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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 2/7/2023 - 8. Memorandum From Jen Dial And Donnie Dustin Re: January 24, 2023 Work Session Summary – Water Resources Matters In The Fort Collins Growth Management Area: Study Report Results Utilities electric · stormwater · wastewater · water 700 Wood Street PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6700 970.221.6619 – fax 970.224.6003 – TDD utilities@fcgov.com fcgov.com/utilities M E M O R A N D U M DATE: January 27, 2022 TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Kendall Minor, Utilities Executive Director Jason Graham, Director of Water Utilities FROM: Jen Dial, Water Resources Manager Donnie Dustin, Water Resources Engineer II RE: January 24, 2023 Work Session Summary – Water Resources Matters in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area: Study Report Results Utilities staff provided the results of the Water Resources Matters in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area Study (“Study”). A presentation was given that provided background information on the purpose, actions and outcomes of the Study which focused on issues that arise from having multiple water providers within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area. Mayor Jeni Arndt and all Councilmembers were in attendance including Susan Gutowsky, Julie Pignataro, Tricia Canonico, Shirley Peel (virtual), Kelly Ohlson, and Emily Francis. Staff was seeking input and questions about the Study as well as thoughts and direction on next steps for improving interactions and alignment among those providers. Several questions were asked including:  How Utilities (the only water provider directed by Council) currently interacts with the other water providers?  What stakeholders were included in the Study and how was their input was used? Will there be an effort to provide outreach and receive feedback from the public in the future?  Are there other conservation programs Utilities have that could be expanded to the other water providers?  How does the Halligan Water Supply Project fit into the Study?  Why was the Study completed a year ago before being brought to Council?  How could water banking could work/what would it look like?  What are potential options for a regional water authority?  Does staff have a timeline on pursuing the recommended next steps? DocuSign Envelope ID: 41D30CB1-DCD7-481A-9F41-A356FDE9AE54 2 Most of these questions were addressed by staff during the work session. Council appreciated the Study and gave general direction for staff to continue working with the other water providers on the next steps suggested. Next Steps Staff will develop a work plan on pursuing the recommended actions and continue to meet with the other water providers (particularly the East Larimer County and Fort Collins-Loveland Water Districts), continue involvement with wider regional water efforts, develop handouts of the various water requirements for the development review process, enhance water conservation efforts and programs, improve data sharing, and coordinate drought outreach when needed. Some of the next steps are a continuation of ongoing efforts to engage the other water providers in the GMA and the need for reciprocal interest and coordination from the water providers is necessary to successfully implement next steps. Staff will develop a work plan outlining how Utilities staff plan to: • continue to meet with Districts and build relationships • continue involvement with StratOps, Larimer County water supply planning effort, District boards meetings and other regional groups • develop handouts of development requirements/costs • continue discussions around joint conservation efforts and programs • improve sharing of data/water supply and demand modeling efforts • continue discussions around outreach around drought, particularly in water shortage situations DocuSign Envelope ID: 41D30CB1-DCD7-481A-9F41-A356FDE9AE54