R2026-115 Resolution Authorizing Lake Decatur Watershed Farmland Conservation Program Agreement for Waterway and Grade Control Structure Improvements with Fulk Family Farm, LLC

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Council Memo Public Works Department No. 2026-59 DATE: 6/1/2026 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 Waterway and Grade Control Structure Improvements with Fulk Family Farm, LLC 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 Fulk Family Farm, LLC for the construction of a waterway, tile, and grade control structure to control nutrients, sediment and erosion for a not to exceed cost to the City of$34,290.00. This amount represents 90%of the total project cost of$38,100.00 with a 20%contingency. The remainder of$3,810.00 will be paid by the landowner. BACKGROUND: The City's 2021 Watershed Management Plan set out to significantly reduce Lake Decatur sedimentation and improve the lake's water quality through watershed conservation. It continues to be very successful at accomplishing its goals. The waterway is to be constructed on private land and is expected to result in significant pollution reductions over the 15-year life of the project: Nitrogen 3,474.6 lbs. Phosphorus 225.9 lbs. Sediment 169.8 Tons This project is off Salem School Road and outlets directly into Big/Long Creek Tributary. The details of the project are attached to Exhibit A of the Resolution. The main feature to be installed is a well-supported conservation practice called a waterway and a grade control structure for the outlet. For this project, the sediment reduction is especially significant since these waterways drain directly to Lake Decatur. Projects have been funded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to a staff assessment of watershed protection return on investment. SCHEDULE: Work on this project is expected to start in June 2026 and will be completed by July 2026 depending on the summer wheat harvest.