R2018-07 Agreement with Macon County Soil & Water Conservation District

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Item Coversheet Page 1 of 2 in Public Works DATE: 1/23/2018 MEMO: 2018-06 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council FROM: Tim Gleason,City Manager Matt Newell,P.E.,Public Works Director Keith Alexander,Water Production Manager SUBJECT: Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District Agreement for Lake Decatur Watershed Conservation Services SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing a two year agreement for Lake Decatur Watershed Conservation Services with the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District(District)at a cost not to exceed$303,938. BACKGROUND: Since 1988 the City has annually funded watershed conservation services with the District. The 2016-2017 agreement provided the District with up to$148,989 annually. The agreement is a cost reimbursable arrangement with monthly invoicing. The proposed new two year agreement is for a cost not to exceed$151,969 in 2018 and 2019,for a total of$303,938. This is a 2%cost of living increase from the funding level provided for 2016-2017. The proposed agreement describes the services that the District will provide to the City. They are identical to the former agreement and include: • Providing technical assistance,research,review,recommendations and public support for watershed management related topics and issues. • Planning and presenting at least 12 watershed conservation public education programs. • Planning,allocating and implementing watershed conservation cost share projects in the amount of$25,000 annually. • Employing a full time Lake Decatur Watershed Specialist,full time Lake Decatur Watershed Technician and 1/3 of the time for an Administrative Coordinator or equivalent. These yearly agreements have been extremely successful and enhance other available conservation funding. For example,last year the District was approved for and/or awarded$325,755 in state and federal grants to plan,promote and construct best management practice(BMP)water quality improvements in the Lake Decatur watershed. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: Similar agreements have been approved by the City Council since 1988. POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: None foreseen. STAFF REFERENCE: Matt Newell,Public Works Director,424-2747.Keith Alexander,Water Production Manager,424- 2863. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: This expenditure is annually included in the Lake Services operating budget. COPY: Mike Hortin,MCSWCD Board Chair https://decatur.novusagenda.com/AgendaWeb/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemID=1394 2/6/2018