CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes

March 20, 2008

 

 

CAC Members in Attendance: Becky Long (Chair), Barbara Boardman, Steve Ormiston, Deb Pilon, Myrna Poticha, Mel Rettig, Rick Sackbauer, and David Spector 

 

Guests: Tim Flynn, Jonathan Elinoff, James Moore and three others who wished to be listed in the minutes as members of We Are the Change. 

 

DW Staff: Marie Bassett, Brian Gogas, Sara Duncan, Don Kennedy, Joe Sloan

 

OPENING REMARKS, AGENDA AND MINUTES

 

Opening Remarks – Becky welcomed Mel Rettig to his first CAC meeting. Mel stated his commute took several hours due to traffic problems, but he was glad to be present to meet the members of the CAC. Mel stated he would try to personally attend four to five meetings and then would attend via a conference call.

 

Minutes and Agenda – Minutes were approved as presented. One of the guests requested the public comment period be delayed as some members of the group were still in route to the meeting.  The CAC moved public comment to accommodate the request.

 

DENVER WATER UPDATE - Marie Bassett, Director of Public Affairs

 

The DW Update document was distributed in the CAC packet.  Marie stated the DW Board had recently met with the Board of Northern. A similar meeting was held over a year ago.  At that time it was agreed the Boards would benefit from informal meetings between the two water agencies.

 

The Conservation section has developed an outreach plan for large irrigation customers.  Staff has designed an “irrigation toolbox” as part of the outreach.  Additional staff will be hired for the summer months to assist with audits of irrigation systems and on the enforcement of watering rules (no watering 10-6, etc).

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -  Sara Duncan, Intergov’t Affairs

 

Sara distributed a summary of bills being tracked by Denver Water.   HB 1141 requiring adequate water supply for new developments is in appropriations.  There is a great deal of discussion on this bill in an attempt to make it work.  A bill has passed the Senate to allow for a pilot study of cisterns.   Several entities would like to see cisterns return to homes/businesses.  However, a pilot study will be done first to determine the impacts of such a plan on water rights.  Sara stated there has been discussions on a bill which would offer tax incentives to those who donate water to the in-stream flows.  

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

John Elinoff introduced himself and four other members of We Are the Change Colorado and distributed copies of Fluoride Info – DVD.  John requested the CAC review the DVD objectively and spoke of his request, and that of the other present, to have fluoride removed from water.  Myrna stated she had been studying the issue for years and requested the CAC devote a future meeting to discuss the issue.  She has heard of studies which show teeth decay is similar in areas that fluoridate and those that do not fluoridate the water.  John stated fluoride should be applied to teeth (toothpaste, dental visits) but that it should not be added to municipal water supplies.  Becky requested the May meeting be dedicated to fluoridation and other water quality issues.  She invited the members of the public present to return in May.  Becky would like DW staff to be at the meeting to present the perspective of water utilities on the issue.  David thanked the visitors for their time.  While the CAC needs time to study the issue, David stated he appreciated citizens using a citizens group, such as the CAC, to raise their concerns. 

 

OIL SHALE EIS -  Brain Gogas, Environmental Planning

 

Brian used a Power Point presentation to explain the possible impacts of oil shale production on raw water resources.  Brian stated that DW is involved in discussion on the issue as oil shale production is poised to return to Colorado.  Becky stated that she has been involved with this issue as part of her job with CEC.  Becky stated significant sources of water would be needed if the production of oil shale resumes in Colorado.  If oil shale is produced; there will be impacts on water quality and quantity.   Rick asked Mel to share his views on the issue.  Mel stated the big issue in his area is the impact of natural gas exploration on water quality.  As exploration occurs large amounts of ground water of varied quality enters surface waters.  People are also worried about the boom/bust history of oil shale in the region.   

 

 

 

DENVER WATER INVOLVMENT IN FOREST INITIATIVES – Don Kennedy, Environmental Planning

 

Don gave a presentation on DW involvement with watershed protection initiatives.  DW is working with several watershed protection groups, but the majority of the work has been done with the US Forest Service.  The Forest Service has been a great partner.   Work is being done both in the prevention of catastrophic fires and what needs to be done once a catastrophic fire like the Hayman fire has occurred.  There is a realization that these fires will occur.  Work on prevention is key, but there should be post-fire action plans in place. 

 

Rick asked if there was an area of greatest concern for DW.  Don responded Summit and Grand counties.  DW is working with other agencies to study impacts of fires on water utilities and the preparation of post-fire action plans.  There are many forest initiatives which focus on the protection of life and property, which is very, very important.  However, studies need to be done on post-fire action plans.     DW will continue to be very involved in prevention efforts.  DW also needs to be prepared for future forest fires.  Hopefully there will never be another Hayman, but it is prudent to be prepared.  

 

CAC BUSINESS

 

The CAC reviewed the applications received for the Denver Citizen position on the CAC.  Five applicants were selected to be interviewed at the April meeting. 

 

David requested time on the April agenda for City Wild. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.