CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes

October 18, 2007

CAC Members in Attendance: Theresa Jehn-Dellaport (Chair), Barbara Boardman, Becky Long, Rick Sackbauer and David Spector

DW Staff:  Chips Barry and Joe Sloan

Guest:  Tim Flynn

OPENING REMARKS, AGENDA AND MINUTES

Minutes were approved as presented.  The agenda was amended and Denver Water Update was moved to the end of the agenda.      

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CAC BYLAWS

The CAC discussed a proposal to add a second West Slope representative to the CAC.  David pointed out the CAC needed six member present to make changes to the CAC Bylaws.  The item was tabled for a future CAC meeting. 

UPDATE ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO OPERATING RULES

Copies of the draft Operating Rules were available.  The Board will vote on the proposed changes to the Operating Rules at a future meeting.        

UDATE ON USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED CAMPAIGN

Copies of Sukle’s monthly reports were included in the CAC packet.  A research company is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the ad campaign.   The research company’s report should be available by the November CAC meeting.  

DENVER WATER UPDATE – Chips Barry, Manager

Mediation with the West Slope is where Chips and the Board are spending a good amount of his time.  The mediated talks with the West Slope are going well and progress is being made.  Rick stated there are diverse views on the West Slope but things are gong in a positive direction.  The complexity of the water issues on the West Slope makes the process very slow. 

Climate change is another important issue for DW.   There are many organizations working on how to “fix” climate change.  Chips thinks the role of the manger is to make sure DW is able to adapt to climate change.  Data shows it is occurring and DW has a responsibility to be prepared as changes in the climate occur.   DW does not want to get involved in the debate but has to be prepared for future and the future indicates there will be changes in the climate.  All western water providers should be involved in this issue. 

A new Director of Planning will be selected to replace Ed Pokorney.  The Engineering section is working on a project which will more accurately match costs with what has been budgeted.  Too often additional monies are budgeted for projects for the “what ifs” involved in huge engineering projects.   DW is working to be more responsible with resources and match costs with what has been budgeted. 

Monitoring work on federal water standards is also an important issue.  DW needs to be ahead of any changes to federal water standards. 

CAC BUSINESS   

The CAC discussed the format of future meetings.  Some informational presentation will be useful, but, the CAC would like to see the Board and staff utilize the CAC as a resource for input/discussions on issues and policies.  

Future agenda items – GIS, Climate Change, Customer Care, CIS,  Human Resources, legislative updates and updates on mediation efforts.     

Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm