Water Advisory Board

Buena Vista Water Advisory Board Minutes of March 17, 2022 Call to Order Meeting called to order by Kelly Collins at 6:45 pm at Public Works & on a Zoom for- mat Attendance and Introductions In attendance were: Jerry Steinauer, Roy Gertson, Kelly Collins , Andrew Rice, Reed Dills, Tony LaGreca ,Shawn Williams, Al Smith, Joe Pedrie, & Town Trustee Cindie Swisher Agenda Adoption Motion By Reed , 2nd by Andrew to approve agenda as presented, motion carried by vote Approval of Minutes Minutes from October 21, 2021 Motion by Jerry , 2nd by Reed to approve the minutes. Vote by members approved. Public Comment; none Business : Shawn proceeded with a detailed Water Department report. February non revenue ( loss water) was lowest seen at 14 % loss, Ivy League is still showing a 67% loss due to leakage. Water Treatment expansion updates included; 1.Proceeding with Geotech borings and exploration excavation using a vacuum truck. 2. Environmental Assessment being developed and a Public Hearing set for May 3. New Gallery construction to commence in Fall 2022 , existing Gallery will remain in service during construction. Discussion of weed control in the Gorrel meadow, especially Canada Thistle with continued efforts from staff. 4. A Colorado Water Conservation Board grant was successful in obtaining $1.100 mil- lion. Shawn thanked the team effort for the application details. Well #3 ( Located in River Park) Update included recent flow testing resulted in pumping volumes to 350 rpm and with a larger pump would produce 450 gpm to 500 gpm. This is an important asset to increase potable water production. Really need a water right for this well, but currently using purchased Fry Ark Water shares. Other distribution improvements with larger pipe would also be required for chlorine contact and lower wa- ter flow velocities in the pipeline. No Updates on the Water Master Plan Town of Buena Vista Water Advisory Board Minutes – March 17, 2022  Board/ Staff interaction: 1. Jerry mentioned his concerns with new subdivision applications, annexations and pos- sibility of a moratorium until water resources can be developed. Tony reviewed the water issues for annexations and how Town’s Planning & Zoning Board proceeds. 2. Jerry stated Town needs more storage , mentioning the Dried up Fox Lake just west of Cottonwood Lake and the pending Cottonwood Lake expansion project with Forest Service and Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District. 3. Still need to develop plans for the Leesmaugh water right dry up and transfer. Chicago Ranch sell and the water leaving the valley for the Front Range was also mentioned. Al stated the value of Water Rights are driven by drought cycles. 4. Andrew Rice will continue as a Board member as his term has expired. 5. Harley Hamilton has resigned . Kelly Collins has volunteered to Chair the Water Board. 6. Shawn is proceeding with acre ft water purchases from SEWCD, Fry Ark project for 2022. This is an ongoing annual purchase request, thus enlarging our water shares with SEWCD. Well augmentation is one use for our shares. 7. Andrew asked the question “What does This Board do?” Further discussion from each board member of how we can be more productive to the Town Council and the Water Department. Several documents have been developed with little or no input from the Water Board. Since timing is critical for development of reports and documents , the Board is willing to meet more frequently and have more input and feedback. We feel that our expertise can be very valuable to the Town. Trustee Cindie Swisher did state that the Council believes we are valuable to the Town. Next meeting: April 14, 2022 Seeing that there was no further business, a motion to adjourn was requested Motion by Kelly , second by Andrew to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Roy Gertson , Board member Town of Buena Vista Water Advisory Board Minutes – March 17, 2022