staff
presented the drivers for the proposal, how the proposed calculations compare to the
current system and other water providers’ systems, impacts to the community, and
opportunities for future improvements.
Attendees: All Councilmembers were present and participated remotely via Zoom. Utilities staff
included Abbye Neel, Liesel Hans, and Theresa Connor.
Questions to Council:
1. What feedback does Council have regarding the proposed concepts for the Water Supply
Requirement calculations?
2. Is this item ready for a formal Council consideration in September of 2021?
Key Discussion Points:
x The presentation provided a concise and clear overview of the proposed changes and
impacts.
x City Council supports the proposal, timeline, and that calculations be reviewed every two
years to allow for modifications or improvements that reflect new development practices
or better methodologies (e.g. examining if number of bedrooms continues to be the best
predictor of indoor water use in residential and multifamily settings).
x Questions included details on how taps are sized, examples of alternative compliance
scenarios, what input Staff received from Developers, and how the changes impact the
Development Review process. Additionally, Council asked for clarifications around how
Water Supply Requirements are scaled for low versus high-water use landscapes and how
the calculations work for a mixed landscape.
x City Council requests that Staff consider how Water Supply Requirements can align and
support goals outlined in City plans, including the Housing Strategic Plan and Climate
Action Plan.
Next Steps:
x Outreach and education will continue through the Fall. Staff plans to return to Council for
formal consideration in September and, if adopted, changes would be implemented
starting January 2022.
x Staff will provide a written response to the Mayor’s question regarding water
conservation efforts across City-owned facilities and operations.
CC: Donnie Dustin, Water Resources Manager