The city currently does not have a stormwater utility that is similar to our water and sanitary sewer utilities.  The city does have a stormwater fee that is assessed to all properties in the city to provide funding for the stormwater system.  By not having a formal utility, the stormwater system has not been addressed adequately for many years in terms of deferred maintenance, capital improvements, and long-term planning.  By creating a stormwater utility, the following benefits can be realized: formalized rules and regulations, a rate structure that is more equitable than the existing fee system including system development fees, proactive management of the infrastructure, and concentrated city resources to support a critical function.

Staff requested the services of a qualified firm and FCS Group was selected through the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.  Other firms considered were AE2S, Burns and McDonnell, and HDR Engineering. 

Phase I of this contract will develop the framework around which the utility will be created and provide a level of service guidance document that will allow Council and staff to make an informed decision on how to proceed with the development of the stormwater utility.  It is anticipated that a subsequent contract amendment for Phase II will be needed at a later date.  Phase II will include the detailed assessment and implementation of Phase I decisions and ultimately the creation of a stormwater utility.  The contract amount for Phase I is $159,619.  

City Council may:

• Approve the professional services contract with FCS Group, or;
• Disapprove the professional services contract with FCS Group.  If the contract is not awarded, the city will be unable to proceed with the study and development of a stormwater utility.  

Adequate storm drainage funds were budgeted in FY 2020 to award this contract.  
 

Staff recommends that Council approve the professional services contract for Phase I for W.O. 20-37; Stormwater Utility Development with FCS Group in the amount of $159,619.