Citizen's Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2005

CAC members in attendance: Myrna Poticha (Chair), Russell Burton, Tim Flynn, Larry Keesen and Jim Legas.

DW staff: Kerry Kuykendoll, Greg Fisher, Stacey Renouf, Linda Firth, and Joe Sloan

Agenda & Minutes

Agenda – The agenda was approved as presented.

Minutes – Minutes of August 25, 2005 were approved with the following correction: page 2 the fourth paragraph begins "Myrna - Supports… replace "a measure" with "Option 3".

2006 Revenue Increase – Kerry Kuykendoll, Rate Administration

Kerry Kuykendoll reported that the Board approved a revenue increase of 8% for 2006. A block was added to the existing structure for residential customers who use over 80,000 gallons in one billing period. Kerry reviewed the Board discussion on the topic. This was the first year a letter writing campaign was directed at the Board. Clean Water Action encouraged people to write to the Board expressing their support of rates which encourage conservation. Literally hundreds of letters were received.

Tim stated that the role of Denver Water has not been to dictate how water is used. If the customer pays the SDC for the right size tap, the use of the water is determined by the customer. Conservation-based rates or other programs to dictate how water is used are topics which need further discussion. Is it the role of Denver Water to dictate uses, or should that be left up to local governments?

Proposed Education Program – Stacey Renouf, Community Relations

Stacey distributed information on the Water Wise program which Denver Water has used over the last several years. This is a national program and Denver Water is one of the largest clients for the program. A conservation kit is sent home with the 5th grade students who participate. Feedback from teachers, students and parents has all been positive; however, since the program is national, it lacks local information. In 2006, the kits will include an information booklet specific to Denver Water and its distributors.

In addition to the Water Wise program, Stacey has requested money for an education center and video, which will begin as soon as the budget is approved. The center would be located at the Recycling Plant and the video would be geared toward elementary/middle school students.

Rick Sackbauer had requested that DW work with the Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) as it prepares an education program. Stacey has consulted CFWE and attended a workshop they sponsored in Glenwood Springs. After researching numerous programs, Water Wise seems to be the best program available. DW will continue to work with CFWE and list them as a link on the DW website.

Rate Design Workgroup – Linda Firth, Manager of Community Relations

The ground rules for the workgroup and the makeup of the group were discussed. Linda requested input from the CAC. Twenty-two responses came in after dozens of ads and a mailing were conducted to solicit members. Nine residential customers were selected. Myrna stressed that the Water Caucus should be consulted; she believes that organization would be interested in sending a representative to be a part of the workgroup.

A facilitator, John Gallagher, and a process person, Lisa Carlson, have been hired. Roberta had requested a process person be a part of the facilitation team. DW staff will serve as support for the workgroup. The first meeting to establish a schedule will be in late 2005. Linda anticipates regular meetings will begin in early 2006. Linda will suggest the workgroup bring in outside speakers to discuss various rate issues and rate models.

The CAC may continue to send Linda suggestions for the workgroup composition.

CAC Business

Proposed Board Resolution – The CAC received a copy of the proposed resolution on Monday, September 12, 2005. It was the understanding of the CAC that the Board may vote on the proposed resolution on September 28, 2005. After discussion, the following motion was presented:

Motion – The CAC recommends the Board delay consideration of the Proposed Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Denver Water to allow for additional time for public comment.
     5 – in favor  0 – opposed

Subcommittee Reports – The BMP subcommittee would like to have a speaker on Land Contouring as a means of conserving water. Joe has contacted two possible speakers, but both declined. Larry has a contact which he will forward to Joe.

Joe stated the CAC could form a subcommittee for the IRP process. Half of the next CAC meeting will be devoted to the IRP update. Members of the CAC suggested the formation of an IRP subcommittee should be discussed after the October meeting.

CAC Terms – Myrna and Roberta will complete their first term in December 2005. Joe requested that both confirm at the October meeting if they wish to serve another term. Tim will complete his second term and has discussed the opening with the some of the distributors.

Attendance at Board Meetings –
Board Workshop, September 28, 2005 – Myrna will see if Roberta can attend.
Board Meeting, October 12, 2005 – Russell will attend.

Contact with Constituents – Jim plans on attending talks on the issue of Water in the State of Colorado at the Museum of Science and Nature. Larry has received many calls from HOAs requesting water audits. It appears there is a great deal of interest due to recent drought conditions. Myrna stated there continues to be a great deal of interest in rates and conservation in the environmental community. She continues to be involved with several environmental groups and receives communication on the subject from numerous sources. Russell attended the national HBA conference for the first time. Water is a national issue for the HBA and that was reflected in several sessions at the conference.

Future CAC Agenda Items –

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.