Agenda Date: 08/11/2026
Subject:
Title
South Platte Renew Governance Model Options Analysis
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
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Presentations: |
Pieter Van Ry, Director, South Platte Renew |
PURPOSE:
Study Session to discuss the South Platte Renew (SPR) governance analysis conducted by the engineering firm Hazen in conjunction with the legal firm Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland, P.C. (CEGR Law) at the direction of Littleton and Englewood City Councils. This analysis is a continuation of the 2021 analysis by FCS Group initiated by the City of Littleton, presented to both Littleton and Englewood Councils in 2022. The foundational materials from 2021 and 2022 are attached for Council’s reference.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty; Safe Community; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
In the initial analysis, FCS Group identified six (6) conceptual models for ownership transfer. Four (4) models involving formation of a Special District, one (1) model involving merger with the Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District (now Metro Water Recovery), and one (1) model of selling Littleton’s interest to a private buyer. The findings of the FCS Group’s analysis concluded that the favorable approach would be to pursue a new Special District.
After receiving direction from both Cities to continue the SPR governance analysis, SPR contracted Hazen, who performed an organizational and financial analysis of alternative SPR governance models. Through this analysis, Hazen identified another viable option: formation of an Authority. Hazen’s analysis explored the organizational and financial impacts of creating an Authority, which they presented to the Supervisory Committee in Executive Session in January and March of 2025.
The Supervisory Committee subsequently requested SPR continue the analysis, with specific emphasis on the legal implications of formation of an Authority and associated benefits and risks to the Cities. SPR contracted CEGR Law to perform the legal analysis in conjunction with the Hazen analysis. CEGR Law and Hazen presented the findings at the February and April 2026 Supervisory Committee meetings in Executive session. The Supervisory Committee then directed SPR to present the analysis to both City Councils in Study Session in August of 2026.
This presentation will provide an overview of both phase one and two of the governance analysis and present the formation of an Authority as an alternative governance model for SPR, should the Cities wish to explore it further. During the Study Session, SPR and Hazen will review the analysis and seek input from both Littleton and Englewood City Councils on any further analysis or next steps needed.
BACKGROUND:
South Platte Renew (SPR) is co-owned by the Cities of Littleton and Englewood (Cities) and is governed by the 1973 and 1982 ‘Agreements between the Cities of Littleton and Englewood, Colorado for Joint-Use Wastewater Treatment Facilities,’ also known as the 1973 and 1982 Joint-Use Agreement.
These agreements, written by both Cities, govern the construction, operation, and maintenance of SPR. They clarify how each City should be charged for fixed and variable costs; allocate capital investments for the SPR facility’s operation; outline the role of the Supervisory Committee in the daily operational management of the facility; and clarify the City of Englewood’s role as the administrative partner that provides SPR with basic business services. The 1973 and 1982 Agreements remain the foundation of the partnership with subsequent signed amendments and Memorandum of Understandings further refining how the Cities operate under the 1982 Agreement. The Cities establish the sewer rates and fees, with input provided by SPR, and manage the agreements and billing with each of the 19 connector districts part of SPR’s service area.
In 2021, the City of Littleton contracted FCS Group to conduct an analysis of potential models of transitioning Littleton’s ownership interest of SPR to reduce financial obligations as well as business and regulatory risk. FCS Group presented their analysis and ranking of the identified options to City of Littleton and City of Englewood Councils on March 8, 2022, and November 14, 2022, respectively.
After conclusion of the FCS Group’s analysis and presentation to both Councils, the Cities directed SPR to continue the governance analysis. In January 2024, SPR contracted Hazen to conduct the second phase of the governance analysis, and CEGR Law in November 2025 to perform the associated legal analysis. This presentation will review findings from phase two of the governance analysis.
Prior Actions or Discussions
• FCS Group presentation to City of Littleton Council on March 8, 2022
• FCS Group presentation to City of Englewood Council on November 14, 2022
• Both Councils directed SPR to continue governance analysis
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council review and discuss next steps regarding the SPR governance analysis.
ALTERNATIVES:
For information only to provide input and next steps regarding the SPR governance analysis.