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WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
August 15, 2011
CD 8A2011
ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by President Don Mueller.
Councilwoman Perry Buck and Councilmen Charles Tucker and John Kivimaki were
present, constituting a quorum of members. Councilwoman Ginny Buczek was
excused. Also present was Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway, Council
Secretary Karla Ford and several local community residents.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilwoman Buck made a motion approve the August
15, 2011 agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tucker and carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman Kivimaki made a motion to approve the July
18, 2011 minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tucker and carried.
APPROVAL OF REPORT TO THE PEOPLE: Councilman Kivimaki made a motion to
approve the 2011 2nd Quarter Report to the People. The motion was seconded by
Councilwoman Buck and carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
PROGRAM REVIEW:
Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway distributed handouts regarding water
storage. Weld County has played a significant role in the development and
management of our water resources. He stated our forefathers had planned and
developed a great water delivery system which has turned our desert into an oasis.
Weld County ranks between 5th & 8th as one of the most productive counties in the
United States.
In January, at the Governor's request, the Weld County Commissioners started an
Economic Development Assessment for Weld County. There were many community
meetings around the county and the commissioner's purpose was to listen to what were
the driving forces for the county. One main item that came out of the meetings was
water storage. All the information regarding the Weld County Economic Development
Survey Results is available on the webpage www.co.weld.co.us.
Out of these meetings the Larimer County Commissioners, for the first time, are
endorsing the concept of more water storage— specifically the NISP (Northern
Integrated Supply Projects). So for the first time, there has been recognition that water
storage is vital to a strong economic future, being stated in the county, regional and
state economic plans.
Commissioner Conway discussed NISP. This will be a generational project. NISP
includes two proposed reservoirs, Glade and Galeton. These would help ensure clean,
reliable water supplies for the future of Northeast Colorado residents. Currently the
water flows down the Poudre River, goes into the Platte River and then off to Nebraska.
In 2009, 90,000 acre feet of water left Colorado that would have been available for NISP
storage. With the snow pack this year, even more water will leave this state. This
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August 15,2011
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could be water that is harnessed for agriculture, municipal and business usage. It is
allocated to the State of Colorado under our compact obligations.
The project is made up of 15 participants which have banded together to create a
reliable source of water for their long term needs. These participants are paying for this
project. The project has two tiers consisting of the Glade Reservoir, which primarily
catches spring runoff from off the Poudre. It does not impact its federal designation.
The water is diverted off stream — only takes flood waters during spring time and can
only take a certain amount of water. The water is captured and released for municipal
purposes downstream. It goes into the Platte. The Galeton Reservoir would have two
partner ditch companies. This is called the South Platte Water Conservation Project
and will be an "exchange" of water. This water would be delivered through a pipeline to
the Larimer and Weld Irrigation and New Cache la Poudre irrigating companies.
Commissioner Conway distributed and discussed a fact sheet on the correlation of
water, jobs and economy and the economic impacts of NISP and a list of NISP support
and endorsements.
To keep the topic in the forefront a farmer rally and barbeque for NISP was held in
Northern Colorado and a second rally held in Erie. In May, a business rally was held
and Congressman Cory Gardner endorsed the project. A packet of news articles was
distributed regarding this rally. There are currently no rallies scheduled, but
Commissioner Conway will travel and make presentations to any groups requesting
more information on this project.
OLD BUSINESS:
November 21st Council Meeting
Due to the Town/County dinner being held on November 21st, the Council will need to
move their regularly scheduled meeting to a different date. Councilman Kivimaki made
a motion to change the November 21st meeting to November 14th. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Tucker and carried. Councilman Kivimaki made a motion to
adopt Resolution 188 changing the November 21, 2011 Weld County Council meeting
to Monday, November 14, 2011. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tucker and
carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Coordinator Reports
There were no coordinator reports.
Payment of Bills
Councilman Tucker made a motion to pay bills as listed below:
Mileage for Councilman Don Mueller $20.06
Mileage for Councilman John Kivimaki $61.53
Mileage for Councilwoman Perry Buck $25.41
Mileage for Council Secretary Karla Ford $27.82
Johnstown Breeze Subscription Renewal $30.00
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Buck and passed.
ADJOURNMENT: By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
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August 15,2011
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September 19, 2011 Council Pre ide t Don Mueller
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Council Secretary Karla Ford
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