R2001-74 AUTHORIZING PURCHASE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DESIGN AND MODELING SOFTWARE PACKAGE

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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION FORM Engineering & Infrastructure Memorandum ' NO. 2001-18 April 10, 2001 TO: Honorable Mayor Howley and City Council FROM: Steve Garman, City Manager ,, Stephen P. Swanson, P.E., Director of Engineering &Infrastructure�� Matthew C. Newell, P.E., City Engineer �Gu/ �� SUBJECT: Water Distribution System Design and Modeling Package SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: An item on the agenda for the April 16, 2001, City Council Meeting is the authorization for City staff to purchase a water distribution system design and modeling software package from Haestad Methods at a cost of$7,995.00. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing this purchase. BACKGROUND: In the operation of the City's water distribution system, it is often necessary to determine the impacts of the various changes that routinely occur within the sytem. Insight into the possible impacts that may occur with various changes (such as a water park, new water tank, water main extensions, etc.) are determined through the use of water distribution modeling package. As the City extends new water mains or looks to determine necessary water line connections, modeling software is used to determine the likely pipe size and optimal connection points into the system. With the information that can be provided by modeling software, engineers or system managers can make better informed decisions regarding system improvements or other proposed changes. The City currently works with a consulting engineering firm to do water modeling for the City's water distribution system. Over the past few years it has become apparent that it would be beneficial for the City to acquire the capability of modeling the water system in house. This added ability, within the Engineering Division, will enable staff to provide a more timely response to system concerns along with providing a more flexible design tool to the staff.