NCWA - Tap Moratorium - Sand Lily Circle

[Adam J. Sass]

Good morning Mr. Kefalas,

I hope this finds you well.  My name is Adam Sass.  I'm a property owner and resident of Disctrict 1 in Larimer County and have been for quite some time.  I've received some troubling news at the NCWA (Northern Colorado Water Association) meeting this week and I am hoping to get some help/guidance from you and the board.  I have a lot of documentation and correspondence between NCWA, myself, DWR, Larimer County Building department, but not sure what is applicable or appropriate to send at this point.  I'd love to schedule 10-15 minutes to talk through this, but will give you a recap in this email to help set the stage. 

My piece of prosperity at 1052 Sand Lily Circle was created as part of the Brauch subdivision after 1972.  It was created in the early 2000's.  As you are aware to be created it needs some form of utilities to be provided to each lot and a letter stating as such.  As you are probably also aware, the Land Use Code Arcicle 6.5.2 provides specific conditions where an exemption from a subdivision may occur, but the way I read this is that it is for new lots, and not retroactively.  

My issue is that I am not able to drill a well, nor am I able to build a residence without a domestic water service from NCWA, which they are not providing.  At their most recent board meeting they indicated that they "will not be lifting the tap moratorium for the foreseeable future." and when I followed up in an email to clarify what that meant i recieved:
"I understand the change in the tones of the communications. 

 

During the past few years, we have seen a major change in the demographics of this association and the surrounding area.

Water use and consumption have significantly increased during the past several years.

 

The board is aware of the situation.  Their first responsibility is to assure current members needs are met.

 

Yes, there is discussion on the possibility around increasing capacity.  However, water is a finite resource along the front range. 

 

Negotiating the State and local regulations, permitting and allocations take time and funding.

 

As for a written plan, I am not that far into the discovery phase to be there yet."

I now have a piece of property that I am attempting to build my home on and I simply can not.  I being taxed as if this is a developable lot within a subdivision, and I simply can't build on it.  

My ultimate goal would be to have a domestic well be allowed on my lot or have the NCWA honor their will serve letter.   As I have now owned this lot for several years and my children are starting to attend schools, this is  becoming ever more important that we get to our home timely.  Thank you for your consideration on this matter and please reach out that you have received this.

Adam Sass

217-257-1616

[John Kefalas]

Good morning Adam,

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your property and the Northern Colorado Water Association matter. While I am more than willing to schedule a time to discuss per your request for 15 minutes, my preference is to refer this matter to our Community, Planning, Infrastructure & Resources Director (Lesli Ellis) who can provide more informed guidance than me regarding the tap moratorium and water issues related to building your house. Please let me know if I have your permission to forward your email with a request for her to follow up with you. Otherwise, we could speak on Tuesday - perhaps between 11:30 and 12:30. 

	John Kefalas County Commissioner, District 1
	Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St | 2nd Floor PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190 W: (970) 498-7001 Cell:  (720) 254-7598 jkef...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org

[Sass Family]

Good morning.  

Thanks for the response! Yes if you feel that it would be prudent to speak with Lesli, and potentially talk next steps, please do forward it.  I’d still like to pick your brain for a few moments about this as well though and I could make myself available at those times.  

Adam Sass

Sent from my mobile 

On Aug 13, 2023, at 8:26 AM, John Kefalas <kefa...@co.larimer.co.us> wrote:



[John Kefalas]

Thank you and I will forward this email chain and ask Lesli to review the issue and respond to you accordingly. In the meantime, call me during the suggested time on Tuesday, and we can talk then. 

	John Kefalas County Commissioner, District 1
	Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St | 2nd Floor PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190 W: (970) 498-7001 Cell:  (720) 254-7598 jkef...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org