Explanation
It is the City's desire to evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure as a means of capturing and improving storm water flowing into streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Monitoring the hydrologic flow within recently installed green infrastructure at Griggs Reservoir will help the City to analyze the performance of rain gardens designed to reduce pollutant loading into local waterways.
The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office has the expertise to manage a hydrologic study of newly-installed rain gardens at Griggs Reservoir. Working with the United States Geological Survey, the three-year study will evaluate the performance and efficiency of the rain gardens as they relate to site-specific soil, geology, and rainfall characteristics. The results of the study will provide direction on how best to protect and improve water quality in light of advancing technologies using bioengineered designs to capture and improve storm water.
The total project cost is to be shared among three agencies. The United States Geological Survey will provide approximately $26,820, the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office will provide approximately $59,020, with the remaining contribution provided by the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities over a period of three years (3 Phases). Funds for the project shall be reviewed and approved each year of the three year contract by City Council and the Mayor, and Auditor's certification of funds. Not withstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the maximum obligation of the City for services described in this agreement for the period commencing from date of execution through June 30, 2013 ("Phase 1") is limited to the amount of forty eight thousand dollars ($48,000.00), unless all the following occur: this Agreement is modified in writing; City Council enacts an ordinance approving the new amount; the Mayor has authorized the additional amount; and the Auditor has certified the additional funds. The City is not obligated to spend the maximum obligation authorized under this Agreement. Phase 2 costs under this agreement for the period from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 are estimated at ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). Phase 3 costs for the period from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 are estimated at ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). The City may, at any time during the performance of the services under this Agreement, propose a modification of the Contract by a properly authorized written instrument. With the approval of City Council and execution of such modification by both parties hereto, it shall be fully incorporated into this Contract and shall govern all subsequent performance under the Contract.
The completed hydrologic study of the rain gardens will help the City determine the performance of rain gardens in capturing and reducing storm water runoff. Understanding the field performance of green infrastructure will prepare the City for decisions to incorporate green infrastructure as an effective best practice for storm water management.
SUPPLIER: Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office (31-0847446) Non-Profit.
FISCAL IMPACT: The payment is for $48,000.00 and funds are available for this expenditure.
No similar expenditures in 2010 or 2011.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office for the Division of Power and Water and the Division of Sewerage and Drainage to conduct a hydrologic assessment of Griggs Reservoir rain gardens; and to authorize the expenditure of $24,000.00 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund and $24,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund. ($48,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office to conduct a hydrology assessment of storm water green infrastructure at Griggs Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, the City is responsible for protecting quality sources of drinking water and managing storm water quantity and quality; and
WHEREAS, rain gardens have been installed along the shorelines of Griggs Reservoir as a storm water best management practice; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office and the United States Geological Survey seek to assist the City in evaluating the hydrologic performance of rain gardens as a storm water best management practice; and
WHEREAS, the study is intended to identify hydrologic performance and efficiency associated with the rain gardens' post-construction field operation; and
WHEREAS, such information will provide direction regarding the protection and improvement of water quality and also allow the City to evaluate the effectiveness of rain gardens in reducing storm water runoff; and
WHEREAS, Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office and United States Geological Survey are providing $85,840 over two years to support the study; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus' share of the funding is $48,000; for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
Section 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement between the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Office, and the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities.
Section 2. That to cover the proportionate share of these services, the expenditure of $48,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized as follows:
Storm Sewer Operating Fund 675
Department No. 60-15
OCA Code 675002
Object Level Three 3407
Amount: $24,000.00
Water Operating Fund 600
Department No. 60-09
OCA Code 603001
Object Level Three 3407
Amount: $24,000.00
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.