Louviers Mutual Service Meeting Summary

Meeting Date:  Thursday, March 23, 2006

Time:  6:00-8:30 PM

Location:  Village Club  - Pool Room

Attendees From LMSC Board: Mike Hammer, Pete Holub, Jason Ingenthron, Tim Lone, Mike Hammer, Michael Smith, Julie Sarff

Other Attendees: Bob Hanson, Nita Graf, Tim Graf, Ron

Pete opened the meeting with a round of thanks to the board for their effort in past months.  The board has collectively accomplished many of the goals set earlier in the year and a special thanks to Pete for all his work on the RMCC SIP response document written on behalf of Louvers and submitted to the County Department of Community Development.

LMSC for several months has had issues with a meter (in the Flats).  The reported readings showed usage that at times varied three fold from prior billing cycles.  It is possible that the meter location, deep in a pit, and a build-up of condensation on the glass obscured the numbers on the dial.  The Board decided to document a process to resolve questionable readings and draft a SOP to be used to resolve discrepancies in the future.  Also, the difficulty in obtaining an accurate reading brought to the forefront the need to provide remote readers for meters in pit environments.  Pete pointed out that if we are unable to accurately read a meter then it should be replaced.  The Board discussed that some older water meter models will not accept remote readers.  It was suggested that meters not combatable with remotes should be replaced.  Pete noted that LMSC has funds allocated for repair/replacement, and the outdated meters should be added to the list of meters with mechanical failures in need of replacement - and that we begin working our way through the list.  (LMSC has already replaced 35 to date).  The process of replacing meters that cannot be retrofitted with remote readers will be a board resolution (vote = majority)

An action item was assigned to Mike Hammer and Pete to bring up to date an existing spreadsheet that details meters replaced and, and add to the replacement list the obsolete meters.  A second action item assigned to Michael and Pete was to update (or create new) SOP for marking suspect entries and SOP for obtaining a second reading.

Waste Water Treatment Project (WWTP) - Pete provided information regarding the remaining BNSF permit required prior to construction, it is required for access across the RR easement to reach the site for the land application of the treated sewage.  The amount of insurance coverage has been raised to $10 million.  LMSC currently has $1 million in coverage.

Michael Smith and Mike Hammer while visiting the sewage lagoon noticed that the proposed alignment for the effluent line across (under) the creek did not seem to be the shortest route.  The question was asked as to why that alignment was chosen when there would be construction cost savings from the shortest route.  Ron raised the concern that the construction scheduled may not match the window of time allowed for disturbance in the Pebbles Jumping Mouse habitat.  Our permit does not allow for construction during the summer months.  Ron said he would look into available options however, he reiterated that summer is the active time for the mouse and disturbance during that time is usually forbidden.

An action item was assigned to Dianna to arrange a formal progress update meeting with TST Consulting during our next LMSC Board meeting.  This would be an opportunity for the Board to get a progress update, review plans, as well as provide a venue for questions from the Board and Village. 

Second water source - In discussions Pete had with Garsa regarding permit applications for water rights, Garsa suggested Pete do the paper work for the state permit to allow for pumping from the Arapahoe Aquifer.  This would reduce costs to LMSC, and Garsa thought that much of the work could be completed by LMSC.  Mr. Graff asked if the County had water rights for the well used for irrigation at the Baseball field.  No answer was available from the Board or others in attendance.

Julie provided an update on the collection process for the surveys required as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant application.  She stated that most of the village has been canvassed, however the process will need to continue to obtain enough surveys to provide adequate sampling of the Village population.

System Operations - Bob Dye and Diana were not present, so no update was presented to the Board.  Tim donated a fire hydrant diffuser for use when flushing the system.  The device attaches to the hydrant and when the valve is opened the stream of water is disrupted creating a wide spray with less erosive force.  The diffuser may help in preventing scour and erosion in areas where the discharge has caused issues.  Thanks Tim!

Tim and Mike conducted a controlled burn of the cattails and vegetation on the inside of the sewage lagoon's containment berm.  They reported that the cattails and weeds burned easily and additional weeds could be removed after the water level is dropped.  Filling existing rodent holes and burrows remains as a needed maintenance activity; Tim and Mike will schedule future repair efforts.

Several Board members commented on access gates left open on the fence that surround the lagoon.  It was suggested that it could be the Douglas County Open Space staff, as they have recently been observed in the area.  Pete and Mike discussed improving the gates to the hinged wide agricultural type that can be fitted with a spring if needed to assist with closure.  For the mean time additional signage will be posted for gate closure and for no trespassing.

Mike Hammer reported successful acquisition of the Board requested emergency and maintenance equipment; mobile generator, electric trash pump, gas pump, hoses, fittings, misc. tools.  Total cost was $4,200, 

RMCC site plan - The response letter and sign-in sheet to be sent to Douglas County Community development.  Pete's response on behalf of Louviers Village addressed many of the issues raised at the community meeting, such as our status as a rural village, the encroachment of multiple industrial developments on Louvers, and the concern of increases in traffic.  A very well drafted response that represents many hours of hard work - Thanks Pete!  Jim Graff asked if Louviers Village's listing as a national Historic Preservation Site would weigh in our favor.  Julie took research of this issue as an action item.  There was a short discussion regarding a letter from several years ago sent from the LMSC Board to a developer of the Owens Brother site denying water and sewer service.  The current developer referenced this earlier letter and Pete voiced the opinion that the letter was for a different project and the current consultant did not follow the proper protocol in contacting LMSC as the closest water district prior to this recent SIP submittal.  The question was also raised whether we should contact Tri-County health department regarding the un realistically low number used by the developer in calculating septic volume.