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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 07/30/2024 - Memorandum from Darren Parkin re: July 9, 2024 Work Session Summary: Halligan Project Overview and UpdateUtilities 700 Wood. St. PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 970-212-2900 utilities@fcgov.com Page 1 of 2 WORK SESSION MEMORANDUM Date: July 18, 2024 To: Mayor and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager From: Darren Parkin, Halligan Project Manager Subject: July 9, 2024 Work Session Summary: Halligan Project Overview and Update BOTTOM LINE The purpose of this memo is to document the summary of discussions during the July 9, 2024 Work Session on the Halligan Water Supply Project. All Councilmembers were present and attended in-person. DISCUSSION SUMMARY Staff discussed the need for the project, and its relationship with the conservation component of our water planning. The current project status, projected timeline to completion, and overall project costs were also reviewed. Finally, staff provided a comprehensive overview of the Larimier County 1041 permit process. Staff sought City Council input on the following questions: 1. What questions do Councilmembers have about the Halligan Water Supply Project? 2. What questions do Councilmembers have about the Larimer County 1041 permit process? Councilmembers provided feedback and comments, including the following: • Residential and commercial ratepayers will be responsible for most of the project’s cost. At one time, growth and development fees were anticipated to fund most of the project. • Our residents deserve to know how project costs have increased over the course of the project, and why. • It’s encouraging that Utilities will be storing water for droughts. • There are concerns about litigation and how much uncertainty there is around that. • The Halligan Project does not need to submit a Fort Collins 1041 application because the project site is not within City boundaries. • Utilities should continue to strive to exceed environmental requirements. Docusign Envelope ID: 5F16D86B-3814-41EC-88C0-7E1DFB097029 FOLLOW-UP ITEMS To be addressed in a separate follow-up memo from staff: • Information on how and why project costs have escalated over time, including amounts. • Review of the 1993 Halligan Project purchase agreement from North Poudre Irrigation Company (NPIC) and an explanation as to why NPIC is not cost sharing the project cost. • Colorado House Bill 24-1379: a description of the new state law designed to regulate dredge and fill activities and an explanation of why the Halligan Project was excluded from the law. NEXT STEPS • Staff will respond to the follow-up items in a separate memo. • Other steps include continued engagement activities with the public and Larimer County. • Water Commission Halligan Project Update scheduled for Aug. 1, 2024 CC: Jill Oropeza, Interim One Water Director Eric Potyondy, City Water Attorney Docusign Envelope ID: 5F16D86B-3814-41EC-88C0-7E1DFB097029