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Allen Alchian

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 14 – General manager reviews water resources

By James Howald

At its meeting in August, The Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) heard a presentation from General Manager Jessie Shaffer explaining the approaches to water resources the district could use to plan future needs. The board considered awarding a construction contract, voted for a resolution affirming the district’s participation in the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA) and launched an analysis of water and sewer tap fees. The board heard operational reports. Finally, the meeting ended with an executive session.

Four approaches to water resources

In response to a request from the board made at the previous meeting, Shaffer gave the board his thoughts on possible approaches the district could take to manage its present and future water sources with a focus on long-term sustainability.

If the district does nothing, Shaffer said, the Denver basin aquifers currently supplying customers will decline, with or without growth. More wells will need to be drilled and the cost of well drilling will escalate. The water pumped from aquifers will become more and more costly. Beyond a certain number of wells, it is hard to avoid well interference and it is harder to site wells, which can’t draw from outside the district boundaries. Long-term sustainability requires other sources, he said.

Shaffer characterized the next approach as “Go it alone”—by which he meant treating and transporting water from the Woodmoor Ranch without relying on any partnering water districts. This approach offers a sustainable supply of surface water, with the advantage that WWSD would retain complete control over its operations. The downside is affordability: The cost is likely to be near $180 million, which would be born entirely by WWSD ratepayers. Shaffer said this approach is not achievable due to cost.

The third approach Shaffer discussed involves relying on Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to convey, treat, and deliver water to WWSD customers. The short-term costs of this approach make it seem attractive, Shaffer said, but the long-term costs are higher than other alternatives, with a cumulative cost break-even point at nine years, and CSU could raise rates at any time so WWSD would lose control of its costs under this approach. Infrastructure to connect to CSU’s system would need to be built, and there are many fees that that would apply.

Finally, Shaffer discussed using a group approach and partnering with other districts. He said the EPCRLWA, in which WWSD is participating, is an example of this approach. A considerable challenge here is creating consensus among the partners, Shaffer said, but this approach offers economies of scale and sustainability.

Following the presentation, board President Brian Bush said the “do nothing” approach should be dropped as it violates WWSD’s mission to provide water to its customers on a sustainable basis.

Construction contract awarded

District Engineer Ariel Hacker told the board that the Monument Junction development currently under construction by Classic Homes has created a need for an additional pressure management zone within the district. The cost of building the new zone would primarily be paid by Classic Homes but some of the needed infrastructure would be installed beyond the boundaries of Classic Homes’ property to serve other WWSD customers, so WWSD would be responsible for a portion of the project. Classic Homes is responsible for installing a total of three pressure reducing valves and related pipelines, while WWSD is responsible for one valve and its pipelines, she said.

Hacker said three bids for the project were submitted but two contained substantial errors, so she recommended the third bidder, Asland Constructors.

Shaffer said that typically if a developer creates a need for additional infrastructure, the developer pays the associated costs, but in this case, since some of the work is off the developer’s property, Classic Homes approached the district and asked WWSD to manage the entire project, with Classic Homes paying WWSD for its portion of the project and adding a 20% contingency fee. Shaffer said if WWSD managed the entire project it would mean a single set of inspections, making the project more efficient.

The board voted unanimously to authorize awarding the contract to Asland Constructors. Bush asked that work not begin until Classic Homes had paid WWSD for its portion of the costs.

EPCRLWA resolution passes

The board voted unanimously in favor of a resolution formalizing WWSD’s participation in the EPCRLWA, informally known as the loop. Of the three other participating districts, Donala Water and Sanitation District has also signed a similar resolution and Cherokee Metropolitan District and the Town of Monument are expected to take the same step soon.

Tap fees due for review

Shaffer introduced Andrew Rheem of Raftelis, the company WWSD works with to model rates and fees and told the board he had asked Rheem last year to begin an analysis of the district’s tap fees.

Rheem said his goal was to ensure that growth in the district was paying its own way, explaining that there were some legal restraints on how tap fees would be used. For example, if they are used for debt service, the debt must be acquired due to development.

Rheem defined water and sewer tap fees as a one-time charge assessed to new customers when they connect to the district’s infrastructure for the first time or when they increase their service. New customers are paying for their share of the district’s capacity, he said. Currently, a new residence in WWSD’s service area pays $29,788 for a ¾-inch water tap and $10,390 for a sewer tap. Larger capacity taps pay a higher fee, he said.

Rheem explained three approaches to setting tap fees. The “buy-in” method is often used in districts where capacity is available and a new customer is buying into the existing system. The system is valued at its replacement cost in this method. The “incremental” approach is used where the existing system has little or no capacity for growth and the tap fees will be used to increase capacity. Finally, the “hybrid” approach when there is current capacity, but more is needed.

Rheem said his analysis would evaluate the maximum water and sewer tap fees under all three approaches and would recommend tap fees for all meter sizes.

Bush asked what timeframe would be used for the analysis, and Rheem said that was an open question. Bush said the board should avoid getting locked into something it does not want going forward.

The board voted unanimously to authorize Bush to sign a service agreement with Raftelis to complete the study.

Highlights of operational reports

  • Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine noted that the district’s customers were currently receiving surface water treated at the Central Water Treatment Facility.
  • LaFontaine said he had been investigating how stormwater was infiltrating the system and said he believed that, due to the rainy weather, a number of customers were using sump pumps to drain their basements and sending that water into the wastewater system where it would be treated. This is an illegal discharge, he said, adding water from basements should be distributed to the homeowners’ property.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to confer with legal counsel on questions relating to the EPCRLWA and to negotiations with CSU regarding the conveyance, treatment, and delivery of water.

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The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive; please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 8 – Board hears request to merge with town’s Water Department

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its August meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard a summary of a meeting between two MSD board members and representatives of the Town of Monument to discuss merging MSD with the town’s Water Department. The board voted on updates to the district’s employee handbook and to its bylaws. In his manager’s report, District Manager Mark Parker discussed maintenance and security issues at the district’s headquarters. Board President Dan Hamilton led a discussion of improvements to the district’s billing system. The meeting ended with an executive session.

LaKind and Kronick propose merger

Hamilton told the board that he and Director John Howe met with Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind and Councilmember Laura Kronick to discuss the possibility of merging MSD with the town’s Water Department and ultimately creating a water and sewer authority that combines the MSD service area, which is not entirely within the town borders, with the town. Hamilton said no specific proposal was made. Howe recalled that a similar discussion had taken place when Don Wilson was mayor, but no proposal was made.

Hamilton said if a specific proposal were made, it would be the board’s duty to consider it.

Jim Kendrick, who handles operations for MSD, said he did not know of a merger between a special district and a charter town in the state of Colorado.

Employee handbook and bylaws updated

Hamilton presented changes to the district’s employee handbook, which has been under review by MSD’s lawyer to bring it into compliance with recent changes to state law. Most of the changes address Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, he said.

Hamilton said under the updated policy employees with one to five years employment would earn 160 hours of PTO per year, employees with six to 15 years would earn 240 hours, and employees with more than 15 years would earn 320 hours. Parker added that Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) law mandates that employees with less than a year on the job earn one hour of PTO for each 30 hours worked.

Hamilton proposed that each of Parker’s 28 years of experience in wastewater management add one-half a year of service to Parker’s 2 1/2 years of employment in MSD. He also pointed out that Colorado law requires any employee with less than 80 hours of earned PTO to be provided 80 hours if a public health emergency is declared.

Two half days off at Christmas and New Year’s were removed along with two floating days off and replaced with a day off following Christmas and New Year’s.

The board voted unanimously to approve the updated employee handbook.

The board also voted to approve amended bylaws. Parker said the changes were minimal, and he recommended reviewing the bylaws on a five-year schedule.

Manager’s report

Parker said the Black Forest Foods Café and Delicatessen, which rents a portion of the MSD headquarters building, was struggling with air conditioning issues and had deployed two swamp coolers on a temporary basis. He said its HVAC units were aging and would be evaluated for replacement. As the building’s owner, MSD would pay for any new equipment, he said.

Parker reported heat and hail damage to the roof on a section of the building and said a claim had been submitted to MSD’s insurer.

Parker told the board that Marylee Reisig, owner of Santa Fe Trail Jewelry, a tenant in the headquarters building, had thwarted a robbery attempt at her store. Pictures of thieves who had stolen $5,000 worth of merchandise from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post had been circulated to similar retailers and Reisig recognized them when they entered her shop. Reisig was able to prevent any theft by kicking them out, and Parker called police. Security camera footage showed the thieves driving by the store, parking their car, and entering the store.

Improvements to billing proposed

Hamilton said he would like to see the district make its autopay option easier for customers. He proposed eliminating the fee for paying with a credit card. He said he was willing to increase rates to eliminate the fee. Parker said credit cards were accepted only online and he intended to make it possible to pay with a credit card in the office as well. Parker said he did not want the district to store customer information as that would require compliance with additional regulations. Account Administrator Cheran Allsup said some older customers prefer to pay in person.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to consider Allsup’s annual review.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are normally held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 20. See https://colorado.gov/msd. For a district service map, see https://colorado.gov/pacific/msd/district-map-0. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 17 – Electrical contract awarded

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in August to award a contract for electrical work on the district’s newest well. The board also heard operational reports from General Manager Jeff Hodge, who reviewed the district’s monthly finances and touched on several ongoing projects.

Well 16A nears completion

Hodge told the board that drilling and hardware installation are complete for Well 16A, which will pump from the Arapahoe aquifer. Bids are out for drilling a pipeline to connect the well to the district’s infrastructure and to construct a vault for the well. The final bid is for electrical work, Hodge said.

Roger Sams, of GMS Engineering Inc., said the electrical work consisted of conduits, wiring, and installation of some equipment that has been received. There were two bids submitted for the work, Sams said: one from McDade-Woodcock Inc. for $134,551 and a second from Sun Valley Contractors LLC for $94,406. Sams advised the district to award the contract to Sun Valley Contractors.

The board voted unanimously to award the contract to Sun Valley Contractors.

Details of operational reports

Hodge told the board that water sales had increased during July, and much of the revenue lost due to exceptionally rainy May and June had been recovered. He gave a generally positive picture of the district’s finances, remarking that electrical expenses budgeted at $73,000 would be closer to $50,000 due to the lower water usage in previous months. Repair and maintenance was also under budget, he said.

Hodge said the district was rebidding the project to recoat the district’s water tanks.

Commenting on the district’s recent changes to billing for sewer service, which took effect in July, Hodge said only four calls from the district’s 2,900 customers had been received, with two callers unhappy with the changes and two happy. Hodge said July billing for sewer service was up $20,000.

Hodge said only 57 meters remained to be replaced out of the 2,819 in the district. He noted that the new meters were better integrated with the district’s billing software, allowing office staff to have accurate real-time data to assist customers.

Summarizing progress by the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, of which DWSD is a participating district, Hodge said he noticed Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) was becoming more flexible in the options it was willing to consider for how the loop project might use CSU’s infrastructure. The loop might be able to save money by using some of CSU’s infrastructure instead of building its own, he said.

Hodge also mentioned that due to staff changes, he was now the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.

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The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 17 – Project manager discusses possible new approach

By James Howald

The El Paso County Loop Regional Water Authority (EPCRLWA) board met in August to hear an update from its recently hired Project Planning and Workflow Manager (PPWM) and to formalize the obligations required by the project’s acceptance of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The board also heard results from the most recent water quality tests. The meeting ended with an executive session.

The EPCRLWA was formed in November 2022 by an Intergovernmental Agreement between Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD), Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD), the Town of Monument (TOM), and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) to build infrastructure that would allow water, including treated effluent, that is flowing south in Monument and Fountain Creeks to be stored at Calhan Reservoir at Woodmoor Ranch and then pumped back north to be used by customers of the participating districts.

PPWM reports on meetings

The EPCRLWA board recently hired John Kuosman, a water practice leader with Merrick and Co., to serve as the project’s PPWM, overseeing and coordinating the work of the various contractors contributing to the effort. Kuosman told the board he was developing a decision flow chart around types of funding, funding agreements, and plans to sell bonds. Kuosman said he met with Russ Dykstra of Spencer Fane, the project’s law firm, to discuss the details of how the participating water districts might sell bonds to finance their portions of the project.

Kuosman also said he met with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). To date, EPCRLWA’s proposed design for the project has not included use of any infrastructure belonging to CSU. Kuosman said CSU was open to the idea of “boutique rates” for the use of some of their infrastructure. He said CSU was not looking for a commitment, but wanted to have conversations with agencies that might be interested in such an arrangement. Kuosman suggested this could be advantageous for EPCRLWA, which might be able to save costs on water treatment. Kuosman did not recommend that EPCRLWA “pump the brakes” on its current design, however.

Following Kuosman’s remarks about the CSU meeting, Tom Tharnish, Monument’s director of Public Works, who attended the meeting in place of Mike Foreman, Monument’s town manager, moved to appoint Kuosman to represent the project at CSU’s ongoing meetings regarding water reuse. The appointment was unanimously approved.

Kuosman also mentioned that he had met with the Town of Fountain, which has expressed interest in joining the project. Kuosman said Fountain did not want to pass on the costs of joining the project to its existing customers and was considering a public/private partnership instead that would be funded through new tap fees, which would be paid only by new development. The town had not made a formal request to join the project, he said.

ARPA subrecipient agreement explained

Dykstra asked the board to approve a subrecipient agreement required for the project to receive ARPA funds through El Paso County. The agreement states the funds must be used for work related to water and wastewater infrastructure that meets federal eligibility requirements, and the county will monitor the performance of the subrecipient against activities, goals, and performance standards that are defined for the project. The agreement documents that EPCRLWA has requested funds for:

  • Design engineering fees
  • Environmental assessments
  • Easements and property repairs
  • Legal expenses
  • Indirect costs

The agreement also requires EPCRLWA to make all its accounting documents available to the county.

The board voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

Water quality tests proceed

Richard Hood of JVA Inc., the company EPCRLWA has hired to assess water quality and design the water treatment aspects of the project, told the board that the latest water quality data were in line with previous results. Two herbicides were detected for the first time, but the levels were below the maximum contaminate levels for those chemicals.

Executive session and vote

The board adjourned the regular meeting and went into executive session to receive legal advice on a water use offer. After the executive session, the board voted unanimously to authorize counsel to prepare a response letter to the water use offer. No details about the offer were provided.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held every Thursday at 9 a.m. at rotating venues. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority articles

Monument Town Council, Aug. 7 – “Shoddy work,” says mayor, before voting “no” on change order

By Chris Jeub

One public Monument Town Council meeting took place in August which included two presentations, both underscoring the town’s dedication to preserving its heritage and enhancing its natural landscapes. An ordinance allowing a local health facility to host classes in its downtown studio was unanimously approved.

The mayor cast a dissenting vote coupled with stern admonition for a change order request by the director of Public Works.

The meeting also featured Monument’s police chief explaining the town’s support for Monument Academy’s School Resource Officer (SRO) which prompted concerns from one councilmember.

Mayor votes against “shoddy work”

Resolution No. 58-2023, concerning a change order for the Wagner Construction Contract for the new 2-million-gallon Tank Pipeline Project, spurred a thorough discussion within the Town Council. The resolution ultimately passed with a 6-1 majority, Mayor LaKind casting the sole dissenting vote. LaKind expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s progression.

During the exchange, LaKind questioned the project’s timeline and challenged Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish on the lay-down date of the fiber and sewer lines. Tharnish explained the complexities of the AT&T fiber line’s installation and the challenges it posed due to its unconventional placement. The discussion escalated as LaKind criticized the project’s engineering efforts, calling it “shoddy work,” citing multiple issues that had led to cost overruns. LaKind voiced frustration over what he perceived as insufficient engineer efforts and expressed his belief that the engineering firm, Forsgren Associates, should be financially accountable for the $55,000 cost overrun.

Councilmembers engaged in a deliberation on the situation. Kronick raised questions about Palmer Lake’s cooperation, while King and Fiorito discussed the expense of the project and the necessity of proper bore work. The conversation pivoted to accountability, with LaKind urging Tharnish to take proactive measures to ensure that similar issues do not arise in the future. The mayor pressed for a commitment to avoid further cost overruns and to take necessary precautions to prevent reoccurrence.

In response, Director Tharnish pledged his best efforts to prevent future incidents but acknowledged the absence of a fail-safe guarantee. Foreman intervened, proposing to take a proactive stance by ensuring a comprehensive re-evaluation of all factors involved. This commitment was aimed at assuring the council that due diligence would be exercised to prevent further financial implications. Even with this commitment, LaKind voted “no” for the change order, the only councilmember to do so.

Monument Cemetery and Northern Nature Center

John Howe and Michael Weinfeld presented an insightful history of the Monument Cemetery, uncovering more than anticipated. Initially envisioned as a several months-long project, it took 13 years, resulting in a 73-page report. Among the revelations, 150 unknown Plaster of Paris gravestones were replaced by granite stones for an Eagle Scout project. Another 36 granite stones were made by the Public Works Department for the remaining unknown graves. Their research revealed discrepancies that were rectified for accuracy. Howe and Weinfeld advocated for the Public Works Department to continue maintaining the headstones and proposed installing an informational kiosk for visitors.

Councilmember Steve King posed an intriguing question about the cemetery’s most prominent resident, prompting discussion about notables like “Freddy Krueger” and “Anna Frank,” interesting names but not the famous originals. Councilmember Laura Kronick praised the report, while Fiorito encouraged Howe and Weinfeld to collaborate with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs’ History Journal for more exposure. The presentation garnered accolades and recognition for their volunteer work. See cemetery records photo and caption on page < 20 >.

Todd Marts, executive director of the El Paso County Parks Department, introduced the Northern Nature Center project. The endeavor began with a feasibility study in 2019, culminating in a focus on Fox Run Regional Park. Marts emphasized community involvement in shaping the park’s development. The planned nature center, acting as a welcoming hub, will include a tower and canopy walk. Anchored in the mission to “connect and inspire stewards,” the center’s architecture reflects this intent. The project carries a price tag of $12 million, with fundraising set through 2024 and construction scheduled for 2025. Councilmembers raised questions about conservation easements, Native American history, and park security, receiving affirming responses from Marts.

Bloom Healing Arts approved for yoga studio

Ordinance No. 17-2023, an ordinance approving a conditional use for a yoga studio at 267 B N. Washington St., passed with a vote of 7-0. The ordinance sought approval for a recreation and entertainment, indoor use—a departure from its existing classification as a “clinic.” The applicant, Bloom Healing Arts, desired to extend its services by offering open yoga classes to the public, necessitating the reclassification and a conditional use permit.

The history behind the application traced back to the town directors’ initial permission for the location to function as a “clinic.” However, with aspirations to provide broader recreational opportunities to the community, the applicant sought a change in classification to accommodate their vision for a yoga studio. Town staff determined that the reclassification fulfilled all the requisite review criteria and, noteworthy, no new construction was anticipated. Moreover, staff recognized the yoga studio as being “generally consistent” with the Comprehensive Plan, further underscoring its alignment with the town’s broader developmental vision.

Terry Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, expressed its support for this conditional use application, citing the significance of such an establishment for the town’s vibrant downtown area, calling it “a perfect addition” to the downtown landscape. Amid the discussions, Katrina Maldonado, owner of Bloom Healing Arts, extended gratitude to the town staff for its role in facilitating the process.

School Resource Officers for Monument Academy

Monument Police Chief Patrick Regan led the presentation of Resolution No. 48-2023, addressing the matter of School Resource Officers (SROs) for Monument Academy. Following the successful deployment of an SRO during the past year, Monument Academy’s leadership expressed the desire to continue this program and expand it to encompass a second SRO for their second campus. Under the proposed agreement, Monument Academy would contribute 75% of the salary while the Town of Monument would cover the remaining 25%. The understanding was that 75% of the officer’s time would be spent on campus, with the remainder allocated to Police Department duties.

Councilmember Kenneth Kimple raised concerns about potentially diverting officers from the town’s police force. He asked questions regarding the inclusion of all schools in District 38 and why SROs weren’t provided to all. Chief Regan explained that the SRO program was still in its early stages and expressed a desire to have officers in every school. Town Manager Mike Foreman noted that other District 38 schools were utilizing El Paso County SROs and wished to continue with that arrangement.

The annexation status of Monument schools was discussed, with Councilmember Marco Fiorito highlighting the distinction. Further inquiry arose about extending SRO coverage to St. Peter School, to which Regan expressed willingness, contingent on available resources. The conversation touched on the equitable distribution of resources, with Kimple emphasizing the importance of fair treatment across schools.

The motion to approve the resolution was made by Fiorito and passed with unanimous agreement. However, Kimple reiterated his concern for equal treatment among all schools. The resolution’s approval reflected the Town Council’s support for providing SROs to Monument Academy, while ongoing discussions centered on the broader scope of SRO distribution among schools in District 38.

The second Town Council meeting originally set for Aug. 21 was cancelled to make time for a training session.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next two regular meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5 (the day after Labor Day) and Monday, Sept. 18. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles