HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Update 101425AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
October 14, 2025
5:00 PM,
I.Information Update
I.A Building Electrification Code Updates Follow-up Memo
I.B Information Only Memorandum - Continued Stage Two Water Shortage Declaration
Building_Electrification_Code_Updates_Work_Session_Follow-
Up_Memo_10.1.25.docx
Stage_Two_Information_Only_Memo_October_14_Council_Meeting FINAL.docx
1
1
FOLLOW-UP MEMORANDUM
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
WORK SESSION MEETING DATE: September 29, 2025
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE: October 6, 2025
AGENDA TOPIC: Building Electrification Code Update
PRESENTED BY: Bonnie Muhigirwa, Chief Building Official
Tessa Schreiner, Environmental Health &
Sustainability Manager
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rachael Richards, Councilmembers
Christine Benedetti, John Doyle, Bill Guth (via
Zoom), Sam Rose
______________________________________________________________________
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION SUMMARY:
The purpose of this work session was to receive Council direction on possible
amendments to city code regarding electrification of the built environme nt. These
potential amendments aim to a) deliver on Council’s previously established science-
based greenhouse gas emissions reductions b) prepare Aspen for compliance with State
of Colorado building and energy codes minimum requirements and c) respond to
customer desires in both commercial and residential properties to pursue electrification
for their mechanical systems.
Council provided direction on a series of specific policy questions in two categories: 1)
removing barriers to electrification in existing City code and 2) preparing for state building
and energy code updates in 2026 for both new and existing buildings. The following was
the majority of Council’s direction on each policy question, for which staff will return to
Council over the next year with proposed changes to relevant sections of Aspen’s
Municipal code.
1. Removing barriers to electrification in existing City code
Propose adjustments to height and setback restrictions to accommodate high
efficiency electric equipment.
2
Propose changes to site planning requirements for new or redeveloped
construction to accommodate electric equipment space needs.
Propose options to allow transformers in the right-of-way in certain
circumstances.
Minority opinion cautioned against adding layers to permitting processes that
could add additional burden, review time, and decrease efficiency.
2. Preparing for state building and energy code updates in 2026 for both new and
existing buildings
Move forward with drafting an all-electric code with exceptions for new
construction.
Provide policy options for limiting electric capacity for residential buildings.
Pursue above-state minimum buildings and energy codes for major
renovations by providing partial electrification policy options.
Minority opinion expressed concern about limiting electric capacity while
moving towards electrification requirements.
Minority opinion highlighted the need to maintain diverse energy sources for
capacity, resiliency and cost.
Feedback from Council included requests that staff provide the following for each topic:
List and analyze pros and cons for various policy options for each topic as well
as project-specific examples to illustrate potential outcomes.
Conduct comprehensive stakeholder outreach to ensure staff captures all
perspectives on the potential benefits and consequences of each proposed
code change.
Explore opportunities for funding to incentivize and offset costs of electric
equipment.
Consider differing needs across property types (e.g., commercial, residential,
historical, affordable housing etc.).
Additional comments included:
Bring back detailed considerations for transformer policies. This may include
mapping current and future locations based on potential need, as well as cost-
sharing policy and installation options (e.g., subgrade).
NEXT STEPS:
Staff will engage subject matter experts and conduct in-depth stakeholder outreach to
develop options for each policy direction above and analyze their potential outcomes.
To support this work, the City has received a $30,000 grant from the Colorado Energy
Office to research and analyze partial electrification policy options for major renovations.
3
Additionally, staff are pursuing a $2 million grant with regional partners, which if
successful, would support policy development for all-electric with exemptions code
options, stakeholder engagement, and incentives.
Staff will return in several sessions over 2026 for Council consideration of proposed
policies and code changes.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
4
1
INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Steve Hunter PE,PH Special Project Engineer
Cole Langford, Utilities Business Services Manager
Megan Killer, WELS Plans Review Technician
THROUGH: Erin Loughlin Molliconi PE, Utilities Director
Ryan Loebach PE, Deputy Utilities Director
Tyler Christoff PE, Deputy City Manager
MEMO DATE: 10/03/2025
RE: Continued Stage Two Water Shortage Declaration
PURPOSE:
This memorandum is for informational purposes only. No action is requested of Council. This
memo is to inform Council of the City of Aspen Drought Response Committee’s
recommendation to continue the current Stage Two Water Shortage Declaration.
SUMMARY:
Aspen’s municipal water supply comes from Castle and Maroon Creeks. Unlike many
community supplies, the Aspen water system has very little water storage, relying primarily on
direct streamflow. This system does not allow for the controlled release of water to match
water demand. Instead, it depends on the consistent release of water from snowmelt. During
drier than normal years, runoff conditions may not match the timing of the City’s typical
demands and reductions in typical water usage may be necessary. During these conditions, the
City’s water policy enables Council to enact its Water Shortage Ordinance by selecting an
appropriate water shortage stage. The City adopted its water shortage policy through an
Ordinance of the Municipal Code on July 14, 2020, via resolution #061. City Council declared a
Stage One water shortage on June 10, 2025 via Resolution #81, Series of 2025. This was
elevated to a Stage Two water shortage on August 12, 2025 via Resolution #112, Series of 2025 .
The City’s Drought Response Committee is made up of members from Parks, Utilities,
Environmental Health, Communications, and City Manager’s office. The Committee reviewed
the latest drought data for Aspen and the Roaring Fork watershed and agreed on
recommending remaining in a Stage Two water shortage. In accordance with the City’s
Drought Mitigation and Response Plan we are matching our water restrictions with current
5
2
drought conditions and forecasts. Weather, climate, and snowpack are highly variable and
may change in a relatively short period of time.
Current Drought Conditions
As of October 2, 2025, the US Drought Monitor (Figure 1) for Aspen and Pitkin County remain
in Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) drought categories. The drought monitor is one of multiple
drought indicators the city uses to determine local drought conditions.
Pitkin County has experienced its 2nd driest
year to date (Jan – Aug 2025) in 131 years of
record with a precipitation deficit of 6.84
inches from normal. Beneficial monsoonal
moisture and cooler temperatures have helped
but not changed Aspen’s drought conditions.
NOAAs Climate Prediction Center forecast
drought persists in all Western Colorado with
55% probability of higher than normal
temperatures and 40% probability for below
average precipitation for October, November,
and December 2025 (Figure 2).
Figure 1. US Drought Monitor: Colorado released 10-02-2025
Figure 2. NOAA Seasonal Temperature & Precipitation Forecast Oct, Nov, Dec 2025
The Water Shortage Ordinance allows for escalating restrictions based on the Stage of
drought observed. A Stage Two Water Shortage is designed to incur a 10% to 15% reduction
in system wide water use and a 15% to 25% reduction on outdoor water use.
6
3
Restrictions are required for customers. Public facilities are directed to implement water use
restrictions for public parks, golf courses and other public uses, such as street washing.
Additionally, the City participates in a regional effort to establish consistent drought and
water conservation messaging. The City’s Stage Two language aligns with the regional
messaging, with allowances for stricter water conservation measures based on local
conditions.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Rate surcharges for monthly water rates for Stage Two water shortage are 1.50 in billing tier III
and 1.75 in tier IV of the standard rates for metered water customers. A rate surcharge for the
Buttermilk Metro District bulk water two-tier rate is proposed for 1.625 for tier II. A surcharge
of 1.50 for bulk water/fill stations and pressurized and non-pressurized raw water services.
Billing Tier Proposed Stage Two Water Shortage % Surcharge
Tier I 0%
Tier II 0%
Tier III 50%
Tier IV 75%
Billing Tier
Buttermilk Metro
District
Proposed Stage Two Water Shortage % Surcharge
Tier I 0%
Tier II 62.5%
One-Tier Rate
Structure (Bulk
Water / Fill
Stations)
Proposed Stage Two Water Shortage % Surcharge
Tier I 50%
Raw Water Rate
Structure
(Pressurized)
Proposed Stage Two Water Shortage % Surcharge
Pressurized 50%
Non-pressurized 50%
Table 1: Proposed Stage Two Water Shortage Surcharges
NEXT STEPS:
The City’s Drought Response Committee will continue to monitor and evaluate 2025 drought
conditions as we progress through the remainder of 2025. The Committee will meet again in
7
4
late October/early November to reevaluate conditions and update council on
recommendations for water shortage changes as needed.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
None
8