Title
Approving the selection of Halff Associates, Inc. for professional services associated with the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study and authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement in the amount of $247,215.00.
Summary
The City of Pflugerville (City) solicited Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from interested and qualified consulting engineering firms for Professional engineering services to provide the City with a Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and feasibility Drainage Fee Study. City staff received four (4) statements of qualifications (SOQs) on August 20, 2020 which were reviewed, ranked and scored. Halff Associates was selected as the most qualified firm for this project. A copy of the scoring matrix is attached to this agenda item.
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.
The purpose and goal of the Master Plan is to develop a comprehensive evaluation of the existing drainage conditions throughout the City by developing an accurate and current understanding of the drainage infrastructure. This understanding will include a comprehensive inventory of existing data, accurate simulation using best available data including Atlas 14 rainfall data, flooding problem area identification, and conceptual flood mitigation solutions. Riverine analysis will include Gilleland Creek and Wilbarger Creek watersheds. This Drainage Master Plan will ensure both riverine as well as local flood problem areas are addressed. The flood problem areas will be identified using City staff and community input. Flood mitigation solutions will be developed to create a drainage Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan that will be prioritized using a scoring matrix. Using the drainage CIP projects, Halff and NewGen Strategies will conduct a drainage utility rate study for the City to implement a Drainage Utility Fee to assist in funding drainage CIP projects and maintenance.
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. If adopted, a stormwater utility fee can be used 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 plan, process, procedure, and workings of the completed drainage fee study report will be conducted in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the State of Texas. The drainage utility fee will be completed in two phases with the first phase including the development of the initial stormwater utility fee alternatives, which is proposed in this agreement, and a second phase which will include development of financial forecasts and estimates for cost of service, fees comparisons to other jurisdictions, development of the draft report and public processes, will be contracted in FY 2022 after the Master Plan is complete.
If approved, Halff and associates would begin work in October 2020 with an anticipated completion of December 2021. The funding for Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study were included under Other Professional Fees in the FY 2020 Engineering Department budget.
Prior City Council Action
None
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on September 22, 2020.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure X N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes X No __ N/A __
Amount: $247,215.00
1295 Form Required? Yes X No __
Legal Review Required: Required X Date Completed: 09/14/2020
Supporting documents attached:
Professional Services Agreement
Citywide Map of Drainage Areas
Scoring Matrix
Recommended Action
Approve the selection of Halff Associates, Inc. for professional services associated with the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan and Drainage Fee Study and authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement in the amount of $247,215.00.