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Water & Sanitation District Articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 19 – Rate increases approved; NDS pipeline project moving along

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Jan. 19, the board approved water and wastewater rate increases effective Feb. 1, received an update on the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pipeline project, received multiple other updates, and held an executive session to discuss water delivery infrastructure and water and property acquisitions.

Director Marco Fiorito was excused.

Rate and fee increase discussion

District Manager James McGrady said a comprehensive rate study a few years ago looked at the district’s future revenue requirements. The study revealed that over the next five years the district needed to consider an annual 10% rate increase. An increase was implemented last year, and this year it is necessary based on capital projections, he said.

Vice President Anthony Sexton said that last year the increase did not equate to 10% due to the adjustment of the rate tiers. It actually lowered water rates for the bulk of the users.

In 2022 the Tier 1 water rate was increased by 2,000 gallons, from 6,000 to 8,000 gallons from previous years. Average ratepayers did not notice much of an increase. This year, the district does not have that option and a rate increase across the board is needed, Sexton said.

Director James Otis recommended the district include an explanation in the district newsletter to avoid any bad feelings. Two years ago, the rate increase blew up on social media, because everyone shut off their sprinklers due to an early freeze, and when they turned them back on the rates were higher, and that caused bad feeling until calmer heads prevailed, he said.

President Mark Melville asked what was causing the incremental rate increases over five years.

McGrady said the debt service, obtaining water rights, and the NDS pipeline project were causes. The district can pay for the vast majority of the NDS project with saved revenues, but it will deplete reserves. The budget has set aside about $16 million on the NDS, but the total cost of the project is about $20 million. The downturn in the housing market has also reduced revenue. It was common to sell 10-15 taps per month, and over 12 months that equated to 150-200 homes at $26,000 per tap ($2.6 million-$3 million), but now the district is selling half that amount of taps. The district needs to pay the debt service, replenish reserves, and recapture the expenditure because of the slowdown in the housing market, and that is what is driving the rate increases, he said.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart said that on the plus side, the district will have renewable water, but we cannot change or predict the housing market.

Sexton said that after the study, the district enacted the recommended plan, but it ought to conduct another study, because at the time the district did not know the cost of the NDS project.

Water attorney Chris Cummins said that when he resided in the neighboring Donala Water and Sanitation District, a 30% increase year over year was implemented for two or three years when they were purchasing renewable water resources. The costs are significant, and in the long term the resources are extremely beneficial to the residents, but the residents need to know in the monthly newsletter—knowing ahead of time did soften the blow for Donala customers, he said.

Otis said unlike TMD, Donala residents have a distinct lack of commercial revenue, and the TMD residents are used to having a gravy train.

McGrady said at the conception of the NDS project the district was fortunate to know the cost, but that was when the plan was to use 24-inch pipe, and when neighboring partners were onboard. To make matters awkward, piping increased in price, so the pipe was downsized to 16-inch pipe, and now the district is without partners in the project. A study in 2024 would be beneficial, because sooner or later the development will go away. Without the tap fees from the hundreds of homes, the district would not have been able to obtain water rights and build the NDS.

Melville said in retrospect the district has made capital purchases when interest rates were low, some very timely decisions that were needed for the future of the district.

McGrady said that most of the bonds that were issued had less than 3% interest rates.

Melville opened a public hearing for the 2023 water and wastewater rates and fees, effective Feb. 1.

Resident Jason Gross said McGrady did a good job explaining the reasons for the rate increases.

Hearing no other comments, Melville closed public hearing.

Later in the meeting, the board approved 4-0 the 2023 increase in the district’s water and wastewater rates and fees.

Note: The new base rate (renewable water fee) increased by $3; the metering and billing charge per month increased by 50 cents. The volume rates per 1,000 gallons are: Tier 1: 0 to 8,000 gallons—increased by 62 cents. Tier 2: 8,001 to 20,000 gallons—increased by 95 cents. Tier 3: 20,001 to 30,000 gallons—increased by $1.69. Tier 4: 30,001 to 40,000 gallons—increased by $2.21. Tier 5: Over 40,000 gallons—increased by $3.27. The wastewater base rate will be $52.44 per month. For more information and the full rate table, visit: www.triviewmetro.com.

Northern Delivery System update

McGrady said the following:

  • The plans for the NDS pipeline are almost at 100% and the pump station plans are at about 90%.
  • The 16-inch pipe has been ordered, with about a 16-week delivery time. There are no other apparent supply delays.
  • The installation of the pipeline will begin at TMD plant “C” (behind the Sanctuary Pointe development) and be installed from there toward Roller Coaster Road beginning in April. The district expects to have all the pipe installed by September.
  • The convey, treat and deliver contract was expected to be delivered for comment by the end of January. The Colorado Springs Utility Board will then consider the contract in late February, followed by a review in March by the Colorado Springs City Council.
  • Segment “C” of the NDS pipeline, from Agate Creek Park through Homeplace Ranch and up to serve Jackson Creek filings 3-6 is complete. The project went over cost by $30,000 due to an additional bore of 30 feet at $500,000 per foot and the addition of poured concrete bores to secure giant reverse anchors to hold the pipeline in place and prevent sagging. The final cost was $1.699 million. See www.ocn.me/v22n12.htm#tvmd.

District receives reimbursement

McGrady said the district received about $537,147 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to help reimburse the costs for the work the district completed on the south reservoir. The district has almost $300,000 remaining on a 2022 loan at 2.05%.

Cummins said CWCB is almost begging districts to build water storage facilities.

Reservoir level outlook

Cummins said the snowpack statewide is terrific, particularly in the upper and lower Colorado River basin where it is about 158% above normal. The Arkansas River basin is at about 72% and maybe better by late January. The levels emphasize how necessary it was for the district to purchase water rights diversification and the development of adequate storage, because the long-term forecast is wet and cold this winter, and depending on where the low pressure passes along the Front Range, somewhere the district owns water rights that will receive snow, he said.

Higby Road widening project

McGrady said he had met with the Lewis-Palmer High School principal, the D38 school board, and the administrative staff to discuss the widening of Higby Road. The district shared its design for the widening project, and it was generally happy with the district’s design, but the intersection has not been defined. A solid island with a pass through is included in the design from Bowstring Road to Jackson Creek Parkway. Students will be able to exit and travel east on Higby Road. It is a tough spot and school officials rejected a traffic circle that would create excessive traffic pouring into the neighborhoods along Bowstring Road, he said.

Otis said that the final plan needs to be idiot proof, unlike the traffic islands on Baptist Road that adults cannot navigate safely. The island should be just high enough that no one will plow over it, exactly like the islands along Jackson Creek Parkway, he said.

Gross said that he would prefer the district spend extra dollars during the widening of Higby Road to ensure the high school students can navigate the Lewis-Palmer High School area safely. One life of a student saved will be worth it, he said.

Public Works, parks, and open space update

Superintendent Matt Rayno said the following:

  • The Public Works Department had been clearing snow from the streets in Forest Lake Metropolitan District, another 3-4 miles of road in addition to TMD roads.
  • Some minor repairs and preventive maintenance were made to the snow removal equipment.
  • Public Works implemented additional webinar safety training for 2023, along with the regular weekly training.
  • Staff are working around the weather to put the landscaping back at Agate Creek Park.
  • Detention pond repairs and maintenance will be made in February, before the spring snow run-off begins.
  • At the end of February and in early March, the pre-emergent herbicide weed control application will begin.
  • Snow clearing is the priority in the winter.

Barnhart complimented the district on the snow clearing during the Jan. 17-18 storm, saying the Public Works staff did a phenomenal job.

Rayno said the crews worked 10-hour shifts to complete the major roads and side streets in the recent heavy storm, the staff are getting better educated with every storm, and he thanked the board for their compliments.

Otis asked about street parking problems during snow clearing operations.

Rayno said it happens just about everywhere, but it is the worst in Sanctuary Pointe where the roads are narrow, and due to the higher elevation of that neighborhood the roads become icy, and it is challenging. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to clear driveways and sidewalks, and the staff make every effort to slow down and avoid spraying snow back on sidewalks, he said. For the Public Works snow removal policy, visit www.triviewmetro.com.

Public comments

Resident Eric Lingle said at the request of a neighbor, the district installed signs in his neighborhood stating “private property of Triview.” That same neighbor has also planted shrubs in the space and had thrown dog excrement into the open space to deter trespassers. It appears they are attempting to claim the space as their private property along an unofficial path that runs up to a district park. Those same neighbors ran out of their house last night to scream at children sledding on the open space in an effort to enforce the signs.

Lingle said it is a joy to see kids playing in the woods, and it does not bother him, but his grave concern is that children go home and complain to parents, and that could escalate into a bad interaction between neighbors. He has not seen anyone misusing the path in 12 years, and other neighbors are not bothered by the children playing. He can, however, hear everything that is going on whenever there is an interaction on the path, and it would be beneficial if the district could incorporate the path into the greenbelt of the district and remove the signs, he said.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:15 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), (b), (e), to discuss acquisitions, receive legal advice, to negotiations, regarding water delivery infrastructure, water, and property acquisitions.

The district administrator confirmed that no decisions were made or approved when the board returned to the regular meeting.

The meeting adjourned around 8:35 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday every month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 and 3, Dec. 5 – Rate increases for residents; 2023 budgets and mill levies adopted

By Natalie Barszcz

The Pinon Pines Metropolitan District (PPMD) 1 board met via teleconference on Dec. 5 to adopt and approve the 2023 budget and set the mill levy. The PPMD 1 meeting was followed by the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD) and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3 meeting where the board approved residential rate increases for water, wastewater, and landscaping services. The boards adopted the 2023 budgets and the mill levies for each district and received multiple updates on regional water delivery and wastewater projects, and the status of the district wells.

PPMD 1 board members are: President Mike Hitchcock, Vice President Mike Slavick, Secretary Chris Paulene, and Director AJ Slavick. One vacancy exists on this all-resident board.

FLMD and PPMD 2 and 3 board members are: President George Lenz, executive vice president of finance for Classic Homes; Secretary James Boulton, vice president/project manager of Classic Homes; Assistant Secretary Joe Loidolt, president of Classic Homes, and Treasurer Douglas Stimple, CEO of Classic Homes.

Ann Nichols is the manager for all four districts.

Note: FLMD, located west of I-25 at the end of Baptist Road, is a Title 32 service district established in 1985. FLMD is the half-acre operating district responsible for the public infrastructure and utility and general government services for the residents of PPMD 1 and 2 and the commercial property in PPMD 3 (Falcon Commerce Center). FLMD collects the residential property taxes from PPMD 1 and 2 and receives a public improvement fee from sales taxes collected in PPMD 3. PPMD 1 and 2 are in unincorporated El Paso County, but the commercial section, PPMD 3, is within Monument town limits.

Residential rates increase

District counsel Russell Dykstra of Spencer Fane LLP said the proposed residential rate increases for water, wastewater and landscape services had been published as required by statute. No public comments were received before or during the public hearing held for the proposed residential rate increases.

Nichols said the district was proposing a 7% rate increase for water and wastewater services, a $1 increase to the landscape maintenance service fee (from $14 to $15 per month), and a $1 fee for construction water cost (although rarely sold). A simple cost of service study was conducted, and a 7% cost increase will need to continue annually, said Nichols.

The FLMD board unanimously approved the rate increases.

Note: A contract with Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) to provide operator services for the district was approved on Dec. 6, 2021. The contract went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, and includes non-residential landscaping services and district maintenance. See www.ocn.me/v22n1.htm#flmd and #tvmd.

Northern Monument Creek Interceptor project update

Nichols said that TMD and FLMD are participating in the design phase of the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) project, and Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is in the process of choosing a design engineer. Donala Water and Sanitation District decided not to participate in the design phase, but it has agreed to participate in a cost share study of the jointly owned Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCWTF). The study will be conducted by Carollo Engineers and will provide a detailed analysis of the future costs of keeping the UMCWTF operational in compliance with all the regulatory requirements, said Nichols.

The study will take into account the cost of upgrades, retrofitting the plant to meet the new regulations, and the potential need for cooling towers. Upon completion of the study, the three districts are expected to make a good economic assessment before deciding whether to participate in the NMCI project and allow CSU to process wastewater or continue operating the UMCWTF. The study will be made public and is expected to be completed by April. A cost estimate for the NMCI project design is expected at the end of 2023, said Nichols. See TMD article on page < 12 >.

Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority reuse study update

Nichols said the Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority Reuse study had been completed. A couple of options had been identified to treat and deliver water back to the region after it is sent down Monument Creek or potentially to the JDS Phillips plant using the NMCI. CSU identified three alternatives at the preliminary stage to return potable water to all the regional water districts. Nichols recommended the district participate in a future CSU project that could potentially recapture return water flows to the district, once costs are determined, said Nichols.

Well updates

Nichols said the A1 well had been completed, and it had been augmented during the summer when the Dillon well was out of service for five months due to a pump and motor failure and the discovery of holes in the screens that cost about $270,000 in repairs. The Denver well is drilled and expected to be completed in May for a total cost just under $1 million, said Nichols.

Tom Blunk of CP Real Estate Capital, representing Forest Lakes LLC and Forest Lakes Residential Development, said a spare pump came in handy to get the Dillon well back up and running. Blunk recommended a spare pump be ordered due to the current lead times on well equipment taking up to a year. The district has come a long way in two years, and it is a great system with a lot of capital in place, but mother nature does affect the reservoir levels, he said.

Nichols said the dam monitor showed the Bristlecone Reservoir actually rose 3 inches at the end of November.

Public hearing proposed 2023 PPMD 1 budget

Hitchcock opened the public hearing for the Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 2023 budget. Hearing no public comment, the public hearing was closed.

The board unanimously approved the resolution adopting the 2023 budget and appropriating funds for PPMD 1.

Nichols said the mill levies remain the same for 2023 in PPMD 1 at 11.133 mills for the operation and management of the district and 31.500 mills for the debt service for a total of 42.633 mills. The preliminary assessed property values are subject to change until the final assessment is received from the El Paso County Assessor’s Office. The state Legislature’s two-year temporary Residential Assessment Rate reduction to 6.95% had brought the assessed value down minutely, said Nichols.

The board unanimously approved the setting of the mill levies subject to the final property assessed values.

Nichols said the cost of the 2022 audit had increased from $5,650 to $6,000.

The board unanimously approved the letter of engagement with Hoelting & Co. for the PPMD 1 2022 audit.

The PPMD 1 board also unanimously approved:

  • The administration of PPMD 1.
  • The district opt-out of the workers compensation program.
  • 2023 transparency notice of PPMD 1.

Election resolution for 2023

Nichols said the next Board of Directors election would be held on May 2, 2023, for three director positions on all four of the district boards.

Dykstra said the election will be canceled if there are no additional nominees by the end of March. The designated election official will be Melissa Oakes of Spencer Fane LLP.

Hitchcock said there had been no rush of volunteers for director positions on the PPMD 1 board, and he asked about term limits for the board directors.

Dykstra confirmed that term limits were removed when the districts were formed, and any incumbent directors can serve indefinitely.

The board unanimously approved the 2023 election.

Note: The board positions held by Directors Chris Paulene and A J Slavick, and a vacant position will be four-year terms after the 2023 election. The positions held by Stimple, Lenz, and Loidolt will be on the May 2023 ballot for four-year terms and Stephen Schlosser will be on the ballot for a two-year term. Self-nomination forms can be obtained from Stephanie Net Johnson, Paralegal, Spencer Fane LLP, 1700 Lincoln St., Suite 3800, Denver, CO 80203. 303-839-3912 snet@spencerfane.com. Forms should be returned to Johnson and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2023.

Board vacancy filled

Dykstra requested the board confirm the two-year term of Schlosser to fill the fifth director position on the FLMD, and PPMD 2 and 3 boards that had previously been vacant.

Boulton said the board wanted to fill the vacancy and Schlosser was the new project manager for the Forest Lakes Development and other projects in the area.

The board unanimously accepted the new board member.

PPMD 1 financial review for September

Nichols said there was nothing of note in the September financials.

The board unanimously accepted the financial statement as presented.

Nichols said the financial review for October was not available for the meeting.

The PPMD 1 board adjourned at 4:17 p.m.

Amended 2022 budget—PLMD 2 and 3

Nichols said an amendment to the 2022 budget was needed because about $4.5 million was needed for both PPMD 2 and 3. The increases to each district were needed for public infrastructure in both districts. The changes in the exact amounts were expected to be made to the budget at the end of 2022.

The board approved the resolutions adopting the amended 2022 budget and appropriating funds additional funds for PPMD 2 and 3.

2023 budget—FLMD, and PPMD 2 and 3

Nichols said the following:

  • In 2022, the district budgeted about $5.5 million for infrastructure, and that has increased to about $6.1 million for 2023. The increase is in anticipation of finishing the Denver well in early 2023 and a capital expenditure on the detention ponds after the big rains during the summer showed some deficiencies.
  • PPMD 2 has little activity and the operation and management and debt service fund remain the same.
  • The general operating expenses for PPMD 2 will be levied at 11.133 mills and for the purpose of meeting all capital and debt retirement expenses, 44.531 mills will be levied for a total of 55.664 mills.
  • The main change in PPMD 3 is an increase to the purchase services fees needed for the capital outlays in FLMD that went from $350,000 in 2022 to $650,000 in 2023.

Dykstra opened the public hearing for the proposed 2023 budgets for FLMD, PPMD 2 and 3 and, hearing no comments, closed the hearing and the board unanimously approved the following:

  • The 2023 budgets appropriating funds for FLMD, and PPMD 2 and 3.
  • The certification of the mill levies is subject to updates when the final assessed values are received for FLMD, PPMD 2 and 3.
  • An engagement letter with Hoelting & Co. to perform the 2022 audits for FLMD and PPMD 2, and prepare the audit exemption request for PPMD 3.
  • The 20th amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between FLMD and Nichols.
  • An Election Resolution for 2023.
  • The 2023 annual administrative resolution.
  • The transparency notices.

Workers’ compensation opt-out

Dykstra recommended the workers’ compensation opting-out forms for the board be approved, subject to confirmation from the Special District Association (SDA) pool that opting-out is not more expensive than keeping it in place. Opting out is only for districts with significant general liability coverage, and the PPMDs only have basic liability coverage, in comparison to FLMD.

The board unanimously approved opting out subject to SDA confirmation.

The FLMD and PPMD 2 and 3 meetings adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held quarterly on the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at 2138 Flying Horse Club Drive, Colorado Springs, or virtually via teleconference. Meeting notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance at https://forestlakesmetrodistrict.com. For general questions, contact Nichols at 719-327-5810, anicolsduffy@aol.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Forest Lakes Metropolitan District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 12 – Rate increases approved for 2023

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

At its December meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board increased some rates, leaving the majority unchanged. The board also set mill levies as they are required to do annually. A resolution calling for a district election and appointing a Designated Election Official was approved. Finally, the board adopted a budget and appropriated the necessary funds.

Rates to increase 4.6% in total

District Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that the district’s costs have increased, citing an increase of 18.5% in the cost of electricity as an example. Christina Hawker, the DWSD Accounts Payable specialist, said overall rates increased 4.6%.

Resolution 2022-5 enumerated which rates will increase in 2023 and which will remain unchanged, including:

  • Residential water and sewer tap fees will remain unchanged at $8,500.
  • Commercial water tap fees for ¾-inch and 1-inch taps will increase to $9,350.
  • Commercial sewer tap fees will remain unchanged at $9,350 for the first 20 fixture units, as defined by the American Water Works Association.
  • The Water Investment Fee, which covers renewable water costs for new development, will remain unchanged at $4,000 per residence.
  • The Water Service Rate will increase to $30.66 per month.
  • The Water Usage Rate for all six tiers of consumption will increase 0.5%.
  • The Sewer Service Rate will increase to $40.54 per month through June 30, 2023. In July the billing methodology will change to a consumption-based charge.

The board voted unanimously to pass the resolution.

A complete list of rates and fees can be found on the district’s website here: https://www.donalawater.org. Click the “District Information” menu item to see rates and fees.

Two mill levies set

Each year, the DWSD board must set two mill levies, one for the bulk of the DWSD service area (Area A) and one for the Chapparal Hills neighborhood (Area B). Resolution 2022-9 set a mill levy of 21.296 mills for Area A. Resolution 2022-10 set a mill levy of 10.648 mills for Area B. Chapparal Hills requires its own mill levy because it receives only water service from DWSD. The board voted unanimously in favor of both resolutions and authorized letters to the El Paso County Assessor’s Office and the Division of Local Government notifying them of the mill levies.

Election set for May 2

The terms of Directors William George, Kevin Deardorff and Kenneth Judd will expire on May 2, 2023, and Resolution 2022-5 sets an election to fill those three seats. The directors elected will serve four-year terms.

The DWSD office building at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs, will serve as the polling place, and voters may cast their votes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on May 2.

The resolution also names Hawker as the Designated Election Official. Candidates must file a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form to run for one of the three seats. The forms are available at the DWSD office building on Holbein Drive.

If there are three or fewer candidates for the open seats, the election will be cancelled, and the candidates will be seated.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 2022-5.

2023 budget adopted and funds appropriated

Resolution 2022-6 adopts the 2023 budget presented at the Oct. 13 board meeting and reviewed at a Nov. 17 workshop, and Resolution 2022-7 appropriates the required funds. The board voted unanimously in favor of both resolutions.

The discussion of the 2023 budget at the Oct. 13 board meeting can be found in the November issue of OCN here: https://ocn.me/v22n11.htm#dwsd.

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The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 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

Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 13 – 2023 budget approved; NDS timeline

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Dec. 13, the board held a public hearing, approved the 2023 budget and set the mill levy; approved a staff pay raise; and revealed the final details of the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pipeline project. The board also heard about the potential for future water and wastewater rates and tap fee increases.

Director James Otis joined the meeting in person for the executive session.

2023 budget hearing

President Mark Melville separately opened the public hearings for the district’s 2023 budget, and for the sub-districts A (future Conexus development) and B (future development southeast Higby Road). Hearing no comments, Melville closed each hearing individually.

District Manager James McGrady said the future sub-districts A and B have a zero-balance budget for 2023.

McGrady said the district 2023 budget indicates that the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the General Operating Fund is $343,772, and the amount necessary for the Debt Service Fund, for debt services expenses, is about $2.6 million. The assessed valuation of property is about $125 million.

Mill levy 2023

McGrady recommended the board approve a drop in the Debt Service Fund mill levy by .25 mills from previous years, and an increase in the General Operations Fund mill levy from 2.5 mills to 2.75 mills. He said raising the operations mill levy slightly will allow the district to pay the debt service and still bank about $70,000 to $80,000 for future use. The district could have been assessing 35 mills and banking the excess to pay off the loans in 10 years, but the debt issued in 2015 can’t be pre-paid. In the past, the board had voted to lower the mill levy and give the residents a break on 10 mills. Giving relief to homeowners is important rather than retaining a huge sum in the bank, he said.

The board certified the mill levy at 32.250 mills less a temporary mill levy reduction of 11.000 mills, for a total debt service mill levy of 21.250 mills for 2023.

Staff salary increase

McGrady said that he does not recommend chasing inflation but advocates giving reasonable raises to those that have earned it. He recommended the board approve a 6.5% pay raise for the employees. Inflation is about 10% but the district does not want to lose employees over a few hundred dollars. The district has not lost any staff at the utility plant and only a few recently in the Parks and Recreation Department, he said.

Water and wastewater rates

McGrady said he had built the budget around a 10% water and wastewater rate increase, and the concept was a conservative increase. He also said a similar approach would be taken for tap fees, and estimated about 60 homes, five per month, would incur increased tap fees, plus the potential addition of an apartment complex for 2023. The board did not implement any rate increases at the board meeting.

McGrady said overall the 2023 budget is solid, and it will get the district from point A to point B and way down the road on the NDS project.

The 2023 budget can be viewed at www.triview.com.

The board approved Resolution 2022-14 adopting the 2023 budget, appropriating funds, and setting the district’s mill levies, 4-0.

The board approved multiple resolutions to include Resolution 2022-17, adopting the annual administrative resolution. For more information, see www.triviewmetro.com.

Board election

Resolution 2022-18, calling an election on May 2, 2023 to elect members to the TMD Board of Directors, was approved, 4-0.

NDS construction contract

McGrady recommended the board approve the pre-ordering of materials for the NDS pipeline project, because some items are out for six months up to a year. Pipe is now more readily available and reduced from 12 weeks to four weeks wait time, but fittings are 12 weeks, and some items 16 weeks until delivery, he said.

The district’s attorney, George Rowley, said he had reviewed the Kiewit Infrastructure contract and forwarded his comments back. His main comment was to ensure the district, as a governmental entity, will not pay sales tax on the materials.

Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhart asked if Kiewit will purchase materials incrementally in accordance with availability to avoid project delays.

Rowley said some provisions about possible delays would require further review.

McGrady said it may be prudent to add that Kiewit may begin ordering materials as of Jan. 1, 2023.

Director Marco Fiorito said the board and district have a responsibility to the residents to avoid unnecessary delays with the NDS project.

The board approved the proposal from Kiewit for pre-construction services and construction services for the NDS, and directed McGrady to sign the contract, with additional language permitting the pre-purchase of materials and stipulating the avoidance of project delays, 4-0.

NDS timeline

McGrady said the following:

  • The 1041 permit to commence the project is expected by February, and the convey, treat, and delivery contract is expected to be approved by Colorado Springs City Council in March 2023. See www.ocn.me/v22n12.htm#tvmd.
  • Construction is expected to begin in April, with two crews likely working on the pipeline at each end, ensuring that paving can be completed by winter.
  • The crews will begin with the exterior of the pump station at the C plant in the north and another crew will work from the south.
  • The plan is to have the pipeline installed and the roads overlaid by November 2023.
  • The interior of the pump station will be completed over winter 2023-24.
  • The NDS is expected to be operational by summer 2024.
  • The total cost for the NDS project is about $20 million; about $17 million is budgeted for 2023.

Park access during construction

McGrady said he had met with Kari Parsons, El Paso County planner, to discuss the 1041 request, and the only comment received so far came from county Parks and Recreation, with a concern about access to Fox Run Regional Park during the construction phase. A detour plan has been devised, keeping the trailhead on Roller Coaster Road open to local traffic from South Baptist Road. Roller Coaster Road will be closed in certain segments during construction, but local and full access to the park will continue.

Public works, parks and open space update

Superintendent Matt Rayno gave a “big kudos” shout out to the district snow removal team and the equipment provided to get the job done. And he said:

  • The wind storm downed about eight posts in the district, and temporary signage was put in place to avoid traffic problems.
  • Winter watering and the pruning of trees and shrubs had taken place.
  • The Agate Creek Park irrigation is back in place after the installation of the NDS “C” section of pipeline, and the park will be seeded in spring.
  • Trash pick-up occurs daily.
  • The bulk of the work will be snow removal and trail rebuilding.

McGrady said the restoration of Agate Creek Park will involve reworking the irrigation, new top soil, and re-seeding for a budgeted cost of $150,000. It is a horrible looking park after the pipeline installation, he said, but it has the nicest view, and it needs restoring. He also said a gazebo and a portable restroom enclosure are planned for the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe.

Vice President Anthony Sexton asked about the location of the restroom enclosure.

Rayno said the district staff will install a gazebo and a concrete pad close to the existing playground, and the drinking fountain for the portable restrooms. The restrooms will be enclosed by a 6-foot cedar fence and a padlocked gate. The restrooms will be serviced weekly and locked during winter, he said.

Melville said the public works team is doing a “great job,” everything looks good, and it is a joy to drive in the district. It is good to recognize all the public works trucks now have district signage, he said.

Public comments

This reporter commented on the display of lights at the Baptist Road and Leather Chaps Drive intersection.

Sexton agreed they enhanced the development and said many residents had requested the upgraded landscaping, the lights have added value to every resident, and the appeal draws in new residents. That, in comparison to the cost, is pennies on the dollar, he said.

Melville said when you drive around and see the quality of the roads, the district parks and open spaces, it is head and shoulders above other neighborhoods and it all equates to an increase in the homeowner’s investment, he said.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:11 p.m., under Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(a), (b), (e), to receive legal advice regarding acquisitions and negotiations associated with water delivery infrastructure and conservation easements.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 21 – Board approves rate increases for 2023

By James Howald

Correction

In the article on WWSD in the Dec. 3 issue of OCN, I attributed a comment about raising tap fees to Jim Wyss. Wyss left the board earlier in 2022. In fact, it was Director Bill Clewe who said he believed raising tap fees would not discourage development in the WWSD service area. OCN regrets the misattribution.

At its December meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board held two public hearings: the first on increases to water and sewer rates for 2023 and the second on the proposed budget for 2023. Both hearings were followed by votes finalizing the rates, approving the budget, and appropriating the required funds. The board renewed its contract with the Chilcott Ditch Co.

Rate increases approved

At its previous meeting in November, the board heard a presentation on rates from Harold Smith of Raftelis Financial Consultants (RFC). Following that presentation, the board published “not to exceed” increases on its website.

On Dec. 21, the board held a public hearing on proposed rate increases led by Andrew Rheem of RFC. He presented a new set of proposed increases incorporating the board comments at the November meeting. Rheem proposed:

  • A 15% increase in water tap fees.
  • A 15% increase in sewer tap fees.
  • Either a 4% or a 6% increase in water and sewer base charges.
  • Either a 4% or a 6% increase in water and sewer rates.
  • A $1 per month decrease in the Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee (RWIF) that funds surface water development, especially surface water from Woodmoor Ranch.

Rheem said 4% increases would increase a typical residential monthly bill by $2.29 and 6% increases would mean an increase of $3.94.

District Manager Jessie Shaffer told the board he recommended a 4% across the board increase in rates, including all base charges and all volume-based rates. He recommended no change to the RWIF and no change to supplemental water service fees. He also recommended a 15% increase to water, sewer, and non-potable tap fees.

Board President Brian Bush commented that he saw two approaches to tap fees: that they are the cost of buying into the existing infrastructure or that they are a method to cover the costs of any new infrastructure required by new customers. He also said he felt raising tap fees was preferable to raising rates.

There were no comments from the public and the hearing was closed.

Following the hearing, the board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 22-07, which documented the increases Shaffer recommended.

At the time of publication, WWSD had not updated its website with the rates approved for 2023.

2023 budget approved; funds appropriated

A public hearing on the 2023 budget that was opened during the previous board meeting was continued at the December meeting. There were no comments from the public and few changes to the budget as previously presented.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 22-08, which adopted the 2023 budget and appropriated the necessary funds.

Contract with Chilcott Ditch Co. renewed

Shaffer presented an updated contract between WWSD and the Chilcott Ditch Co. to the board. He said the new contract did not increase the management fees that WWSD charges the ditch company, but it did increase the hourly pay rate for the ditch riders who maintain the waterway to $36.75 per hour.

The board voted unanimously to approve the updated contract.

Highlights of operational reports

  • Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine reported that about 600 of the district’s water meters have been replaced with more advanced meters that improve accuracy and interface with WWSD’s billing software.
  • The utility relocations required by expansion of Highway 105 were to go out to bid in December.
  • Shaffer reported that Monument Junction East and West are moving forward rapidly, with a steel sleeve for water and sewer lines installed under Jackson Creek Parkway, sewer lines in place, and water lines partially installed.
  • Bush reported that the proposed Monument Ridge East development, located just south of County Line Road and east of I-25, had withdrawn its application to be annexed by the Town of Monument.

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The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023, 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.

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Monument Sanitation District, Dec.21 – Employees get 9% pay increase

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its December meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board approved raises for MSD staff. The board made plans for an election in May that will fill three board seats. A yearly resolution documenting procedural issues was also passed, and the board heard operational reports.

MSD staff gets 9% pay increase

Following an executive session, the board voted to increase staff pay by 9% overall, which includes both a cost-of-living and a merit increase. All district employees will receive the increase.

Three seats on ballot

An election to be held on May 2, 2023, will decide three seats on the MSD board. Seats held by Dan Hamilton, Laura Kronick, and Marylee Reisig will be on the ballot. Board Secretary Reisig is term-limited and may not run again. Board members are elected to four-year terms. The district building at 130 Second St. will serve as the polling place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Candidates for the open board seats must file a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form between Jan. 1, 2023, and Feb. 24, 2024. The board appointed Peggy Rupp of Collins, Cole Flynn Winn & Ullmer PLLC as the Designated Election Official. Rupp can be reached by email at prupp@cogovlaw.com.

If three or fewer candidates fill a nomination form with Rupp, the election will be cancelled.

Annual housekeeping resolution passed

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 12212022-2, which establishes many of the procedures by which the district operates, for example:

  • All legal notices will be published in the Colorado Springs Gazette.
  • All meetings will be posted at the district office building at 130 Second St.
  • Regular meetings will be held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.
  • The district manager is the budget officer.

Highlights of operational reports

  • The lift station for the Willow Springs neighborhood is in production and moving about 19,000 gallons of wastewater daily.
  • Tenants in the district’s office building were notified of a rent increase just under 5 percent to begin with the renewal of their leases on Jan. 1, 2023.
  • District Manager Mark Parker sent a letter approving RAO Investment’s request to have their property on Rickenbacker Avenue included in the MSD service area. RAO Investments originally planned to build 134 homes on the property but received approval from El Paso County for only 64.
  • David Frisch, an engineer with GMS Consulting Engineers Inc. who has worked on many projects for MSD, has announced his retirement.

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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 Jan. 18, 2023. 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.

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