City Council Minutes 2003 04 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting April 1, 2003 Page 14 of 22 Public Works Director Tom Phare addressed the drought management plan. He stated the plan was placed on the City's Web Page for two weeks and he received two email comments: 1) A request for special permits to accommodate irrigation needs in case of emergency; 2) Consideration for the number of inhabitants in the household. Phare suggested informing the public of the plan through public meetings, public hearings and notices in late April and implementation of the plan at the first City Council meeting in May. He asked for Council direction. Keany asked if the plan was posted at the Recreation Center or the Library. Phare stated the plan was on the Web Page and discussed at work session and Council meetings. There was considerable Council discussion: Keany stated last year he had citizen requests that Saturday be the pass day. He noted the pass day in the plan is Monday and asked if that could be exchanged for Saturday. He stated he had heard large family feel they are discriminated against. Marsella asked for data from other communities on their water conservation measures. Brown stressed the importance of getting public input and suggested a separate public hearing. He stated he obtained information from DRCOG on a Metro-wide survey of water conservation measures and would share the information with Staff. Van Pelt agreed there should be a separate public hearing. Phare stated Staff would send notice to residents, and make copies of the Final Draft Drought Management plans available at public places. In addition, a date would be set for a public meeting and data from other communities would be obtained. Phare updated Council on the City's water supply and stated the snowstorm had a huge impact on the snow pack and likely snowmelt. He explained at this time there is 120% to 140% excess of average snow pack for this time of the year. He addressed the water the City can expect from the South Boulder Creek and stated it would depend on several factors, but conservatively, 3,500 acre-feet of water could be expected from South Boulder Creek. He stated the City could be significantly more generous with irrigation water than last year. He recommended extending the Executive Order on water restrictions and establishing an irrigation program that would take effect mid-April. He stated the City continues to acquire water rights of CBT as well as basin water, primarily in Marshall Lake. He recommended a program watering twice weekly, and an odd/even day program. He would recommend the duration of watering periods at a later time. He requested the Executive Order to extended to April 18, 2003. Van Pelt stated the purpose of going to a rate-based system was to encourage water conservation. She questioned why the City would dictate the duration of watering. Phare stated from his experience, people tend to over-irrigate significantly in the early months. Brown agreed it is wise to go to a rate-based system, but stressed the importance of educating the public. Sisk requested Louisville's plan be consistent with the other Metro area's irrigation plans. 14