Title
Resolution to Amend Service Order for Stormwater Services with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner ($30,000.00 Increase for FY13)
Memorandum
The City of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner (WCWRC) have a long history of collaboration. This collaboration has resulted in many successful joint projects, such as: Malletts Creek Restoration; County Farm Park Stormwater Improvements; demonstration rain gardens; Mary Beth Doyle Park and Wetlands Restoration; Miller Avenue Stormwater Improvements; and the Traver Creek Streambank Stabilization Project. Each of these joint projects has received grant or loan support that has been administered by the WCWRC.
On August 7, 2000, City Council approved a resolution directing the Malletts Creek Restoration activities be coordinated through the WCWRC. To continue to foster coordination of stormwater activities, on June 2, 2008, City Council approved a resolution to fund collaborative efforts with the WCWRC at $35,000.00 for FY09.
On April 20, 2009, City Council approved a resolution to increase the funding for collaborative efforts to $62,970.00 for FY10 to fund the increased level of effort put forth by the County on these City-WCWRC collaborative projects.
On September 20, 2010, City Council approved resolution R10-333 for a service order with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner in the amount of $69,215.00 in FY11 to fund a portion of a full-time County employee (0.5 FTE) to provide stormwater services which will benefit the City, including applications and administration of grants and loans, project coordination and miscellaneous services. This resolution also approved four 1-year extensions with an allowance for a 3% funding increase each year.
Financial benefits from this partnership agreement can be measured by the amount of grant dollars, loans and principle forgiveness received for stormwater-related projects within the City. Since 2010, the City has financed $12,686,185.00 of stormwater-related projects through the WCWRC. Of this amount, the City received $376,773.00 of grant monies refunded, $5,257,090.00 of principle forgiveness, for an overall amount of $7,052,322.00 spent for $12,686,185.00 of project value.
Stormwater issues within the City of Ann Arbor are a shared responsibility with the WCWRC, as our drainage systems are interconnected. As stormwater and flooding issues have become a priority for public services staff, an increased level of service and work effort has been required of WCWRC. This increased work effort, due to project specific work, has placed a burden on WCWRC staff, requiring more than the previously agreed upon 0.5 FTE funding.
The City is billed quarterly for the stormwater services from WCWRC. The most recent invoices from WCWRC for stormwater services for the first two quarters of the year total $51,286.28. The FY13 budgeted amount is $73,430.19. Almost 70% of the FY13 budget has been spent, while only half of the year has been completed.
The attached resolution would approve an amendment to the existing service order for an additional $30,000.00 in FY13 to address the increased need for WCWRC stormwater services benefiting the City, including applications and administration of grants and loans, project coordination and miscellaneous services.
Funding is available in FY13 Systems Planning Stormwater Operations and Maintenance budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Lawson, Water Quality Manager
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has a long standing history of successful collaboration with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner;
Whereas, On September 20, 2010, City Council approved a service order with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner in the amount of $69,215.00 in FY11 and four 1-year extensions with an allowance for a 3% funding increase each year, to fund a portion of a full-time County employee (0.5 FTE) to provide stormwater services which will benefit the City, including applications and administration of grants and loans, project coordination and miscellaneous services; and
Whereas, Stormwater and flooding issues have become a priority for public services staff, resulting in an increased level of service and work effort being required of WCWRC; and
Whereas, Additional funding is necessary to address the increased need for WCWRC stormwater services benefiting the City, including applications and administration of grants and loans, project coordination and miscellaneous services; and
Whereas, It is desirable to continue collaboration with WCWRC on stormwater projects;
RESOLVED, That Council approve an amended service order to the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner for an initial increase in the amount of $30,000.00 in FY13 to fund a portion of a full-time County employee to provide stormwater services which will benefit the City, including applications and administration of grants and loans, project coordination and miscellaneous services;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be directed to approve an amended service order with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner for staff support for stormwater services which will benefit the City, for an amount in FY13 of $103,430.19;
RESOLVED, That this service order be funded from the approved FY13 Systems Planning Stormwater Operations and Maintenance budget;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.