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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLAURIE SUBDIVISION PUD, 1ST FILING - AMENDED PRELIMINARY & FINAL - 44-89F - CORRESPONDENCE - CITIZEN COMMUNICATION (4)APPLEWOOD WATER ASSOCIATION, INC. and APPLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 8292 Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 (303) 482-2125 October 21, 1991 Dr. William Musselwhite 3041 N. Taft Ave. Loveland, CO 805 Re: Laurie Subdivision Fort Collins, Colorado Dear Dr. Musselwhite: In our telephone conversation today we had a further discussion about routing an irrigation pipeline across Shields to the north of where the culvert for the existing irrigation ditch lies. The pipeline would parallel sewer and water lines, which you are considering installing under Shields along an easement crossing the former church site. I understand you have now obtained permission from the city to cut Shields for that purpose rather than tunnel under it. Routing the pipeline in this way would require the cooperation of Gary Nordick because a new easement across the church site would be needed to connect the new pipeline to our existing pipeline. I have discussed this with Dennis Donovan, Mr. Nordick's planning engineer, and he believes a new easement can be worked out. It appears the next step is for you to contact Mr. Donovan immediately. It may still be possible to change Mr. Nordick's plan to replace the existing culvert as part of his improvements to Shields. If not, he will want to place a pipeline down the existing ditch crossing the former church site and connect it up to this culvert. Once he goes to that expense and plats around it, it seems unlikely he would agree to an alternate route. Routing is critical for another reason as well. It is very unlikely Applewood would agree to your section of ditch being replaced by a pipeline if it stands alone. We will want to have it connect up to the rest of our pipeline. Otherwise, there are simply not enough advantages to offset potential new liabilities. Your section of ditch has been working very well for years, and we have no liability for the way it currently functions, including the effects of seepage. Our attorney advises us that if we allow replacement by a pipeline, we may be liable for damage caused by any leakage from the pipeline. We would also face higher maintenance costs if the pipeline needs repair or replacement. Furthermore, Leon Hecht is concerned that the flow of water leaving the pipeline may cause erosion down stream, which may also create new liabilities. We also discussed another potential route along the east side of the two properties to the south of yours, which would connect up to the existing culvert. This would require new easements, and we doubt that the owners, who appear to believe that a ditch with running water enhances their properties, would agree. However, you might want to inquire. It seems in the interests of you, Mr. Nordick and us to work out a route which will result in a continuous pipeline from the north side of your property to the point in Clarendon Hills where our existing pipeline begins. If the result is that the existing culvert should be removed and we abandon our ditch, time is critical because we will need to negotiate binding assurances that the pipeline will be completed by the start of irrigation season next year. Sincerely, Mark W. Schultheiss President, Applewood Water Association, Inc. cc: Board of Directors, Applewood Water Association, Inc. Dennis Donovan Sherry Albertson -Clark Matthew Price Leon Hecht