Citizens' Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2005

CAC Members in Attendance: Roberta Simonton (Vice-Chair), Michael Buchenau, Russell Burton, Tim Flynn, Theresa Jehn-Dellaport, Larry Keesen, Jim Legas, and Rick Sackbauer
DW Staff: Marie Bassett, Sara Duncan, and Joe Sloan
Guest: Phyllis Thomas

Agenda, Minutes & Opening Remarks

The agenda was approved as presented. The minutes were approved with the following correction: "Shoshone call" to "Shoshone Call".

Comments from the Public

Ms. Thomas stated she was attending the CAC meeting as part of her research for a dissertation project.

Contact with Constituents of CAC Members

Rick has continued to meet with interested groups in Grand and Summit Counties regarding a proposal to DW. The goal is to have a joint proposal which would address West Slope concerns.

Russell reported that the HBA has scheduled a breakfast meeting for its members on the topic of water rates & tap fees. David LaFrance of DW and Peter Binney of Aurora are the guest speakers, and the breakfast has sold out. This is further proof that HBA members are very interested in water issues.

Michael has been meeting with the leaders of the Community Gardens. A report on DW's supply issues is in every issue of the DUG newsletter. Gardeners are following this issue and want to be prepared as they plan their gardens for 2005.

Roberta has been out of the country but during her travels in Asia drought and supply issues were in the news. Growth, water supplies and drought are truly global issues.

DW Staff Update & Information on
Board Workshop of February 23, 2005 – Marie Bassett, Director of Public Affairs

Board Workshop – The 10-Year Plan will be the topic of the Board workshop in March. This will include how to finance the plan so rates and budgets will be discussed as well as projects in the 10-Year Plan. An update of the North End Supply project will be presented to the Board.

Messaging – Four focus groups were held as part of the survey being conducted by Public Affairs. The next step is to finalize the questionnaire then begin the telephone survey. The results of the survey will be incorporated into the ad campaign. This campaign might be different than in the past with smaller groups of constituents targeted with specific messages instead of one large, single message campaign. Roberta suggested that the CAC recommend what the message should be to staff and the Board. Roberta would like to see Conservation referred to as Smart Water Use. The use of "smart" or other value words would encourage conservation to become part of the value system of customers. Michael stated there is a fear in the state that there will not be enough water for the future. Capitalize on that fear, but don't base the messages on fear. Tim would like to see the message educate customers on the vast & complex system, which delivers their water, in a simple message. Customers want clean, affordable water. Also, he would like to see the message emphasize the connectedness of the suburban and Denver customers. Michael also suggested the message should include how water use in Denver impacts the West Slope with visuals like the one use of a boat on a dry reservoir. Customer demand affects the quality/quantity of water in mountain communities.

Lawsuit – The lawsuit which was filed against DW by some Denver customers has been dismissed by the court. The lawsuit was filed over surcharges and water service to the suburban customers during a time of drought. DW issued surcharge refunds and this lead to the dismissal.

Larry requested the CAC receive a copy of the report on DW's Irrigation Efficiency Program.

Legislative Issues – Sara Duncan, Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator

At the March CAC meeting, Rick had requested information on DW's policy for supporting or opposing bills in the State Legislature. In response to his request, Sara Duncan explained she reviews all the bills, not just water bills, which could have an impact on DW. This includes bills on employee issues, open records, retirement funds, etc. Her first goal is to keep DW out of the process as there are many bills to be tracked. If the bill is an issue which effects DW, Sara distributes it to the proper staff for review. With the input of staff a brief report is created and sent to the Board. Sara follows the guidance of the Board and management staff on what position should be taken on bills of consequence to DW.

Rick could not understand why DW would oppose Senate Bill 62 that the Headwater communities supported. He would like to see the CAC more involved in the process and to give input on DW's position on bills. Tim suggested members could contact State Representatives and Senators when there is a bill which is of concern to their constituents. The legislative process is fast-moving and complex. It would be difficult for the CAC, which meets monthly, to be effective on legislative matters. Rick suggested the CAC look at this issue in November/December of this year. At that time of year, there is an idea of what might be on the docket for the 2006 General Assembly. Sara stated she would be available to return to future CAC meetings and the CAC can contact her directly if members have questions/concerns on legislative matters.

CAC Business

System Refinements from the IRP – A copy of the System Refinements listed in the IRP was included in the packet mail to the members of the CAC. Joe requested the CAC pick the projects they were interested in and a speaker would be scheduled. Jim stated his interest in the System Refinements is not in a certain project but rather Denver Water's focus on projects that are costly and will not yield as much water as a new storage project would yield. DW is not looking at the least expensive projects. It appears almost all the refinement projects are more expensive (cost per acre foot) than a new storage project. Jim would like to hear what the principles are for selecting projects because it does not appear to be cost motivated. Rick concurred and would like to understand the process DW uses to select a water storage or water improvement project.

Update of Proposed Bylaw Changes – The Board approved the CAC Bylaw changes. A copy of the revised Bylaws was distributed to the members of the CAC.

Board Communication & Attending Board Meetings

Roberta will attend the Board workshop on March 23, 2005

Jim will attend the Board meeting on April 13, 2005

CAC Subcommittee Updates

BMPs – Larry reported that all the BMPs have gone to the Mayor's Caucus. The next move is up to the Mayor's Caucus.

Rates – Roberta distributed a draft of a letter to the Board concerning rates. After discussion the letter was tabled until the next meeting.

Russell suggested the subcommittee reports be pushed to start of the CAC meetings. The other members concurred.

Future CAC Agenda Items

Tours – Tim and Joe will discuss possible tours and bring suggestions to the next CAC meeting.

Growth and impact on water resources – Russell wants to hear about the impact of growth on water resources. According to DW, population has gone up faster than water use. He would also like to see facts about growth and water use.

Larry would like to have the CAC discuss increases to the Irrigation Incentive Program.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

CAC Meeting Actions for Next Meeting – April 21, 2005

Motion/Action	Person/s responsible	By what date?	Action Completed?	Any Follow up?
DW's Irrigation Efficiency Program to the CAC	Joe	April 21, 2005