City Council Minutes 2002 05 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting May 21, 2002 Page 3 have been implemented to truck water to the City's reservoir. He noted that other communities have voluntary restrictions of 10 to 15 % and voiced concern that the 50% reduction in water usage could affect property values. He stated that there are better solutions to the water usage. He noted that it would be absurd to truck in water to the City's water reservoirs and it is likewise absurd that all individuals use the same amount of water. He stated that citizens who have low water maintenance landscaping will not receive any benefit for their actions and are subject to reducing their water consumption. He agreed that long-term water conservation measures must be considered. COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL COMMENTS ON PERTINENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Mayer addressed the issue of water restrictions and stated that the goal should be to limit the amount of water each household uses instead of exactly how the water is used. He stated that he has had discussions with several water districts involved in water conservation. As a result of those discussions, Mayer voiced his belief that there should be an economic incentive plan implemented similar to the City of Lafayette. He asked Council to consider directing Staff to research other methods of limiting water usage. He suggested that the limit of water be lowered and an escalation of charges for water consumption be determined, and finally, that each household be allotted a certain amount of water for their consumption. Sisk stated that individual circumstances cannot be addressed in any ordinance or law. He stated that some action had to be taken immediately and he emphasized that this is a significant drought. He noted that the City stored as much water as possible for 2002. He suggested that conservation efforts of the citizens should be awarded and noted modifications could be made. He stressed that there is a plan in place, and urged Council to support the emergency ordinance. Davidson stated that Governor Owens has declared drought situations in the entire State of Colorado. He noted that the snow pack is 11% of normal limits. He explained that the City has purchased as much water as possible. He stated that this is a crisis situation, the driest year on record and if these conditions continue, there will be no water for household uses. He explained that the City of Lafayette has established a 75% cutback in consumption, which allows outdoor watering only once a week, and monitors the number of gallons per household. Davidson reviewed the City's water sources of South Boulder Creek, Marshall Lake and Colorado Big Thompson. He stated that the City of Louisville is fortunate to have water and that all the citizens will share the resources. Lynda Muhlbauer, 192 Regal Street, Louisville, Co asked if the City owns senior water rights and if steps have been taken to ensure that junior water rights holders do not take Louisville's water. 3