Hello everyone,
Startup of the seasonal portion of the Hondius water system will begin on April 23 and should be completed by the end of the weekend on the 25th. Startup was postponed by one week due to weather conditions in Estes Park. It has snowed much of this week, with more forecast for today. Another round of significant snow is expected again on Monday. The weather should become more favorable after that, so hopefully there is no further delay.
Many have asked about the survey responses regarding a new water tank above Tanager and a new line to Upper High Drive from the tank. We received 35 responses from the approximately 70 members we sent the survey to. Of those, all but two indicated they would be willing to share in the cost. While we had hoped that everyone would have responded to the survey, those that did were overwhelmingly in favor of the project, which would allow us to get out of the Park where we are dealing with tanks nearly 100 years old and in need of frequent maintenance. On that basis, the Hondius Board of Directors voted to hire Landmark Engineering to do a preliminary design and cost estimate for the project. They will provide two estimates, one for the system to be able to operate year-round at some future date, and one that would have it only capable of running as a seasonal system, as is the case currently. In order for the system to operate year round, the mainline on Upper High Drive would also have to be replaced to a greater depth. That is not part of the preliminary design work currently being done.
In early March, HWUA submitted a grant application to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Small Communities Water and Wastewater Grant program to help pay for the new tank and water line. We have requested $400,000 in our application. It is not clear what our chances are to be awarded a grant, or what amount would be awarded if we are successful. Anything would be helpful to get this project off the ground and lower the overall cost to members. We will keep you posted when we learn of the results.
We plan to have an annual meeting this year, but the date is uncertain at this point. Due to potential conflicts with an August 1 meeting date, I may not be able to attend if it is held on that date. The Board will be exploring other possible dates and will let everyone know as soon as possible. It is anticipated we will be able to share the results of Landmark’s cost estimates at that time.
Thank you. Hope to see some of you in Estes Park this summer.
Don Piepgras
President
HWUA