Mesa City Council Study Session Thu 05.12.2022 at 07:30 a.m.

Curious about what they 'studied' - let's start there! And please note the fuzzy language used.

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Meeting Name: City Council Study Session Agenda status: Final Meeting date/time: 5/12/2022 7:30 AM Minutes status: Draft   Meeting location: Lower Council Chambers Published agenda:  Agenda Published minutes: Not available   Meeting video:  Video    Attachments: Meeting Items (5) 5 records Group Export Show: Legislation only File # Agenda # Type Title Action Result Action Details 22-0699 2-a Presentation Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the continuation of the alternative expenditure limitation - Home Rule option.     Not available 22-0700 2-b Presentation Hear a presentation, discuss, and take action on a recommendation in favor of the declaration of a Stage One Water Shortage in accordance with Title 8 Chapter 10 of the Mesa City Code, thereby implementing informational conservation measures and encouraging voluntary water conservation.     Not available 22-0641 3-a Minutes Human Relations Advisory Board meetings held on February 23 and March 23, 2022.     Not available 22-0676 3-b Minutes Economic Development Advisory Board meeting held on April 5, 2022.     Not available 22-0708 3-c Minutes Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meeting held on Mach 3, 2022.     Not available

ITEM 2-a

File #:

22-0699

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council Study Session

On agenda:

5/12/2022

Title:

Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the continuation of the alternative expenditure limitation - Home Rule option.

Attachments:

1. Presentation

WHY THE STATE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION FORMULA DOES NOT WORK

 Does not take into account voter approved revenue streams FY 21/22 

 Public Safety Sales Tax $35M 

 Quality of Life Sales Tax $35M 

 Local Streets Sales Tax $40M 

 General Fund Sales Tax $25M 

 Does not take into account new revenue streams and changes to accounting structure FY 21/22 

 Environmental Compliance Fee $15M 

 Employee contributions to medical/dental $30M 

IMPACT IF HOME RULE IS NOT CONTINUED 

 The FY 23/24 budget would need to be reduced by about $810M from the expenditures that are subject to the limitation

 Expenses NOT subject to the limitation are: 

 Bond proceeds, some Debt Service, Highway User Funds, Community Facilities Districts, Joint Ventures, Grants, most of the Trust Funds, etc. 

 The bulk of the expenses subject to the limitation are: 

General Governmental Funds, Public Safety Sales Tax, Local Streets Sales Tax, and Utility Fund

ITEM 2-b

File #:

22-0700

Type:

Presentation

Status:

Agenda Ready

In control:

City Council Study Session

On agenda:

5/12/2022

Title:

Hear a presentation, discuss, and take action on a recommendation in favor of the declaration of a Stage One Water Shortage in accordance with Title 8 Chapter 10 of the Mesa City Code, thereby implementing informational conservation measures and encouraging voluntary water conservation.

Attachments:

1. Presentation

Where Does Mesa’s Water Come From? 

The water you receive depends on where you live. 
Each valley city has their own water outlook and Mesa has long prepared for shortage through careful planning to build a robust infrastructure and diverse water portfolio. 

Mesa has three primary sources of water that include 

1. Surface water from the Colorado River (Eastern and Southern Zones)
   
2. Salt and Verde Rivers (City Zone)
   
3. Groundwater supplies (all zones)
   

Due to historic drought, climate change, and over-allocation, conditions on the Colorado River are worsening. 

While deeper shortages may come quicker than anticipated, Mesa recognizes the situation is serious and continues to strategically plan for a future with less water. 

What We’ve been Doing ??????????

 Managing and balancing the water needs of new growth, including policy changes to manage large water users and working with commercial/industrial customers on water sustainability plans 

 Maximizing efficiency in operations by utilizing industry best practice water auditing 

 Employing advanced technologies for pipe inspection and replacement to reduce water loss in the distribution system 

 Using water efficiently in parks and along City streets by installing smart landscape controllers that monitor weather conditions and plant health and detect leaks 

 Reducing the area of overseeding on select turf areas in City Parks 

 Designing new Parks to focus on functional turf design, minimizing ornamental turf 

 Re-lined the VVWTP Reservoir to save 250k gallons of leakage per day

What We’ve been Doing ????????????

 Reusing effluent for agricultural use in exchange for approximately 6,800 acrefeet (AF) of vital surface water annually 

 Maximizing potable water supplies through the Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline – will exchange up to an additional 12,000 AF of effluent annually 

 Banking 520,000 AF of water stored in the aquifer for long-term supply resilience 

 Exploring sustainable and cost-effective water augmentation opportunities

What We’ve been Doing ????????????

 Expanding customer outreach and conservation programs to help residents and businesses take an active part in using water efficiently 

 Participating in a historic partnership with other water agencies to bolster Lake Mead levels with a 1,200 AF contribution as part of the 500+ Plan

Water Shortage Plan – Stage I Declaration Components 

 Increased monitoring of SRP and CAP surface water supply availability. 

 Continue to report to City Management and Council as water supply conditions change and potential impacts arise 

 Continued Reduction of water use at City facilities 

 Increased public awareness to alert residents to shortage conditions, impact on Mesa’s supplies, and highlight Mesa’s efforts to use water efficiently 

 Encourage voluntary water conservation measures by the public 

 Stage 1 does not include any mandatory commercial or residential water reductions

Conclusion ...........................................

Mesa’s effective water management and efficient water use allow us to thrive in the desert, even in a future with less Colorado River water. 

While water conservation measures are currently voluntary, practical water-wise changes in lifestyle can significantly impact our community’s water future. Water conservation and efficiency are vital to a sustainable future in the desert. The Stage 1 Declaration of the Water Shortage Plan would show Mesa’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable water supply.

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