CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Meeting of March 27, 2003

 CAC Members in Attendance:  Theresa Worsham (Chair), Russell Burton (Vice-Chair), Jodi Adkins, Tim Flynn, Larry Keesen Myrna Poticha, Roberta Simonton, and Mary Vodneck  

Staff:  Jane Earle and David LaFrance  

Guests & Presenters:  Terri O'Brien  

Update on Advertising Campaign & Communication Plan for Summer 2003   

Terri O'Brien of O'Brien & Associates (marketing company) made a presentation to the CAC regarding the marketing strategy recommended to the Board.  The presentation included a situation analysis, marketing objectives, creative ideas, and a schedule of implementation.   Myrna requested a copy of the survey done by O’Brien.  The survey was done to see what customers know about the drought and water use.  A few CAC members commented that the proposed advertising campaign did not address issues of lack of responsible planning by water utilities and the growth in the metro area.  

Update on Finance Issues, Including Public Suggestions of Irrigation Meter Program & Consumption Based SDC                          

David LaFrance gave the CAC an update on the proposed consumption based SDC and the proposed irrigation project to the CAC.  David reported his rate staff had other projects such as the proposed 2003 surcharge increase and a rate study that were taking most of their time.   Staff has looked at the consumption based SDC and has met with Don Thompson.  SDC rates will be discussed again in year and a half (the Board has directed staff to do a SDC study every two years) and at that time the Board and staff will discuss all suggestions on changes to the current SDC structure.   David reported that his staff disagrees with the concepts of the proposed irrigation meter project.  The proposal of irrigation meters and the current drought has revealed some inequities in the rate structure which staff needs to be address.    David also distributed a copy of the 2003 budget.  

NEXT MEETING  

The next regular meeting of the Citizens' Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. , in the third floor Board Room at Denver Water, 1600 W. 12th Avenue .  The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.