Discussion and possible action to adopt RES. 2023-122 authorizing and directing the City Manager to sign and file a Modification of a Designation of Assured Water Supply application with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, in accordance with budget authority previously approved by Council.

Arizona Administrative Code R12-15-710.A.1 requires a resolution from the governing body of an applicant for a Designation of Assured Water Supply (“Designation”) authorizing the City Manager or their equivalent to sign the application.

The fifteen-year term of the City of Peoria’s current 100-year Designation expires on December 31, 2025. The Decision and Order [No. 86-400679.0001] granting the current Designation requires Peoria to submit an application to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (“ADWR”) to extend the term of Designation no later than December 31, 2023.

An active Designation is necessary for Peoria to grow under Arizona law [Arizona Revised Statutes Title 45, Section 576 et seq]. In recognition of its importance in preserving the public trust in the City’s water supply, Policy 1.3 of the City’s Principles of Sound Water Management requires the City to maintain its Designation and apply for modifications when necessary.

Peoria staff have been working to prepare the multi-hundred page application submission for the past year with the aid of external consultants and will have the application ready for submittal by the December 31 deadline.

Council passed and adopted Resolution No. 08-147 on November 18, 2008 authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to modify and extend its 2002 Designation of Assured Water Supply.

Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 2023-122 as required by Decision and Order No. 86-400679.0001 and its Principles of Sound Water Management.

A $2,000 initial fee accompanying the application submission is due to the ADWR. If the $2,000 initial fee does not cover the costs of reviewing Peoria’s application, ADWR will invoice Peoria for additional costs at a published hourly rate up to $35,000. The $2,000 initial fee will be paid with budget authority previously approved by Council. Additional budget authority may be requested at a later date, if necessary.