Title
Approving a professional services supplemental agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. in the amount of $65,110.00 for professional services associated with the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study and authorizing the City Manager to execute same.
Summary
This professional services agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. has been included on the agenda to add additional scope of work to the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study project the initial scope of work did not include. The effort for site visits, field survey, development of virtual public meetings for outreach, or additional effort to complete the drainage utility fee study and impervious cover development all of which are necessary to complete the study.
The Comprehensive Drainage Plan will address critical drainage problems, provide an effective tool to manage future development and produce a list of capital improvement projects for implementation to address drainage issues. In addition, the Drainage Fee Study to be developed in support as a funding mechanism for implementation of the CIP projects as noted in the Drainage Master Plan as well provide funding for maintenance of storm drains and waterways. The study will determine the need for a Drainage Utility Fee and if warranted the amount of the fee.
To date, 70% has been completed and the plan is expected be complete in May 2022.
Background
Pflugerville’s incorporated 2019 (2020) population of approximately 68,301 (71,347) encompasses approximately 25.57 square miles and has added approximately 900 residents a year over the last five years. This growth is a combination of residential and commercial development, which has resulted in a significant increase in drainage infrastructure that the City operates and maintains.
Since 2000, Pflugerville has been among other cities as fastest growing in the state of Texas largely attributed to its proximity to Austin and proximity to Interstate 35, State Highway 45 and State Highway 130 corridors. Pflugerville also experienced significant flooding result of the Halloween flooding 2013 and 2015, as well the Memorial Day flooding in 2015. There were a number of structures flooded throughout the City in varying degrees. Several major roads and other infrastructure were also flooded.
This project is two-fold to develop a new drainage master plan for the City of Pflugerville and a feasibility study in support to fund the capital projects as noted in the drainage plan.
A. Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan
The goal of the master plan is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of existing drainage conditions throughout the City and the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) by developing an accurate and current understanding of the City’s drainage infrastructure and potential solutions to problems, both now and in the future. This understanding should include a comprehensive inventory, accurate simulation, problem area identification and problem source/cause, and a comprehensive list of Capital Improvement Projects, including costs and funding mechanisms designed to address system deficiencies.
B. Drainage Utility Fee Study
The goal of the drainage utility fee study is to determine the feasibility of a stormwater utility fee (or other alternative funding system) for use in equitably funding the City’s efforts in managing the comprehensive drainage master plan. The City desires to utilize the drainage utility fee study information for determination of creating a utility fund that will stand up to known legal challenges and can be implemented in order to create revenue sufficient to operate a significant portion of the City’s drainage master plan capital improvement projects, stormwater maintenance, operation and environmental expenditure needs. The term utility shall be understood as being a system legally billing the public for the services provided. The plan, process, procedure, and workings of the completed drainage fee study report must be conducted in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the State of Texas.
Prior City Council Action
City Council approved the selection of Halff Associates, Inc. to provide professional services associated with the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study as well as authorized a professional services agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. in the amount of $246,765.00 for professional services associated with the project at the September 22, 2020 meeting.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on November 30, 2021.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure _X_ N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A _X*_
*Project included in the Facility CIP as Drainage Master Plan Phase 2
Amount: $65,110.00
1295 Form Required? Yes _X_ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required _X_ Date Completed: 11/10/2021
Supporting documents attached:
Professional Services Supplemental Agreement
Citywide Map of Drainage Areas
Recommended Action
Approving a professional services supplemental agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. in the amount of $65,110.00 for professional services associated with the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study and authorizing the City Manager to execute same.