CUAC Draft Minutes October 2022 - Draft
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City of Glendale
Citizens Utility Advisory Commission
Oasis Water Campus
7070 W. Northern Avenue
October 5, 2022
6:00 P.M.
DRAFT MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Berryhill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Robin Berryhill, Vice Chair Amber Ford, Commissioner Larry Flatau, Commissioner
Jon Froke, Commissioner Ron Short
Absent: None
Also Present: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations; Ron Serio, P.E., Interim Director, Water
Services; Katrina Alberty, Deputy Director, Water Services; John Henny, Deputy Director, Water
Services; Drew Swieczkowski, Environmental Program Manager, Water Services; Mark Fortkamp,
Operations Superintendent; Stacy Mawhiney, Account Specialist, Field Operations; Lisa Esquivel,
Support Services Administrator, Water Services; Alana Reid, Management Assistant, Water Services
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
None.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Froke, second by Commissioner Short, to approve the minutes of the
August 3, 2022 Citizens Utility Advisory Commission Meeting as written.
Motion carried 5 – 0.
5. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a. Solid Waste/Landfill Update
Ms. Michele Woytenko, Director, Field Operations, provided a report, which included the following:
• Recently, it was in the news that another valley city was getting behind in its bulk trash pickup
due to a hiring shortage. Glendale is not behind as it has been offering hiring incentives and
requiring mandatory overtime.
• The downtown campus reinvestment project is moving forward. The first public forum will be
held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. More information will be sent to the Commissioners.
• Mr. Ron Serio is now the Interim Director of Water Services. A brief background of his was
shared.
b. Water Services Update
Mr. Ron Serio, P.E., Interim Director, Water Services, announced that Mr. Craig Johnson, the former
Director of Water Services has retired.
6. URBAN IRRIGATION
Mr. Fortkamp provided an update on the Urban Irrigation (UI) program, which included the following
information:
• The previous UI contractor, Salt River Irrigation, gave notice to the City it could no longer
perform the contracted services.
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• An RFP was issued. Premier Irrigation was awarded the contract for Zanjero services and for
watering the parks. Farsight Construction was awarded the contract for repairs. To help with the
transition to Premier Irrigation, a few two full-time temporary employees were hired from Salt
River Irrigation to assist with training.
• There are currently 282 customers, which is an increase compared to the 248 at the beginning of
the year.
• There are 15 waterings per customer per season. The season ends November 4, 2022,
• Farsight made 24 repairs so far. No very large repairs were needed.
Commissioner Short inquired about the boundaries for UI. Mr. Fortkamp said the boundaries are from
Northern Ave. to Maryland and 53rd Avenue to 64th Avenue. Commissioner Short commented on
concrete repairs needed for the UI at Manastee Ranch and asked if SRP was responsible. Mr. Fortkamp
stated that Premier Irrigation only handles the UI for the parks, of which there are 18.
Chair Berryhill asked if there would be a raise in UI rates. Mr. Fortkamp relayed that a rate review will
be completed in the spring.
Chair Berryhill announced that the UI has gotten 200% better since she has been on the Commission,
and she really appreciated it. She thanked the staff for all the hard work. Mr. Fortkamp said he would
send the compliment to the contractors and temporary employees as well.
7. 24-MONTH STUDY OF COLORADO RIVER CONDITIONS
Mr. Swieczkowski presented the Water Resources Update, which included the following information:
• 2021 Glendale Water Use
o Total 2021 Potable Water Use: 43,239 acre-feet
o CAP: 50%, SRP: 44%, Groundwater: 6%
o Glendale’s potable water use has remained stable and averages about 43,000 acre-feet per
year (2012-2021 data)
• Salt River Project (SRP) Reservoirs
o The Salt River reservoirs are currently 68% full.
o The Verde River reservoirs are currently 34% full.
o The total system is 64% full, compared to 70% full last year at this time.
o The 2022 monsoon season has been good.
o For 2023, more SRP groundwater is anticipated to be used for delivery.
o Staff will continue to monitor winter precipitation and the reservoirs.
• Overview of the Colorado River Conditions
o On August 16, 2022, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) released the August 24-month
Study
▪ Lake Mead will be in a Tier 2a shortage starting on January 1, 2023.
▪ Water levels will be between elevations of 1,045 feet to 1,050 feet.
▪ A Tier 2a shortage:
• Reduces Arizona’s Colorado River supply by an additional 80,000 acre-
feet (4%).
• Total Arizona supply reduction of 592,000 acre-feet (21%) for 2023
• Glendale’s Colorado River supplies reduced by less than 1% (under 200
acre-feet)
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▪ 2024 predictions are showing a Tier 3 or deeper shortage.
o Temperature and Precipitation Outlook charts were provided for the 4th Quarter of 2022
o Lake Mead August 24-Month Study: Presented in a chart format
o Lake Mead
▪ Current water level is 1,045 feet, which is 27% full and down 22 feet from last
year.
o Lake Powell
▪ Current water level is 3,529 feet, which is 24% full and down 16 feet from last
year.
o Colorado River Actions Being Taken
▪ Based on the August 24-Month Study, there will be a Tier 2a shortage for 2023
with small cuts to Glendale’s Colorado River Supply (<1%).
▪ What the federal government will do is uncertain in regard to mandatory cuts in
2023 for the supply of the Colorado River water coming out of Lake Mead and
when the cuts may take effect.
▪ The City is prepared for any future cuts and will take a conservative operational
approach with its Colorado River supply in 2023.
• Water Resource Plans for Shortage
o Glendale’s Operational Approach
▪ Water Services has developed water supply plans based on potential Colorado
River cuts from 10% to 75%.
▪ The plans provide sufficient water supply based on average water demands over
the last five years (approximately 43,000 acre-feet).
▪ The plans rely on groundwater, recovered water, and our New Conservation
Space (NCS), which is water that is stored in Roosevelt Lake.
o Glendale’s Plans for Colorado River Shortage: A chart depicting cuts from 10% to 75%
and their impacts were displayed. The City is confident it has the supply to face the cuts.
• Next Steps
o The CAP water order was due on October 1, 2022. Glendale Water Services ordered a
full allocation minus cuts due to a Tier 2a shortage.
o Water Services will use its water supply plans to meet potable water demands in the
City’s service area in 2023.
o Staff will continue to implement the City’s Drought Management Plan.
o Staff will continue to monitor Colorado River conditions.
• Continue to Plan and Prepare
o Staff will continue to plan, prepare, and implement projects for a future with less
Colorado River water.
o Staff will continue to strengthen water conservation efforts and water savings programs
for City facilities and operations, and residents and businesses.
Mr. Swieczkowski reported that California and the irrigation districts are willing to give 400,000 acre-
feet to Lake Mead but want to be paid $2,300 to $2,500 per acre-feet and also have the Federal
Government find solutions for the Sultan Sea issue. He said this was a short-term solution and Arizona
would rather have long-term solutions. He said Arizona wants the resolution to be equitable and
Arizona is the state that is doing the most. Mr. Swieczkowski reported that City Council was very much
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in favor of the rebates to reduce water use that Ms. Toms proposed. She is working with the Parks
Department on water conservation efforts as well.
Commissioner Flatau inquired about conservation efforts to support water evaporation loss from
swimming pools. Mr. Swieczkowski said some cities are giving a rebate for removing a pool and
relayed that a thermal blanket can reduce evaporation quite a bit.
Commissioner Flatau asked if the City was looking at expanding its reclaimed water. Mr.
Swieczkowski explained that Glendale already has established pipes so it would be tough to expand. He
said Glendale was using 100% of its effluent water. He added that Scottsdale has been working on a
direct potable use pilot project and estimated that more of this would be seen in the future.
Commissioner Short asked about the impacts on Mexico. Mr. Swieczkowski explained that Mexico is
in the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), and it will have reductions also. Commissioner Short
commented on a show he saw regarding California’s Imperial Valley and the reluctance to give up
water. Mr. Swieczkowski said in Tier 2b, California will have to give up water, however, the amount is
small in comparison to what Arizona will have to give up. Mr. Swieczkowski stressed that people
would have to reduce their demand and live within the system based on the hydrology of the lakes and
the weather. Commissioner Short inquired about the Upper Basin. Mr. Swieczkowski said Flaming
Gorge is giving water to Lake Powell. He said the Upper Basin primarily uses surface water.
Vice Chair Ford stressed the need for more aggressive communication to the public and for the issue to
be taken more seriously by the public and agencies. Mr. Swieczkowski noted that City Council is very
aware and commented on the good work done at AMWUA.
Vice Chair Ford inquired about the impact on golf courses. Mr. Swieczkowski said most golf courses
use effluent water, however, some use SRP water and some use potable. He surmised the impact may
be the reduction of the amount of winter grass put down. Vice Chair Ford asked if artificial turf could
be used by the golf courses. Mr. Swieczkowski surmised this would be too expensive. Vice Chair Ford
inquired about diverting water from other areas of the country, such as the Midwest. Mr. Swieczkowski
did not see this as feasible and stated that there is a law preventing water transfers from the Great Lakes.
Vice Chair Ford asked about the BOR’s actions since the Lower Basin States did not have an agreement
by August 16, 2022. Mr. Swieczkowski relayed that the BOR had said it would do something if that
was the case, but nothing has been disseminated yet. He said Arizona came up with a plan to save 2
million acre-feet, however, it was rejected.
The agenda item was concluded.
8. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Esquivel explained the process of nomination and vote on Chair and Vice Chair for the
Commission.
Commissioner Short recommended Chair Berryhill to remain as Chair. Commissioner Flatau asked if
there was anyone else interested in the position. Vice Chair Ford said there had been a lot of vacated
meetings this year and she would like to continue on for another year. Chair Berryhill did not voice
opposition.
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Motion by Commissioner Short, second by Commissioner Flatau, to recommend Commissioner
Berryhill as the Chair of the Citizens Utility Advisory Commission for a one-year term beginning
February 1, 2023. Motion carried 5 – 0.
Motion by Commissioner Short, second by Commissioner Froke, to recommend Commissioner
Ford as the Vice Chair of the Citizens Utility Advisory Commission for a one-year term beginning
February 1, 2023. Motion carried 5 – 0.
9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Commissioner Short said the presentations were excellent and the discussion on water was outstanding.
He said a lot was learned from Mr. Swieczkowski and he felt better knowing the City was working on
many options. He said it was discouraging that California was not playing ball and said it may take
some tough consequences to get California to do so; however, it may be too late. He thanked the staff
for its efforts and congratulated Mr. Serio on the Interim Director Position.
Commissioner Flatau appreciated the staff’s work on putting together the presentations and
congratulated Mr. Serio.
Commissioner Froke asked for the removal of former Vice Chair David McGrew’s name from the
agendas.
Chair Berryhill thanked staff for their hard work over the past year and for this meeting and for all of the
staff’s achievements.
10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Berryhill announced the following:
• November 2, 2022:
1. Water Services Financial Update
2. Solid Waste/Landfill Operations Financial Update
10. NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Citizens Utility Advisory Commission will be held on November 2,
2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Oasis Water Campus, 7070 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85303.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Vice Chair Ford, second by Commissioner Flatau, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Motion carried 5 – 0.