HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-08 WSB AGENDAWATER & SEWER BOARD
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
5:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
1. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 18 , 2008 MEETING. (ATT. 1)
2. WATER RIGHTS UPDATE FROM DA YID HILL DATED MARCH 10, 2008.
(ATT . 2)
3. WATER AND SEWER MUNICIPAL CODE CHANGES. (ATT. 3)
4. RAWWATERFLOWMETERREPLACEMENT AND HATCH. (ATT . 4)
5. OTHER.
WATER AND SEWER BOARD
MINUTES
March 11, 2008
A TT .. I
The meeting was called to order at 5:04 p .m .
Members present:
Members absent:
Also present:
Bums, Clark, Higday, Cassidy, Wiggins,
Oakley, Habenicht
Woodward, Moore
Stewart Fonda, Director of Utilities
1. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2008 MEETING.
The Englewood Water and Sewer Board approved the minutes of the meeting of February
12 , 2008 .
Mr. Higgins moved;
Mr. Habenicht seconded:
Ayes :
Nays:
Abstain:
Members absent :
Motion carried .
To approve the minutes from the February
12, 2008 meeting.
Clark, Cassidy, Wiggins, Oakley, Habenicht
None
Bums, Higday
Woodward, Moore
2. POLICY AND MUNICIPAL CODE CHANGES FOR BUILDINGS
SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION.
Water and Sewer services are being lost in demolition and as a result, lines are not being
properly disconnected. John Bock, Utilities Administrator, discussed proposed changes
to policies and the Englewood Municipal Code. Policy changes involve notifying permit
applicant of water and sewer cut-off requirements, applicants having a "to be completed
by'' date for cut-off, not permitting clay tile or concrete sewer services for new
construction and requiring that services must be replaced to the main, permitting existing
saddle or wye connections to be used if approved by the Utilities' inspectors, not allowing
new or replacement taps until previous taps are disconnected and requiring that the
Distribution/Collection supervisor be notified of any service line cut-offs.
John reviewed the proposed Municipal Code change of not allowing clay or concrete
sewer service pipes in new construction. The old service line would have to be replaced
to the main with approved pipe.
The Board recommended specifying a time requirement of 30 days for a sewer cut-off.
Mr. Oakley and Mr. Cassidy expressed concerns about requiring new pipe if the existing
pipe is sound. John noted the requirement is intended for contractors that buy property,
demolish, rebuild and sell. Mr. Oakley recommended a way for existing, long-term
owners who want to demolish their existing residence and build a new structure on the
same lot to seek a variance.
Mr. Bock was directed to prepare a final draft of the policy and ordinance changes for the
next Water Board meeting.
3. CITY DITCH CONCERNS -1000 & 1100 BLOCKS OF W. RADCLIFF A VE &
W. STANFORD AVE ..
Elizabeth Hoover and Robert Potter of 1120 W. Stanford Drive appeared before the
Board with questions regarding the section of City Ditch that was enclosed between the
1000 and 1100 blocks of Radcliff and Stanford. Mr. Potter had concerns about the
grading of the site accommodating storm water drainage, landscaping and access to the
City Ditch easement area.
Mr. Bill McCormick, Operations Superintendent of the Utilities Department, appeared to
discuss these issues. Mr. McCormick explained that the ditch bank was in failure,
therefore making enclosing the ditch a necessity. The enclosed ditch should also alleviate
a lot of rodent problems that resulted from the open ditch. Grading is being completed to
divert stormwater to the nearest drainage inlet with bermed banks constructed to prevent
stormwater from overflowing to the properties below. The area is to be seeded in native
grasses and will be mowed as part of the ditch maintenance program .
Mr. Potter had concerns about the above-ground lid. Mr. McCormick noted that when
the project is completed, it will be graded so the lid is level with the surrounding area.
The possibility of the City building a fence was discussed . It was agreed that initially the
adjacent citizens will let the Utilities Department know if partying and unauthorized
access becomes a problem.
Mr. Potter noted that when there is heavy snow pack the inlet pipe can become blocked.
Mr. McCormick will have the ditch maintenance crew watch this during heavy snowfalls.
John Moore entered at 5 :25 p.m.
4. SATELITE WAGE SERVICES.
Jim Higday discussed a satellite imaging service that he had seen that may be useful to
the Utilities Department. The Board discussed a satellite imaging site called Google
Earth.com. It was noted that due to current high costs, digital pictures and site field trips
may be more practical at this time .
5. MONITORING VIOLATION.
The Board received a notice of a drinking water reporting violation for the monitoring
period of 2005 -2007. Joe Pershin, Water Production Administrator, explained that the
violation was not a health risk but a reporting deadline violation. Samples should have
been submitted by June 30 , but were not collected until September. Joe noted that an
advanced reminder system has been activated and reportingresults will be sent to the
State via certified mail. The notice violation will printed in the upcoming "Pipeline"
publication distributed to Englewood residents. A Consumer Confidence Report will also
be included.
Mr. Moore requested that a lead-in article be put before the monitoring violation in the
"Pipeline" to explain that it is not a health or water quality issue.
6. 6MILLIONGALLONWATER TANK REPAIR .
On December 3, 2007 Council approved the bid award for the Clarkson Street 6-million
gallon reservoir tank roofrepair to Restruction Corp. in the amount of $102,805.00.
After the contract was awarded, it was revealed that additional work was required to
replace 12 additional tendons not covered in the original agreement. The Water Board
approved a $75 ,000 . change order at their February 12, 2008 meeting for the additional
work.
On February 15, the contractor completing an on-site survey, and determined that the
center section had at least one more failure. Two small pops and one loud pop occurred
during this inspection inside the tank, signaling further tendon failure. A total of 14 pops
were heard that day. Repairs to the tanks roof slab have been stopped as a safety
precaution and to re-evaluate the situation.
Tom Brennan, Utilities Engineer, requested WFE Engineers evaluate repair and
replacement options. Options presented were:
1. Repair of existing roof slab. Remove all tendons and replace with new tendons.
Estimated cost: $3.2 million. Estimated life: 10 years.
2. Steel Frame or New Concrete Slab to be suspended over the existing slab. This would
require a new structural system to support the existing slab. Estimated cost: $2 .2
million. Estimated life: Life of tank.
3. Removal of existing slab and replacement with new slab. Remove the existing slab
and replace with new concrete. Estimated cost: $2 m illion. Estimated life: Life of tank.
4. Removal of existing and constructing a new tank. Estimated cost: $5 million.
Estimated life : 75 to 100 years.
The Board discussed options, rate hikes and bond issues. Mr. Brennan noted particular
problems with staging construction in this residential area. Mr. Fonda discussed
operating the Allen Filter Plant this summer using only the existing two, 3-rnillion gallons
tanks and evaluating options at the end of the summer. The Board concurred.
Mr. Brennan noted that WFE Engineers were directed to conduct a more extensive study
of tank conditions to determine service life for $35,000. Results of their study will be
forwarded and discussed at a future meeting.
7. PHARMACEUTICALS IN DRINKING WATER.
The Board received articles that appeared in The Denver Post over a series of two weeks
discussing pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, mood stabilizers and sex hormones that
have been found in drinking-water supplies. Stu noted that new technology has allowed
detecting these minute concentrations, measured in parts per billion or trillion. Drugs are
introduced into the water system by people taking pills or disposing of expired
prescriptions by flushing down the toilet. Studies have begun to investigate the effects of
phannaceuticals in a water supply, but so far, there are no known short or long term
health risks .
Available water treatments for removing phannaceuticals from water are reverse osmosis,
activated carbon and advanced oxidation. Englewood's Allen Water Filter Plant has been
using a granulated activated carbon process since 2000. Adding an advanced oxidation
process is being investigated. In Colorado most front-range water suppliers do not have
any of these treatments.
Stu will forward a memo to Council regarding their inquiry regarding pharmaceuticals in
Englewood's water supply.
8. LETTER FROM WILLARD DEVENEAU DATED MARCH 6, 2008.
Mr. Willard Deveneau of 3030 S. Cornell Circle sent a letter of appreciation regarding
Bryan Cheek. Bryan guided Mr. Deveneau in replacing a shut-off valve that was broken
in the closed position. Mr. Deveneau expressed his appreciation for Bryan's
professionalism. The letter will be forwarded to City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Burrage
Recording Secretary
Daniel L. Brotzman
March 10, 2008
Page 2
/-\ Tl., 2
Again the bill is almost exclusively for the FRICO/East Cherry Creek/United cases. A
settlement meeting was just held on the FRICO issues (as opposed to the Denver issues) and I am
mildly optimistic about settlement, but only mildly. Our side (Englewood and Aurora) made what
I think is a reasonably generous offer, given the weakness of the other side's case. We do not yet
have a response.
I have written down the bill by $18,252.00 in respect for the budget. I have been making
these write downs for some months . (I hope the time when I feel I should do that is about to pass.)
The cases involve every significant issue of Colorado water law, huge amounts of historic documents
and factual disputes, and over-diversions hidden under every rock which is turned over, so the work
is enormous. I continue to try to hold down costs, by ignoring serious legal issues which have only
small consequence to Englewood. Jon Banashek is getting himself up to speed so that if trial comes,
we will not need a paralegal in attendance, and most of the time we can have only one attorney in
attendance, i.e., either Jon or I will be there alone .
Our activities in the case during February included the following:
1. Prepare our pre-trial motion about the 1999 Agreement dispute (which is crucial)
2. Prepare our pre-trial motion claiming FRI CO must be able to identify its diversions
by decree (which it admits it cannot)
3. Prepare our motion to prevent over-use of FRICO's 1907 decree for some small
reservoirs below Barr Lake, which in fact are essentially non-existent, but upon
which FRICO still diverts and stores the water in Barr Lake
4 . Prepare for and defend Joe Pershin's deposition about the hardness problem
5. Prepare for and attend the deposition ofFRICO's expert by Steve Sims for Aurora
6. Prepare for the deposition ofFRICO's expert by David Hill
7. Prepare an outline of the dollar value to Englewood of Englewood's water at stake
8. Update our document data base in preparation for presentation of an exhibit list, and
for use at trial
9. Assist in settlement negotiations with Denver, and prepare memoranda setting forth
our settlement position
10. ECCV requested a massive number of documents which our side had assembled; we
negotiated with them over their share of the cost, and had to enter the documents into
our data base of disclosed documents
11. Prepare for and attend deposition of Kate Griffin by FRICO
12. Prepare for and attend deposition of Joe Tom Wood by FRICO
The remainder of the cases are described below.
I. General (#001): This matter is our general file for work not attributable to specific
cases . In some instances, the work is not specific to a particular matter. In other instances, the time
spent on any individual matter is not large enough to justify a separate bill, but the time on the group
Daniel L. Brotzman
March 10 , 2008
Page 3
of matters is significant. This includes charges related to general calendaring, reviewing various
daily incoming pleadings and correspondence, overall case management and other activities that are
not case specific. It usually includes preparation of many statements of opposition.
2. Ready Mixed Concrete Co. (90CW039) (#343): We have entered this case by motion
to intervene at the request of the Referee of Water Division No. 1 because it is closely related to
90CW017 and 92CW016 (in which Englewood is already an Objector). We reviewed notice of
change of responsible counsel for South Adams County Water and Sanitation District.
3. Northglenn (97CW369) (#429): Applicant seeks approval for a junior water storage
ri ght for 5,000 acre feet in Stanley Reservoir. Englewood is in this case to preserve the validity of
its agreement with Thornton and Westminster as settlement of Englewood 's opposition to the change
of their Stanley Lake rights . It appears from the records in this case that Englewood may not be
receiving all the water to which it is entitled. We discussed proposed language requested by
Englewood to proposed decree with Applicant's counsel and prepared for and participated in a
Referee status conference .
4. CAMAS Colorado, Inc. (99CW031) (#451): The Applicant seeks storage of7,000
AF and 400 cfs of direct flow rights for a future gravel pit that will divert out of the South Platte
River from the Fulton Ditch and pumps. Englewood entered this case because of its relationship
to 91CW126 which is its gravel pit application. We reviewed change of responsible attorney to
Andrew Jones.
5. CAMAS Colorado, Inc. (99CW032) (#452): The Applicant seeks storage of 1,900
AF and 100 cfs of direct flow rights for a gravel pit that will divert out of the South Platte River
from the Brantner Ditch and wells. Englewood entered this case because of its relationship to
91CW126 which is its gravel pit application. We reviewed change of responsible attorney to
Andrew Jones .
6. Brighton (99CW142) (#457): This case involves water rights for all municipal
purposes from seven tributary wells in the South Platte alluvium. Englewood entered this case to
be sure that depletions from the wells are adequately replaced. We prepared for and participated in
a Referee status conference.
7. Brighton (2000CW202) (#483): Applicant seeks to change its water rights in the
Fulton Ditch and its rights in the Burlington/Wellington companies to municipal use. Englewood
entered this case to ensure appropriate limitations are applied to these rights. We reviewed a notice
to objectors of modified accounting forms for the augmentation plan.
8. Centennial (2001CWl01) (#494): This is an application for a diligence decree for
Centennial 's conditional storage right in Chatfield Reservoir. Englewood entered this case to
Date
April 21, 2008
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Agenda Item Subject
Ordinance Changes for the
Sewer portion of the City Code
INITIATED BY
Utilities Department
STAFF SOURCE
Stewart H. Fonda, Director of Utilities
COUNCIL GOAL AND PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION
The Water and Sewer Board, at their April 8, 2008 meeting, recommended Council approval of an
Ordinance amending Title 12, Chapter 2, Section 4, of the Englewood Municipal Code 1985 amending
the Sewer Utility section.
BACKGROUND, ANALYSIS, AND ALTERNATIVES IDENTIFIED
When a house is demolished, with plans to rebuild a new house, management of sewer services has
been an issue . Sewer services can be lost during a demolition without a correct cut-off. The Utilities
Department is attempting to manage and control what is happening to these services at demolition.
The proposed ordinance change will have Municipal Code 12-2-4: Private Sewers, Connections and
Repairs reading as follows:
City Code 12-2-4: Private Sewers, Connections and Repairs.
B. Old Private Sewers : The use of existing or aging cast iron, clay tile or concrete sewer service pipes
will not be permitted at new buildings on properties where there has been a change of ownership within
the last twelve months. The old sewer service must be replaced from the building to the main with
approved pipe. Owner/occupants of properties who desire to replace a building with the intent to
occupy it themselves may seek a variance from the Water and Sewer Board if the existing pipe is
found by Utilities Department inspectors to be in sound condition. Utilities Department inspectors may
require all necessary tests to conclusively establish the condition of the existing sewer service pipe.
Abandoned private sewers shall be plugged at the sewer main and at the user's expense upon
discontinuance of service. The plug in the old private sewer must be inspected and approved and a
plan review and inspection fee will be charged by the City. Existing sewer saddles or wye connections
may be used for new sewer services if approved by Utilities Department inspectors. If an abandoned
sewer service is not plugged at the main within 30 days, the City may perform the disconnection and
may charge time and materials against the property either through the next regular quarterly water bill
or by lien.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None .
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Code Change
Ordinance
Proposed Code Change:
12-2-4: Private Sewers, Connections and Repairs.
B. Old Private Sewers.: The use of existing or aging cast iron, clay tile or concrete sewer
service pipes will not be permitted at new buildings on properties where there has been a
change of ownership within the last twelve months. The old sewer service must be replaced
from the building to the main with approved pipe. Owner/occupants of properties who desire to
replace a building with the intent to occupy it themselves may seek a variance from the Water
and Sewer Board if the existing pipe is found by Utilities Department inspectors to be in sound
condition. Utilities Department inspectors may require all necessary tests to conclusively
establish the condition of the existing sewer service pipe. Old private se•Ners may be used in
connection with new buildings only when they are found to meet all requirements herein and solely at
the risk of the user; other, old Abandoned private sewers shall be plugged at the sewer main and at
the user's expense upon discontinuance of service. The plug in the old private sewer must be
inspected and approved and a plan review and inspection fee will be charged by the City. Existing
sewer saddles or wye connections may be used for new sewer services if approved by Utilities
Department inspectors. If an abandoned sewer service is not plugged at the main within 30
days, the City may perform the disconnection and may charge time and materials against the
property either through the next regular quarterly water bill or by lien.
MEMORANDUM
To: Stu Fonda, Utilities Director
From: John Bock, Utilities Manager of Administrationa(J
Date: March 4, 2008
Subject: Water and Sewer Services at Buildings Scheduled for Demolition
Management of water and sewer services before, during and after demolition of the structures to
which they were connected is presently an issue. Sewer services are being lost in demolition, so
no proper cut-off is assured. Water services are being cut at the curb stop and left live for years.
As property values in Englewood increase, the problem is expected to increase. With the aim of
managing and controlling what happens to these services at demolition, the Utilities Department
staff is recommending the following policy and Code changes for your consideration:
~ Policy/Procedure Change: The Building Department, through its permit tracking system,
will notify the Utilities Department when it receives an application for a demolition
permit. Through the permit tracking system, Utilities Department personnel shall notify
the applicant of our water/sewer service cut off requirements, and make this type of
inspection a high priority.
~ Policy/Procedure Change: At the time of application, the applicant shall set a "to be
completed by" date for the water and/or sewer service cutoffs. If the applicant does not
complete the cut-offs within thirty (30) days after the "to be completed by" date, or if the
applicant does not contact the Department to update the cutoff dates, and demolition has
taken place, the Utilities Department crews may perform the cutoffs, or hire a private
contractor to perform the cutoffs, and charge time and materials against the property
either through the regular quarterly water bill or by lien. (Authority at 12-1B-2b)
~ Policy Change: New sewer service pipe may be extended to property line at the time of
cut-off to avoid multiple alley cuts. The end of the pipe shall be marked with a
department approved locating device. Exiting saddle or wye connections may be used if
approved by Utilities Department inspectors. If abandoned, sewer service lines must be
cut off at the main. (12-2 -4B)
~ Policy Change: New or replacement water or sewer taps will not be allowed at new
construction prior to disconnection of the previous water and sewer taps at the main
unless the Utilities Department has approved use of the existing service pipes,
~ Policy/Procedure Change: The Distribution/Collection Supervisor will be notified of any
water or sewer service line cut offs.
Existing A uthority:
12-lB-2: Tapping and Cutting Off Mains.
A. The tapping of any main for the purpose of making a connection shall be done only by the
City and at the expense of the applicant. The corporation valve inserted in the main and the
service pipe to be laid must be of the size specified in the permit.
B. The cutting off from mains may be performed by either a licensed and bonded plumber or by
·city personnel. In the event City personnel perform the cutoff, a charge equal to the City's time
and materials will be due and payable from the applicant. If an abandoned water service is not
disconnected at the main in a timely manner, the City may perform the disconnection and may
charge time and materials against the property either through the next regular quarterly water bill
or by lien.
(Code 1985, § 12-lB-2)
A 77,, 4-
MEMORANDUM
TO: Water and Sewer Board
FROM: Bill McCormick, Operations Supt.
DATE: March 2, 2008
RE: Raw Water Flow Meter Replacement and Hatch
It is imperative for the Allen Filter Plant to have an accurate raw water flow measurement
for chemical dosing and pacing demands. The original 42" raw water magnetic flow
meter tube has failed and there is no access for removal and replacement.
An existing 16" bypass line can be used during low flow periods during meter
replacement. A couple of flow meters have been installed and tested, but each had some
limitations. Brown and Caldwell has investigated the alternative flow meters and
designing modifications to the existing 16" piping to extend the horizontal pipe to create
a straight run for a magnetic flow meter.
Brown and Caldwell has recommended structural modifications to the existing building
to provide access to remove and replace the 42" flow tube.
Bids for the raw water flow meter replacement and access hatch were received on March
27, 2008 . The following bids were received:
Glacier Construction $30,800.00
Velocity Constructors, Inc. $42,542.00
Friedland Construction $46,240.00
Walsh Construction $65,000.00
Brown and Caldwell recommended Glacier Construction as the lowest, acceptable bid .
Funds are available in the 2008 Water Production Fund but was not a specifically
budgeted item.
B R. 0 W '\ ,, , " ·,
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' ' . .
April 2, 2008
Bill McCoaniclc
City of Englewood -Utilities
1000 Englewood Parkw.ty
Englewood, CO 80110
Subject: Allen Filter Plant:
Raw Water Flow Meter Replacement Bid Evaluation
Dear Mr. McCoanick
Based on the Bid Tabulation Sheer summary you sent to me (for the Raw Water Flow Meter
Replacement project), the pwposc of this letter is to provide Brown and Caldwell's (Bq
reconimcndation. Please note th.at BC's recommendation is based oo the fact that there
were no exceptions to the bid documents and that none of the bidders had any specific
details or breakouts on theit submitted bid pricing.
BC's estimate for the over.ill cquiptnent and constt\lction costs for the hatch and flow meter
modifications was $57 ,038 . This price is reflected in one o-ver9ll sum because at the time, BC
did not know that the City would elect to sepatatc the bid into two segments. It should be
noted. that this ovc.tall price includes the:: 42" Ultrasonic flow meter and the p:tofessional
installation and setup, which you're currently using in a 30-day trial period. With the flow
meter eost removed, this brings BC's estimate down to $48,996. During the bid walk-
throug~ the City agreed to self pcrfotm Division 16 and 17 J:eSponsibility, with exception to
the Div 17 equipment (12" flow meter). BC's estimated effort for Division 16 and 17 was
$.3190, furthet bringing the ovc.tall estimate down to $45,806.
If the City cleas to defer the flow meter replacement project to assess the 42" ultz:asonic•s
perfolIIlance during low flow conditions, or bccaU$c of other external dcnunds th.at may not
allow for this construction at the this tilne, the City may consider postponmg or change
ordering the flow mctet project out until 2. latet dare. By installing the hatch only, BC
recommends using Velocity Constructiott, the lowest oveall biddci: for this task. BC has 11ot
worked with Velocity Consuuctors, Inc. befo1e and cannot speak on their behalf. It should
be noted that if this project is w.citten out of the scope by change order, the pricing fox the
flow meter modifications will not be ac~tc.
If the City elects to proceed with both tasks of the project at tllls time, BC tecommends
taking the lowest overall bidder, Glacier Constnicti.on. It should be noted that they ate only
1697 Cola Blvd. Suite 200. Golden. CO 80401 ·Tel: ~03 239 5400 -Fax: 303 239 5454
'£nvironmtnta( 'E.npirteers u Con.sultan.ts
981·~ £00/ZOO "d OSl·l VSV98£Z£0£ ll•MPl!O pue UMOJS-WOJ~ 1z:i1 eooz-zo-vo
67.2% of the E:ogineer,s overall estimate(+/-10%), a difference of $15,006.00. BC does
have workillg expcrie:oce with Glacier Construc;:tion, as they hllve been a successful bidder on
BC jobs in the p~t.
Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions ot concerns.
Sincerely,
Ryan Tanner
Engineer III
Brown and Caldwell
30~-239-5409
1697 Cole Blvd . Suite 200. Golden, CO 60401 -Tel: 303 239 5400 • Fa.x: ~03 239 5454
'Lnuironmenta{ 'E.ngineer.c & Consultants
981-~ £00/£00 .d OSl·l 19158£2£0£
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