City Council Minutes 2015 01 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 6, 2015 Page 7 of 15 PUBLIC COMMENT Debby Fahey, 1118 W. Enclave Circle, Louisville, CO stated there are funds available for emergencies, however, most of the money raised by the Senior Foundation goes to Xcel Energy bills and cannot be used for other utilities. There are funds raised from other sources such as the silent auction, however, currently there is a deficit in that fund. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Muckle also agreed with smoothing the increases over a period of time. He noted the Wastewater Treatment Facility is mandated for improvements. He supported the drainage project and felt it will be a valued activity. He stated a flood in the area would be devastating to those property owners. As to whether the projects should be shifted, he felt it would affect the funds available through Urban Drainage. Public Works Director Kowar explained the stormwater project was an outcome of a 2011 study of the drainage on the eastern portion of the City. At the time, there was not any support from the City of Lafayette or Boulder County Open Space, but over the past few years the City has developed those partnerships. He felt Urban Drainage would be flexible and the project could be moved. The overall 50% increase in the residential rates is over a five -year period. He felt the project is beneficial and it is not a major impact to the utility bill. The wastewater treatment plant is the City's biggest impact and it will be difficult to smooth those rates. With respect to the intergenerational equity, he noted this is a 20 -year loan. Mayor Muckle requested staff take the Council's comments into account for the February 3, 2015 meeting. Public Works Director Kowar asked if staff provided enough data for the February 3rd meeting. Council members confirmed the data was sufficient. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND LAFAYETTE- LOUISVILLE BOUNDARY AREA DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS COLORADO WATER RESOURCES AND POWER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PUBLIC MEETING FOR A STATE LOAN Mayor Muckle requested a staff presentation Public Works Director Kowar noted with respect to the utilities rate plan, an essential component is acquiring loans to build a $30 Million wastewater treatment plant and for an $8.5 Million stormwater project. The City staff has been working towards an application process for approval of low interest loans from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (CWRPDA). A State Revolving Loan Fund requires a public meeting where the project is presented with 30 -day notice of the public meeting. The public meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2015.