Approve Joint Funding Agreement for Operations and Maintenance of the Stream Gage at the Mississippi River at Champlin, MN

Purpose:  To approve a joint funding agreement for the stream gage at Mississippi River at Anoka-Champlin Bridge

Background:  At the work session of July 25, City Council discussed a request for an annual contribution toward the operation of a river gage at the Anoka-Champlin Bridge.  Council received a report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) that they are going to install this gage.  It was noted when the National Weather Service previously canceled the flood forecast site in Anoka - and five other locations, the USGS began to talk to those communities to determine interest in monitoring.  Typically the monitoring is funded through partnerships, including 40 different agencies.  However, in this instance, the gage would be funded through a consortium of cities that would benefit from the information, which currently includes Champlin, Anoka, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids.  These cities are looking to bring in Ramsey, Dayton and the three Rivers Park District.  The consortium would be funding the operating and maintenance costs. Ramsey was asked to participate with approximately $2,000 in annual contribution, with an annual 2% inflationary adjustment.  This level is the same level proposed for the City of Dayton on the south side of the Mississippi, across from Ramsey.

Attached to this case is a copy of the Joint Funding Agreement for the operations and maintenance of the stream gage at the Mississippi River at Champlin, MN, for the period August 1, 2017 through September 30, 2021, in the total amount over the four year period of $8,577.  This is a fixed-cost agreement to be billed annually in the amounts listed.  This is a cooperative agreement, not a legally binding contract, and any party may exit the agreement with a 90-day notice.

Upon formal Council approval, City Administrator Ulrich will sign the agreement on behalf of the City and forward the paperwork to the USGS.

The Stormwater Management Fund would be used to fund this contribution.

Staff is recommending Council approve the Joint Funding Agreement for the operations and maintenance of the stream gage at the Mississippi River at Champlin, MN, for the period August 1, 2017 through September 30, 2021, in the amount of $8,577.

Motion to approve the Joint Funding Agreement for the operations and maintenance of the stream gage at the Mississippi River at Champlin, MN, for the period August 1, 2017 through September 30, 2021, in the amount of $8,577.