HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0121.SS.MINMINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
January 21, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Golden called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Catherine M. Golden and Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, Wheeldon and DeBoer. Also present were
staff members Paula Brown, Dick Wanderscheid, Barbara Christensen, John McLaughlin, Paul Nolte, Greg Scoles,
Pete Lovrovich, Robbin Pearce and Derek Severson.
Mayor Golden explained that this study session would deal with water resource issues, and pointed out that there
would be a "Community Forum on Ashland's Future Water Supply" at the SOU Britt Ballroom, at 7:30 p.m. on
January 27th, 1998.
Regional Affairs/Conservation Manager Dick Wanderscheid noted that this is the first afternoon study session to
be televised live on RVTV, citing the importance of immediate information access to citizens and the use of new
channels to make this information more readily available.
Wanderscheid presented an overhead with data from the 1989 report by R.W. Beck dealing with how much water
could be produced within the Ashland Creek Watershed. Stated that in ninety of one hundred years, Ashland Creek
produces 8500 acre-feet of water, and noted that city's current use is only about 4000 acre-feet per year. Explained
that potential problems arise around the issue of the timing of the water's availability.
Reminded councilors of 1992 situation, where the driest year on record led to mandatory water curtailment measures
after the T.I.D. irrigation season ended in mid-August. Ashland was forced to rely entirely on Ashland Creek to
meet the city's water needs. Wanderscheid noted that Reeder Reservoir holds 850 acre-feet, which serves as storage
for water to meet the city's water needs for roughly 80 days.
Recounted the history of water supply planning in Ashland, citing the 1989 report by R.W. Beck. Noted that one
agreement with TID expired in 1996 and has been extended during negotiations but not yet renewed, and stated that
in 1989 R.W. Beck had cited options as either an intertie or Winburn Dam. Beck report recommended the Dam
option, despite a cost of roughly $11,000,000. Wanderscheid then explained that in 1992, at the council's direction,
the city looked into conservation programs and adopted the S.R.C. report. Conservation programs were begun in
mid-1992.
Wanderscheid presented an overhead explaining water saved as result of conservation programs. Stated that the
numbers are accurate (conservative in his view). Noted the Toilet Rebate Program where 905 residents had been
paid to change to ultra-low flush toilets. This programs has saved the city roughly 81/2 million gallons of water per
year. Also noted that currently, the only new toilets available are ultra-low flush models.
Also cited savings from "incentive based water rates" that arose from citizen committee suggestions. Under this
water rate program, blocks of water are sold to citizens at increasing rates as more water is used. Wanderscheid
stated that this price-induced conservation may be even higher than indicated in his report.
Wanderscheid noted that a Leak Detection Survey had been conducted with a hired firm using high tech equipment.
Felt that savings from detected leaks were as much as 220,000 gallons per day, though this amount was reduced
in his report to 150,000 per day to ensure "conservative accuracy".
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As a result of these programs, approximately 413,000 gallons a day have been saved, which is roughly 80% of
S.R.C. Report's target. Noted costs of programs have been very close to original estimates. Briefly discussed
changes since 1992, stating that conservation costs and savings are well on track, and that more conservation occurs
than is commonly believed. Provided example of horizontal axis washers which cost $800-900 a short time ago but
are now available with incentives and tax credits at a cost similar to standard washers.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Paula Brown applauded the City's Conservation efforts, and stated that these
efforts should continue independently from seeking other water sources.
Brown explained that while there is a lot of water available to the Ashland Creek Watershed, there is a timing issue
between the end of the T.I.D. irrigation season and the fall rains. Noted that the current agreement with T.I.D.
only allows the City to take water during the irrigation season. Suggested that City look at possibility of revising
agreement to take water outside of the T.I.D. season when it is available. Noted that there was information on the
T.A.P. intertie project in the council packets, along with information on existing TID agreements, a water summary
and a graph.
Brown noted that primary concerns relate to water availability during the fall and during emergencies. Pointed out
that questions have come up relating to how the intertie would have made a difference during the Flood of 1997.
Brown stated that at very least, Ashland would have had water available on outskirts of town rather than having to
go to Medford.
Explained that water provided through the intertie wouldn't need retreatment, and that it could be pressurized for
the City's water system. Noted that this project is costly, at roughly $6 million, and that Ashland's portion of the
initial intertie is just over $1 million. Incremental cost to upsize pipe from Phoenix to Talent is roughly $600,000.
Emphasized that this wouldn't bring any water to Ashland, as there would still need to be a pipe from Talent to
Ashland. Stated that amounts are fully explained in her report, noting that for the three mile stretch of pipe from
Talent to Ashland the cost would be roughly $4-6 million. The entire project cost would be approximately $7
million for full involvement in T.A.P. project and connection to the Ashland water system.
Brown outlined another possible alternative, a gravity-fed pipe to carry T.I.D. water to Ashland. This would
require that the water be retreated. The cost would be $4-7 million, and there are some questions of reliable
availability, with issues around Klamath Indian tribal water rights and the fact that the T.I.D. water source dries
up at the same time as Ashland Creek. This would make the value of a pipeline questionable in drought.
Discussed Ashland's water storage capacity for dealing with a fire, stating that water stored would last about 10
hours, which is typical for a community of Ashland's size. Stated that a forest fire could prove awkward, and that
a fire in the forest interface could devastate the watershed's water sources.
Brown explained that the proposal to upsize the T.A.P. intertie line from Phoenix to Talent covers 12,000 lineal
feet. The pipe would need to be upsized from 18" to 24" at roughly $30 per foot for a total cost of $360,000 for
the pipe, with additional costs for the increased labor involved.
Councilor Reid questioned existing T.I.D. agreements. Brown noted that there are four. Those from 1924 and
1926 are perpetual stored rights, and the first three combine to provide a total of 769 acre-feet. The fourth expired
in 1996, but was extended pending further negotiations. These negotiations were characterized as presently
incomplete with a positive outlook.
Mayor Golden inquired about how much of Ashland's daily demand could be satisfied through the intertie. Brown
indicated that it should provide about twenty five percent of average daily demand. A T.I.D. pipeline, combined
with leak reduction would mean a savings of at least thirty percent of the fifteen hundred acre-feet per season
purchased from T.I.D., or roughly ten percent of total demand.
Clarified amount from previous cost estimates by R.W. Beck, noting that amounts had decreased slightly.
Conservation Manager Wanderscheid clarified that the pipe would be shorter now, covering only half of the distance
previously considered, but that it would be a bigger pipe and prices have risen, so the cost would be only slightly
less than the previous estimate.
Discussion of T.I.D. negotiations, with Brown noting that T.I.D. would likely allow use of water outside of
irrigation season at a higher cost. Discussion of water needs and usage.
Councilor Laws noted that the options being discussed are for dealing with emergencies, and emphasized the need
to weigh the costs against potential contingencies. Questioned the likelihood of contingencies. Noted alternative
of reusing water from sewage treatment plant. Questioned pursuing intertie or pipeline when these options would
not meet City's needs and other alternatives could be pursued to meet full needs.
Councilor Hauck clarified that currently, there is a 2 % chance of not meeting needs in any given year. Brown noted
that just two years ago the City had required conservation measures. Stated that under normal circumstances, the
City is able to meet water needs. Brown noted previous discussion of retreating effluent, stated this alternative
wasn't popular although it is being done in San Diego now. Discussion of the possibility of educating people toward
reuse. Wanderscheid noted the possibility of separate uses -- using retreated effluent to water lawns and watershed
water for drinking. Mayor Golden emphasized that the treatment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is nearly to
drinking water standards now.
Councilor DeBoer stated that the $600,000 to upsize the intertie pipe and keep options open is cheap insurance
against a potential emergency. Questioned what other costs might be involved, including purchasing of water rights.
Brown responded that the water rights would be a one-time charge $300,000 plus annual maintenance costs. Stated
that there would be a time frame to allow Ashland a first right of refusal.
Councilor Laws questioned total cost of "insurance". Brown noted that water rights would not be needed to respond
to an emergency. Councilor Hauck questioned maintenance cost for the waterline. Brown said there would be
maintenance costs, but that they would be minimal.
Councilor Hagen noted that this is not a growth/no-growth issue, but one of efficient use of resources as the City
grows. Questioned size of line from Ashland to Talent. Brown responded that it would be an 18". Hagen
questioned possibility of using 18" pipe to Phoenix. Discussion of engineering issues around maximizing flow
capabilities. Brown noted that 18" line from Phoenix to Talent couldn't handle additional flow needed to serve
Ashland. Hagen questioned extending a 10" parallel pipe from Ashland to connect to the 24" line in Phoenix.
Stated that this is expensive insurance. Brown uncertain if 10" line is a possibility due to line losses and length of
line. Hagen feels this needs to be answered. Feels would be possible, even if pump stations needed to be placed
along the way.
Councilor Wheeldon questioned the possibility and cost of more reservoirs in Ashland. Discussion of need for
additional storage reservoirs. Brown noted this would be $600-800,000 for an additional one million gallons of
storage. Brown clarified water rights would be a one-time purchase, but that there would be annual maintenance
costs of $17,500. Councilor Wheeldon questioned possibility of getting water, even if a water right were purchased,
from these souroes in the long term. Wheeldon noted political and environmental concerns that affect the
availability of the water. Wanderscheid stated that there are issues concerning salmon and indian tribes, explained
that the best option is probably the one with the least uncertainty. Stated that there is no way to predict conditions
fifty years from now.
Councilor Hagen questioned whether there is any funding assistance available. Brown noted that according to the
Rogue Valley Council of Governments there are no funds available. Hagen questioned Bureau of Reclamation funds
and inquired as to the possibility of revising agreements.
City Council Study Session 01-21-98 3
As the RVTV broadcast was about to end, Mayor Golden again announced the January 27, 1998 forum on these
issues to be held at SOU's Britt Ballroom, for the benefit of television viewers. Announced numbers to call for
details. Mentioned some of the issues to be discussed and the groups that are supporting the event. Also noted the
live call-in program to be televised on RVTV, January 29th at 7 p.m.
Councilor Hagen stated that based on previous discussions with Brian Almquist, he believed that Bureau of
Reclamation funds were available to make the system more efficient and that a percentage of these funds would be
available to Ashland. Wanderscheid noted that the "Conserve Water Statute" would allow the City to keep half of
what was saved. Hagen questioned costs and energy needed to distribute water to and through the Ashland water
system. Brown stated existing sources would fill the upper reservoirs, and T.A.P. water would fill lower portions
of the system, with pressurization at mixing points. Wanderscheid noted $1500-2000 per acre-foot per year for
pumping, and stated that there would be 500 acre-feet to be pumped.
Councilor Reid noted that the T.A.P. intertie is a Medford Irrigation District project. They have made the decisions
relative to costs and have set parameters of pipe size. It is not Ashland's decision to use smaller pipe at this point.
Stated that costs have doubled since 1984, as the cost is roughly the same to cover only half of the distance. Stated
that it is best to remain players in the process now, as water will have increasing value in future. Noted her
concerns with regard to proposed state legislation prohibiting conversion of agricultural water rights to municipal
uses. Explained that council must do the best possible job today to preserve rights for tomorrow. Discussion of
intent and interpretation of the legislation mentioned.
Paula Brown suggested that the State Watermaster could provide information on political and environmental issues.
Mayor Golden briefly restated the issues that had been covered.
Councilor Laws complimented the written and oral reports from Conservation Manager Wanderscheid and Public
Works Director Brown.
Wanderscheid introduced Keri Green and John Morrison, who will be acting as facilitators for the community water
forum on January 27th. Briefly restated details of the forum.
Clarified that public hearing on the intertie issue will be held at the regular meeting of the Ashland City Council
to be held on February 3rd, 1998 and that a decision will be reached at the regular meeting of February 17th.
Councilor Hauck noted that councilors had received a proposal for revising the telecommunications ordinance.
ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 1:47 p.m.
Submitted by Derek Severson, Assistant to the City Recorder
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