To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Shannon Carter, Director, Open Spaces and Intergovernmental Relations
Prepared By:
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Brett Collins, Grants and Acquisitions Manager, Open Spaces
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presenter
Presenter: Brett Collins, Grants and Acquisitions Manager, Open Spaces
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Subject:
title
17 Mile House Water Service and Irrigation Funding Approval
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Staff will present a request for funding to install a new domestic water line and irrigation system at the 17 Mile House and Farm Park. See attached construction drawings.
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Background and Discussion:
A long-term goal for the 17 Mile House and Farm Park has been to obtain water delivery to the property. Non-potable wells were investigated but were too costly to implement, so the staff decided to pursue a municipal water partner to serve the property. The least expensive option was Aurora Water. In 2018, a water mainline was installed to provide the 17 Mile House and Farm Park the opportunity for potable water service to the plumbing fixtures and irrigation on the property.
Staff proposes to install a three-quarter inch commercial water service to the historic house, which will allow for flush toilets and potable water to the sinks to support the uses at the house. The three-quarter inch line will also provide water to irrigate natural grasses, trees, shrubs, and perennials around the house and the parking lot’s immediate area. This phase one project will reduce maintenance costs by reducing staff time on hand watering plant material and provide a year-round easily accessible restroom for staff inside the house.
A phase two project includes a one-and-a-half-inch tap for additional irrigation to agricultural features, trees, shrubs, and grasses that may be included in a future master plan implementation for the property.
The house, barn, and parking lot are under a façade conservation easement held by the Colorado Historical Society. Written approval is required for any alterations to the property. Since the work is all underground, the Colorado Historical Society approved the proposed project as the impacts are minimal to the historic property’s aesthetics.
The project will use a combination of funding sources due to the different uses at the property. Since the tap will be used to service future park needs, staff proposes that $60,000 be used from the Open Spaces Acquisitions and Development fund for the water tap fees with Aurora. The $154,000 for the water service line and irrigation system’s construction are proposed to come from the Heritage fund as it directly serves the house and surrounding property.
Fiscal Impact: $60,000 in funds from the Open Spaces Acquisition and Development Fund and $154,000 of Heritage Funds are recommended for this project. The balance in both funds exceed this amount.
Alternatives: Approve, modify, or deny the funding request.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the use of $60,000 of Open Spaces Acquisition and Development funds and $154,000 in Heritage funds for the 17 Mile House water service line and irrigation system.
Concurrence: The Open Space Trails Advisory Board recommended the Board of County Commissioners approval of the use of $60,000 of Open Spaces Acquisition and Development funds and $154,000 in Heritage funds for the 17 Mile House water service line and irrigation system for a total project cost of up to $214,000. Please see the attached motion and vote.