City Council Minutes 2003 05 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting May 6, 2003 Page 8 of 11 should be broken down in smaller increments. He reviewed the Drought Water Rate Surcharge Plan and stated with Council approval, Staff would amend the Plan to reflect more of a gradual approach to rate disincentives and de-emphasis lump sum charges for exceeding consumption allowances. He noted Louisville resident John Leary submitted an Alternative Drought Plan, which provides a water budget concept to allocate water resources, and transfers between residential accounts. Phare explained the approach is not compatible with the City's utility billing systems. COUNCIL COMMENT Davidson reviewed the comments of the residents, and voiced his opinion that the water rate surcharge should be an incentive to conserve water. Van Pelt noted the residents were very supportive of water conservation and the surcharge rate. She suggested water conservation measures be added to the plan. She asked Phare to address Mr. Leary's Alternative Drought Plan. Phare stated the City's utility billing system is not set up for water budgeting and noted the complexity of the plan would require a 1 to 2 year analysis. There was Council discussion relative to an appeal process. Davidson suggested an administrative appeal process for hardship and for large families. Sisk voiced his concern with the number of exemptions and suggested there should be some criteria. He noted that although only 14 to 16 people attended the meeting, the majority of the residents understand and support the plan. Levihn and Brown agreed that those attending the public meeting were supportive of the management, plan, and that there should be criteria in considering the hardship issues. Levihn commented on a misconception that the City is encouraging the residents to use more water. He voiced his belief the City should encourage water conservation. Phare reviewed City's management of water during the drought. He noted the Land Management Department is investigating utilizing water through select facilities and targeting at the highest and best use of facilities. He stated that would become a component of the City's Drought Management Plan. He updated Council on the 2003 Water Projections and reported Marshall Lake, Harper Lake and the Louisville Reservoir are all full and Windy Gap has been pumping water into the system. He stated Staff attended the Northern District meeting and received word that the higher snowmelt has not yet occurred. He stressed there is still a lot of moisture in the mountains, and the peak runoff also has not occurred. He stated the City is meeting its daily demand through the stream rights and the stored water has not been used. He estimated the City would operate on stream rights until the middle or June. Staff will continue to keep Council informed on the City's water supply. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT None.