NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE and to the general public, that the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., located at Phoenix City Hall, 1st Floor Atrium, Assembly Rooms A, B, & C, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. One or more Subcommittee members may participate via teleconference. The agenda for the meeting is as follows (items may be discussed in a different sequence than posted): 1. Call to Order Chair Williams 2. Review and Approval of the November 19, 2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Meeting Minutes. Page 3 Items 3-4 are for Information Only. Although no presentation is planned, staff will be available to answer questions. 3. Metro, Regional Public Transportation Authority, and Maricopa Association of Governments Meetings This report provides the Subcommittee with copies of past and/or upcoming meeting agendas or minutes for METRO light rail, Valley Metro/Regional Public Transit Authority (RPTA), and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). This item is for information only. Maria Hyatt, Public Transit Page 9 4. Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study This report provides an update to the Subcommittee on the Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study. This item is for information only. Wylie Bearup, Street Transportation Page 11 Items 5-7 is for information, discussion and possible action. 5. Reclaimed Water Usage This report provides the Subcommittee with a summary of the uses for reclaimed water. This item is for information and discussion. Kathryn Sorensen, Water Services Page 13 1
Transcript
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE and to the general public, that the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., located at Phoenix City Hall, 1st Floor Atrium, Assembly Rooms A, B, & C, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. One or more Subcommittee members may participate via teleconference. The agenda for the meeting is as follows (items may be discussed in a different sequence than posted): 1. Call to Order Chair Williams
2. Review and Approval of the November 19, 2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.
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Items 3-4 are for Information Only. Although no presentation is planned, staff will be available to answer questions.
3. Metro, Regional Public Transportation Authority, and Maricopa Association of Governments Meetings This report provides the Subcommittee with copies of past and/or upcoming meeting agendas or minutes for METRO light rail, Valley Metro/Regional Public Transit Authority (RPTA), and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). This item is for information only.
Maria Hyatt, Public Transit Page 9
4. Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study This report provides an update to the Subcommittee on the Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study. This item is for information only.
Wylie Bearup, Street Transportation Page 11
Items 5-7 is for information, discussion and possible action.
5. Reclaimed Water Usage This report provides the Subcommittee with a summary of the uses for reclaimed water. This item is for information and discussion.
Kathryn Sorensen, Water Services Page 13
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6. Water And Wastewater Capital Improvement Program and Rates This report summarizes the Water Services Department 2014-2019 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of no change to the water and sewer rates for 2013-14, resulting in a 0 percent rate increase. Efforts will continue in identifying and implementing additional efficiencies to impact future rate adjustments for the next five fiscal years. This item is for information, discussion and possible action.
Kathryn Sorensen, Water Services Page 15
7. Complete Streets Policy Implementation Plan This report provides an update to the Subcommittee concerning the implementation plan for the City of Phoenix Complete Streets Policy. This item is for information and discussion.
Wylie Bearup, Street Transportation Page 23
8. Call to the Public: Consideration, discussion, and concerns from the public. Those wishing to address the Subcommittee need not request permission in advance. Action taken as a result of the public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter or rescheduling the matter for further consideration and decision at a later date.
Chair Williams
9. Request for Future Agenda Items
Chair Williams
10. Adjournment
Chair Williams
For further information, please call Cynthia Aguilar, Management Assistant, City Manager’s Office, at 602-495-7195 or Spencer Self at 602-262-4449. Persons paid to lobby on behalf of persons or organizations other than themselves shall register with the City Clerk prior to lobbying or within five business days thereafter, and must register annually to continue lobbying. If you have any questions about registration or whether or not you must register, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 602-262-6811. For reasonable accommodations, call Cynthia Aguilar at Voice/602-495-7195 or TTY/602-534-5500, or Spencer Self at 602-262-4449 as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements. November 14, 2013
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Phoenix City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee
Summary Minutes Tuesday, November 19, 2013
City Council Subcommittee Room Phoenix City Hall, Assembly Rooms A, B, and C 200 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona Subcommittee Members Present Councilwoman Thelda Williams, Chair Councilman Michael Johnson Councilman Daniel Valenzuela Councilman Jim Waring Staff Present Staff Present Public Present Betty Lopez-Mori Johnni Green Keith Carbajal Joe Bowan Jesse Duarte Neil Mann F. Akhavan Joe Giudice Maria Hyatt Bath Biggins Ramer Kini Knudson Cynthia Aguilar Albert Santana
Debora Johnson Steve Pietrzykowsky Frank Jones Patricia Garland Edith Baltierrez Kathryn Sorensen Troy Hayes Jesus Sapien Megan O’Brien Yvette Roeder Spencer J. Self Penny Parrella Neal Young
Sonya Pastor LaSota Marvin Rochelle Doin Kentz Rosie Lopez Wulf Grote Kevin Cullens
1. Call to Order
Chairwoman Williams called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. with Councilmen Johnson, Waring, and Valenzuela present.
2. Review and Approval of the October 8, 2013 Transportation and
Infrastructure Subcommittee Meeting Minutes. Councilman Valenzuela moved to approve the minutes from the June 19, 2013
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee meeting. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, which passed 4:0.
3. Resolution Supporting the Navajo Generating Station “Better than Bart”
Alternative
Councilman Johnson moved to approve item 3. Councilman Valenzuela seconded. Motion passed 4:0.
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4. Metro, Regional Public Transportation Authority, and Maricopa Association
of Governments Meetings This item is for information only. 5. Update on Avenida Rio Salado/Broadway Road Improvement Project This item is for information only.
8. South Central Locally Preferred Alternative Recommendation (Item taken out of order.)
Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager Neal Young introduced Light Rail Administrator Albert Santana.
Mr. Santana stated they have seen a gradual increase in ridership on busses and the light rail for 2010 through 2012. He discussed the South Central transit study which was jointly funded with federal and local funds. He outlined the project area as 7th Avenue to 7th Street from Downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road considering bus rapid transit, streetcar as well as light rail transit. Mr. Santana discussed possible options and indicated the study resulted in the locally preferred alternative to run the light rail down Central Avenue. He further presented high level station area design concepts as well as street and bicycle lanes, landscaping, sidewalks and destination connector. Mr. Santana described community outreach conducted including four rounds of public meetings with eight meetings throughout the project, using different notification methods and receiving over 200 comment forms. Mr. Santana detailed the staff recommendation for the locally preferred alternative to be light rail on Central Avenue and 1st Avenue with further consideration and recommendations moving forward on street configurations such as four lanes, two lane, bike lanes, landscaping, further defining station locations, as well as studying for future transit extensions, South Mountain Park and the Baseline Road area. Rosie Lopez spoke in support of the item adding that she would like to see the light rail go all the way to South Mountain Park. Richard Sellers discussed his concerns that the project would impact his business. Chairwoman Williams noted that other opportunities may accomplish tying in South Mountain with the light rail line. Councilman Johnson noted that the planning for this light rail extension was in the early stages with eight to ten more years before it will impact the community.
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Councilman Johnson moved to approve the item. Councilman Valenzuela seconded and noted the work of Senator Pastor and Councilman Johnson. Motion passes 4:0.
9. January 2014 Proposed Bus Service Changes (Item taken out of order.)
Senior Assistant to the City Manager Neal Young introduced the topic noting the difficulty in increasing capacity in overcrowded routes without impacting other routes due to lack of an increase in funding. Acting Public Transit Director Maria Hyatt introduced Deputy Public Transit Director Kini Knudson. Mr. Knudson noted that the top 11 performing routes in the region carry 50% of the ridership. He noted this puts a strain on these services and highlight the need for additional capacity. Specifically he explained the need to look at two routes: Route 19 along 19th Avenue and Route 50 along Camelback Road. He stated that in order to provide higher services in the busier core areas on these routes, service frequency would decrease at the edges. Mr. Knudson discussed the public outreach process that was conducted, including a public hearing, open houses, and outreach at specific sites and passengers. He said they received about 460 comments with 70% supporting the proposed changes. He mentioned that staff brought the issue to the Citizen Transit Commission on November 7, 2013. Kevin Cullens spoke concerning the ridership numbers on Route 56 during the off season for the Botanical Garden and Zoo. Marvin Rochelle spoke against reducing services on the outskirts of Route 50 at the west end from 15 minutes to 30 minutes with no bus shelters. Councilman Valenzuela agreed with the concern that Mr. Rochelle voiced. He noted there were increases in the number of people living in the area that are served by this bus route. He asked if there was a compromise that would be better. Ms. Hyatt explained that a compromise of reducing service to every 20 minutes instead of every 30 minutes during peak use would eliminate $80,000 of the estimated savings. These savings would be used for other changes that would be looked at in the future. Councilman Johnson mentioned the concerns brought up by Mr. Collins and connections to the baseball venue in the same area. Mr. Knudson clarified that staff was working on providing services and options that would give access to those locations.
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Councilman Valenzuela moved for approval as amended with the exception of the west end of Route 50 for which the frequency would increase to 20 minutes. Councilman Johnson seconded. The motion passed 4:0.
7. Solid Waste Program Study Recommendations
(Item taken out of order.)
Public Works Director Neil Mann mentioned the item was presented at the November Subcommittee meeting and based on feedback from the City Council, staff modified their recommendation.
Specifically, Mr. Mann explained that the new recommendation had the same
components related to a lower fee for a smaller trash barrel and a $5 fee for a new green organics barrel; however the on-call bulk trash pickup would be available four times a year versus the original two times proposed in November.
Mr. Mann explained the fees based on the new options with no change in the
current fee for those who maintain their current level of service and added there is not expected to be a significant number of users of the new tan green organics barrels initially, which will help reduce up front costs.
Councilman Waring pointed out that the outreach to let residents know about the
changes will be challenging, but necessary.
Chairwoman Williams discussed the details concerning how residents will schedule a pickup. Councilman Warring moved to approve the program. Councilman Johnson seconded. Motion passed 4:0
6. Proposed Opportunities for Operational Savings at the Lake Pleasant Water
Treatment Plant (Item taken out of order.)
Deputy City Manager Rick Naimark introduced the item as well as Water Services Director Kathryn Sorensen and Deputy Water Services Director Troy Hayes.
Mr. Hayes explained this presentation is an update to the one presented in May
about proposed opportunities for savings at the Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant. He described the background of the operating contract that began in 2007 for a 15 year duration. He stated that based on experience with the plant to date, how the system works with water quality, and less demand than projected, the following recommendations would save the City $1.3 million annually:
Modify the annual demand flow rate Modify the THM limit Utilize unused capacity of Lake Pleasant GAC Regeneration Facility
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Mr. Hayes stated that staff requests the Subcommittee approve moving forward with those recommendations and brought to full Council in the next month or so. Chairwoman Williams mentioned concerns with reducing flow for an area experiencing growth. Mr. Hayes explained the current contract does not allow for operating at the level that is currently required. By changing the set points, he added, a better level can be achieved and still leave room for growth. Ms. Sorensen noted that demand can also be balanced from different plants within the zone. Councilman Johnson moved to approve staff’s recommendations. Councilman Waring seconded. Motion passes 4:0.
10. Water Customer Services Division Service Level Update Water Services Director Kathryn Sorensen introduced Deputy Water Services
Director Debora Johnson.
Ms. Johnson presented the most recent customer service statistics including a 95.1% accuracy rate for 4.2 million bills, average call handling of 294 seconds, receiving over 600,000 calls last fiscal year, average speed to answer of 51 seconds. Additionally, Ms. Johnson pointed out some of the complexities of certain calls and requests that require additional time. Finally, Ms. Johnson outlined the results of a customer satisfaction survey yielding 94% of customers who visited a pay station, 91% of customers who met a skilled representative and 83% of customers who had telephone contact with the customer service team member were highly satisfied with the services they received.
11. Call to the Public
Marvin Rochelle discussed an increase in ridership for MV Transit that are causing delays and missed appointments.
12. Request for Future Agenda Items None. 13. Adjournment
Chairwoman Williams adjourned the meeting at 2:47 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted, Spencer J. Self Management Intern
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Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, December 10, 2013, Item #3
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Neal Young
Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager
FROM: Albert Santana
Light Rail Project Administrator
SUBJECT: METRO, REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, AND MARICOPA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS MEETINGS
This report provides the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee with copies of past and/or upcoming meeting agendas/summaries for METRO light rail, Valley Metro/Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA), and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). This item is for information only. THE ISSUE Within Maricopa County, there are several agencies with different charges relating to public transit and transportation planning. Valley Metro/Regional Public Transportation Authority: In 1993, the Regional Public Transportation Authority Board adopted the name Valley Metro as the identity for the regional transit system in metropolitan Phoenix. Under the “Valley Metro” brand, local governments fund the Valley-wide transit system which the public sees on the streets today. Valley Metro Board member agencies include Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Maricopa County, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe. Councilwoman Thelda Williams serves as Phoenix’s representative on the RPTA Board of Directors. METRO: METRO is the brand name for Valley Metro Rail Inc., a nonprofit, public corporation charged with the design, construction, and operation of the Valley’s light rail system. The cities that participate financially in the light rail system each have a representative on the METRO Board of Directors. Cities on the board include Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe. METRO is structured on a “pay-to-play basis” with voting power allocated based on investment in the system. Councilwoman Thelda Williams serves as Phoenix’s representative and is the current chair of the METRO Board of Directors. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG): MAG is a Council of Governments that serves as the regional agency for the metropolitan Phoenix area. When MAG was formed in 1967, elected officials recognized the need for long-range planning and policy development on a regional scale. Issues such as transportation, air quality, and human services affect residents beyond the borders of individual jurisdictions. MAG is the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation planning in the Maricopa County region. Mayor Stanton serves as Phoenix’s representative.
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OTHER INFORMATION The goal of staff is to provide the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee with agendas for future meetings of these bodies. Meeting dates do not coincide and agendas are not available until close to the meeting date. However, prior to reaching each Board of Directors meeting, most agenda items are reviewed by staff committees which include City of Phoenix members. An attachment to the Subcommittee packet will provide meeting agendas and/or additional information for previous and upcoming METRO, RPTA and MAG meetings. RECOMMENDATION This item is for discussion only. No Council action is required. Attachments
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Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, December 10, 2013, Item #4
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Rick Naimark
Deputy City Manager
FROM: Wylie Bearup, PE, PhD
Street Transportation Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN PHOENIX COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION STUDY
This report provides an update to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study. THE ISSUE The City of Phoenix Sunburst Plan coordinates and safely manages all of the pedestrian and vehicular movements to and from the major sports and entertainment events in the downtown area. On January 8, 2013, City Council directed that staff update the existing Sunburst Plan and partner with major stakeholders affected by the update. Staff concluded Phase I preliminary analysis of the existing plan with two current traffic restrictions for possible modification. Phase II of the plan update includes a comprehensive transportation study that is analyzing the downtown area from a broader perspective. This is being accomplished through the City’s regional partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and coordination with the larger Central Phoenix Transportation Framework Study. The current MAG consultant team is now working with the City focusing efforts downtown, which includes the area bounded by McDowell Road to the north, Buckeye Road to the south, 7th Avenue on the west and 7th Street on the east. The City of Phoenix Comprehensive Downtown Transportation Study is investigating potential roadway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and parking improvements in the downtown area. This study will develop a set of transportation scenarios during both event and non-event conditions using strategies gathered from a three-tiered public outreach process. The citizen outreach process has included updates to downtown committees, two downtown stakeholder meetings held in September 2013, and two open houses in November 2013, where a broader cross-section of the community was able to provide input. Based on public input, potential near-term strategies include: lane or street closures, changes in directional traffic flow (one-way versus two-way streets), new high capacity transit corridors, message signs, gateway features, re-striping lanes to better accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, etc. The project team is also investigating potential enhancements to the current event traffic control that could be implemented prior to the 2014 baseball season as well as the NFL Experience events associated with the 2015 Super Bowl. The recommended changes to the current traffic plan will respond to recent redevelopment, pedestrian, light rail and bus activities during both
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non-event and event times and emphasize both the movement of people and economic development opportunities. After additional public input with downtown stakeholders and coordination with other multi-modal studies underway, staff anticipates returning to the Subcommittee and the full City Council with a draft plan in spring 2014. OTHER INFORMATION From October 27 to 29, 2013 the City hosted the Regional National Association of City Transportation Officials Conference as part of the Designing Cities: Leading the Way to World Class Streets Initiative. The conference brought together national and local leaders in transportation planning and design to discuss pressing issues in the development of more livable streets and how this reinvestment will improve mobility, health and safety, and economic development. At the conference, the project team held a workshop on the City of Phoenix Comprehensive Downtown Transportation Study providing an update on the project while gathering a national perspective from other major cities dealing with similar issues. Because this study is a piece of the overall program on making our streets more livable, continued coordination is occurring with the Bicycle Master Plan, Bike Share Program (GRID), Complete Streets Initiative and projects either completed or underway such as the Roosevelt Streetscape Improvements. RECOMMENDATION This report is for information only.
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Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, December 10, 2013, Item #5
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Rick Naimark
Deputy City Manager
FROM: Kathryn Sorensen
Water Services Director
SUBJECT: RECLAIMED WATER USAGE
This report provides the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee with a summary of the uses for reclaimed water. THE ISSUE The Water Services Department (WSD) produces over 300,000 acre-feet (over 98 billion gallons) of potable water each year. Of this water produced, approximately 40 percent is returned to WSD as wastewater to the City’s two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP): 23rd Avenue WWTP and 91st Avenue WWTP. Additional wastewater is sent by the City’s Sub-Regional Operating Group (SROG) partners (Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe) to the 91st Avenue WWTP. In 2012, the two plants produced approximately 189,500 acre-feet (62 billion gallons) of reclaimed water. This recycled water source is used for a variety of non-potable uses including:
Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS) – In 2012, approximately 67,000 acre-feet of effluent from the 91st Avenue WWTP was used for cooling purposes.
Buckeye Irrigation Company (BIC) – Farmers in the southwest valley used 28,200 acre-feet of reclaimed water to irrigate crops.
Roosevelt Irrigation District (RID) – Up to 30,000 acre-feet of recycled water from the 23rd Avenue WWTP is delivered to farmers for irrigation purposes.
Tres Rios Wetlands – The wetlands consumption use is up to 23,000 acre-feet per year.
WSD also has several smaller reclaimed water users such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department (7,300 acre-feet) and the United States Water Conservation Lab (1,200 acre-feet). The City’s overall goal is to ensure all reclaimed water is used. Any recycled water not used by the aforementioned obligations is discharged to the Salt River where natural recharge of the groundwater occurs. OTHER INFORMATION Reclaimed water is an important component of the City’s water resource portfolio. This recycled water supply helps to offset the need for additional potable water supplies. This supply is relatively steady throughout the year and the quantity of reclaimed water is fairly predictable given the direct link to water usage. However, the demand for the water varies greatly between the summer and winter months. Therefore, the City must
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carefully balance all the reclaimed water obligations. Below is a summary of the obligations. PVNGS – In 1973, the SROG cities entered into an agreement to sell effluent from the 91st Avenue WWTP for reactor cooling purposes. PVNGS is the only nuclear power plant in the world that uses only reclaimed water for cooling. In 2010, a new agreement was negotiated that obligated the SROG cities to provide up to 80,000 acre-feet (26 billion gallons) to PVNGS annually through 2050. Over the last several years, PVNGS has used less than 80,000 acre-feet; however, the City uses the full obligation amount for planning purposes to ensure the SROG cities can deliver this resource when needed. BIC – Since 1971, BIC has contracted with the SROG cities to take reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue WWTP. The current agreement, effective in 1994, provides BIC with an option to use up to 40,000 acre-feet per year through 2026. However, the actual contracted obligation is adjusted every 5 years based on availability and BIC projected demands, with the most recent adjustment in 2010. The current obligation is 20,000 acre-feet per year through 2015, although BIC may take more than this volume if it is available. RID - The 1991 Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Agreement established a three-way exchange of water between the City, Salt River Project (SRP) and RID. The City delivers up to 30,000 acre-feet per year of treated wastewater from the 23rd Avenue WWTP to the RID, which delivers the water to farms. RID, in turn, provides a like amount of groundwater to the SRP canal system through its own wells or wells leased from SRP. SRP then delivers up to 20,000 acre-feet of surface water to the City’s water treatment plants, and up to 10,000 acre-feet to the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. In years where more than 30,000 acre-feet is available from the 23rd Avenue WWTP, the City can continue to supply RID with reclaimed water through a permitted Groundwater Savings Facility. This allows RID to use the reclaimed water in-lieu of pumping groundwater. The City then receives groundwater credits that can be recovered in the future. Tres Rios Wetlands – This 7-mile long wildlife habitat restoration project at the confluence of the Salt and Gila rivers serves as a means to further treat the effluent from the 91st Avenue WWTP to meet discharge water quality standards. The wetlands are estimated to have a consumptive use up to 23,000 acre-feet per year. Water discharged from the wetlands either makes its way to BIC or is discharged to the Salt River prior to seeping into the ground and replenishing the groundwater aquifer. Currently, more than 90 percent of discharged effluent is reused for farming, habitat enhancement, and industrial cooling. It is anticipated that additional reclaimed water supplies will be available in the future as growth occurs and as farm lands become urbanized. The City continues to investigate a wide variety of strategies to fully utilize all current and future recycled water supplies. RECOMMENDATION This report is for information only.
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Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, December 10, 2013, Item #6
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Rick Naimark Deputy City Manager
FROM: Kathryn Sorensen Water Services Director
SUBJECT: WATER AND WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND RATES
This report summarizes the Water Services Department 2014-2019 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. The CIP is developed to provide for the infrastructure needed to comply with Federal and State water quality standards, ensure adequate capacity for future growth, and maintain safe and reliable water and wastewater utility systems. In addition, this report requests the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of no change to the water and sewer rates for 2013-14, resulting in a 0 percent rate increase. Efforts will continue in identifying and implementing additional efficiencies to impact future rate adjustments for the next five fiscal years. THE ISSUE The City’s water and wastewater utilities are financed through water and wastewater enterprise funds. Revenue for the funds is generated from the sale of metered water, fees for services, the sale of treated wastewater, bonds for capital projects, and development-related fees. The water and wastewater capital improvement programs are the largest cost components in the Water Services Department and therefore significant drivers of the rate increases periodically necessary to maintain financially viable water and wastewater utilities. Staff does not recommend rate increases in 2014. This report provides an update the City Council regarding the major components of the CIP. Given the impact of the recent economic downturn on customers, the proposed 2014-2019 CIP budgets were carefully crafted to minimize costs while upholding the Department’s mission to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services that meet or exceed regulatory requirements. The proposed 2014-2019 Water and Wastewater Five Year CIP budgets are 5 percent and 7 percent higher respectively, than the 2013-2018 CIP. Water Capital Improvement Program The proposed Five-Year Water CIP totals $710.3 million which is approximately 5 percent higher than last year’s program. Attachment 1 lists the proposed 2014-2015
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through 2018-2019 projects by fiscal year. Some of the key CIP changes are summarized below. The Five-Year Water CIP continues to emphasize rehabilitation of system infrastructure. Approximately 74 percent of the Water CIP is allocated for this purpose including: repair and replacement of substandard distribution water mains, valves, and hydrants ($158 million); assessments and rehabilitation of large transmission mains ($98 million); rehabilitation of wells, booster stations and reservoirs ($103 million), and equipment replacement, rehabilitation, and operational improvements at the treatment plants ($130 million). The increase in the five-year Water CIP over last year’s program can be attributed to the need for assessment and rehabilitation of water mains in the distribution system, to avoid failures and disruption of service, and to increase reliability and fire protection ($1.2 million). Six new water main projects have been added to the program ($15 million) to support the water infrastructure needed for growth projected, as described in the 2012 Water Master Plan. Infrastructure to increase water supply into the pressure zone supporting Arizona State University West ($3.6 million) was also added to the program. Rehabilitation and process improvements at the water treatment and water reclamation plants ($49 million) were also added to the program. However, three water storage reservoirs ($36.1 million) that were originally slated to be added during this five-year period were removed from the program based on recommendations in the 2012 Water Master Plan. Another important component of the Water CIP is the funding at $25.5 million over five-years to increase groundwater well production. Additional wells are needed to mitigate against future drought conditions and to improve water quality. Wastewater Capital Improvement Program The proposed five-year Wastewater CIP totals $472.6 million, which is approximately 7 percent higher than last year’s program. Attachment 2 lists the proposed 2014-2015 through 2018-2019 projects by fiscal year. Key projects are highlighted below. The 7 percent increase in the five-year Wastewater CIP can largely be attributed to the need for assessment and rehabilitation of large sanitary sewer mains in the City’s sewer collection system. These projects will help mitigate system failures, disruption of service, and sanitary sewer overflows. Six new gravity sewer main projects ($12.2 million) and lift station expansion projects ($10.3 million) are planned to support the wastewater infrastructure needed for growth, as projected in the 2012 Wastewater Master Plan. The Wastewater CIP also focuses on rehabilitation of the system’s infrastructure with approximately 63 percent allocated for this purpose. Projects include: condition assessments, rehabilitation, and replacement of sewers and manholes ($193 million); equipment replacement, rehabilitation, and operational improvements at wastewater treatment plants ($91.3 million); lift station replacement and process control optimization efforts ($15.5 million).
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A total of $71.8 million has also been programmed for regional sewer capacity improvements, specifically the Sub-Regional Operating Group (SROG) interceptors. These improvements are required to ensure sufficient capacity exists to convey flows to the treatment plants, while meeting regulatory requirements. To keep CIP costs down, the Department has postponed some projects to future years and has also secured project savings through value engineering. The water and wastewater capital projects outlined are necessary to maintain regulatory compliance and to ensure reliable infrastructure performance. Staff will continue to monitor system needs, seek efficiency savings where possible, and make program adjustments as necessary to keep program costs to a minimum. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of no change to the water and sewer rates for 2013-14, resulting in a 0 percent rate increase. Efforts will continue in identifying and implementing additional efficiencies to impact future rate adjustments for the next five fiscal years. Attachments (2)
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ATTACHMENT 1 - PROPOSED WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMFY 2014-2019
PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 TOTAL
WATER TREATMENT PLANTSVal Vista WTP Rehabilitation 2,955,000$ 16,410,000$ 750,000$ 160,000$ 4,125,000$ 24,400,000$ Deer Valley WTP Rehabilitation 160,000$ 1,775,000$ 9,590,000$ 750,000$ 160,000$ 12,435,000$ 24th Street WTP Rehabilitation 9,852,500$ 650,000$ 470,000$ 2,700,000$ 13,725,000$ 27,397,500$ Union Hills (UH) WTP Rehabilitation 24,816,500$ 662,000$ 2,055,000$ 11,025,000$ 800,000$ 39,358,500$ Raw Water Pump Station and Pipeline - UH WTP to Cave Creek WRP Reservoir 4,595,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 4,595,000$ Lake Pleasant WTP - Finished Water Pump Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) 1,958,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 1,958,000$ Val Vista Business Automation -$ 192,000$ 864,000$ -$ -$ 1,056,000$ SRP Mobile Substation - Three Plants 1,208,000$ 148,000$ 148,000$ 148,000$ 148,000$ 1,800,000$ Water Reclamation Facilities Rehabilitation 30,000$ 30,000$ 1,390,000$ 3,855,000$ 780,000$ 6,085,000$ Replacement Fund - Four Plants 8,450,000$ 7,550,000$ 9,400,000$ 8,550,000$ 10,850,000$ 44,800,000$
PROGRAM TOTAL 107,510,341$ 136,493,059$ 107,972,845$ 53,326,500$ 67,280,500$ 472,583,245$
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Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, December 10, 2013, Item #7
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Rick Naimark
Deputy City Manager
FROM: Wylie Bearup, PE, PhD
Street Transportation Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT: COMPLETE STREETS POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
This report provides an update to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee concerning the implementation plan for the City of Phoenix Complete Streets Policy. THE ISSUE The Complete Streets movement supports the City’s vision for a more sustainable transportation ststem by developing comprehensive, integrated, inter-connected transportation corridors that are safe and accessible for all people. Complete Streets provides for active transportation such as walking and bicycling, transportation choices, and increased access to major activity centers and residential areas. The goal for the City’s Complete Streets program includes establishing a policy recommendation to address existing and future transportation corridors in the city. The program will document best practices, guidelines, and design standards for both City- and developer-initiated projects. Presently, staff is collaborating with the Phoenix Complete Streets Working Group (PCSWG) and other stakeholders to formulate a draft policy. This policy is undergoing refinement through public input and will be reviewed by each Village Planning Committee, the Planning Commission, the Development Advisory Board, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee prior to final approval by City Council in spring 2014. The final recommendation developed by the PCSWG will include a City ordinance that requires all infrastructure projects to address Complete Streets concepts. The City has already incorporated many complete streets principles in recent projects. The ultimate objective is to improve the City’s documentation of elements already in place and improve transportation planning, public interaction on projects, design decisions, construction management and operations/maintenance. OTHER INFORMATION From October 27 to 29, 2013 the City hosted the Regional National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Conference as part of its Designing Cities: Leading the Way to World Class Streets Initiative. The conference brought together national and local leaders in transportation planning and design to discuss pressing issues in the development of Complete Streets and how this reinvestment will improve mobility, safety and economic development.
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To demonstrate Complete Streets principles, the Department completed the Greening Lower Grand Avenue and First Street improvements prior to the NACTO Conference. These pilot projects will serve as initial phases in the development of livable streets in the downtown area and will be evaluated as components of the ongoing Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study. The study team will also investigate and analyze potential roadway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and parking improvements in the downtown area. Using the Central Phoenix Transportation Framework Study sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments, the study will develop transportation scenarios using a host of strategies to improve the movement of people. Last year Mayor Stanton and the City Council identified Bike Share as a priority critical to the improvement and growth of Phoenix. Bike Share is a self-service automated system of bike rental that encourages bicycle use as an environmentally-friendly transportation option. Street Transportation initiated the program by inviting a vendor through the Request for Proposal process to provide these services at no direct cost to the City. In June 2013, the Bike Share contract was awarded to CycleHop and implementation of the program is underway. Another initiative related to the Complete Streets Policy is development of the Bicycle Master Plan. Once completed the master plan will provide detailed direction on funding priorities and project execution to make bicycling safer, more convenient, and more comfortable for residents and visitors. The comprehensive prioritized plan for potential bicycle improvements will be a working document that can be used for reference during transportation and transit project development as well as related items such as plat and development site plan reviews. Like the Complete Streets Initiative, the Bike Master Plan, Bike Share Program and the Downtown Phoenix Comprehensive Transportation Study are plans that open streets to all transportation modes and provide options for the public. Extensive community outreach has been instrumental in the success of these transportation initiatives thus far. More detailed updates on these efforts are included in separate City Council Reports. RECOMMENDATION This report is for information only.
