HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2013-04-09* Revised
NOTE: The Town Board reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the
agenda was prepared.
STUDY SESSION
TOWN BOARD
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
4:30 p.m.
Rooms 202/203
170 MacGregor Ave.
AGENDA
4:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items.
4:40 p.m. Town Board Meeting Procedures/Tool Box.
5:00 p.m. Break for Dinner.
5:15 p.m. Employee Retirement Plans.
5:30p.m. Municipal Code Updates & Leak Policy for Water.
6:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourn.
To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham
Board of Trustees
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk
Date: April 5, 2013
RE: Future Town Board Study Session Items
April 23, 2013
Policy Governance II – Board/Staff
Linkage – Part 1
Town Administrator Evaluation Process
May 14, 2013
Capital Planning and Management
Support for Highland Festival/Evaluation
of Special Events
May 23, 2013
Strategic Initiatives – Review of Citizen
Engagement
May 28, 2013
Town Administrator Performance
Review
May 29, 2013
Town Board Retreat
June 11, 2013
Mayor’s Contingency Fund
Development Plan Review Process
June 25, 2013
No scheduled items
June 26, 2013
Pre Budget Meeting
July 9, 2013
Proposed Amendments to Policy 101 –
Board Assignments
Other Items Not Currently Scheduled
for Town Board Study Sessions
• Revision to Stanley Historic District
Agreement
• Update on Insurance Coverage
• FOSH – Feasibility question and
process approval
Town Clerk’s Office Memo
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Memo
To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham
Board of Trustees
From: Frank Lancaster
Date: April 9th, 2013
RE: Town Board Meeting Procedures/Tool Box.
Background:
Several Trustees have raised questions about several procedural items related to the
operation of the Board of Trustees. Some relate to meeting management, some to
official protocol and practices. In 2011 the Board adopted several practices that may
address some of these issues, while others have not been discussed. Some of these
same issues are addressed under the Governing section of Policy Governance. The
purpose of this agenda item is to review these items and for the board to come to some
consensus on how to handle these issues in the future. Specific issues that have been
raise are:
• Meeting Management
• Process for limiting speakers time
• limiting speakers to the topic at hand
• Board committee appointments process.
• Trustees' responsibilities to support a Board decision
• Amending the Development Code to provide that, when special review is
required, that process take place before any variance request may be submitted
to the Board of Adjustment
Budget:
n/a
To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham
Board of Trustees
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Jackie Williamson, Director
Date: April 3, 2013
RE: Town Retirement Plans
Background:
The Town joined the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) on January 1,
1964, thereby providing Town employees with a defined benefit retirement program.
The employee contributes a percentage of each paycheck and the Town contributes a
percentage established by PERA annually. Currently the employee contributes 8% and
the Town contributes 13.7%, see the chart below.
The Police department and management have had alternate retirement plans because
PERA has not been as portable in the past, and police personnel and management tend
to change jobs. All police personnel (sworn and non-sworn) and management hired
externally and not promoted through the Town are members of ICMA 401(a) plans in
which the employee and the Town contribute funds. Currently these employees
contribute 8% per paycheck; however, the amount contributed by the Town varies, see
chart below.
Estimated # Employees Retirement Rate
PERA EMP VESTED 47 13.70%
PERA EMP NOT VESTED 31 13.70%
ICMA MGMT EMP 5 13.70%
ICMA PD SWORN EMP MGMT 1 13.70%
ICMA PD SWORN EMP 19 11.10%
ICMA DISPATCH/ADMIN EMP 11 11.10%
Recently Administrative Services was requested to review the retirement benefits for all
Police personnel because an inequity was perceived. Through the review it was
determined the percentages paid by the Town to individual PERA and ICMA accounts
has never been consistent, see the chart below for details. With the downturn in the
economy beginning in 2005, PERA began to have financial issues which had significant
effects on its structure and contributions from 2006 – 2010. During this timeframe ICMA
Administrative Services Memo
Page 2
contributions by the Town were not updated to keep pace with the changes. Therefore
by 2011 there was a 4.5% difference in the contribution for PERA covered employees
versus ICMA employees.
EMPLOYEE EMPLOYER
ICMA Manage ICMA Police PERA ICMA Manage ICMA Police PERA
1/1/2001 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 9.43%
1/1/2002 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 9.19%
1/1/2003 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 9.60%
1/1/2004 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 10.00%
1/1/2005 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 10.00%
1/1/2006 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 10.50%
1/1/2007 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 11.00%
1/1/2008 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 11.90%
1/1/2009 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 12.80%
1/1/2010 7.50% 8.00% 8.00% 10.00% 9.20% 13.70%
1/1/2011 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 13.70% 11.10% 13.70%
1/1/2012 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 13.70% 11.10% 13.70%
1/1/2013 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 13.70% 11.10% 13.70%
In 2011, Administration took a step towards closing the gap on these inequities by
approving a change to the ICMA contributions: Management from 10% to 13.7% and
Police from 9.2% to 11.10%. To date there remains a 2.6% difference between the two
retirement plans in the Town’s contribution rate.
Staff recommends the Town contribute the same amount to each employee’s retirement
plan moving forward. PERA employer contribution rates are set by PERA and may not
be modified by the employer. Therefore, it is recommended the Town adopt a policy to
contribute to all employee retirement plans at the rate established by PERA moving
forward and update ICMA contracts annually to reflect such changes if necessary.
Staff would also recommend the Town retroactively contribute to the Police employee
ICMA retirement plans at the 13.7% rate starting January 2011. This would be a
difference of 2.6% for all police personnel accept for the Police Chief as he is
considered management.
Budget:
Approximately $70,180 would need to be allocated to Police personnel ICMA retirement
accounts in order to make up the 2.6% deficit in contribution for 2011 and 2012. An
adjustment to the 2013 contributions and budget would also be required as the 2013
budget was approved with the 11.1% contribution rate. The overall budgetary impact is
estimated at $100,000 from the General Fund.
To: Honorable Mayor Pinkham
Town Board
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Utilities Director Bergsten
Date: April 9, 2013
RE: Municipal Code Updates for Water
Revisions to Sections 13.20 – 13.38 of the Municipal Code
In the process of reviewing business operations, the Utility Department has worked with
Attorney White to revise the language in the Water section of the Municipal Code.
Attached is a redlined copy for your review.
Most of the changes are cosmetic and do not change the intent of the section. Some of
the alterations that are worth pointing out are:
a) Multiple sections in the beginning regarding the Tabor Act that Attorney White
referred to as irrelevant due to statutes and case law;
b) Modification to section “13.24.050 Separate connections required” to allow
flexibility of service line design on Town Homes;
c) Addition of section “13.24.090 Authority to shut service off” clarifying the
Department’s authority to operate the customer’s service valve;
d) Clarification in section “13.28.090 Charges when meter fails to register” to state
that customers must provide the Department access to the water meter.
The most notable area for discussion is: “13.32.040 Discontinuance, termination and
abandonment of service.” As discussed in the February PUP Committee meeting, this
section allows a water service to be revoked. Our Municipal Code allows water service
charges to be collected through a lien on the property, insuring the recovery of
delinquent charges. It is our intent to revise Section 13.32.040 with the Board’s input.
Set forth below is Section 13.32.040 as currently stated in the Code, and Staff’s
recommended changes for your review.
Water Department Report
Existing Municipal Code Language:
“13.32.040 Discontinuance, termination and abandonment of service.
Any person who desires to discontinue the use of water shall file written notice with the
Finance Officer and pay all current and back charges for water used. Any customer who
fails to pay the applicable minimum rate set forth in this Chapter for a period of one (1)
year, or whose service is terminated as elsewhere provided in this Chapter and whose
service has not been restored within one (1) year from such termination, shall lose any
right to have any water service, including the forfeiture of the connection charge. Any
reconnection to the Town's water system after disconnection of service, pursuant to this
Section, shall require a new application for service including payment of all tap fees and
connection charges. Any tap connection that is terminated shall be physically
disconnected from the Town's water system at the owner's expense. (Prior code §6.11;
Ord. 6-78 §4, 1978; Ord. 7-79 §1, 1979; Ord. 2-93 §1(part), 1993; Ord. 15-97, 1997)”
Proposed Municipal Code language for Section 13.32.40 for consideration and
discussion:
13.32.040 Discontinuance, termination and abandonment of service.
(a) In the case where a property owner provides the Town Finance Department
with a written and notarized notification of their intent to discontinue water
service to their premises, the meter shall be removed and the service line shall
be permanently capped at the water main at the owner's expense. The
property owner must pay all current and back charges for water service. The
written notification must certify the owner’s intent to either (1) relinquish their
water tap ownership (water rights and plant development fees), or (2) maintain
their ownership of tap, which in turn, will require their monthly payment of one-
half of the minimum monthly service charge in order to retain said ownership.
(b) To abandon the existing service line, the corporation stop for the service line
shall be permanently shut off at the water main at the owner's expense. The
Department will not resume water service to the premises through a
replacement line until the abandoned service line has been permanently
disconnected. Full monthly minimum charges will apply during the replacement
period.
(c) Any tap connection that is terminated shall be physically disconnected from the
Town's water system at the owner's expense within sixty (60) days.
(d) If the Department receives notice from the Chief Building Inspector or the State
Department of Public Health & Environment that a structure has been
condemned as not habitable or unsanitary or dangerous to human life, water
service shall be shut off at once. Full monthly minimum charges will be held as
a lien against the property. Service will be restored upon payment of all
accumulated service charges, not to exceed the present value of tap charges
(water rights and plant development fees). (Prior code §6.11; Ord. 6-78 §4,
1978; Ord. 7-79 §1, 1979; Ord. 2-93 §1(part), 1993; Ord. 15-97, 1997)
Title 13
II. WATER
Chapter 13.20 Water Administration
13.20.010 Creation of Water Department.
There is created and established a Water Department of the Town for the purpose of the management,
maintenance, care and operation of the Town’s water system. (Prior code §6.1)
Chapter 13.22 Water Activity Enterprise
13.22.010 Establishment of the Enterprise.
The Town hereby establishes the Water Activity Enterprise as an agency of the Town and formally
designates it as the "Town of Estes Park, Water Activity Enterprise” (the “Enterprise”). It shall be the
purpose of the Enterprise to pursue or continue all of the Town's water activities, including those
defined in Title 37, Article 45.1, Part 1, C.R.S. (the "Act"), such as water acquisition or water project or
facility activities, including the construction, operation, repair and replacement of water facilities, and
administration, using revenues and income generated by and earned or acquired in connection with
such water activities and held and managed in the Town's water enterprise fund. As between the
Town and the Enterprise, all water activities will be deemed done and furnished by the Enterprise.
(Ord. 8-99 §1, 1999)
13.22.020 Enterprise excluded from the provisions of TABOR.
Pursuant to and in accordance with the Act, the Enterprise shall be excluded from the provisions of
Section 20 of Article X of the Colorado Constitution (TABOR) and shall be entitled to impose rates, fees,
tolls and charges; collect and spend revenues; issue revenue bonds; and construct, operate and
maintain facilities and provide water services; all without reference or regard to the limitations
contained in TABOR. (Ord. 8-99 §2, 1999)
13.22.030 Governing body.
The members of the Board of Trustees shall serve as the governing body of the Enterprise. Acting as the
Enterprise Board, the Board of Trustees may exercise the Town's legal authority relating to water
activities as defined in the Act. (Ord. 8-99 §3, 1999)
13.22.040 Powers of the Enterprise.
The Enterprise shall have all powers and authority granted to water activity enterprises by the
provisions of the Act.
13.22.050 Enterprise obligations and Town obligations.
The Town shall provide administrative services for the Enterprise and its activities, to continue to hold
title to and own all of the assets currently owned by the Town and necessary to the operation of the
Enterprise, to levy taxes for and pay debt service on general obligations of the Town incurred in the past
to finance the acquisition, construction and installation of water, water facilities and improvements, and
to impose all rates, fees, tolls and charges for water activities.
13.22.060 Transactions in the name of the Town or the Enterprise.
Any and all transactions of the Enterprise may be done in the name of the Town or in the name of the
Enterprise.
Chapter 13.24 Water Rules and Regulations
13.24.010 Inspections.
Whenever the Department deems it necessary, it may inspect the premises, including structures, of any
water customer for the purpose of examining the condition of all pipes, motors, meters and water
fixtures, or the manner in which the water is used.
13.24.050 Separate connections required.
Each single family dwelling receiving water service must have a separate service line running from the
corporation cock, located at the Town's water main. The property owner is responsible for installation,
maintenance and repair of the water service line. Installation of the service line must be approved
by the Department Director or a designee prior to installation. (Prior code 6.12; Ord. 11-73 §1, 1973;
Ord. 15-97, 1997)
13.24.080 Water service and usage.
(a) Continuity of service. The Department will endeavor to furnish and supply, but does not
guarantee, uninterrupted water service. The Department will not be liable for any injury, loss or
damage for interruptions due to system maintenance, upgrade or repair considered necessary or causes
or contingencies beyond the control of the Department, including but not limited to accidents,
breakdown of equipment, acts of God, drought, floods, storms, fires, strikes, riots, war or authority and
orders of government, or for disconnection because of unsafe operation of equipment detrimental to
other users, nonpayment of bills for service or diversion of water. Such interruptions shall not relieve
the customer of payments for service under applicable rate schedules.
(b) Shortage of water. The Department will make reasonable effort to furnish a continuous
supply of water to meet demands. However, should shortages occur by reason of drought, acts of God,
or system outages for maintenance, upgrade or repair, the Department shall have the right to grant
preference to those services which are the most essential to the public welfare. The Department shall
not be held liable for any claim, loss or liability from shortages in supply of water.
(c) No claim shall be made against the Town on account of the breaking of service pipes or
apparatus or for failure in the supply of water. No reduction in the rates will be made for any time that
service pipes or fixtures may be inoperable due to service interruption.
(d) Liability. All installations of water pipes, meters or other materials or equipment made by
the Department at its expense shall remain the property of the Department and shall not be tampered
or interfered with directly or indirectly by the customer or any other unauthorized person.
(e) WaterIrrigation restrictions. In case of water shortage or scarcity, the Department may
place any restrictions which it deems necessary upon the use of water. (Prior code 6.13; Ord. 15-97,
1997)
13.24.090 Authority to shut service off.
The Department shall have the authority to terminate water service if the conditions warrant the need
to mitigate leaks, protect the distribution system, limit property damage or for nonpayment for service.
The Department shall not be responsible for damages to the property, service pipes or apparatus when
the service is terminated.
13.24.120 Extraterritorial water service.
(a) Use of water outside the Town limits shall be subject to the paramount rights of users within
the Town limits, and in case there shall be insufficient water or system capacity to provide for users both
within and without the Town limits, the Board may reduce, curtail or shut off the users outside the Town
limits during such period of water shortage or system capacity.
(b) All applicants for water service outside the boundaries of the Town, including any changes or
enlargement of service, shall, if required by the Town, annex their property to the Town prior to
furnishing of water service; or if their property is not eligible for annexation, execute a water tap
agreement requiring annexation to the Town when said property is eligible for annexation. (Prior code
§6.19; Ord. 24-98 §1, 1998)
13.24.150 Regulations; part of service contract.
All regulations of the Department shall be considered a part of the contract withwith any person or
entity using the water system, and every person or entity taking water shall be considered as having
expressly consented to be bound thereby. (Prior code §6.27)
13.24.230 Contract line extensions.
(a) The Town or another party may construct certain water mains to provide water service to
undeveloped portions of the Town's water service area. A listing of these water main extensions and the
areas they serve is on file in the Department. All connections to these mains from the designated
areas shall be subject to a contract line assessment.
(b) The Town reserves the right to charge the entire contract line assessment for any new
subdivision at the time of the issuance of the first building permit in said subdivision. (Ord. 1-92 §1,
1992; Ord. 2-93 §7, 1993; Ord. 15-97, 1997)
Chapter 13.26 Cross-Connections
13.26.010 General policy.
The Department shall be responsible for the protection of the Town’s potable water distribution system
from contamination or pollution due to the backflow of contaminants or pollutants through the water
service connection. If, in the judgment of the Department, an approved backflow-prevention assembly is
required at the consumer’s water service connection or within the consumer’s private water system for
the safety of the water system, the Department shall give notice in writing to said consumer to install
such an approved backflow-prevention assemblies at specific locations on his or her premises. The
consumer shall install and maintain such approved assemblies within the time frame set forth in the
notice and at his or her own expense.. Failure, refusal or inability of the consumer to install, have
tested and maintain said assemblies shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the
premises until such requirements have been satisfactorily met. (Ord. 3-04 §1, 2004)
13.26.020 Definitions.
Definitions of terms used in this chapter are those contained in the Colorado Cross-Connection Control
Manual, Department of Health and Environment’s latest edition unless otherwise defined below:
(1) Approved backflow device means a backflow device or air gap meeting the standards and
installation requirements of the A.S.S.E. (American Society of Sanitary Engineers), the latest edition of
the Cross-Connection Control Manual and/or the requirements of the Water Department. Approval by
the Department will be dependent upon the hazards assessed, but shall not be less than the
Cross-Connection Control Manual requirements for potable water system protection. Approved status
shall also be contingent upon inspection, testing and passing of such test by a Certified Cross-Connection
Control Technician. Any variation or exception may be by direction from the current edition of the
Colorado Cross-Connection Control Manual.
(2) Certified Cross-Connection Control Technician means a person who possesses a current
certification as a backflow tester and repairer from one of the following national certification councils:
American Society of Sanitary Engineers (A.S.S.E.), the American Backflow Association (A.B.P.A.) and the
American Boards of Certifications (A.B.C.). Any variation or exception will be by direction from the
current edition of the Cross-Connection Control Manual.
(3) Containment means the installation of an approved backflow device isolating the premises
and all plumbing connections to the service connection therein from the Town’s potable water supply.
At the Department’s discretion, installation of the approved backflow device shall, at a minimum, be
placed at or near the property line with all necessary equipment/enclosures to ensure uninterrupted
service and meet all installation safety codes at the consumer’s expense.
(4) Cross-connection means a connection or potential connection between any part of the
Town’s potable water system and any other environment containing other substances in a manner that,
under any circumstances, would allow such substances to enter the Town’s potable water system. Other
substances may be gases, liquids or solids, such as chemicals, waste products, steam, water from other
sources (potable or nonpotable) or any matter that may change the color or add odor to the water.
(5) Service connection means the terminal end of the water supplier service connection from
the Town’s potable water distribution system to the threads on the corporation stop where the
Department loses jurisdiction and sanitary control and consumer ownership begins. Service connection
shall also include water service connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency
water service connections from the Town’s potable water system. (Ord. 3-04 §1, 2004)
13.26.030 Requirements.
(a) New connection. All new connections to the Town’s water system shall have an approved
backflow device. The Department will provide on-site evaluation and/or plan review in order to
determine the type of backflow device that will be required as a condition of service. All new
connections requiring a backflow device shall be inspected and tested by a Certified Cross-Connection
Control Technician.
(b) Changes in service. Any changes in service, including but not limited to reconnection,
change in the number of fixture values, or changes in the type of water service, shall require installation
of an approved backflow device.
(c) Existing installations. For connections or premises without backflow devices existing prior
to September 1, 2004, the Department will perform on-site evaluations and/or plan reviews and inform
the consumer by letter of any corrective action deemed necessary, the method of correction and the
time allowed for correction as a condition of service. Up to sixty (60) days will be allowed but may be
shortened depending upon the degree of hazard (pollutant or contaminant) involved. The Department
does not waive the right to require a backflow device if future directions requires such.
(d) Testing. All backflow devices shall be tested and pass said testing requirements at least
annually by a Certified Cross-Connection Control Technician using the latest test procedures as specified
by one (1) of the following councils: A.S.S.E., A.B.C., A.B.P.A.
(e) Emergency disconnection. At the Department’s discretion, severing the service connection
will be performed if the degree of hazard warrants such action in order to protect the Town’s potable
water supply. Discontinuance of service may be summary, immediate and without written notice
whenever, in the judgment of the Department, such action is necessary to protect the Town’s potable
water supply or the distribution system, including unmetered losses from customer owned service lines.
(f) Failure to comply. If, after a first notice by letter or direct delivery of notice, the consumer
fails to comply with the Department’s directive or fails to allow access to premises for inspection and/or
repairs, immediate termination of service can occur. At the Department’s discretion, no more than an
additional ten (10) days shall be granted to comply with said directive. Failure to allow access by the
consumer, or those designated by him or her, to premises for inspection or repair by the Department
will automatically classify the premises as a high-hazard risk to the Town’s potable water supply. Appeal
of any notice shall be directed to the Department Director. An appeal shall not stay the execution of
the failure to comply order by the Department in order to protect the Town’s potable water supply. The
failure to comply order may be reversed if the appeal is upheld.
(g) Record keeping. The Department shall maintain records of all backflow device inspections
and test results for a minimum of three (3) years.
(h) Variance. Upon written application by the consumer, the Department may vary any of the
requirements of this section upon the finding by the Department that an approved backflow device is
not necessary to protect the Town’s potable water supply. The Department may approve the variance
with or without conditions. (Ord. 304 §1, 2004)
13.26.040 Requirements of consumer.
(a) Cross-connections. The consumer shall be responsible for the elimination or protection of
all cross-connections (known or unknown by the Department) on his or her premises by installing an
approved backflow device at his or her expense. Such backflow device expenses shall include
installation, maintenance, protection, testing, repair, removal or replacement of said devices as required
by the Department as a condition of service.
(b) Backflow device. No backflow device shall be bypassed, disabled, removed or modified
without written consent by the Department. Any such modifications shall result in termination of
service.
(c) Fire suppression system design and installation. The consumer, or those designated by him
or her, will comply with current National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) standards and/or the
current Water Department Policy Manual as amended when designing, installing and maintaining any
fire suppression system as a condition of service. (Ord. 3-04 §1, 2004)
Chapter 13.28 Metered Service
13.28.050 Customer liable for meter damage.
All customers shall be liable for any damage to a water meter caused by freezing or willful or negligent
acts.. All such damages shall be charged to and paid for by the customer. In the event the damages shall
not be paid when due, the provisions and procedures of Chapter 13.32 pertaining to delinquent water
rent shall apply to all unpaid charges for such damages. (Prior code §6.21-5; Ord. 16-72 §1(part), 1972)
13.28.080 Unlawful to interfere with or bypass meters.
It is unlawful for any metered customer, or for any other person, to tamper or interfere with any meter,
remote reader or meter seal, or to so arrange his or her water service or piping so that the use of water
will not be accurately metered. The Town shall immediately discontinue water serviceto any user who
violates the provisions of this section until satisfactory payment has been made for
Department-estimated water use and meter repairs. (Ord. 13-77 §5, 1977)
13.28.090 Charges when meter fails to register.
If any meter fails to register in any billing period, the water user shall be charged according to the
average quantity of water used in a similar period as shown by the meter when in order, and the
Department may prorate any water bill for any such period of time water service is received while
not being metered. The customer shall provide timely access to meter for maintenance and
replacement. The meter must be kept in an easily accessible location. (Ord. 1377 §6, 1977)
Chapter 13.32 Water Rates and Charges
13.32.010 Water rate schedule.
(a) Applicability. The water rate schedule is applicable to water service for all customers
receiving water service from the Town's water system.
(b) Rates. The rates for water service to all customers on the Town's water system are as more
fully set forth on the Town's water rate schedule on file in the office of the Department Director. (Prior
code §6.28-2; Ord. 293 §3; Ord. 328 §2; Ord. 371 §2; Ord. 10-71 §9, 1971; Ord. 5-74 §2, 1974; Ord. 4-75
§1(part), 1975; Ord. 12-77 §2, 1977; Ord. 6-78 §7, 1978; Ord. 34-78 §4, 1978; Ord. 7-79 §2, 1979; Ord.
28-79 §2, 1979; Ord. 13-80 §2, 1980; Ord. 24-80 §3, 1980; Ord. 12-85 §3, 1985; Ord. 21-86 §3, 1986;
Ord. 29-87 §2, 1987; Ord. 2-93 §2, 1993; Ord. 1-94 §3, 1994; Ord. 15-97, 1997)
13.32.020 Consumer obligations.
All owners of property shall remain ultimately and legally liable for the payment of any and all water
service charges to the premises, regardless of whether such property is used for single-family,
multi-family or commercial purposes, and regardless of whether the billings are made in the name of
the owner, tenant or other occupant of the premises. Such billings are for personal convenience only
and shall not in any way affect lien rights of the Town against the premises to which the services are
furnished.
13.32.030 Monthly minimum rates.
Monthly minimum service charges apply to all service connections. One half of the applicable monthly
minimum service charge is applied when plant development charges and water rights fees have been
paid in advance of the physical connection to the water system.
13.32.040 Discontinuance, termination and abandonment of service.
(a) In the case where a property owner provides the Town Finance Department with a written
and notarized notification of their intent to discontinue water service to their premises, the meter shall
be removed and the service line shall be permanently capped at the water main at the owner's expense.
The property owner must pay all current and back charges for water service. The written notification
must certify the owner’s intent to either (1) relinquish their water tap ownership (water rights and plant
development fees), or (2) maintain their ownership of tap, which in turn, will require their monthly
payment of one-half of the minimum monthly service charge in order to retain said ownership.
(b) To abandon the existing service line, the corporation stop for the service line shall be
permanently shut off at the water main at the owner's expense. The Department will not resume water
service to the premises through a replacement line until the abandoned service line has been
permanently disconnected. Full monthly minimum charges will apply during the replacement period.
(c) Any tap connection that is terminated shall be physically disconnected from the Town's
water system at the owner's expense within sixty (60) days.
(d) If the Department receives notice from the Chief Building Inspector or the State Department
of Public Health & Environment that a structure has been condemned as not habitable or unsanitary or
dangerous to human life, water service shall be shut off at once. Full monthly minimum charges will be
held as a lien against the property. Service will be restored upon payment of all accumulated service
charges, not to exceed the present value of tap charges (water rights and plant development fees).
(Prior code §6.11; Ord. 6-78 §4, 1978; Ord. 7-79 §1, 1979; Ord. 2-93 §1(part), 1993; Ord. 15-97, 1997)
13.32.080 Liens on unpaid service charges.
All service charges shall be charged against the owner of the property served, shall be a lien upon the
respective lots or parcels of land where the service is assigned from the time when due and shall be a
perpetual charge against the lots or parcels of land until paid. In the event said charges shall not be paid
when due for property within Town limits, the Town Clerk shall certify such delinquent charges to the
County Treasurer and the charges shall be collected in the same manner as though they were part of the
taxes. On all delinquent water and connection charges for property outside the Town limits, there shall
be a charge of one percent (1%) per month on the amount due, which shall be added to the amount due
until paid. In the case of condominiums to which water is furnished, the consumption of every
condominium unit, the lien for the unpaid water, interest and costs, if any, imposed by this Code shall
attach upon such condominium unit in an amount which is computed by dividing the total amount of
the lien by the number of condominium units. (Prior code §6.25; Ord. 316 §2; Ord. 10-71 §6, 1971; Ord.
19-73 §1(part), 1973; Ord. 13-77 §7, 1977; Ord. 6-78 §5, 1978)
Chapter 13.38 Bulk Rate Water Customers
13.38.010 Bulk rate water users.
A bulk rate water user is a person or an entity controlling or owning and maintaining its own water
distribution system, which system is connected to the Town's water system by a single connection
through a single meter. Only such systems in existence on April 1, 1987, shall be eligible for acceptance
as a bulk rate water user, unless otherwise approved by the Board of Trustees. This rate structure is
not intended to apply to developments served by private service lines that are master-metered.. (Ord.
4-87 §1(part), 1987)
13.38.110 Distribution system.
It is understood and agreed by the applicant and all persons receiving water through the master meter
that the Town has no control of or has not approved the distribution system from the master meter to
the ultimate user of the water. The Town shall not be responsible for the repair or maintenance of the
distribution system. No claim shall be made against the Town on account of the breaking of any part
of the distribution system or for the failure of supply of water to same. The applicant and all others
receiving water through the distribution system under the terms and conditions of this chapter
understand that the Town does not warrant at any time an adequate supply of water to the system
and/or the design and workmanship of the distribution system. Any change in the quality of the water
after delivery to the master meter is not the responsibility of the Town. (Ord. 4-87 §1(part), 1987)
To: Town Board
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Reuben Bergsten, Utilities Director
Date: April 9, 2013
RE: Water Leak Adjustment Policy
Background:
For years the Town has provided bill adjustments to customers who experience water
leaks. At the present time, leaks are forgiven at 100%. Staff is recommending this
practice be reconsidered by the Board before a formal policy is adopted.
This issue touches areas of fairness, financial responsibility, conservation responsible
maintenance and administrative simplicity. A draft policy was brought to the February
Public Safety/Utilities/Public Works (PUP) Committee and now the subject comes
before this Study Session for additional discussion.
There is no standard for leak policies. Policies vary from utility to utility. Variations
appear to be driven by a variety of values, for example:
• availability of water / conservation;
• tolerance/leniency of the board, i.e. responsibility to maintain your home or
building vs. the compassion toward rate payers who face an unexpected
plumbing failure;
• balancing the fairness as to who pays, i.e. the customer account with the leak or
distributed to all rate payers
• different expectations between residential customers and commercial customers
• supporting a principle of taking responsibility for the incident
The consensus of staff objectives are: keep it simple to explain and understand; keep it
simple to compute; provide enough detail to avoid being arbitrary and capricious;
provide room for interpretation on a case-by-case basis; avoid procedural details; and
be fair to both the leak applicant and all other customers.
A 2011 Master’s Thesis by Rick Selin titled “WATER LEAK BILLING ADJUSTMENT
POLICY: CITY OF AUSTIN & GENERAL GUIDELINES” surveyed 112 utilities around
the country. The “Recommendations” section of this Master’s Thesis is attached for your
review. Additionally, the past ten years of Estes Park customer leak credits has been
summarized for your reference.
Water Department Report
The following table contains the six categories from Mr. Selin’s thesis with staff’s
recommendations in the second column.
Category Staff Recommendations
Eligible/ineligible leaks Leak shown to be repaired with receipt of
repair bill
In cases where insurance is covering
property damage, the customer must provide
proof the insurance company will not cover
the utility bill
Adjustment requested within six months
of the leak discovery date
Subsequent consumption returns to
normal levels
Leak consumption must be a minimum of
three times higher than the class average
Eligible/ineligible accounts or customer class Bulk water accounts are excluded
Adjustment period Two billing periods maximum
Adjustment frequency One every sixty months
Adjustment credit cap No cap
Adjustment credit calculation (who pays how much) Three options presented for discussion
and consideration limits the leak payment
to:
1. raw material costs/incremental
costs
2. split the leak 50/50
3. 100% leak credit
For all adjustments the normal usage would be the class average.
A typical example: a residential urban customer receives a call from Utility Billing
alerting them to a leak. Their consumption is 104,000 gallons (gal).
The bill to be sent will be: $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 104,000 gal = $482.84
After leak adjustment the bill would be:
#1. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal + 100,000 gal x $0.00087/gal = $125.84
#2. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal + (100,000 gal x $0.00444/gal)/2 = $260.84
#3. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal = $38.84
Larger leak example, a residential urban customer receives a call from Utility Billing
alerting them to a leak. Their consumption is 304,000 gallons (gal).
The bill to be sent will be: $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 304,000 gal = $1,370.84
After leak adjustment the bill would be:
#1. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal + 300,000 gal x $0.00087/gal = $299.84
#2. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal + (300,000 gal x $0.00444/gal)/2 = $704.84
#3. $21.08 (base fee) + $0.00444/gal x 4,000 gal = $38.84
The following chart shows a breakdown of the leak adjustments the Town has credited
over the last 10 years. It shows that the majority of leak adjustments absorbed by the
Town fall within the $200 to $400 range. The root cause of leaks is not readily
accessible. Based on experience, the largest leaks are caused by frozen pipes, broken
irrigation system and a broken pressure reducing valve. The more typical toilet flapper
valve leaks, hot water heater failure and leaking exterior valves account for smaller
leaks.
The following table summarizes the total dollar amounts credited to customer accounts
by year:
Year
Annual
count
Total Credits Given
($)
2003 3 $ 1,262.56
2004 3 $ 1,413.54
2005 1 $ 597.56
2006 4 $ 957.84
2007 9 $ 11,770.61
2008 16 $ 8,283.36
2009 12 $ 15,342.18
2010 16 $ 9,391.89
2011 16 $ 7,758.96
2012 9 $ 3,569.62
2013 6 $ 4,717.43
A copy of the proposed policy is attached. Additional materials are added for your
information to show how we try to help residents avoid water leaks.
Excerpt From
2011 Master’s Thesis by Rick Selin
“WATER LEAK BILLING ADJUSTMENT POLICY: CITY OF AUSTIN & GENERAL
GUIDELINES”
Recommendations
The following section prescribes recommendations for water leak adjustment policies based
on the conducted research. For the City of Austin Water Utility, the researcher suggests specific
recommendations that are tailored to the existing policy and operating environment. This research
additionally proposes a series of general water leak adjustment policy guidelines and considerations
that can be utilized by other utilities that are editing their existing policies or by utilities seeking to
implement a water leak adjustment policy for the first time.
Recommendations for the City of Austin Water Utility
This research project recommends multiple policy change options for the City of Austin
Water Utility water leak adjustment policy. There are two key principles underlying the
recommended policy changes: (1) to minimize the number and magnitude of changes to the current
policy’s construct while creating the largest financial impact and (2) to accommodate the City of
Austin Water Utility management’s desire to model all or portions of any new policy after the policy
of the San Antonio Water System (A. Flora, personal communication, April 13, 2010). The primary
reasons for the City of Austin Water Utility management’s desire to model its policies after those of
San Antonio Water System are its proximity to Austin12, the size of the population base it serves 13,
and its policies and practices that are heavily oriented toward water conservation14. The City of
Austin Water utility can implement the following recommendations individually or in any
combination, but ideally it would implement all of the recommendations to maximize its financial
impact.
_____________________________________
12
San Antonio is roughly 74 miles from Austin (Coordinates + total distance: Austin and San Antonio, 2010b).
13
San Antonio Water Systems serves 325,944 water and 354,878 wastewater connections (San Antonio Water System,
2010); Austin Water Utility serves 200,000 water and 187,000 wastewater connections (City of Austin Texas, 2010b).
14
San Antonio Water Systems has some of the most extensive water conservation policies in Texas (Texas Water
Resources Institute, 2002) due to its limit water supply options (Texas Water Matters, 2009). Its conservation policies save an
estimated 1.3 billion gallons of water per year (San Antonio Water System, 2010a). Between 1982 and 2007, its conservation
efforts decreased daily per capita water usage by nearly 38% from 225 gallons per person per day to 140 gallons per person per
day (Texas Water Matters, 2007). The other major metropolitan Texas cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and El Paso
have daily per capita water usages of 264 gallons, 218 gallons, 159 gallons, 173 gallons, and 172 gallons respectively (San
Antonio Water System, 2003).
Rick Selin, “WATER LEAK BILLING ADJUSTMENT POLICY: CITY OF AUSTIN & GENERAL GUIDELINES”
Eligibility criteria.
The following are the recommendations for the policy’s eligibility criteria:
• The leak adjustment must be requested within six months of plumbing repairs to fix
the leak.
• The water usage must return to a normal level of usage or drop to a level of usage that
is less than the usage that was attributed to the water leak.
• The customer must provide receipts or proof of repairs and proof of a valid plumbing
permit for those repairs.
Eligible leaks.
The utility will only consider leaks occurring on domestic water use portions of lines and
appurtenances for an adjustment.
Ineligible leaks.
The utility will not consider leaks occurring on dedicated irrigation water use portion of
lines and appurtenances for an adjustment.
Eligible accounts.
The utility will only consider leak adjustments on residential water accounts15 and commercial
wastewater accounts when charges are billed on a gallon-for-gallon basis based on domestic water
consumption16.
Adjustment period.
The utility will only consider a maximum of two months of leak usage for
adjustment.
Adjustment frequency.
The utility will only consider an account eligible for one leak adjustment per fiscal
year.
Adjustment credit caps.
The utility will enact leak adjustment credit caps of $600 per adjustment for residential
water accounts and $1,000 per adjustment for commercial wastewater accounts17.
______________________________________________________
15
There will be no residential wastewater adjustments. Residential wastewater billing is based on an average that creates a billing
cap. Residential wastewater will only be adjusted if a qualifying leak affects the averaging period.
16
There will be no commercial wastewater adjustments for accounts billing on a wastewater average as it creates a billing cap.
Commercial wastewater for accounts billing a wastewater average will only be adjusted it a qualifying leak affects the averaging
period.
17
These credit caps are modeled after the most liberal caps implemented in the leak adjustment policy of San Antonio Water
System, which caps residential leak adjustments at $600 per adjustment and commercial leak adjustments at $1,000 per
adjustment (San Antonio Water System, 2009).
Rick Selin, “WATER LEAK BILLING ADJUSTMENT POLICY: CITY OF AUSTIN & GENERAL GUIDELINES”
Adjustment credit calculations.
The utility will provide a credit adjustment for each of the eligible account types based on
different calculation formulas. The following are descriptions of each credit calculation:
• The utility will credit residential water adjustments 50% of the difference between the
“normal usage” and the leak usage multiplied by a special rate18 that is established and
effective October 1st of each fiscal year plus normal usage multiplied by the actual
billing rate deducted from the leak usage bill. The credit formula appears as
credit = leak usage – ({[(leak usage – normal usage) * 50%] * special rate}
+ normal usage bill) (City of Austin Water Utility Customer Service
Division, 2007).
• The utility will credit commercial wastewater by using the difference between the
“normal usage” and the leak usage multiplied by the actual billing rate. The credit
formula appears as
credit = (leak usage – normal usage) * actual billing rate.
General Policy Guidelines and Considerations
The researcher created the general policy guidelines and considerations based on this
study’s findings, which attempt to establish an industry norm based on the cross-sectional sample
population of utilities.
Eligibility criteria.
The following are the recommendations for the policy’s eligibility criteria:
• The customer must request the leak adjustment within six months of completing
plumbing repairs to fix the leak.
• The water usage must return to a normal level of usage or drop to a level of usage that is
less than the usage that was attributed to the water leak.
• The customer must provide receipts or proof of repairs and proof of a valid plumbing
permit for those repairs (if applicable in the implementing municipality).
Eligible leaks.
The utility will only consider adjustments for leaks occurring on domestic water use
portions of lines that are outdoors, underground, or not visible.
____________________________________
18 The special rate provision allowed by city ordinance is carried over to minimize the changes
of any proposed policy from current policy.
Rick Selin, “WATER LEAK BILLING ADJUSTMENT POLICY: CITY OF AUSTIN & GENERAL GUIDELINES”
Ineligible leaks.
The utility will not consider adjustments for leaks occurring on dedicated irrigation
water use portion of lines and appurtenances. Likewise, the utility will not consider adjustments
for leaks caused by indoor fixtures, pools, or owner’s neglect of maintenance.
Eligible accounts.
The utility will only consider adjustments for leaks occurring on residential water accounts
and commercial wastewater accounts that bill on a gallon-for-gallon basis based on water
consumption.
Adjustment period.
The utility will only consider adjustments for a maximum of two months of leak usage.
Adjustment frequency.
The utility will only consider an account eligible for one leak adjustment every 24 months.
Adjustment credit caps.
The utility will cap residential water account credits at a maximum of $600 per
adjustment and commercial wastewater account credits at a maximum of $1,000 per adjustment.
Adjustment credit calculations.
The utility will provide a credit adjustment for each of the eligible account types based on
different calculation formulas. The following are descriptions of each credit calculation:
• The utility will credit residential water adjustments one half of the excess usage (with excess
usage defined as the leak usage minus “normal” usage) multiplied by the actual billing rate.
The credit formula is credit = [(leak usage – normal usage) x ½] x billing rate.
• Residential wastewater will not receive an adjustment.
• Commercial water will not receive an adjustment.
• The utility will credit commercial wastewater adjustments the excess usage (with excess
usage defined as the leak usage minus “normal” usage) multiplied by the actual billing rate.
The credit formula is credit = (leak usage – normal usage) x billing rate.
Triple Bottom-Line Impacts: City of Austin Water Utility Recommendations
All public policy decisions can have multiple impacts. The recommended water leak
adjustment policy changes for the City of Austin Water Utility are no different. Public policy
decision impacts should be but are not often evaluated using the triple bottom-line approach.
Under this approach, adopting agencies analyze the areas of economic prosperity, environmental
sustainability, and quality of life. The following sections are specific to the recommendations for
the City of Austin Water Utility.
Effective Period:
Review Schedule:
Effective Date:
References:
UTILITIES
Water Leak Adjustment Policy
UTILITY BILLING
Revisions:
930.#.# Purpose
To balance a customer’s financial relief with stewardship of our natural resources and the cost
of treating water; to set forth the conditions under which a leak adjustment request will be
considered; to establish repair expectations; and to ensure the consistent application of leak
adjustments.
930.#.# Policy
Water leaks can generate very large utility bills. A leak adjustment can be provided contingent
on a review of the circumstances. A leak is defined as an unintentional water loss from a
customer-owned plumbing fixture or pipe that, within reason, will not reoccur because repairs
and other applicable counter measures have been put in place.
930.#.# Water Shut Off Service Call Charge
Under certain circumstances, the Water Department may operate a customer’s valve to shut
their water off, in order to mitigate damage from leaks. If this occurs, the customer may incur
a service call charge.
930.#.# Restrictions
The application for leak adjustment must be made within six months of the leak.
The account may receive only one adjustment during a 60-month period.
The adjustment can include up to two billing cycles.
No adjustments will be made for bulk water accounts.
No adjustments will be made to high water bills that cannot be explained or vandalism
No adjustments will be made to accounts for properties under construction
Consumption must be a minimum of three times higher than the class average.
930.#.# Qualification
In order to be eligible for a water leak adjustment, customers must:
a) Complete an application for leak adjustment
b) Demonstrate that action has been taken to repair or resolve the issue that caused
the extraordinary water consumption;
c) In cases where insurance is covering property damage, the customer must provide
the Town with proof that the customer’s insurance company will not cover the
excess water consumption charges on their utility bill
Effective Period:
Review Schedule:
Effective Date:
References:
UTILITIES
Water Leak Adjustment Policy
UTILITY BILLING
Revisions:
930.#.# Responsibility
After review of the application the customer will be notified of the amount of credit to be
applied to the account or the reason the adjustment was not granted.
The credit amount will calculated as follows:
Credit = To Be Detirmined
The class average consumption will be calculated as part of our rate study.
The marginal cost of water production will be calculated as part of our rate study. The marginal
cost used until that time is $0.87/1000 gallons.
One-in-Five Year Leak Adjustment Application
It is a simple act to turn on a faucet but the infrastructure that delivers drinking water to your home or business
is complex. Water from streams and/or reservoirs must be treated, tested and piped throughout the Estes Park
area. The operational and capital costs associated with the treatment, testing and delivery of drinking water are
substantial. Every day of the year, 24 hours a day a team of highly trained personnel are operating and
maintaining the Town's water system. Unfortunately the same isn't true of our homes and businesses.
It seems to be a law of nature that problems happen when no one is around. That’s when pipes freeze, water
heaters leak, or a washing machine hose breaks. Arrangements should be made for homes and buildings left for
extended vacations or for seasonal shut downs. This can include winterizing, active water leak monitoring
systems capable of shutting the water supply off and hiring a caretaker service. It is the customer's
responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of their property. Figure 1 is provided to clearly communicate
the delineation of ownership and responsibility.
Figure 1, Town of Estes Park Water Standards
To apply for a water leak adjustment:
1. Prepare a letter formally requesting a water leak adjustment. This letter must include:
a. Your name
b. The address of the property where the leak occurred
c. Whether you are the owner or a tenant of the property
d. The utility account number to which the consumption was billed
e. A description of the leak – when it happened, when it was fixed
f. Copies of the repair bills or receipts for parts purchased to fix the leak
g. Your current contact information (preferably an email address)
2. Submit the letter to:
a. Town of Estes Park, Attn: Water Leak Adjustments; PO BOX 1200; Estes Park, CO
80517
3. When this letter is received, a claim will be opened. Until you hear whether your request has
been approved or denied, you may elect not to pay the WATER USAGE line item on your
utility bill. All other charges contained in the utility bill must be paid to keep your account in
good standing.
4. It may take several months to process your leak adjustment; by following these procedures,
you will help expedite the process.
5. All requests must be accompanied by the required paperwork, including a formal request for
the adjustment, or it will be denied.
6. If approved, a credit adjustment of 50% of the water consumption covering up to two billing
cycles for the leak will be made to your account. W hen there is leakage of more than
500,000 gallons, further investigation will be required to determine the amount of the credit.
7. Questions? Please call Susie at 970-577-3588, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Date
NOTES:
Total Credit( $ )
Leak Repaired:
The applicant understands and agrees, as a condition for receiving the requested leak
adjustment, that a leak adjustment can only be made on the subject property once in sixty
(60) months.
Owner or Tenant
Property Address:
Account Number:
Monthly Bills to be
Adjusted (max of two):
Leak Discovered:
Request Approved by:
Date Approved:
Leak Adjustment Form
Signature
(To be completed by The Town of Estes Park Water Department)
Date:
Name:
Phone #
Preventing (and Handling) Frozen Water Pipes
Cold spells can have unfortunate consequences when it comes to home plumbing. The three main causes of frozen
pipes are quick drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats set too low. Homeowners should be alert to
the danger of freezing pipes whenever outside temperatures reach 20°F or lower. Most of us take a few measures
in the fall to prepare our homes for winter, like disconnecting outside water hoses. But what should we do now
that really cold temperatures are here?
When the Mercury Drops
• A trickle of hot and cold water may keep pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a
faucet on an outside wall. Opening a faucet relieves excessive pressure that builds between the faucet and ice
blockage when freezing occurs. If there is no excessive water pressure, there will be no bursting pipe, even if
the water inside the pipe freezes. If the dripping stops, leave the faucet(s) open, since a pipe may have frozen
and will still need pressure relief.
• Keep thermostats set at the same temperature both day and night. Many people have a habit of turning down
the heat when they sleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – can freeze pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
Going on a Trip?
Traveling to warmer climes may be good for the soul, but don’t forget to think about your pipes before you leave:
• Set the thermostat no lower than 55°F. A lower temperature may reduce the heating bill, but could lead to a
disaster if extreme cold causes your pipes to freeze and burst. Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your house
daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing. Or…
• Drain the system by shutting off the main valve and turning on every water fixture (both hot and cold) until
water stops running. It's not necessary to leave the fixtures open, since the system is filled mostly with air at
that point and not subject to freezing. When your return, turn on the main valve and let each fixture run until
the pipes are full again. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it may
deactivate when you shut off the water.
What if your pipes freeze despite your best efforts?
• Don’t panic -- Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they have burst.
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets open and call a plumber.
• You may be able to thaw a pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the
faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could be a fire hazard. Water damage is
preferable to burning down your house!
• Never use electrical appliances in areas of standing water. You could be electrocuted.
• Be sure you know where and how to turn off your water supply in case your pipes ever burst; call a plumber if
needed.
Town of Estes Park
P.O. Box 1200
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
www.estes.org
Kate Rusch
Public Information Officer
krusch@estes.org
970-577-3701
November 19, 2012
Be smart: Prepare for winter weather, know who and when to call for help
Winter is a magical time of year in Estes Park, but it comes with its risks. “Severe winter weather can arrive
with little warning, and one concern is its ability to knock out our heating, power and water,” explains Kate
Rusch, Public Information Officer for the Town of Estes Park. In addition, high winds, ice, snow and freezing
temperatures can make travel dangerous. Rusch continued, “If we all take time to do a few simple things
now, it can make all the difference later, when it matters most.”
Prepare at home
It is important to communicate with neighbors during severe weather, checking in on those who are elderly
or disabled. Always call 9-1-1 during a medical emergency. And, all households should have the following
provisions:
• A mobile phone with an extra charged battery, if possible
• A corded telephone in case telephone lines are not disrupted during a power outage
• A non-electric heat source such as a wood-burning or gas fireplace with plenty of fuel
• Emergency supplies including non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered weather radio,
flashlights, medicine and first-aid supplies, a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and extra batteries for
phones, flashlights, radios and other necessary equipment
• A back-up plan for powering any necessary medical equipment
Prepare vehicles
During severe weather, it is important to restrict travel to only the trips that are absolutely necessary. For
necessary trips, drivers should not travel alone and should share a travel plan with others in advance. Fuel
tanks should be kept nearly full at all times, and vehicles should be equipped with appropriate tires. Stow
emergency supplies including a mobile phone, flashlight, extra batteries, warm blankets and clothing, first-
aid supplies, a knife, water, high-calorie non-perishable food, tissues, paper towels, sand for traction, a
shovel, a windshield scraper, basic tools, a tow rope, battery booster cables, a compass and road maps.
Report power outages; steer clear of downed lines
So crews can respond quickly, the Town of Estes Park Utilities Department provides a dedicated phone
number for reporting electric and water outages – 970-586-5335. This number is staffed 24 hours a day.
MORE
CONTINUED
Utilities staff are immediately alerted when issues are reported. Always call 9-1-1 in the case of downed
power lines.
Estes Park Light and Power responds immediately to power outages. Multiple outages are prioritized by the
types of services affected, such as schools and hospitals, followed by the number of people affected. Light
and Power cannot base its response on one individual’s medical situation. Crews will respond as soon as
possible, but residents who require oxygen or other electric-powered medical equipment should have a 24-
hour backup plan. Always call 9-1-1 during a medical emergency.
If a downed power line is discovered, Utilities Director Reuben Bergsten advises citizens to immediately call
9-1-1. “Never touch a power line or anything that is in contact with the line,” he states. Overhead power
lines are not insulated and are very dangerous. The Town’s trained Light and Power professionals will move
the line; all others should stay clear of the area.
Reduce the risk of freezing water pipes
Most water outages during winter are caused by frozen lines on private property. Private lines begin at the
service tap on the water main. They are most likely to freeze at the entry point of the building where there is
less ground insulation. Property owners are responsible for handling these issues, as with any other
household maintenance issue. Water outages determined to be related to the Town’s water distribution
lines will be addressed by the Town of Estes Park Water Division. Report concerns to the Town’s 24-hour
utility line 970-586-5335.
Residents should ensure they have adequate insulation and heating for water pipes in their homes and
businesses. Pipes along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Disconnect hoses and cover
spigots with an insulated cap for the winter. If pipes freeze, open cold water faucets to provide an escape for
water as it thaws. The Water Division can help locate the water shut-off so property owners can shut off
their water service when pipes thaw, to reduce risk of flooding.
Extensive resources on preparing for winter weather and other emergencies are available at
www.ready.gov/winter-weather. For general information on the Light and Power and Water utilities, visit
www.estes.org/utilities or call the Town of Estes Park Utilities Department at 970-577-3588. To receive
Town news and/or meeting agendas by email, please email townadmin@estes.org. For this and other Town
news, visit www.estes.org/news.
END