HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-12 WSB AGENDAWATER& SEWER BOARD
AGENDA
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
5:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
ENGLEWOOD CITY HALL
1. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 14, 2011 MEETING. (ATT. 1)
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
2. GUEST: DAVID HILL -WATER LITIGATION ISSUES.
RESUME REGULAR WATER BOARD MEETING:
3. RECORDING WATER BOARD MEETINGS.
4. PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
(ATT. 2)
5. MEMO FROM BILL McCORMICK RE: LEASE FROM AT&T CELLULAR
PHONE ANTENNAS. (ATT. 3)
6. MARTIN & WOOD -PROVIDE WATER RESOURCES FOR SWEDISH
MEDICAL CENTER. (ATT . 4)
7 . BUDGETING FOR WATER & SEWER RATE STUDIES AND WATER
CONSERVATION PLAN. (ATT. 5)
8. STANDARD BILLING TEMPLATE. (ATT. 6)
9. OTHER.
WATER AND SEWER BOARD
MINUTES
June 14, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m .
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Clark, Wiggins, Woodward, Mccaslin,
Habenicht, Olson, Cassidy, Wiggins
Higday
Stewart Fonda, Director of Utilities
John Bock, Admin. Manager of Utilities.
Tom Brennan, Utilities Engineer
Bill McCormick, Operations Supt -Util.
Jim Veryser, Public Utilities Tech
1. MINUTES OF THE MAY 10, 2011 MEETING.
The Englewood Water and Sewer Board received the minutes of the May 10, 2011
meeting . Mr. Wiggins noted a correction.
Mr. Habenicht moved;
Mr. Clark seconded:
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
Motion carried.
To approve the minutes of the May 10, 2011
meeting, as amended.
Clark, Wiggins, Woodward, Mccaslin,
Habenicht, Olson, Cassidy, Wiggins
None
Higday
2. GUEST : HOLLY HYNDRYX -3537 S. MARION ST . REPLACING A
SEWER LINE UNDER A GARAGE.
Ms. Hyndryx appeared before the Board requesting a variance to allow her to keep the
Schedule 35 pipe, versus the Schedule 40, for converting a carport to a garage. Ms.
Hendryx noted that she would be willing to sign a waiver taking full financial
responsibility if anything would be affected in the sewer line under the constructed
garage . The sewer service line was TV ' d and found to be in good condition. Kim
McLeod, a structural engineer with Scottish Builders, appeared on behalf of Ms. Hyndryx
to express his opinion that the Schedule 35 pipe would not collapse under the weight of
the new garage , and if a problem were to occur, the sewer line could be re-routed around
the garage without disturbing the neighbor. Mr. McLeod submitted a letter to the garage
contractor, Jerry Krizek of Republic Garages , expressing this opinion.
The Board was agreeable to a variance on the condition that the variance and engineers
report be recorded against the title.
Mr. Cassidy moved;
Ms . Olson seconded:
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
Motion carried.
To allow a variance to allow the existing
Schedule 35 pipe to remain under the garage
to be constructed at 3537 S. Marion St. The
variance and engineer's report will be
recorded against the title to the property.
Clark, Wiggins, Woodward , McCaslin,
Habenicht, Olson, Cassidy, Wiggins
None
Higday
3. WATER RIGHTS UPDATEFROMDAVIDHILLDATED 5-9-11.
The Board received an update from Mr. David Hill dated May 9, 2011 on developments
in water litigation cases in which Englewood is involved.
4. GUEST: RY AN LAIRD, 3032 S. CORONA ST.
RE: SEWER RATE COMPUTATIONS & WATER CONSERVATION
REPORT.
Mr. Ryan Laird of 3032 S. Corona St. appeared to discuss concerns regarding
inaccuracies on the minimum and flat rate sewer computations. Mr. Laird discussed how
he believes that when foreclosures on a flat rate sell and change ownership, they are not
being detected by the Utilities Department, and subsequently made to convert to meter.
Mr. Laird also stated that the metering assistance program is not being aggressively
promoted. John Bock noted that it has been put in The Pipeline and the Citizen. It is also
on the Utilities website .
Mr. Laird discussed that future Water Board members and City Council should be
informed that Englewood is not in compliance with the Water Conservation Act. The
Water Board 's general consensus was that it did not want to force metering before a
property changed hands and believes the existing conversion plan is sufficient. It was
noted that metering conversion was established by the Utilities Department before it had
to be.
Mr. Laird asked what parts of the 1997 Water Conservation Plan were completed by the
Utilities Department. Infiltration due to leaks in water and sewer mains was discussed ..
Mr. McCormick noted the main repair and replacement programs that are in effect.
Mr. Wiggins recommended that Mr. Laird address issues with staff and arrange a meeting
to discuss . Chairman Clark noted that he does not want to discuss issues that were
addressed at the last meeting. Linda Olson recommended that Mr. Laird submit questions
to staff.
Mr. Laird was asked to briefly summarize the points he wants to convey to the Board. He
noted how water and sewer rate structures have not been evaluated since the 1970's and
1980's and that rates have increased. He believes the rates need have a more equitable
rate structure. Mr. Burns recommended that staff make every effort to distribute
information and look into finding foreclosures.
Mr. Laird requested a tiered rate structure and updated Water Conservation Plan.
The Board also received a communication from Elizabeth Haskel with the Colorado
Legislative Council staff, regarding Englewood's noncompliance with the Water
Conservation Plan. Ms. Haskel relayed that she had briefly listened to the Council
meeting Mr. Laird attended and she encourages Mr. Laird to continue to work at the local
level.
5. LETTER OF RECOGNITION.
The Board received a service report regarding Rob Worek commending his help during a
leak at a shut off valve at 2107 E. Dartmouth Circle.
6. DA YID PRADO -780 W. OXFORD A VE. -CITY DITCH.
Mr. David Prado of 780 W . Oxford Ave. appeared to discuss his concerns since the City
Ditch was piped at Oxford and Huron St. Mr. Prado noted that he now has problems with
people cutting through his yard, sometimes on bicycles. He has put up no trespassing
signs without success . Mr. McCormick noted that to fence this area would take about
300' of fence and that the City has never fenced private property along the City Ditch.
Ms. Olson noted that this section of ditch was piped to prevent Mr. Prado's property from
flooding. Mayor Woodward discussed using a flash camera on a pole that is currently
being used to catch graffiti offenders . He noted that it could possibly be borrowed from
the police department. Mr. McCormick will also investigate purchasing a flash camera.
Mr. McCormick distributed pictures of the recently piped section of the City Ditch at
Huron and Oxford. Mr. McCormick reviewed the process that adjacent citizens must
complete before a license agreement would be issued. Most important is that all adjacent
homeowners must agree and that a detailed comprehensive plan be submitted.
7. WATER RELATED NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.
The Board received the following articles discussing water related issues:
"Chatfield project to nearly double water storage stirs environmental issues," from the
May 23, 2011 Denver Post .
"Million" water pipeline plan sets the wrong precedent," from the May 22 , 2011 Denver
Post.
"The big losers: Colorado rivers," from the May 22 , 2011 Denver Post.
"Colorado Supreme court affirms water court ruling," from 9News.com.
"Englewood-endorsed warranty for water-line breaks no scam," from the June 1, 2011
Denver Post.
"Joplin plant weathers storm, crews swarm to restore service," from the May 31 , 2011
A WW A Streamlines .
8. MARTIN & WOOD -WORKING FOR THE RIVERSIDE IRRIGATION
DISTRICT PROJECT.
The Board received a letter from Joe Tom Wood of Martin and Wood Water Consultants ,
seeking permission from Englewood to become the water rights engineer for the
Riverside Irrigation District and the Riverside Irrigation Company.
The Riverside entities divert direct flow and storage rights from the South Platte River
east of Greeley for irrigation. The entities have junior water rights from the river which
are diverted to recharge structures to augment wells. They would inform Englewood if
potential conflicts arise.
Mr. Habenicht moved;
Mr. Cassidy seconded :
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
Motion carried.
To give Martin and Wood Water
Consultants permission from Englewood to
become the water rights engineer for the
Riverside Irrigation District and the
Riverside Irrigation Company. . · ., :
Clark, Wiggins, Woodward, Mccaslin,
Habenicht, Olson, Cassidy, Wiggins
None
Higday
.;
9. COUNCIL REQUEST #11-114 FROM RICK GILLIT .
The Board received a request from Councilman Gillit inquiring why Water and Sewer .
Board meetings are not recorded. Woodward noted the confidential nature of water law
issues that are discussed at the meetings.
10 . WATER LINE INSURANCE PROGRAM .
Mayor Woodward discussed the calls received from citizens regarding the information
sent from Service Line Warranties. Mr. Woodward talked to Service Line Warranties and
was told that as of last week 1180 residences have signed up. This is the highest response
they have ever received from a mailing. Stu noted that the industry has had its' share of
scams and Service Line Warranties wants to maintain their endorsement.
The fall mailing to be sent out by Service Line Warranties was discussed. Mr. Woodward
noted that the Englewood logo will be smaller and the mailing envelope will be changed.
It will also be more defined that the program is voluntary.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p .m .
The next Englewood Water Board meeting will be July 12, 2011 in the Community
Development Conference Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Isl Cathy Burrage
Recording Secretary
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR ANSWERING
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
On the issues of misrepresentation and transparency, it is apparent that the current
procedure directed by the Water and Sewer Board in which staff attempts to answer
questions is not working. To resolve this issue, staff is suggesting some procedures be
adopted by the Board. By way of example the following procedure, or any other that
would accomplish this goal , is suggested.
Persons wishing to submit questions to the Water and Sewer board would submit their
questions in writing one week prior to the monthly meeting. The Water and Sewer Board
would request staff to provide written or verbal responses to the questions they determine
require a staff response. The written responses would be provided in the next Water and
Sewer Board agenda packets. The Board could then question the staff and receive
responses from the customer. All meetings would be recorded to provide documentation
of what was presented.
Concerning Freedom of Information Act requests, all requests would be handled in
accordance with the City policy which requires payment for staff time involving more
than one hour.
It is also suggested that presentations be limited to 5 minutes per person as is currently
done in City Council meetings. Those addressing the Water and Sewer Board could
supply written comments one week before the meeting to complement their presentation.
MEMORANDUM
TO : Englewood Wat~ewer Board
Bill McCormick, Operations Supt. -Utilities FROM:
DATE: June 27, 2011
RE: Lease for Cellular Antennas -Sherman Water Tank
AT&T contacted the City in October and November of 2010 to extend the existing lease
and lower the lease rates. The Utilities Department declined their offer. AT&T has
submitted another change to the lease.
The City Attorney's office reviewed the proposed, "AT&T Optimization Program WS-
25564," and submitted the attached memo of issues regarding the latest revision.
One of the most concerning is pursuant to a telephone conversation I had with AT&T
regarding what structures would be placed on Englewood's Sherman Tank water tower.
The proposed lease agreement would allow up to 12 antennas to be placed on the tank, as
opposed to the existing three . In my conversation with Veren Rai of AT&T, he indicated
that up to twelve antennas are necessary, and three would not be acceptable for their
operations .
Other proposed amendments are a termination clause which allows the tenant (AT&T) to
terminate the agreement at any time with written notice, but not the landlord
(Englewood); a clause that lists instances where the tenant would be released from paying
rent and three choices for the calculation of rent payments. They have also requested a
possible rent reduction for this site . Other "enhanced sections" expand the parties, times
and requirements for access and would allow the tenant to sublease.
Allowing twelve antennas on the Sherman Tank and the other changes proposed could
seriously impede the operations and access necessary for operation of this vital water
source. From the water distribution operations standpoint, it is recommended that the
Board not approve the proposed lease agreement.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Bill McCormick, Utilities Administration Manager ~
Stu Fonda, Director of Utilities
FROM : Nancy Reid, Assistant City Attorney
DATE: June 13, 2011
REGARDING: Sherman Water Tank I Lease for Cellular Antennas -Proposed
Amendment to AT&T Lease Agreement Review.
Original Lease Agreement Terms:
1. Effective: January 1, 1994
2. Term: Five years plus five, five year renewals.
3 . Renewals : Tenant must notify City 90 days before termination if any termination.
4 . Dates: 1999 end of original term
2004 Renewal #1
2009 Renewal #2
2014 Renewal #3
2019 Renewal #4
2024 Renewal #5 -Lease terminates.
Please note those dates so that you can do a periodic check on the amounts and
payments of the Lease .
AT&T contacted the City in October and November 2010 in an attempt to extend the Lease and
lower the Lease rates. The Utilities Department declined that offer. AT&T has now proposed
another change to the lease called: "AT&T Optimization Program WS-25564 " which would
change the "economics" and extend the Lease.
A comparison of the original Lease and the proposed Amendment are as follows:
Rent: Started at $500 per month which equals $6 ,000 per year with increases after each (5 year)
term based on the CPI for the Denver Metro Statistical Area. The current rent is $792 . 70 per
month or $9,513.40 per year.
This Summary Sheet says the rent will be paid annually and will start at $9,000 per year and
increase by 15 % at the end of each (5 year) term. The Lease would also start anew and run for
360 months from the date of execution, thereby extending the Lease for thirteen years .
The Amendment:
The document is labeled as an Amendment, however; the second party is listed as New Cingular
Wireless PCS , LLC and no documents have been provided to show New Cingular is the
successor in interest to AT&T .
They have provided a Summary Term Sheet which states that they are reviewing their sites and
want to make their leases more efficient and economical and that they are "requesting a rent
reduction" for this site; and ask for confirmation of basic information.
As for the sample "Amendment to Lease Agreement," we prefer to use the City's form of lease.
However, a review of this proposed agreement is as follows:
• Paragraph 1 -provides for a New Initial Tem1 and five new renewals which would
extend the possible total lease time for fourteen years past the current possible lease
term. The notice not to renew a term has been reduced from 90 to 60 days.
• Paragraph 2 -Refers to the "Rent Guarantee Period" which is not clearly defined and
provides that the Tenant (not the City) may terminate with to-be-negotiated notice, or
without notice upon payment of a to-be-negotiated fee. The current Lease provides for
certain conditions and notice periods for temlination by either party.
• Paragraph 4 -Lists several instances where the Tenant shall be released its obligation to
pay rent. It also refers to the "Rent Guarantee Period" which is to-be-negotiated .
• Paragraph 5 -Gives three possible choices for the calculation of rent payments. The
forth, with annual payments and a percentage increase over the previous 5 year term,
most closely matches the Summary Sheet.
Next, are provided "Special Enhancements" sections:
Permitted Use -Adds parties and uses not in the current Lease (Paragraph 3) the
access is currently tenant only -without invitees, subtenants etc. the proposal also
allows an expansion in number and types of antennas and requires the Landlord's
cooperation in obtaining permits without a limitation as is provided in the current
Lease .
24/7 Access -Expands the parties , times and requirements upon the landlord
regarding access .
Sublease -This provides for Sublease to any licensed entity where the current
Lease does not.
Removal/Restoration -Has the City waiving its rights as a landlord i .e . liens and
statutory landlord rents .
Memorandum of Lease -N I A.
Sale of Property -N I A.
Taxes -Limits the City's right to seek reimbursement from tenant for any taxes
due to the tenants facility.
The remainder of the proposed terms are boiler plate and not discussed here.
While the proposed amendments are legal , it does not appear that this agreement and the
modifications are to the benefit of the City. The amendments dilute the legal rights of the City
under the current Lease; increases some liability for the City and may or may not increase the
rental payments over the life of the Lease.
Attachment
NNR/nf
City of Englewood
Water and Sewer Board
Attn: Stu Fonda
1000 Englewood Parkway
Englewood, CO 80110
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
June 20, 2011
Martin and Wood Water Consultants, Inc.
602 Park Point Drive, Suite 275, Golden, CO 80401
Phone : (303) 526-2600 . Fax : (303) 526-2624
www.martinandwood.com
Re: Martin and Wood
Working for the Swedish Medical
Center
Pursuant to a conversation that I had with Stu Fonda on June 17, 2011, Martin and
Wood will provide water resources consulting for the Swedish Medical Center.
The Swedish Medical Center wishes to engage Martin and Wood to evaluate some
existing tributary and non-tributary well(s) on its facility located in the City of Englewood.
The project may also entail Martin and Wood's involvement in preparing a Substitute Water
Supply Plan and Water Court application for a plan for augmentation.
As Stu requested, we shall inform Englewood of any potential conflicts with
Englewood that we may have in performing our work for the Swedish Medical Center, so
that Englewood may, if need be , engage another consultant. As we understand Swedish's
water rights, we believe that any potential conflict with Englewood's water rights would be
remote and insignificant.
We wish to thank Englewood most sincerely for allowing us to take· on another client
on the river during these times.
Very Truly Yours,
MARTIN AND WOOD WAQ;;;:r;c
J~:m tood, P.E.
President
BUDGETING FOR WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDIES
AND
WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
Water conservation measures generally fall into two broad categories, forced
conservation and voluntary conservation. At this time the Utilities Department strongly
encourages and supports voluntary conservation by Englewood customers. Voluntary
water conservation measures promoted by the Utilities Department have been published
in The Pipeline as far back as 1991. These measures include a lawn watering calendar,
xeriscaping recommendations and water conservation tips. There is a City ordinance
prohibiting water waste. Forced conservation measures include, but are not limited to,
mandatory watering days, conservation based rate structures and mandatory conversion
to metered usage for flat rate customers. All of these measures require some sacrifice and
inconvenience to be endured by Englewood customers. Mandatory watering days require
residents to schedule their time around the watering days.
Conservation based rate structures can result in very large bills or the fear of very large
bills when residents do not keep track of their usage during a billing period. It therefore
follows that conservation based rate structures could hinder voluntary conversions to
meters. A forced rapid conversion to meters would present hardships to many flat rate
customers . Currently the City requires conversion when the property changes hands and,
over a period of time, this has reduced the number of flat rate accounts from about 9,000
to about 2,000.
The City has a water conservation plan that no longer meets state requirements because
the City has non-metered accounts and is therefore in violation of state statutes Article
97, 37-97-103. The penalty for not being in compliance with this article is that the City is
no longer eligible for subsidized state loans. When the City received previous loans for
the water and sewer funds dated May 1, 2004, the City was in compliance with the
statute. A 50% conversion of flat rate accounts was required on or before January 1,
2005. The Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority issued the
loans based on the conservation plan submitted in 1997 . House Bill 04-1365 required
submission of a new or revised plan for all new loans on or after 2006. The Water Utility
has received subsequent financing in the private market because non-metered customers
exist, and the City cannot therefore quality for a state loan.
Generally water utilities impose forced conservation measures because they do not have
adequate water supplies to allow for additional growth or to prevent severe restrictions in
dry years. The City of Englewood has more than adequate water supplies to allow for
growth. The City also has more than adequate supplies to not require watering
restrictions under drought conditions that have been experienced in Colorado up to this
time.
Whether the City wishes to impose forced conservation measures is a decision that must
be made by the Water and Sewer Board and the City Council. It should be noted that any
form of forced conservation removes the choice of the Englewood customer as to how
much conservation they must support . Staff is recommending that funds be put in the
Budget for 2012 to prepare a conservation plan ifthe Water and Sewer Board and
Council wish to proceed at that time. Staff would also recommend budgeting for water
and sewer rate studies for 2012 so that funds are available at that time if the Water and
Sewer Board and Council wish to proceed .
"John Bock
From:
Sent:
To:
Gary Sears
Tuesday , June 21 , 2011 12 :21 PM
John Bock
Subject: RE : Billing Template
Sue, please put this response in the packet.
From: John Bock
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 201112:15 PM
To: ryan laird (rlclimb@hotmail.com)
Cc: Dan Brotzman; Stu Fonda; Gary Sears; Cathy Burrage
Subject: FW: Billing Template
Dear Mr. Laird,
We have not yet explored these matters because billing department personnel cannot recall
receiving any customer concerns on this issue up to this point in time. There have been
requests for clarification on how the charges have been derived, and we have been able to
inform the customers on an individual basis to their satisfaction. Staff is not opposed,
however, to researching all of these issues if so directed by the Water and Sewer Board. This
would probably be an iterative process over a period of time since costs and results would
have to be compared. In addition, we have no idea what other customers feel is necessary so
addressing that issue would also appear to be necessary for the Board. Staff time could be
available in September when the budget process nears completion if the Board wishes to
proceed in this matter. We will present your inquiry and this response to the Board at the July
meeting.
Stu.
From: ryan laird [mailto:rlclimb@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2011 11:44 AM
To: John Bock; Cathy Burrage; Bob Mccaslin
Subject: Billing Template
John,
I wanted to make a clarification regarding the configurability of the billing system and how we can
improve the information on the bills. It may be best to direct this to Stewart Fonda, if you think it is
appropriate. Anyways, when I raised the concern that I thought the bills should have more detail on
them to let customers know what they were being charged for , my questions were dismissed . One of the
specific questions I asked was , "Why does the bill not show if the water and sewer cycle charges are
based on consumption or if it is based on an arbitrarily set minimum charge?" In response to this
question , Stewart Fonda answered , "We use a standard billing template that does not include that type
of information, but it is available upon request. That information is available at the city 's web site." As
you are aware , I have found the information on the Utility Department's website outdated and lacking
1
•
and I found it odd that a customer was being billed without providing any detailed information about the
services they received. So , in early May, I called the software company in Canada that you told me was
used to create the bill.
Advanced Utilities System told me that the software is not a standard billing template, but is in fact a
highly configurable billing system that could include a wide range of information on the bill including
measurement units, line-item breakdowns , and charge descriptions that distinguish between rate charges ,
minimum charges , and administrative fees. Now, I understand that any new software takes some time to
learn the capabilities , but a standard billing template is much different than a highly configurable
billing system. Perhaps I don 't understand the issue as much as I would hope. Is there an extra
subscription fee or consultant fee to use the highly configurable parts of the billing system? Did we only
purchase a trial version of the software?
I also understand that Stewart Fonda revised his answer at the May Water and Sewer Board meeting to
say that changes could be made to the bill. And I understand that it is a balancing act between providing
too much detail and not enough, and that space has to be used efficiently. In response, Mayor
Woodward indicated that he did not need to see three "payment -thank you" line items on the bill ,
especially when he only made one payment. It was also pointed out that there is a lot of wasted space on
the bill. I understand that outside Englewood customers may have sanitation district line item charges
and interceptor basin agreement line item charges , but other utilities and all the other bills I receive in
my home are able to provide detailed information to inform customers of the services and detailed costs
of those services.
In order to clarify, it would be helpful to know what changes the Utility Department is planning to make
to the water and sewer bill. Will volumetric units be shown on the bill , as indicated in previous
discussions? Will line-item breakdowns and charge descriptions be shown on the bill to show
administrative fees , minimum charges and rate charges? Will enough detail be shown to delineate
between flat rate charges and metered charges? Please let me know what we can expect on our future
water and sewer bills. Thanks for your time with this matter.
Ryan Laird
2
Englewood Herald: Opinion Pagel of 1
Englewood taking advantage of seniors on water bills
Posted : Tuesday, July 5, 201111 :26 am
Englewood is taking advantage of seniors on their water bills . We should not be treating our seniors with this disrespect.
About 2,000 of Englewood's residential households are still on a flat-rate water system . These senior households, usually consisting of one or two people, pay the equivalent of
4 .5 people 's water . The Utility Department admitted some of our seniors are charged for 20 ,000 gallons of water per month , which is twice the reported Engle wood average of
9,400 gallons , and forces these seniors to pay about $800 annually versus the average usage cost of about $400 .
My metered water bill for a household of two people and a standard lot is around $130 annually, but if I were on a flat-rate account I would be forced to pay around $290 . The
utility department and city council have stated multiple times that most flat-rate households are being charged for way more water than they use .
Ultimately, it is the senior resident's responsibility to pa y meter conversion costs to switch off the flat-rate plan, but the city should be helping our seniors to understand the
conversion process and to provide extra assistance . The utility department must provide all details of the ongoing overcharges, updated flat-rate conversion information, and
details of the Water Meter Assistance Program (a free lv.'.o-year loan) in the Englewood Citizen , the City's website and public discussion meetings.
They should provide our senior res idents a le velized payment plan so their metered summer and winter bills do not fluctuate widely . They should provide flexible times other than
the "9-to-5 weekdays" for the meter installation inspections. I encourage city council to discuss the problem at the Malley Senior Recreation Center in order to understand the
concerns our senior residents have encountered with the conversion . And to put it bluntly , the utility department should be helping our seniors instead of continuing to take extra
money from them in order to subsidize the water system .
The cost of conversion to a meter varies between households, but ran ges from $66 to around $400. The utility department performs a free inspection to recommend the cheapest
installation option . The low range is based on homes with an outside meter pit and the high range is based on a meter being installed inside the home by a plumber.
For installations requiring a plumber, I would like to make a plea to any bonded plumbers in the area, who would be willing to help our seniors, to contact me or the utility
department. I have called some local plumbers who are willing to provide a slightly discounted rate of around $100 to $140 per installation (plus $181 for meter and mete; yoke)
for groups of four senior households, which I will help coordi nate if people are inte rested .
If you would like more details on this problem, the overcharges on our sewer services or Engle wood's refusal to conserve water, please contact me at: rl climb@hotmail.com. As
a community, I hope we can help our senior residents when they need it.
Ryan Laird
Englewood
http ://www .ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/opinion/article _ 25d53b0a-a72c-l 1eO-a1e4-001 cc4c03286.htm1?m... 71712011
Format Dynamics :: CleanPrint :: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18436920 Page 1 of 2
denv·ernost.com ~I E DENVER PO!>T
denver and the west
Higher sewer rates
in Denver area the
price of improved . service
By Caitlin Gibbons
The Denver Post
Posted : 07/08/2011 01 :00 :00 AM MDT
Denver Wastewater raised sanitary sewer rates
for its 156 ,000 customers by 45 percent,
increasing the monthly cost to flush by about
$6.65.
The rate hike , effective July 1 , reflects the pass-
through cost of the Metro Wastewater
Reclamation District facility being built near
Brighton and the cost of mainta ining city sewer
lines .
"Sanitary sewer usage has increased over the
years, and Metro must build a new facility to
meet the demand . The new facility will be more
efficient and will ensure all EPA regulations are
met ," said Denver Public Works spokeswoman
Daelene Mix, referring to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency . "However, it comes at a cost
to both the city and county of Denver and its
residents ."
Denver contracts for sewage treatment with
Metro Wastewater. Metro Wastewater is building
a $480 million plant near Brighton to improve
service in its 715-square-mile service area that
includes 59 towns , cities and wastewater
districts, including Denver, Arvada, Aurora,
Brighton , Lakewood , Thornton and Westminster.
Mix said this is the city's first sewer-rate hike
since 1995. But it won't be the last: Sewer rates
will increase by 15 percent in 2012 and by 10
percent in 2013 , and each year thereafter based
on the Consumer Price Index.
About 59 percent of the average Denver sewer
bill is paid to Metro . The rest is used to maintain
the sewer system for collecting and transporting
waste from homes and businesses to Metro for
processing .
Metro's bill to Denver increased by about 34
percent , utility spokesman Steve Frank said . The
city will pay Metro about $45 million th is year.
Frank said Denver's bill went up "because of the
amount of water and how heavily polluted the
water is ."
"Metro is not-for-profit. We recover the cost of
doing business ," he said .
And the cost of doing business -processing
more than 140 million gallons of wastewater per
day across the system -is climbing as new
facilities are needed to keep up w ith a growing
population . Metro's capital construction budget
went up by 65 percent th is year.
Systemwide , the average Metro bill to cities will
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increase about 9 percent, Frank sa id . Metro will
collect about $94 million from its customers this
year.
However, cities may tack on additional fee
increases .
"The increase customers will see on their
monthly bill is not all Metro ," Frank said .
"Individual providers , like Denver, may also
increase their service rates ."
In fact , Denver Wastewater -managed by the
city's Public Works department -is increasing
storm-dra inage rates by 20 percent.
The storm and sewer increases come on the
heels of a Denver Water rate hike .
The average city of Denver water bill increased
in March by about $41 per year. Suburban
customer bills w ill increase by about $32 per
year, Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney
said. Denver Water will use the rate increase to
update ag ing systems .
Sanitary sewer charges appear on Denver Wate r
bills , but the two are not related .
Customers will see an additional $2 .25 fee on
the sewer portion of the bill from July through
December, which will help pay for a new billing
system used by Denver Water and Denver
Wastewater.
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