R2026-58 Resolution Authorizing Lake Decatur Watershed Farmland Conservation Program Agreement for Floodplain Reconnection Wetlands with Lawrence H. Shackelford Trust

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Council Memo Public Works Department No. 2026-33 DATE: 3/16/2026 TO: Honorable Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Melissa Hon,City Manager Matt Newell,Director of Public Works Robert Weil,Water Production Manager Jennifer Gunter,Watershed & Lake Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing Lake Decatur Watershed Farmland Conservation Program Agreement for Floodplain Reconnection Wetlands with Lawrence H. Shackelford Trust SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing a Lake Decatur Watershed Farmland Conservation Program Agreement between the City of Decatur and Lawrence H. Shackelford Trust for the construction of a floodplain reconnection wetland project to control sediment and nutrients at a cost not to exceed$131,400.00. BACKGROUND: The City's 2021 Watershed Management Plan is designed to significantly reduce Lake Decatur sedimentation and improve the lake's water quality through watershed conservation. A floodplain reconnection wetland project is to be constructed on private land and will consist of 1.45 acres of wetlands and 1,500 linear feet of stream bed stabilization. This project is expected to result in these reductions over the 15-year life of the project: Nitrogen 40,260 pounds Phosphorus 7,380 pounds Sediment 6,123 tons This particular project is directly adjacent to Lake Decatur, and so it has a direct reduction in pollution entering the City's water supply. This project is different than the typical watershed protection program project in that the landowner will not experience much benefit from it; they are basically performing the project on the City's behalf as a good steward of their land. The main feature to be installed is a well-supported conservation practice called"floodplain reconnection wetlands,"which allows a stream running through the property to safely overflow without causing erosion. At the same time the stream bed and banks will be stabilized. The details of the project are attached to Exhibit A of the Resolution. Because the benefits are almost all to Lake Decatur and not to the farmer,the city cost share for this particular project has been set at 100%rather than the typical 90%cost share. However, the City share will be offset by a Section 319 grant, as outlined below. SCHEDULE: Work on this project is expected to start in April 2026 and will be completed by May 2026 depending on