Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal Agreement Regarding Cost Sharing of the Zebra Mussel Control Project.
Body
Approximately ten months ago, invasive Zebra Mussels were identified In Lake Travis. This fast reproducing mollusk presents a significant threat to BCRUA’s floating raw water intake, and other downstream treatment facilities. Concurrently the Cities of Cedar Park and Leander, who both have adjacent floating intakes for their own water treatment plants, face the same level of risk to their intake and treatment facilities.
Upon review by the Operating Committee (OC) and BCRUA staff, it was decided to retain Walker Partners to explore the viability and cost effectiveness of a jointly owned and operated chemical treatment station, located within the property of the City of Cedar Park water treatment plant.
Upon review of the report, BCRUA and the OC agreed to proceed with a pre-design contract with Walker, which the Board approved last November. In February, the Board authorized a supplemental amendment to the original contract, which authorized Walker to proceed with final design of the joint treatment facility.
During this time, BCRUA and the OC have been evaluating the best approach to jointly fund this urgently needed project. As a result of these negotiations, staff has prepared the attached proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) between BCRUA (46.1% ownership, and representing our regional water treatment plant and our three member Cities), and the Cities of Cedar Park(36.88%) and Leander (17.02%) (representing their separate water treatment plants). It should be noted that BCRUA’s portion is based on our post-Phase 1C expansion capacity of 32.5 MGD, which should begin construction before the end of 2018.
By combining their respective City ownerships in BCRUA, and the two water treatment plants of Cedar Park and Leander, the total cost distribution for this project becomes: City of Cedar Park (49.18%); City of Leander (38.53%); and, City of Round Rock (12.29%).
BCRUA staff, and the three City OC operational representatives have cooperatively developed this plan, and recommend Board approval of the ILA. The BCRUA Board approved this ILA at their April 18, 2018 board meeting, and now the Cities of Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock will present the ILA to their respective City councils for their consideration and action.
FUNDING:
The parties have all agreed to BCRUA establishing a special Project Fund to manage the $1,349,387 project. Based on the above total cost distribution, the individual city portions are: City of Cedar Park ($663,559); City of Leander ($516,922); and, City of Round Rock ($165,905).
Each City will forward a 25% initial payment to BCRUA, to cover already incurred design costs, and bid document preparation. After bidding, and bid award by BCRUA and all three city councils, BCRUA will manage the project and all progress payments, and invoice each City in advance, as the needs of the Project Fund require. At the conclusion of the project, remaining funds, if any, will be distributed to the three Cities on the same project ownership distribution basis, as listed above.
In anticipation of project completion during the upcoming FY 2018/2019 budget year, BCRUA will negotiate and include anticipated operation and maintenance costs for the chemical treatment station as part of the proposed upcoming operating budget.
Finally, it should be remembered that this chemical treatment station will remain active only as long as the floating intakes of BCRUA, Cedar Park and Leander remain operational on the Sandy Creek arm of Lake Travis. Once BCRUA’s Phase 2 Deep Water Intake Project construction is complete (likely in 2025, or 2026), the three floating intakes, as well as the Zebra Mussel chemical treatment station, will be decommissioned and replaced by the new gravity intake in Volente, and the new pumping station on Lime Creek Road. The deep water intake and pumping station will provide raw water to the BCRUA regional water treatment plant, and the water treatment plants of Cedar Park and Leander. It is anticipated by all parties that at least some of the chemical storage and treatment equipment in the joint Zebra Mussel chemical control station will be able to be relocated to the Deep Water Intake Maintenance Building in Volente, as an anticipated cost savings.
Cost: $165,905
Source of Funds: Regional Water Fund