Title
Resolution to Approve Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. for Management of Millers Creek Sediment Accumulation Study (RFP No. 812; $46,026.00)
Memorandum
Millers Creek, located in the northeast portion of the City of Ann Arbor, has a 2.4 square mile watershed and is the smallest named tributary to the Huron River. In 2002, work on a study of the Millers Creek watershed began as a result of flooding and bank erosion on Pfizer's Ann Arbor campus (now University of Michigan property). The study resulted in the creation of the Millers Creek Improvement Plan.
The 2004 Millers Creek Improvement Plan mostly focuses on recommendations to reduce flow and erosion within the entire watershed such as bank stabilization, private detention basins, tree plantings, and paving of several gravel parking lots and roads. Very few of the recommendation indicate what to do with the sediment in the lower reach of the creek where the stream slope flattens out and allows the sediment to accumulate.
Recently, within the Ruthven Nature Area, the course of Millers Creek has changed its location. Extremely flashy flows and a steep creek bed in the upper reaches of Millers Creek have caused a large amount of sediment to be deposited within the creek's original channel in the lower reach of Millers Creek. Due to the large amount of sediment accumulation within the creek, flow is being diverted from its usual path north of the Ruthven kame to enter the Huron River through an alternate route down the west side of the kame. This pathway diverts flow away from the intended 60-inch culvert under Geddes Road westward to enter an alternative 24-inch culvert under Geddes Road. The increased flow through the 24-inch culvert has caused flooding along Geddes Road. The flooding has been extensive enough to overtop Geddes Road at least six times in the last two years. Three of those instances caused the City to temporarily close Geddes Road.
Currently the City of Ann Arbor staff is attempting to obtain the necessary permits to remove enough sediment from Ruthven Nature Area in order to temporarily direct flow to the former open channel and re-connect the stream with its wetland ecosystem until a permanent management plan is in place. As such, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. has been selected to perform the necessary tasks to complete both a study and design recommendations for Management of Millers Creek Sediment Accumulation. The recommendations will address all areas of sediment accumulation in the lower reach of Millers Creek, with particular focus on Ruthven Nature Area and the surrounding public storm sewer system. The study will also re-evaluate the previous recommendations for erosion control within City owned right-of-way found in the Millers Creek Improvement Plan.
Taking this holistic approach to the sediment management within Millers Creek will ensure that the city utilizes its resources in the most effective and environmentally sound manner, instead of randomly picking away at the problem and not solving the greater issue.
Staff
Prepared by: Jerry Hancock, Stormwater and Floodplain Coordinator, Public Services
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Interim Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Sediment accumulation in the lower reach of Millers Creek has caused the stream to change its course resulting in road flooding, public safety concerns, and environmental impacts to Ruthven Nature Area;
Whereas, Proposals were received by procurement and evaluated by City staff on the basis of qualifications, past involvement with similar projects, proposed work plan and cost;
Whereas, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., is recommended to provide Engineering Services for the Management of Millers Creek Sediment Accumulation study because of their extensive experience with similar projects in Ann Arbor and other municipalities, and their staff's professional and technical knowledge;
Whereas, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. has received human rights and living wage approvals on March 29, 2012; and
Whereas, The required funds for engineering services are available in the approved FY12 Stormwater Fund Capital Budget, and pending annual budget approvals by City Council for future years.
RESOLVED, That a Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. in the amount of $46,026.00 be approved for Engineering Services for the Management of Millers Creek Sediment Accumulation Study to be expended without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $4,600.00 be established within the project budget and the City Administrator be authorized to approve additional Amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. not to exceed $4,600.00 in order to satisfactorily complete the project. The funds for these change orders will come from the contingency line item of the established project budget;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement following approval as to substance by the Public Services Administrator and the City Administrator, and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the City Administrator to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution and approve change orders with contingency funds.