City Council Study Session Summary 2002 05 14

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The Balfour project contains 103 units, comprised of one and two bedrooms and two cottage units. The architect submitted a fixture count of 2,300, without irrigation, which would be a 340 gallon- per-minute flow. Tom Phare explained that the current ordinance providing for 60% of the standard tap fee is supportable, given the fact that a number of units in the Balfour development are two bedroom units with likely higher occupancy rates. Balfour has stated that they feel a 3” tap is adequate; however, Phare did not believe this is supported by the demand calculation for the project. He explained that the occupancy rate is difficult to determine for the project. The per person use may be low; however, extensive landscaping use increases the per person use. He went on to explain that each community calculates their water fees based differently; some recap capital improvement costs and other do not. There was some discussion whether to consider the property a commercial property rather than a residential property. Jay Keany & Tom Mayer stated that they did not believe the City of Louisville could offer a commercial tap fee to a property that was not taxed as a commercial property. Tom Mayer suggested that the City have an independent analysis completed to determine whether the project is commercial or residential. Rich Lopez, attorney for Michael Schoenbrun, stated that the majority of independent living facilities are occupied by widows/widowers. He also stated that Arvada and Westminster have determined that impact fees should be different for senior housing. Tom Mayer expressed support for Tom Phare’s calculations. Mayor Davidson stated that the City could not review each use for tap fee requests; fees must be set based upon an average. The City’s tap fees are set to cover costs. Don Brown questioned whether this use was so different that it would warrant a special tap fee. Michele Van Pelt questioned whether the City Council really wanted to go back through the entire fee structure just for this type of facility. Water Conservation Plan Update Tom Phare and Peggy Flaherty stated that the City has formed a working group to address water use. The Council Water Committee approved the proposal for mandatory restrictions outlining watering two nights per week for ten minutes per zone. There was discussion on methods to inform the citizens about the watering restrictions. Council members stated that they did not realize the severity of the drought; therefore, the citizens might not either. Staff explained that the City will place ads in the local newspaper, contact businesses and homeowner associations, establish a City hotline, and place information on the City’s website. Mayor Davidson stated that it is important for the City to have a person available to speak to 2