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Recreation

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1. When are the Recreation office hours for in person registration?

Office hours are Mon-Fri 1-5pm. Outside of those hours we suggest you call the office to make sure that someone is in the office to help you. The phone number for Wellington Recreation is (970) 568-7410. The address is 8700 Third Street, Wellington Colorado 80549

You may also purchase required jerseys and other apparel during office hours! 

2. Can I register online?

Yes! You can register online by clicking here or navigating to the "Register" tab on the recreation website. Online registration is open 24/7 during registration periods.

3. What is the refund policy?

All refund requests need to be received by email to recreation@wellingtoncolorado.gov and include participant name, sport, team (if applicable), and reason for needing a refund. A 100% refund of registration fees will be given for requests received before games begin. Requests received after games have begun are not eligible for a refund. A 100% refund of registration fees is given to adult teams that request a refund before schedules are posted online. No refund is given for teams requesting a refund after schedules have been posted online. If an activity or league is cancelled all registrants/teams receive a 100% refund of registration fees.

4. I really want to participate in adult sports but don’t have a team. What can I do?

No worries, we will work to help you find a team! 

If you would like to participate in an adult sport but don’t have a team you can post your contact information on our Facebook page. You may also register as a free agent and the Recreation Department will work to help find you a team.

5. What is the uniform for youth sports?

For all our youth sports (Fort Collins Baseball Club leagues excluded) a blue/white reversible jersey is required by all participants. Jerseys can be purchased at the Recreation Office (8700 Third Street) during registration hours (Mon-Fri 1-5pm. ) for $20. Also available for purchase are shorts ($10) and socks ($5). We allow a grace period for the first week of games, but a participant is required to wear a blue/white reversible jersey by the second week of games.

6. Are adult and youth sports’ participants allowed to wear jewelry?

No. For the safety of all our adult and youth sports’ participants jewelry of any sort is not allowed (except medical and religious needs). Taping of earrings, watches, rings, etc. is not allowed. Officials have been instructed to check for jewelry. If a player is asked to remove jewelry games will be stopped until jewelry is removed.

7. Why are scores not kept for certain age groups/levels?

We believe that our community should encourage younger participants to focus on developing skills, sportsmanship, being a good teammate, building social skills, and learning to love the sport they are playing.

8. Can I make a request to be on a certain team?

Yes. Roster requests will only be considered for those that request it during regular registration periods. If multiple requests would provide for unbalanced teams they may not be considered. Roster requests are never guaranteed though we do our best to honor requests. Siblings and other family members will be assigned to the same team.

9. Why do you limit team roster sizes?

Limiting roster size allows each participants playing time to be maximized.

10. We registered but have not heard from a coach. What do we do?

Our volunteer coaches must complete coach certification, paperwork, and concussion awareness training before they are given access to their team rosters. Most of our volunteer coaches have busy lives and sometimes it takes them a while to complete everything. Usually, coaches will contact their teams within a week after coach meetings. If a coach has not been in contact after that week call the Recreation Office at (970) 568-7410 so that we can get you contact information for your coach.

11. Why do I receive so many emails asking for coaches for every youth activity?

A certain number of coaches are required to allow every youth player a chance to participate. Without enough coaches, play time may be limited and the league may not be able to play. We want to avoid this at all costs so we do as much outreach as possible attempting to get parents or community members that might be on the fence about coaching, involved. 

12. I would like to coach a youth sport. What do I need to do?

If you would like to coach a youth sport you can either indicate “Yes” when registering online or let Recreation Staff know if registering in the office. Otherwise, you can call the rec office at (970) 568-7410 or email at recreation@wellingtoncolorado.gov with your name and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you!

13. If I register multiple kids, do I receive a discount?

No. We don’t offer multiple registrant discounts.

14. If I coach can my kid(s) participate for free?

Yes. One child is able to participate in the same program/sport as you are coaching.

15. I am having trouble registering online. I am being told that my child is in the wrong grade. How can I correct this so I can register?

Call the Recreation Office (970) 568-7410 if you are having trouble registering online due to a participant being in the wrong grade so that we can update their profile. Do not create another profile for the participant as that will not resolve the issue.

16. Why aren’t the age divisions closer for youth basketball and volleyball?

Due to limited participants in each age group, we need to combine a larger range of grades in order to create enough teams for play.

17. Why do youth basketball and volleyball practices end so late at night?

All of our gym space is acquired from Poudre School District (PSD) and we can only access their space at specific times in order to accommodate their needs and ours.

18. Why are outside school doors locked during scheduled Wellington Recreation events?

Poudre School District (PSD) has strict policies with regards to school access and safety. This is for the safety of all students, staff, and others that use the schools for activities. These policies do not allow school staff to keep outside doors unlocked even with scheduled after school events.

19. How much does it cost to use the batting cages?

A single token is $1.75 for 15 pitches. Six (6) tokens are $10. Stations are also available for rent ($25 per half hour).

20. What are the batting cages’ hours of operation?

Please see batting cage hours by clicking here.

21. Can I use my own bat while batting at the cages?

Yes. Customers can use their own bats but Recreation Staff is not held liable for any damage to personal equipment.

22. Why do I have to wear a helmet with facemask at the batting cages?

For the safety of all customers, helmets with facemasks are required at all times inside the batting cages. Such helmets are provided by Wellington Recreation. There are no exceptions to this policy. Personal helmets with face masks may be worn.

23. How do I find out if a game is cancelled?

You can call the game cancellation line at (970) 568-3284. The Recreation Staff will update the information by 7:00am.

24. What are the criteria for cancelling youth games?

Recreation Staff will solely be responsible for canceling youth games due to unsafe conditions. Please call the weather line to check the status of games at (970) 568-3284.

25. Will cancelled youth and adult games be re-scheduled?

As per our policies, cancelled games are not guaranteed to be re-scheduled. Recreation Staff will make every effort to reschedule games. Games are not guaranteed to be rescheduled during typical game times.

26. Can coaches and/or parents cancel games?

No, only Recreation Staff has authorization to cancel games. It is our expectation that all coaches show up ready to coach their teams unless games have been officially cancelled.

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Wastewater Plant Expansion

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1. Is the Town looking into grant funding for the needed Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Expansions?

Yes, Town staff are actively pursuing every available option at both the state and federal level. 

2. Will the bond for the Wastewater Treatment Plant go to the voters or to the trustees?

The Board of Trustees as elected representatives vote on whether to take on a capital expenditures municipal bond. The existing State Revolving Loan is a bond however it is not paid for with property tax and does not go to the voters.

3. If voters approve, can sales tax from Marijuana be used for the water fund?

No. The ballot initiative created through the citizens' initiative process outlined the use of potential tax. “Sec. 15-40 Purpose of tax. The Board of Trustees hereby declares that the purpose of the levy of the Retail Marijuana Sales Tax imposed by this Article is for raising funds for construction of a new community or recreation center, and/or other general operating expenses as may be designated instead by the Town on an annual basis.”

4. What is a sinking fund and is it necessary?

A sinking fund is an account where money that is received prior to a payment is set aside to make future loan payments or retire debt.  We are proposing a sinking fund so that the loan is paid off before another plant is needed.  The goal is to avoid stacking debt.

5. Why can’t we use general fund money for issues related to water?

Governmental accounting requires enterprise accounts to pay their own way.  At the Town of Wellington, we have three enterprise funds: water, sewer and drainage.

6. What is an enterprise fund?

 An Enterprise Fund supports all its expenses through the revenues generated by the organization, like a private business enterprise. The cost of providing water and sewer services to our utility customers is recovered or financed through charges to the users of these services. These costs are paid entirely by current and future water and sewer customers. Although we operate like a private business enterprise, there is one key difference - we do not generate any profits. All revenue received goes to pay expenses. Balances in any account are utilized to meet current or future financial requirements.

7. Is the Town going to slow growth to accommodate for the water and wastewater capacity challenge?

YES! The Town has slowed growth from a 5-year average of 229 permits per year to 100 permits per year until the new plants are online.  

8. What is an impact fee and how does it work?

An impact fee is a one-time payment imposed by the Town on a property developer. The fee is meant to offset the financial impact a new development places on public infrastructure. Public infrastructure includes roads, schools, parks, recreational facilities, water and sewerage, among other services.

9. What is the 2-year and 5-year plan for addressing treatment capacity issues?

Growth is currently being slowed to 100 permits per year to ensure there is a balance between needed funding and the ability to meet demand. The wastewater treatment plant expansion will service a population of approximately 25,000 and is estimated to come online in early 2024.  

10. Why do we need an expansion at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

The wastewater treatment plant is currently at its built-out point, meaning it has lasted as long as it was supposed to last. The expansion is needed to meet compliance for current residents while also planning for future growth. New regulations imposed by the State of Colorado cannot be met with the capability of our current plant leading to needed improvements to continue operation for both current and future members of the Wellington community.  

11. If growth was just stopped, would we need a wastewater plant expansion?

Yes, the regulations set by the State of Colorado are becoming more stringent and our current plant cannot treat wastewater to the upcoming standards. The project would look slightly different if future growth were to stop completely. However, rates would increase even further for current residents if growth were to end completely.  

12. What will we do between now and 2024 when the wastewater plant comes online?

There are seasonal peaks, weekly peaks, and daily peaks. You can make a difference by using the water and sewer system off daily peak hours (9-11 a.m.) (5- 9 p.m.). When everyone uses water at the same time, the system is taxed as it beings operating toward maximum capacity. The growth rate is currently being slowed to handle the capacity for the next 3-5 years until phase 3 comes online in 2024.  

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Water Utility Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Are we raising rates paid by new development?

The Town has evaluated rates for water and wastewater fees and charges.  The results of these analyses indicate that new development impact fees (water tap and sewer tap) are in need of an increase. 

• The Town commissioned a water utility rate study that was completed and presented in 2020.  The water rate study revealed that user utility base rates needed to increase to cover normal operating costs, chemical and treatment costs, and improvements to aging and outdated equipment.  User fees have been increased to account for these shortfalls. 
• The new water treatment plant expansion project that will allow for additional treatment capacity to accommodate future growth results in costs that are recovered through the collection of impact fees paid by new development.  The Board of Trustees approved an increase of the water tap fee from $5,500 to $7,500 for a typical 3/4-inch water tap (3/4-inch tap serves most residential homes and many small businesses).  An additional increase to $7,750 is also being considered to further balance the costs paid by new development.  Larger tap sizes are also proposed to increase proportionately. 
• The wastewater treatment plant is also currently under design for an upgrade to existing process equipment and expansion to accommodate future growth.  The costs of the upgrade and expansion have been evaluated to proposed various funding scenarios that balance the costs paid by existing users through user rates and the impact fees paid at the time of building permit for new development.  Impact fees for a typical 4-inch sewer tap (serves most residential uses and many small business uses) is proposed to increase from the current $7,500 to a proposed $9,700.  Larger sewer tap sizes are also proposed to increase proportionately based on specific uses. 

Residential water and sewer taps currently make up the largest portion of new development impact fees, along with a modest number of new business impact fees.  Although impact fees are collected just one time at the time a building permit is issued, the fees are typically passed on to the homebuyer or business and often rolled into the home mortgage or business loan.  Homeowners and businesses continue to pay for the one-time cost in their monthly mortgage or loan payments.  The homeowner/business also begins paying monthly usage rates beginning at the time construction is complete.  Balancing the one-time impact fee costs is important to ensure the cost burden to homebuyers and small businesses continues to be manageable. 

• New development projects have significant costs to provide the public infrastructure that serves the development.  The developer pays for the installation of water lines, sewer lines, streets, parks and other improvements at the time of construction.  The developer/builder then also pays the costs of the impact fees at the time a permit is issued.  Continuing to increase impact fees while at the same time the Town is limiting the number of residential permits to stay within treatment capacities could reach a point where developers/builders are unwilling to continue to build in Wellington.  If this cost point is reached that new development is no longer willing to pay the fees, the result could be a slowdown or a stop to new development, shifting the cost of paying for improvements onto existing residents. 

2. Is the Town doing anything to slow down growth?

• Town staff is actively working with developers and builders to manage growth in a responsible manner.  The existing treatment capacity limitations at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant create limitations on the number of new residential permits that can be issued over the next couple of years until the plant expansion and upgrade improvements are complete.   
• It is estimated that the current treatment facilities would allow on average approximately 100 building permits per year over the next 3 years (approximately 3% growth rate).  One year may have slightly more than 100 and another year may have slightly less than 100.  Town staff is continuing to monitor the capacities of the treatment facilities and will update the number of permits allowed based on available capacity. 
• Managing growth during this period until the treatment facilities are complete is critical to community’s ability to provide water and wastewater services for residents and businesses while also allowing a moderate amount of growth to allow some revenues from new development.   Revenues and impact fees from new development permits (application fees, development review fees, building use tax, and impact fees are all collected at the time of building permit) helps shift some of the cost burden from existing residents.  Revenues from new development permits are distributed to the Town’s various funds (water, wastewater, stormwater, and general fund, as well as others). 

3. Has the cost of our water gone up?

Yes. The cost of water has increased exponentially since 2011. Since 2011, our water cost has increased 238.8%.  Please click here to view the utility rate presentation presented on 08/10/2020 for additional detail (link provided above).

4. Does Wellington’s water meet Water Quality Standards?

Yes, according to the 2021 Drinking Water Quality Report which is based on water quality monitoring data collected in 2020, the Town’s water meets all state and federal drinking water health standards, which are the primary standards for treating and monitoring water. State mandated water quality compliance testing is completed annually by a State of Colorado certified laboratory. Results show Wellington water is compliant in all categories. You can find more information on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Consumer Confidence Reports, under “WELLINGTON TOWN OF – CO0135838.”

5. How do Wellington’s utility rates compare to other communities?

The Division of Local Government (DLG) conducts an annual survey  of local utility providers and gathers information about water and sewer rates. In 2020, drinking water rates, (for 10,000 gallons of use), showed a 24.9% median increase for municipalities. Additionally, municipalities wastewater rates showed a 3.57% median increase.

 According to the 2020 rate survey, the average monthly residential water bill for municipal customer in Colorado was $67.93 (based on 10,000 gallons of use). Comparatively, Wellington water customer paid $111.60 (based on 10,000 gallons of use). 

 Municipal sewer customers in Colorado paid an average monthly bill of $38.04 and Wellington residential customers paid $27.13 on average monthly.

6. How much will the rate increase for the average household?

Your exact bill will be determined by your household water usage plus the base rate of $66 (a $31 increase) beginning January 2021. The tiered water rate is not changing. 

To calculate a prediction for your household 
To calculate the increase you can expect to see, use your past bills to determine the average gallons of water per cycle used in your household. Your bill will include a base rate increase of $31 with usage charges determined by the tiered structure found here. 

Need help finding how many gallons of water your household has used from past bills? Click here. 

7. Why is there a tier structure and what does it cost?

The tier structure is designed to reward users for conserving water. The less water you use, the less you pay per 1,000 gallons. Not only does this allow you to take your water bill into your own hands, the Town is better positioned to meet the current and growing demand.

The tier structure is increased in October 2020 as detailed below 

• Tier 1 (up to 15,000 gallons) will increase by $0.91 per 1,000 gallons used. 
• Tier 2 (over 15,000 gallons) will increase by $1.77 per 1,000 gallons used.
• Tier 3 (over 30,000 gallons) will increase by $2.78 per 1,000 gallons used.

8. Why is the rate increase happening now?

The Town recognizes the difficulty of this increase with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, after exhausting every possible option, it was determined the timing could not be adjusted. The water fund reserves were being depleted at the rate of $7,000 per day. The rate to purchase raw water has increased exponentially compounded by the first payment on debt service for the necessary water treatment plant update. 

9. Why is the base rate increasing?

The cost to produce clean water has increased exponentially. The base rate had to be adjusted to reflect the cost of providing safe water to your household. 

The three main reasons for increasing cost:
1. Capital improvement to maintain State of Colorado water quality standards
2. Rising cost to purchase water
3. Expanded infrastructure needed to meet current and growing demands

For a more detailed breakdown of the water rate study click here. 

10. When was the last time rates were increased?

Prior to the current two phase increase rates were minimally raised in 2016.

11. What is the Town doing with the bulk dispensing water machine?

The Bulk water dispenser has been reopened. You can find rate information and hours of operation by clicking here. 

12. What is the average water usage per household in Wellington?

7,000 gallons per month

13. What other options will the town pursue to handle the water issues?

The Town of Wellington has a Municipal Water Efficiency Plan in place as of 2018 and the Town has had on-going Water Efficiency Activities since 2013. These activities include automatic meter reading installation and operations, a leak detection and repair program, weekly and time of day outdoor water restrictions, and several other plans. If you are interested in reading the full Water Efficiency Plan, please click here. 

14. What water fees and rates are charged for new construction homes? How do new construction fees help pay for water infrastructure?

Before any water fees are paid to the Town, a developer is first responsible for providing the water infrastructure (underground pipes) that extend water services throughout the subdivision. The cost of installing the new infrastructure is paid by the developer initially, and developers will typically recover their cost of installation in the sale price of the lot or home. Each new residential dwelling unit that is permitted is required to pay a water tap fee, currently $5,500. This is the capital cost of connecting to the Town’s water treatment and distribution system. Tap fees are used by the Town to pay for water treatment plant expansions, upgrades and new equipment necessitated to accommodate the impacts of new growth. Each new dwelling is also required to bring raw water to the Town (raw water is a term used to describe untreated water resources, such as water shares, rights or wells that can be accessed by the Town for treatment and distribution to residents). This is typically accomplished by paying a fee in-lieu of water dedication (pay a fee instead of providing the actual water resources) and is paid at the time a building permit is issued. The raw water fee is established based upon the cost of acquiring new water rights, and is currently $19,285.50. The Town uses these fees to purchase water shares or rights, or to lease water shares or rights for treatment and distribution. Once the water tap fee and the raw water fee are satisfied, a building permit is issued and the home builder pays the same residential water utility rates as residents until such time as the property is sold and the new home-buyer takes responsibility for the water utility fees. The water utility fees are used to pay for the cost of treating water and maintaining the water treatment and distribution systems.

15. Have you considered incentives for xeriscaping current homes and restrictions on landscaping with new builds?

Conservation measures such as xeriscaping and other methods of reducing outdoor water demand are being evaluated by the Town. A combination of standard requirements for new construction, best practice guidelines, and incentives for converting existing water-intensive landscapes will be considered. Reducing outdoor water consumption will be integral to the Town’s future, and will need frequent evaluation to ensure regulations and programs are commensurate with available resources and remain beneficial to the Town and its residents.

16. Have you considered conducting a long-term plan that reflects our values and needs for growth and community life?

The Town is currently working on an update to the Comprehensive Plan, including creating vision and values statements for our community and future growth. More information and opportunities to provide comments is available here (Comprehensive Plan). We would love your input!

17. What kind of impact will the new high school/middle school have on the water issue?

Water use was an important consideration in the design and approval of the new high school/middle school. The property has a well on-site and the school district will be installing a non-potable irrigation system using the well water to irrigate the ball fields and other landscaped areas. The well water that will be used for outdoor irrigation is not part of the Town’s water system, thus significantly reducing the impacts to the Town’s water supply and distribution systems. The new school will be utilizing Town water supplies for indoor use, and the school district will be paying the applicable Town water rates for usage. Although a school is a significant water customer of the Town, the hours that water is used at a school is offset from the high demand hours of residential uses. Since the hours of highest demand are offset, the Town’s ability to treat water to meet the demand is minimally impacted.

18. Will we be charged for 7,000 gallons regardless of how much water we use?

No, you will be charged based on how many gallons of water you use a month. The number 7,000 gallons was used for the scenarios in the survey and presentations because it was the average amount of water used by Wellington residents. The water rate increase will be applied to the amount of what you use each month.

19. Are there other options such as joining another water district or starting our own?

The Town Board and Staff have looked into other water options, unfortunately none are financially viable at this time.

20. What is the timeline for the water rates decision?

The Board of Trustees adopted new water rate fees in September 2020 and January 2021. 

21. How is the Town engaging residents to provide input on the proposed water rates?

The Town has held several Virtual Public Meetings in 2020 related to this issue including 4 different educational presentations which you can find above. The Town has created a survey for residents to provide feedback related to the Water Rate Increase in August 2020. 

22. When is the water plant being built?

The process has started and the goal of completion is 2024.

23. Why is it so expensive and why are there restrictions when other communities are not having the same problems?

Water needs vary among municipalities and therefore they cannot be compared. In order for Wellington to continue to provide safe water for their residents, these increases are necessary.

24. Where do we get our water from?

The Town’s raw water supply comes from North Poudre Reservoir No. 3 that is sourced from the North Fork and Poudre River groundwater from the Coal Creek aquifer.  Raw water from North Poudre Reservoir No. 3 supplies the Town’s Conventional and Microfiltration facilities that are both located near the reservoir.  Groundwater is pumped from three wells into the Town’s Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis (RO) facilities located near the Leeper Center.

25. Can we remove grass lawns to save water?

The Town of Wellington encourages conservation methods such as xeriscaping and this would benefit residents in less consumption per month which would lower bills per month. If you are interested in conservation methods for your lawn, we suggested you check out the Northern Water’s website here for Water Wise Landscapes.

26. Where can we find an explanation of why rates are being increased?

There are several presentations available on the “Utility Rate Update” page on our website. Please take advantage of the videos, board meetings, and powerpoints. If you have additional questions please contact Communications Specialist Mahalia Henschel at henschem@wellingtoncolorado.gov or call at (970) 342-8500.

27. Why aren’t developers charged more to develop in Wellington?

On August 12, 2020 the Town updated water fees required for new residential development. The adopted fees are based on the actual costs to the Town to acquire new water sources needed to serve the new developments.

28. Why does my water occasionally have a bad taste or smell?

Aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in Wellington’s drinking water are caused by frequent blue green algal blooms in the reservoir that provides our water. The decomposition of the algae creates chemical compounds that create a general earthiness in the water. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Wellington’s water meets all state and federal drinking water health standards.  Taste and odor causing effects are difficult to remove from the water but are not a risk to health or safety. To help remove taste and odor compounds, the Town is currently working on expanding the Water Treatment Plant which incorporates newer technological improvements to help eliminate taste and odor concerns. The plant is schedule to be completed in 2024.

29. Where can I find Water Quality Reports?

To view the most recent Water Quality Reports, visit our website: http://www.wellingtoncolorado.gov/299/Water-Quality-Reports

30. Is there a breakdown of my water bill?

Efficient water use is a long-term investment. Your monthly water bill payments are working to ensure our ability to deliver safe reliable drinking water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The following cost categories are associated with water treatment and have been broken out to describes what percent of your bill goes to which category.

• Purchase of Raw Water (28%) is the largest expense at over 1.6 million dollars annually. The less water residents use, the less water that needs to be cleaned, delivered, and treated in the wastewater process. Even saving 20 gallons of water per resident a month would reduce the record breaking usage seen in recent months.
• Debt Service (21%) is the cost associated with loans acquired for necessary facilities such as the water treatment plant expected to be complete in 2024.
• Operations (20%) includes costs such as lab materials for water testing, sludge removal, and treatment supplies.
• Indirect Overhead (16%) includes administrative support such as accounting, insurance, GIS mapping, and payroll.
• Infrastructure (15%) is the maintenance and upkeep of the complex machines, pipes, and storage containers needed to produce and deliver safe water.

31. I need help paying my water bill, who should I contact?

Contact one of the following agencies to apply for assistance:

Discover Goodwill: 1-888-775-5327

Catholic Charities Larimer County: 970-484-5010

La Familia/The Family Center: 970-221-1615

32. What is the different between Water and Wastewater?

Drinking-water systems collect source water from rivers, lakes, groundwater wells, remove pollutants, and distribute safe water. Wastewater systems collect used water and sewage, remove contaminants, and dis-charge clean water back into the nation's rivers and lakes for future use. Therefore, that is the reason these two projects must go hand in hand.