HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Only 071326AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
July 13, 2026
4:00 PM,
I.Information Update
I.A Clean River Program Urban Runoff Management Plan Update – Threshold
Simplification and Permitting Clarity Follow-Up Report
I.B June 2026 Destination Marketing Report
I.C Information Only Memo: Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan Update - Draft
Available for Public and Council Comment
I.D Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility Operational Update - Drought Conditions and Power
Pool
I.E Water Treatment Facility Improvements: Project Budget and Bond Measure Amount
Update
06.17.2026 Follow Up Memo_URMP Update.docx
June2026_DMReport.pdf
INFORMATION_ONLY_REPORT_-
_Parks_and_Open_Space_Strategic_Plan_Update (1).docx
InfoOnlyReport_RuediHydro_20260706.docx
INFO ONLY REPORT_WTFImpProjectUpdate_15Jun2026_FINAL.docx
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FOLLOW-UP REPORT
ORIGINAL MEETING DATE: June 15, 2026
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE: July 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Clean River Program Urban Runoff
Management Plan Update – Threshold
Simplification and Permitting Clarity Follow-Up
Report
PRESENTED BY: Kyla Smits, CFM, Project Manager
PJ Murray, PE, Stormwater and Clean River
Program Manager
Tricia Aragon, PE, City Engineer
Daniel Lawson, Public Works Director
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Richards and Council Members Rose,
Doyle, and Benedetti. Council Member Guth
was absent.
______________________________________________________________________
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION SUMMARY:
The Clean River Program’s ongoing update to the Urban Runoff Management Plan
(URMP) is focused on simplifying permitting thresholds to improve clarity, consistency,
and usability while maintaining effective stormwater management protections. The
current system—based on percentage calculations, multiple documents, and unclear
definitions—has resulted in inconsistent interpretations, extended review discussions,
and uncertainty for applicants, particularly for projects involving interior work.
In response to prior Council direction and stakeholder feedback, staff presented a
revised framework centered on:
Simplified square-footage-based thresholds
Fewer review categories
Alignment across departments
A consolidated flowchart to guide review level determination
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Council feedback was generally supportive of the proposed direction, noting that the
simplified framework improves clarity, predictability, and usability compared to the
existing system. There was strong alignment on the importance of proactive stormwater
management to protect infrastructure, private property, and river health.
Council also raised considerations related to cost impacts and equity, particularly for
remodel projects and longtime residents. Staff was directed to continue refining the
framework to improve usability, cost transparency, and con sistency in application.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL FEEDBACK AND DISCUSSION POINTS
Overall Feedback
Council supported continued refinement of the simplified threshold framework and
generally found the proposal clearer and easier to understand. Council emphasized
maintaining affordability and avoiding undue burden on property owners, while also
ensuring Aspen remains proactive in stormwater management and water quality
protection.
Discussion Points and Questions
Council requested improvements to the flowchart layout , including clearer
Yes/No structure for readability
A comparison was made to other department code thresholds, suggesting
projects triggering large scale code compliance should also trigger stormwater
compliance
Council asked how impervious area calculations are performed; staff clarified
calculations are completed by applicants per the manual and, for major reviews,
by a licensed civil engineer
Engineering costs were discussed, with typical ranges noted between $5,000
and $25,000 for design, often increasing when redesign occurs. Installation
costs can range from a couple thousand to $120,000
Council asked how Aspen compares to other jurisdictions; staff noted Aspen is
leading on the Western Slope, though not ahead of some Front Range
municipalities
A question was raised regarding Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) applicability; Aspen is not currently an MS4 community but maybe in the
future
Key Takeaways
1. General support for continued refinement of the simplified threshold framework
2. Direction to revise the flowchart for clarity and usability
3. Continued emphasis on affordability and minimizing burden on property owners
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4. Ongoing priority on water protection and staying ahead of evolving standards
NEXT STEPS:
Consistent with Council direction, the next steps are focused on refining the proposed
framework to improve clarity, usability, and cost transparency while maintaining
effective stormwater protection.
Staff will:
Revise the flowchart to improve readability and decision clarity, including
simplifying the Yes/No structure
Validate and test thresholds against real permit scenarios to confirm consistent
application
Align definitions, thresholds, and submittal requirements across departments to
ensure a coordinated process
Integrate the framework into permitting systems and supporting documents
In response to Council’s feedback on affordability and implementation:
Highlight lower-cost stormwater solutions where appropriate
Evaluate opportunities for flexibility to reduce unintended burden on property
owners
Continue engagement with applicants and stakeholders to confirm real-world
usability
Staff will also continue benchmarking against peer communities and monitoring evolving
regulatory considerations, including potential future MS4 applicability, to ensure Aspen
remains proactive in stormwater management.
The final step will be returning to Council in late 2026 with a refined URMP update
package that demonstrates improved readability & usability, technical updates, and
modernized stormwater control measures while maintaining the intent and effectiveness
of the stormwater program.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
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June 2026 Des+na+on Marke+ng Report for Council
Des$na$on Marke$ng: On 5/28 we sent a press release to na+onal media in collabora+on with Aspen
One and Snowmass Tourism confirming ASE closure dates and reitera+ng that Aspen Snowmass will be
open for business summer 2027. We also presented on 6/22 similar messaging to the joint BOCC and
City Council mee+ng. The transporta+on sub commiNee also presented. We have submiNed both our
submission for the Top 100 Story and the audit for our MountainIDEAL cer+fica+on. We an+cipated
hearing about both of these by August. June 1 – 4 we hosted 4 na+onal media members for our
first sustainbility FAM, kudos to Backbone for such wonderful planning. We also hosted the Local Media
Dinner on June 2nd in collabora+on with Snowmass Tourism and AspenOne. Summer adver+sing and
organic social campaigns are in full swing! Please click to view the May Public Rela+ons Report. The
Month at a Glance Data report is available here.
ACRA coordinated a wedding planner event targe+ng des+na+on planners based in the Vail Valley. This
event was in partnership with Snowmass Tourism, Hotel Jerome, MOLLIE, The LiNle Nell, The Gant, and
Viceroy with 7 planner aNendees. All of the partners have already shared nothing but thanks and
posi+ve feedback from this event and appreciated the opportunity to connect with our partners. Nichole
represented Aspen at MPI’s World Educa+on Congress. She aNended educa+on sessions and
par+cipated in one-on-one appointments with mee+ng planners. The team is focused on coordina+ng
two group fams this summer - the annual wedding planner fam and the Retreats Resources Des+na+on
University. We are working on i+neraries for two media fams from the UK and MEX this summer. Cvent
leads are pacing strongly for the des+na+on with an increase in 32% year to date of planners copying
ACRA into their RFPs. ACRA hosted Alex.Glasgow for a media visit from the CTO during his state-wide
trip.
Airport Guest Services: June began the busy summer ac+vity at ASE. Flights began seeing delays due to
winds around the second week with an average of ten diversions and fourteen cancella+ons on arrivals.
The communica+on team is con+nuing to inform the public about the 2027 closure with town hall
mee+ngs, ar+cles in the paper, and email updates. The ACRA staff does their best to answer any closure
related ques+ons. There have been some troubles with transporta+on this month as High Mountain Taxi
wait +mes run from thirty minutes to over an hour, especially late at night. We have hired a new Guest
Service representa+ve LaRae Mayo who will cover shigs for Sylvia Balcom due to health issues.
Visitor Centers: The team has been welcoming visitors at the Cooper Mall and Wheeler pavilions since
the closure of the Armory and this year we also par+cipated in helping with the ACRA Food and Wine
Exhibitor booth which was a lot of fun for all. The denim tote bags were a hit. We opted for faux flower
baskets at the Informa+on booth in hopes to offer a sustainable op+on due to lack of water. Construc+on
on the corner will cease un+l the fall, which will be a welcoming break for staff and visitors alike. Wildfire
restric+on signs have been added to the village mall and ASE and messaging on fire safety con+nues by
our staff.
Save the Date:
July 1 – Chamber Ski Passes on sale
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July 21 – Summer Celebra+on Business Ager Hours
Sales Tax Reports: As of the April 2026 Consumption Tax Report, released in June, the 2026 Tourism
Promotion Fund came in flat (.24% above projections) and 3% below 2025 collections.
Recent Press Coverage
Occupancy statistics and commentary, as well as visitor center counts, website data and air service
information can now be found on the following page in the Defy Ordinary Dashboard. All data points are
sourced from our monthly report with Blue Room Research and can be found in the Data Center on the
website.
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HOTEL
OCCUPANCY
ASE
PASSENGER
DATA
VISITOR
CENTER
COUNTS
KEY
TAKEAWAYS
WEBSITE
STATS
JUNE 2026
•Occupancy increased by 11.1% YOY to 36.1%
•Average Daily Rate increased by 26% YOY to $348
•Room Nights Available increased by 6.3% YOY
•Room Nights Booked increased by 18.1% YOY
Due to a shift in the timing of the ASE spring closure, the most meaningful year-
over-year comparison is April and May combined. Total passenger counts
increased 4.9%, while capacity increased 24%.
Year-to-date ASE total passenger counts through May are 2.4% below 2025.
United recently announced expanded daily flights at Eagle County Airport (EGE)
during the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) closure from April 4, 2027, at 11:00
p.m. to November 19, 2027, at 7:00 p.m.
Aspen website top performing pages and blogs for May 2026
Blogs:
1.Everything You Need to Know About Independence
Pass (1,292 views)
2. Hiking Around the Maroon Bells (531 views)
3. Spring Dining Guide (412 views)
4. Memorial Day Weekend Adventures (365 views)
5. This Week in Aspen (343 views)
Pages:
1. Maroon Bells Reservations (7,176 views)
2.Aspen Events Calendar (6,059 views)
3. Plan Your Trip (4,661 views)
4.Aspen: Defy Ordinary (4,638 views)
5. Maroon Bells (2,734 views)
o “With inflation sharply higher in the last few months and tanking consumer sentiment, stock markets appear
to be reflecting the health of stock markets and not the budgets of consumers, which are being strained.”
o “During the first week of the FIFA World Cup, US hotel performance hit a 2026 high, with nearly 28 million
rooms sold the week of June 7–13, according to STR. Occupancy climbed to 69.9%, the highest level of the
year, while ADR rose 4.9%, marking the 15th consecutive week of rate growth. RevPAR reached $120, its
strongest weekly level since 2024 and up 7% year over year.”
o “Although Canadian arrivals via air continue to decline, the year-over-year declines have
lessened steadily, and the 5.5% drop in May was the smallest year-over-year decline in a year.”
Sources: DestiMetrics, Blue Room Research Report & Fly Aspen Snowmass
Regional Insights and U.S. Market Review
In May 2026, Aspen's lodging
properties reported the following:
ACRA's 4 Visitor Information Centers experienced a
64.2% increase in traffic in May 2026
compared to May 2025. Staff assisted 3,968
individuals last month.
*Due to a recent change in ACRA's phone system, this number reflects only in-person and trackable
calls.
- DestiMetrics & Tourism Economics, Blue Room Research
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INFORMATION ONLY REPORT
TO: Aspen Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mary Oliver, Landscape Architect, Parks and Open Space
THROUGH: Matt Kuhn, Parks and Open Space Director
MEETING DATE: July 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan Update
INTENDED OUTCOME & SUMMARY:
This brief memo provides an update on the final stages of the City’s Parks and Open
Space Strategic Plan, Guiding Green: A Field Guide to Strengthening Aspen’s Outdoor
Roots. No action is requested of Council at this time.
Guiding Green provides a framework for the department’s priorities, decision-making,
and resource allocation over the next ten years and beyond , and comes at an important
time for Aspen’s parks, trails, and open space system. In November 2022, Aspen voters
approved Ballot Issue 2B, extending the half -cent open space sales tax in perpetuity.
This renewed community support creates both an opportunity and a responsibility to
manage public funding thoughtfully, transparently, and effectively.
As we share the draft with community, and solicit any last feedback, staff wanted to
provide Council with notification of these efforts and share the final milestones.
Key upcoming touchpoints include:
July 20–August 14: Public Comment Period
The draft Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan and a plan summary will be posted on
Aspen Community Voice for public review and comment.
August 20: Open Space and Trails Board Meeting
Parks staff will share a summary of public comments and request an Open Space and
Trails Board motion of support recommending formal adoption.
August 24: City Council Work Session
Staff will provide an overview of the Strategic Plan, summarize public and Open Space
and Trails Board feedback, and collect any Council feedback.
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September 29: City Council Meeting
Staff will share a work session follow-up memo and request that City Council consider a
resolution formally adopting the Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan.
While not required, City Council members may elect to review the draft available on
Aspen Community Voice beginning July 20th. Staff will also provide a thorough
executive summary and memo before the August 24th work session.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
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INFORMATION ONLY REPORT
TO: Aspen City Council
FROM: Joshua Mattson, Utilities Resource & Portfolio Manager
THROUGH: Erin Loughlin Molliconi, Utilities Director
Tyler Christoff, Deputy City Manager
MEETING DATE: July 13th, 2026
SUBJECT: Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility Operational Update - Drought
Conditions and Power Pool
INTENDED OUTCOME & SUMMARY:
This report is provided for informational purposes to update City Council on current
drought conditions affecting Ruedi Reservoir and the anticipated loss of hydroelectric
power at the City’s Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility in early August 2026, based on current
United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) reservoir forecasts and operating
conditions. No action is requested of Council at this time.
The report summarizes operational impacts to the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility, the
expected duration of the outage, implications for the City’s electric system and power
supply costs, and ongoing efforts to improve long-term operational resilience through
the planned addition of a second turbine unit. Staff will continue to provide updates as
conditions evolve.
See Below for Discussion
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DISCUSSION:
Ruedi Reservoir is experiencing declining water levels due to persistent drought
conditions, reduced inflows, and increased outflows associated with downstream water
rights calls (Fig. 1).
Figure 1:Ruedi Reservoir historic elevations, 2015–2026.
The United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), which operates Ruedi Reservoir,
provided a most probable forecast at the June 10, 2026 Historic User Pool meeting
indicating that reservoir elevations will continue declining through the fall and remain
relatively stable through the winter season (Fig. 2).
Figure 2:USBR most probable forecast for Ruedi Reservoir elevations, June 2026.
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Based on this forecast and updated reservoir conditions observed in June, Ruedi
Reservoir is now projected to drop below the hydroelectric power pool threshold
(elevation 7,711 feet) in early August 2026 (Fig. 3). The hydroelectric power pool
represents the minimum reservoir elevation required to safely operate the hydroelectric
turbine and associated equipment. Updated reservoir data indicate that the timing of
power pool loss has shifted later than previously anticipated.
Figure 3: USBR most probable reservoir elevation forecast showing the estimated loss of hydroelectric powe r pool
(elevation 7,711 feet) in early August 2026.
When reservoir levels fall below this threshold, City staff will take the Ruedi
Hydroelectric Facility offline to protect equipment, as power generation is not
operationally safe at lower elevations. This outage is not related to dam safety; rather, it
is the result of hydrologic limitations associated with drought conditions. The facility is
expected to remain offline until reservoir levels recover above the minimum power pool
elevation, which is anticipated to occur in spring 2027 as seasonal inflows increase.
In preparation for this outage, staff are actively monitoring reservoir conditions and
reviewing operating budgets to account for the anticipated loss of hydroelectric
generation. Staff are also coordinating with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska
(MEAN), the City’s wholesale electric power provider, to ensure readiness for increased
energy purchases during the outage period. During this time, the City will rely more
heavily on MEAN’s Green Energy Program, which provides renewable energy
resources to participating communities.
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Additionally, staff will evaluate opportunities to complete planned maintenance and
improvement projects at the hydroelectric facility during the outage period. This
approach is intended to reduce future operational risks while taking advantage of the
planned downtime.
In parallel with these operational efforts, the City continues to advance plans for a
second turbine unit at the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility. In May 2026, th e Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the City’s license amendment application
authorizing the addition of a second, lower-flow turbine and associated facility upgrades.
Staff are currently advancing the required FERC Exhibit G survey work and preparing a
Pitkin County land use application, with both efforts anticipated to be completed by the
end of 2026. During 2027, the City plans to complete final engineering design and
permitting activities. Construction and equipment procurement are cu rrently anticipated
to begin by May 2028, consistent with the implementation schedule authorized under
the FERC amendment. Once completed, the second turbine is expected to provide
greater operational flexibility and improve the facility’s ability to generate power under
lower-flow and lower-reservoir conditions. While the project would not eliminate the
impacts of severe drought conditions such as those currently being experienced, it is
expected to improve the long-term resiliency, efficiency, and reliability of hydroelectric
operations at Ruedi.
Based on the 2026 budgeted generation, staff estimate that the unplanned outage from
early August 2026 through April 2027 will result in approximately 9.9 million kilowatt -
hours of lost hydroelectric generation. To replace this lost generation, the City will
purchase power through MEAN at the Green Energy rate of $0.05355 per kilowatt -hour
under existing power supply contracts.
Using MEAN’s current blended cost of approximately $0.072 per kilowatt-hour, which
includes energy, transmission, and Fixed Cost Recovery Charges (FCRC) (a charge
that recovers MEAN’s fixed costs for generation and operations), staff estimate that total
additional power supply costs will be approximately $710,000 over the 10 -month outage
period. Actual costs will depend on the duration of the outage and market conditions.
These projected impacts are being incorporated into ongoing budget planning.
In 2025, the Ruedi Hydroelectric Facility accounted for approximately 62 percent of the
City’s total hydroelectric generation and approximately 18 percent of the City’s overall
electric energy portfolio. The anticipated outage represents approximately 77 percent of
the facility’s typical annual generation and will result in a significant reduction in locally
generated renewable energy. As a result, the City will rely more heavily on purchased
power from MEAN during this period.
Staff will continue to monitor reservoir conditions and coordinate with the United States
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN),
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and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which oversees hydroelectric
licensing and compliance requirements. Updates will be provided to City Council as
conditions develop.
NEXT STEPS:
No action is required from City Council at this time. Staff will continue to monitor
reservoir levels and drought conditions, coordinate with MEAN, USBR, and FERC
regarding operational impacts, and provide ongoing updates as conditions evolve.
Staff will also prepare for restarting hydroelectric operations once reservoir elevations
recover above the power pool threshold, which is anticipated to occur in spring 2027.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
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INFORMATION ONLY REPORT
TO: Aspen City Council
FROM: Ryan Loebach, Deputy Utilities Director
THROUGH: Erin Loughlin Molliconi, Utilities Director
Tyler Christoff, Deputy City Manager
MEETING DATE: July 13th, 2026
SUBJECT: Water Treatment Facility Improvements: Project Budget and Bond
Measure Amount Update
__________________________________________________________________
INTENDED OUTCOME & SUMMARY: This report is for information purposes only.
City staff is authoring this report to inform Council of a final budget and bond measure
amount for the City’s Water Treatment Facility (WTF) Improvements Project and to assure
Council that the previously approved and supported water rate increases support the
budget and bond measure amounts. City staff is providing this information ahead of a
future Regular Meeting in August 2026 where City staff will seek Council approval for the
bond measure ballot language.
DISCUSSION: The City’s WTF provides potable water to over 4,100 accounts within the
City’s water service area, producing between 1.1 to 1.7 billion gallons annually.
Constructed in 1965 and expanded in 1986, most of the facility’s equipment is nearly 40+
years old and the filtration media, replaced more than 15 years ago, is scheduled for
replacement. Council previously approved the initial phases of the WTF Improvements
Project hiring a design and construction professional to deliver the project (Resolution
#016 Series of 2025 and Resolution #089 Series of 2024) and construction and
construction monitoring services for the project’s Early Work Package earlier in 2026
(Resolution #011 Series of 2026 and Resolution #012 Series of 20 26).
The WTF Improvements Project reached the 90% design milestone in February 2026.
The City’s existing Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor, Haskell, went to
market with the 90% documents and submitted a draft guaranteed maximum price (GMP)
for the entire project in May 2026 to inform the project budget and bond measure
amounts. The City’s existing consultant engineer, Garver, provided a proposal for
construction phase services for the duration of the project schedule from September 2026
to June 2029. The proposed project budget containing the GMP and professional services
proposal is summarized below.
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Table 1. Summary of CMAR, professional construction phase services, and
contingency costs for entire proposed budget.
Direct Cost of Work $72,489,803.69
Allowances $4,490,392.00
Contractor’s Contingency $2,292,903.00
Builders Risk Insurance $115,303.82
General Liability Insurance $1,031,353.45
Performance and Payment Bond $661,521.75
Overhead and Profit $4,864,876.34
Haskell Recommended Owners Contingency $3,332,668.00
Total CMAR (Haskell) Contract Cost $89,278,822.05
Total Garver Construction Phase Services Cost $3,201,368.00
Subtotal CMAR and Garver Construction Phase Services Cost $92,480,190.05
Additional Owner Contingency (8%) $7,398,415.20
Total Cost $99,878,605.25
City staff and the project team are reviewing/negotiating towards a final GMP, finalizing
project details, construction scope and sequencing this summer. City staff is
recommending a project budget of up to $100,000,000.00 based upon the sum of costs
provided by both vendors at $92,480,190.05 and added owner contingency of 8% to
cover any additional out-of-scope items encountered between the 90% design
milestone and completion of construction.
Council approved a 15% water rate increase in 2026 (Ordinance #013 Series of 2025),
supported future out-year rate increases of 10% in 2027 and 2028, and project financing
requiring a public vote in November 2026 during the October 13th, 2025 work session.
City staff’s projected water rate increase plan supports the WTF Improvements Project
budget while still funding necessary capital and operating expenses within the water
utility. City staff will confirm this in detail at future budget council sessions in October
2026.
NEXT STEPS: No council action is required at this time. Staff believe this is a critical
project and a necessary expense to continue to produce and distribute water that is safe
for human consumption. City staff will seek Council approval for the bond measure
ballot language at a future meeting in August 2026 .
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
No attachments.
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