City Council Minutes 2013 04 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes April 2, 2013 Page 3 of 21 City Manager Fleming reported with the low snowpack and the forecast for drought, many Front Range cities are already practicing or have announced mandatory water restrictions. Such water suppliers include: Denver Water; Ft Collins; Aurora; Thornton; Brighton and Colorado Springs. He requested Public Works Director Kowar outline the provisions of the Executive Order for placing mandatory water restrictions in Louisville. Public Works Director Kowar stated the City is taking a conservative approach. The current drought represents a threat to communities in many ways: dryness throughout the Louisville watershed has high potential for fire risk, which could impact the primary water supply; reservoir storage levels and reduced runoff represent water supply management challenges for both 2013 and beyond if current dry trends continue. The Executive Order would restrict outdoor watering to no more than 2 days per week on a specified schedule beginning May 1st. The restrictions aim for a 20% reduction in water use by requiring the following: • Single-family residential properties with even-numbered addresses will be able to water on Sunday and Thursday. • Single-family residential properties with odd-numbered addresses will be able to water on Saturday and Wednesday. • All other properties (multi-family, HOA, commercial, industrial) will be able to water on Tuesday and Friday. • No watering between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM. • Parks and Recreation facilities will be developing reduced watering plans to provide water only for continuation of outdoor recreational programs, preserving trees, and concentrated use areas with an overall target reduction of 20%. This approach is consistent with what is being followed by other Parks and Recreation departments supplied by Denver Water and surrounding municipalities. To address water fund revenue stability, staff may propose to implement rate surcharges later in the summer. Water customers may have to pay a higher water bill or have bills similar to what they currently see even if they reduce their consumption of water. Such surcharges are meant to maintain sufficient revenue during a time of decreased water usage. Staff will delay Parks and Capital projects installation of landscaping, which are not state or federally mandated. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Keany asked if the City's water schedule is the same as Denver's. Public Works Director Kowar confirmed it is the same schedule. PUBLIC COMMENTS