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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2022 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY TRANSFERRING $515,000 FROM THE WATER ACQUISITION FUND TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND PRESERVATION PLAN FUND (CIPP) FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUFFALO RUN GOLF COURSE WELL PROJECT AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURES THEREOF
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Summary and Background Information:
In the midst of ongoing drought conditions across Colorado, the Buffalo Run Golf Course utilized its full irrigation water entitlement in 2020. As a result, the Golf Course was forced to lease expensive hydrant water for irrigation purposes from the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District in order to irrigate. Absent the leased water, irrigation of the Golf Course would not have continued. Currently, the Golf Course receives irrigation water from two city owned wells, which operate pursuant to a court decreed plan for augmentation utilizing water leased from Westminster to legally replace the well water.
The need for an alternative irrigation source at the Golf Course has been identified by City staff. The City Water Team has researched alternatives to provide additional water to the golf course. It was determined to be most cost effective and the best use of resources to drill an irrigation well that taps into the Lower Arapahoe aquifer, a non-tributary water source not hydrologically connected to the stream system and therefore exempt from water rights administration.
Outside legal counsel, in coordination with the water resource engineers at the Applegate Water Group, solicited bids on behalf of the City. Although Applegate affirmatively reached out to approximately 15 potential well drillers, only two respondents provided bids. Staff, in consultation with outside legal counsel and Applegate, then conducted a review of the bids and recommended Layne Christensen be selected to provide the well drilling planning and services.
The request tonight is for approval of a reappropriations ordinance.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Carolyn Keith, Director of Parks, Recreation and Golf
Staff Member Presenting: Jamie Rice, Planner III
Financial Impact: $515,000
Funding Source: Water Rights Acquisition Fund
Staff Recommendation: Approval of ordinance
Suggested Motion: Motion to approve ordinance 2365