R2021-07 Resolution Authorizing a Two Year Agreement with the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District for Lake Decatur Watershed Conservation Services

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1/14/2021 Item Coversheet in Public Works DATE: 1/8/2021 MEMO: 2021-02 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council FROM: Scot Wrighton,City Manager Matt Newell,P.E.,Public Works Director Keith Alexander,Water Production Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing a Two Year Agreement with the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District for Lake Decatur Watershed Conservation Services SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing a two year agreement with the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District(District)for Lake Decatur Watershed Conservation Services at a cost not to exceed$423,000. BACKGROUND: Since 1988 the City has funded watershed conservation services with the District. The agreements are cost reimbursable arrangements with monthly invoicing. The agreements are usually for two years. Early last year when work on the Lake Decatur Watershed Management Plan began, it was not yet determined what the precise level of participation would be with the District. Therefore a one year agreement was negotiated in 2020 with the District at a cost not to exceed$154,508. This agreement expired on December 31,2020. Since the Watershed Management Plan is progressing on schedule,and the level of participation by the District has been established,a two year agreement is recommended with the District to perform these services: In 2021 • Provide technical assistance,research,review,recommendations and public support for watershed management related topics and issues including Lake Decatur Watershed Management Plan implementation. • Plan and present at least 12 watershed conservation public education programs. • Plan,allocate and implement watershed conservation cost share projects in the amount of$30,000. This amount was $25,000 in 2020. This funding enables the District to accomplish more projects that may not eligible for the state and federal funds that the District obtains annually. • Employ 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 including personnel benefits,support services and overhead costs not to exceed$176,000. This amount was$129,508 in 2020. This 35.9%increase is necessary so that the District can competitively increase their staff compensation packages to employ higher quality staff and reduce turnover,which has been an ongoing issue. It is also the primary reason why the proposed agreement is higher in cost than last year's. • Total cost not to exceed$206,000. In 2022 • Provide technical assistance,research,review,recommendations and public support for watershed management related topics and issues including Lake Decatur Watershed Management Plan implementation. • Plan and present at least 12 watershed conservation public education programs. • Plan,allocate and implement watershed conservation cost share projects in the amount of$35,000. • Employ 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 including personnel benefits, support services and overhead costs not to exceed$182,000. This includes a 3.4%cost of living increase. • Total cost not to exceed$217,000. https://decatur.novusagenda.com/AgendaWeb/CoverSheet.aspx?Item I D=3224 1/2