CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes

July 17, 2008

Guests: Tim Flynn and Jim Legas, former CAC members, and Phil Lidov.

Minutes were approved for the June meeting with the recommended edits.

Public Comments - None

Chips Barry (Manager, Denver Water) – Chips provided the group with an update of current events at Denver Water.

• Dillon Road Closure – the road was closed due to new information on the dam’s vulnerability if it were compromised. Chips met with security experts who had performed a blast analysis and found it would take less than once thought. David Spector was concerned why the Board did not communicate with Summit County prior to the road closure. Chips replied that the Board felt any delay in closure would increase the dam’s vulnerability. This closure has allowed Summit County to see the potential risks of the reservoir and in the future may accept some of the responsibility in protecting it. Becky received numerous comments from the residents of Summit County regarding their safety if the road is closed to vehicular traffic. Would recreational activities need to stop? Chips advised that the bike path would remain open and buoys have been ordered to prevent boats from getting too close to the dam.
• IRP – The Integrated Resource Plan will look at the water future for Denver Water. This IRP will allow us to discuss how we should prepare for changes in population, climate, and precipitation. The current system uses data from the worst case scenarios in years past, and the new IRP will need to consider current problems, recent and past changes to our climate, and accommodations we can make for them. The discussions with Aurora Water and the ECCV to buy into their pipeline as back up water for our customers are examples. Aurora and Douglas county’s water source is less reliable – so we may design a plan that would help neighboring counties during times of drought without making them permanent customers. One option is to assist the counties with the plumbing needs instead of potable water by using Denver Water’s existing canals and tunnels. The entire U.S. society is changing, and we are unsure if the population growth in Colorado will continue. As many are moving to the west, there is an uncertainty as to whether or not our economy will be able to support them. Becky asked if Denver Water will review various aspects of energy and energy costs, such as commercial oil shale. Chips said we will look at our own energy consumption but as we generate more power than we use we are currently in better shape than other water departments. He said potential oil shale development would be looked at along with all potential impacts to watersheds and water resources. Becky also questioned the analysis of our water quality, and if rates will increase because of higher costs to purify our water. Chips responded additional analysis is currently being done and will continue as pharmaceuticals and disinfection by-products in the water have become new issues. Water supply, reliability, resources, and demand will all be factors when considering raising water rates.
• Revised Strategic Plan – This revision will allow Denver Water to look at future changes to the environment, to the economy, population shifts, and how the Water Department is evolving with its workforce.
  • West Slope – It has been an eighteen month process of mediation with all of the concerned parties, and Chips believes that a resolution is possible but it is not guaranteed. Mel asked if there was frustration regarding the pace of the process – Chips responded by saying all parties are frustrated, but they understand that this process takes time. There has been a major shift in the meetings – the West Slope now appears to understand they need for Green Mountain pumpback in order to provide an adequate supply of water for some of the options being discussed.
  • The number of employees at Denver Water has dropped from 1150 to 1000, and now more people are needed as:
    • A new monthly billing system will be implemented starting January, 2009
    • Efforts to improve water conservation have increased
    • Numerous projects are in the works for Engineering
   The addition of new employees on these projects has forced Denver Water to see that the current building is not large enough to house everyone, and the HVAC system in the current admin building will require a complete replacement, causing temporary department shifts while their area of the building is renovated. Two plans to accommodate the new employees are in the works – the first temporary plan is to purchase a building at 555 Quivas St., and the second permanent plan will be to build a structure adjacent to the current administration building. This new building may house more departments that are more involved with the public and require less security.
  • The retirement plan is currently under review, surveys have been sent to all employees and a final report will be sent to the Board in November in the hopes of implementing the plan by 2009.
  • Myrna requested an update from the Board on the appointment of a new CAC member. Chips was unsure when a final decision would be made, but it would occur after their first meeting in August. Becky wanted the Board to be advised that it has been difficult to find qualified, experienced candidates. Chips suggested for the next member appointment they should submit comments along with the names of potential candidates. Myrna felt insulted by the Board's failure to act on the suggested new CAC member for such a long time, and Myrna’s perception is that the CAC input to the Board is not important to them. It is important that the Board be made aware of CAC discussions of this matter.
  • The CAC also wished to advise the Board they are available to discuss important topics and feel as though the Board is not benefitting from their knowledge and valuable assistance. The CAC has been frustrated at the lack of communication and interest the Board gives to them. Chips told the CAC members that the Board may need to be reminded and to also offer the Board advice on issues. Instead of waiting for the Board, the CAC can study issues of interest and submit advice to the Board.
  • Fluoride will be discussed in the next study session, with Steve Lohman speaking on behalf of Denver Water.
  • The Recycle Plant tour will be held on Thursday, August 21st.

Service Area Discussion (Greg Fischer)

Currently Denver Water serves 1.2 million residents, with half of that amount inside Denver. Billing rates vary, with suburban customers paying a higher rate for water. Phil Lidov inquired as to what is the long range forecast, and Greg replied that we are currently prepared until 2050, and this is due to the lengths of water projects.

CAC Business

• Referring to a recent issue involving inappropriate comments made to a customer by a Customer Care representative. David questioned how CC representatives are disciplined in these types of situations. Joe Sloan explained that disciplinary actions are handled by Human Resource so he would not know what was done. Marie Bassett would be the appropriate person to ask about disciplinary actions
• David gave kudos to Denver Water for the “Use Only What You Need” barrels that have been set up in various locations throughout Denver.
• Barbara provided updates on the snowpack at the Western Slope- there is still a large amount and it is providing a continuous supply of water.