Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission July 17, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Vice Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,492,180 (District 9) The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided …
Item 10 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a low-interest loan for up to $446,842,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan program for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Enhancements Projects and authorizing payment of an application fee of $100,000. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note Funding is contingent upon available funding in future Austin Water budgets. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action authorizes the City Manager to apply for funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for a federal low-interest loan of up to a 35-year term as part of the USEPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion to 100 MGD and Enhancements Projects. Austin Water submitted a Letter of Interest to USEPA on May 15, 2024, with a total project cost of $1,065,726,193. In accordance with USEPA’s WIFIA program rules, this loan funding cannot exceed 49% of total eligible project costs. Austin Water anticipates that up to $446,842,000 of the project costs should be eligible for this loan funding. Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is permitted to treat and discharge an average daily flow of 75 million gallons per day (MGD) and a 2-hour peak flow of 165 MGD. Treated plant effluent is discharged into the Colorado River. A portion is used for non-potable water (NPW) on the plant site and supplies much of the City’s growing Water Reclamation Initiative (WRI) program. The Walnut Creek WWTP projects summarized below were submitted for the WIFIA loan program. Austin City Council approved the award of six contracts and contract amendments on May 2, 2024 related to these projects. The Walnut Creek WWTP Expansion to 100 MGD and Enhancements project will expand the plant to treat and discharge an annual average daily flow of 100 MGD and a 2-hour peak flow of 300 MGD. The expansion is needed based on projected future flows of wastewater into the plant, in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and the requirements of Texas Administrative Code. Additionally, …
Item 11 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding Undine, LLC’s proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for its customers located in the City’s corporate limits in the area known as Greenshores of Lake Austin. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: November 8, 2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20121108-004 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by PK-RE Development Company, Inc. on a 7-0 vote. May 2, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240502-007 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC on an 11-0 vote. May 30, 2024 – Council set a public hearing to be held on July 18, 2024, to receive comment on the City’s recommendations regarding Undine LLC’s proposed water and wastewater rates. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Undine, LLC, an investor-owned utility with customers in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the City seeking regulatory approval to increase water and wastewater rates for its Greenshores customers. Of Undine’s affected 167 water customers and 100 wastewater customers, only a few (approximately six) are within Austin’s corporate limits. Under Texas Water Code Chapter 13, the Council is the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits served by non-City utilities. The Council has authority to determine whether the rates, as they affect City residents, are just and reasonable and, that in all other respects, meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings and requires the determination to be made in a public hearing. Undine, LLC is seeking recovery of $1,130,662 in total revenue requirements on a system-wide basis, for the test year ended March 31, 2023. The current filing will increase residential drinking water rates by 15.9% as follows: • For block 3 volume (25,001-50,000 gallons) from $12.00 to $13.91 per 1,000 gallons Item 11 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: …
Item 12 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Posting Language Approve recommendation to Council of Austin Water’s Capital Improvements Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2028-2029) as required by Financial Policy No. 8 Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: In accordance with Austin Water's financial policies, the Boards and Commissions review and the City’s annual budget review process provides citizens an opportunity to comment on growth-related projects within the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the DWPZ were identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Commission. These Boards and Commissions reviewed growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, provided input, reviewed consistency with the Imagine Austin comprehensive plan, reviewed effect on growth within the DWPZ, and made recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water’s 5-year Capital Spending Plan. Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital …
Item 2 # 24-4888 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals, with 13.96% MBE and 0.82% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1015 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on January 22, 2024, and closed on April 4, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lower responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Water’s collection system is fundamental for conveyance of wastewater to Austin Water’s treatment plants. Austin Water’s collection system is a large and complex system, consisting of approximately 3,000 miles of wastewater mains and serving approximately one million customers. Due to deterioration from the harsh conditions of the wastewater environment, collection system assets require ongoing repair and replacement to prevent sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal - CIPP project will repair approximately 13,600 linear feet (LF) of deteriorated wastewater main with cast-in-place-pipe (CIPP) and repair and/or replace all associated appurtenances. This project consists of CIPP installation within existing wastewater lines in the Bull Creek Basin. This infrastructure has been identified through TV inspection and selected for replacement based upon the following factors: physical condition of main, number of SSO’s, estimated volume of wastewater discharged during SSOs, and amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I). I&I is the estimated amount of Item 2 # 24-4888 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 groundwater or rainwater leaking into a wastewater main. The project consists of the following …
Item 3 #24-4890 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 6.72% MBE and 0.91% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1026 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 8, 2024, and closed on May 2, 2024. Of the five offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks and are in poor condition and impact service delivery. Austin Water’s distribution system is large and complex, consisting of approximately 3,900 miles of water mains and serving approximately one million customers. Distribution system assets require ongoing repair and replacement to prevent leaks and loss of valuable treated water because of deterioration due to environmental conditions and aging. This project consists of replacing existing water mains located along Kellam Road beginning at Elroy Road and extending north. Water system renewal includes approximately 1,909 linear feet of existing 6-inch cast iron water line will be replaced with 16-inch diameter PVC water mains. This project utilizes open cut and jack and bore methods for waterline installation, and it will include abandonment of existing water line along Kellam Road and Old Kellam Road as well as repair and repaving of the road. Item 3 #24-4890 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 …
Item 4 #24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 98.41% MBE and 1.59% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1036 Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 22, 2024, and closed on May 16, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project is part of the Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and that impact service delivery. In addition, the program coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. This project consists of the repair and replacement of existing water and wastewater mains located within the general boundaries of Burrell Drive between the Wooten Drive and Weyford Drive intersection. The water system renewal includes approximately 544 linear feet of 8-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. The wastewater system renewal includes approximately 2,315 linear feet of 12-inch main, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. This item includes one allowance of $10,000 that will be used to address any contaminated soil or water remediation. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction Item 4 #24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, …
Item 5 # 24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,492,180. (District 9) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 1.17% MBE and .72 WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1037 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 29, 2024 and closed on May 23, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Waller Creek Center Parking Garage stairwells are the primary stairs that are used daily by staff to access Waller Creek Center. They also are the primary emergency exit stairs utilized to exit the garage onto 9th Street during emergencies. These stairs were constructed in the 1980’s and are original to Waller Creek Center. The stairs are heavily corroded, damaged, and in need of replacement. Portions of the stairs have been deemed unsafe for normal use and operations and are currently closed. Southwest Corporation has been selected to remove the existing stairs, install replacement stairs, and install handrails in two stairwell locations of the Waller Creek Parking Garage. To prevent future damage and advanced corrosion, Southwest Corporation will also be enclosing the stairwells on the top floor of the parking garage. The Waller Creek Center Parking Garage is the main parking location for staff that support the critical infrastructure of the utility. Replacement of the garage stairwells is necessary to provide safe egress for utility staff. Item 5 # 24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 The …
Item 6 # 24-4893 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for the Johnny Morris/Hwy 290 Area Water Line Extensions project with Cash Construction Company Inc., in the amount of $1,929,742 plus a $192,974 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,122,716. (District 1, and 2-mile ETJ) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 1.76% MBE and 3.10% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC908 for these services. The solicitation was issued on February 26, 2024, and closed on April 11, 2024. Of the five offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Water’s water transmission and distribution system is fundamental for the conveyance of water to customers. The water distribution system is a large and complex system, consisting of approximately 4,000 miles of water mains and serving approximately one million customers. Due to age, growth, and system expansion, water distribution system assets require upgrades to meet customer supply needs. The Johnny Morris/Hwy 290 Area Water Line Extensions project will install waterlines to extend water service and increase reliability to the Northeast Desired Development Zone. This improvement is needed to meet increasing demands from growth in the Whisper Valley and Wildhorse Ranch residential subdivisions located within the Northeast Desired Development Zone This project consists of the construction of approximately 2,900 linear feet of 24-inch waterline along US Hwy 290 from Harris Branch Parkway to Blue Goose Road and approximately 700 linear feet of 16-inch waterline on Johnny Morris Road between Daffan Lane and Old Manor Road. These improvements will increase the reliability of the fire protection system at the Flint Hills Resources ethanol storage facility at 9011 Johnny Morris Road. Item 6 …
Item 7 # 24-4898 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for a job order assignment for the 10803 Platt Lane Building Rehabilitation with Jamail & Smith Construction LP, for a total amount not to exceed $1,293,599. (District 2) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 5.73% MBE and 1.31% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Job Order Assignment Prior Council Action: October 1, 2020 – Council authorized negotiation and execution of the 2020 Job Order Contract for City Facility Improvements. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Tree Folks, Inc., is a Texas non-profit corporation that empowers Central Texans to strengthen the community by planting and caring for trees. Their planting program engages over 950 volunteers yearly to plant trees in parks and public places, distributes nearly 6,000 5-gallon native and native- adapted trees to Austin residents annually, and works with economically disadvantaged residents, reaching approximately 2,500 lower-income residents with free trees each year. Since 2002, Tree Folks has officed out of 10803 Platt Lane, Austin, Texas, located within the City’s 2- mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Originally a residential home, it is now used as the operation center and primary office for the public purpose of promoting tree planting, tree education, and urban forest- related community partnerships. The facility is a part of Austin Water’s capital improvement budget and long-range plan. This renovation with Jamail & Smith will address the current aging systems (roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, etc.) and allow expansion on the site (a covered parking structure and multiple greenhouses) that will assist Tree Folks with expanding their program and services. Item 7 # 24-4898 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 The Tree Folks Central Texas Floodplain Reforestation Program annually restores approximately 50 acres of degraded floodplain on private and public land-generating Carbon+ and City Forest Credits. The Tree Folks education program reaches about 1,500 community members annually through various experiential learning events, tree identification hikes, online learning tools, …
Item 8 # 24-4959 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: August 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for vertical turbine pumps with Smith Pump Co. Inc., for a term of one year in an amount not to exceed $360,190. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding for the total contract amount is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide two Flowserve drainage pumps that are essential for replacing the existing pumps at the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The current pumps, which are original to the facility and past their useful life, must be replaced to ensure the facility can effectively process wastewater and maintain public and environmental safety. Failure of these pumps would result in significant damage to the operations building and hinder its functionality. These new pumps are necessary because the existing pumps have reached a point of unrepairable damage, and refurbishment is deemed ineffective and lacking in overall confidence by Plant management and staff. Overhauls conducted in the past have extended the pumps’ lifespan, with the last documented overhaul in 2007 extending it by an additional 11 years. However, due to the pumps’ critical role and the risks associated with failure, replacement is the only viable option. Smith Pump Co. Inc. is the sole source representative for Flowserve water resource pumps and parts and other Flowserve products. Flowserve is the sole manufacturer of Flowserve water resource pump products. This is a new contract. Requested authorization is based on contractor quotes for required equipment. If a contract is not secured, the facility risks the pumps failing, causing an inability for the facility to process wastewater and causing the City to fall out of compliance with their Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Wastewater permit.
Item 9 # 24-4960 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: August 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for multiple 30 cubic yard filter screens with Wwatertech Services, Inc. d/b/a Wwatertech, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,100,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $103,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 MHR1005REBID for these goods. The solicitation was issued on February 26, 2024, and closed on March 28, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the City with multiple 30 cubic yard filter screens for dewatering dumpsters at all major wastewater plants, as well as the Hornsby Bend Biosolids facility. The filter screens will provide adequate protection to the mesh liners installed in the City’s current dumpsters to protect and prolong the life of these critical assets. The filter screens are integral in the dewatering process for screening sludge and grit involved in wastewater treatment. This is a new contract. The requested authorization amount for this contract was determined using departmental estimates based on historical spending. If the City is unable to secure a contract, unscheduled repairs would increase, as would the risk of component failures. In addition, dumpsters may not be properly dewatered. Contract Details: Contract Term Initial Term Optional Extension 1 Optional Extension 2 Total Length of Term 3 years 1 year 1 year 5 years Contract Authorization $1,860,000 $620,000 $620,000 $3,100,000 Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated …
Submittal: July xx, 2024 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Water and Wastewater Commission 1. The Water and Wastewater Commission mission statement is set forth in Section 2-1- 186 of the Municipal Code of the City of Austin, Texas which states: (A) The Water and Wastewater Commission members should reside inside the utility's service area. Not more than two members should be involved in development or development-related activities. (B) The purpose of the Water and Wastewater Commission is to: (1) review, analyze, and advise the City Council on the policies and resources relating to the city water and wastewater utility and water quality; and (2) assist the City Council in ensuring that the City's residents are provided with an adequate, economical, and potable supply of water and a stable, economical and environmentally safe system of wastewater disposal. (C) The Commission shall act as an advisory body to the City Council and shall review programs and make recommendations regarding: (1) the protection and integrity of the water resources for the City; (2) minimization of water quality impacts to downstream areas; (3) implementation of programs that achieve goals and objectives relating to water supply management, water demand management, and land water quality control; (4) the fiscal solvency of said programs; and (5) the fiscal health of the utility. 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Annual Internal Review (D) The Commission may conduct an annual review of the commission’s goals and objectives, and the activities needed to achieve these goals and objectives in the following areas, for the year covered by the program: (1) water supply distribution; (2) water demand and conservation management; (3) wastewater treatment and collection; (4) water quality; (6) utility operating budget; (7) rates and fees; and (8) citizen education. (5) service area master planning and capital improvement project development; (E) The Commission may review and make reports and recommendations to the City Council, or other appropriate Boards and Commissions, concerning the following matters: (1) water and wastewater capital improvement program proposals; (2) water and wastewater bond programs; (3) monitoring of capital recovery fee revenues on a quarterly basis, and review of capital recovery fee dollar amount on an annual basis from the effective date of capital recovery fee ordinance; (4) review of the City's annual budget proposal for the water and wastewater utility; (5) quarterly review of water and wastewater ending balances; (6) cost effectiveness …
WATER & WASTEWATER COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT Overview The Committee appreciates the opportunity to review Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 (FY25) budget material and provide the following summary to the Water and Wastewater Commission. Budget Committee Members: Susan Turrieta, Chair Judy Musgrove, Vice Chair Marcela Tunon Sion Budget Review Executive Summary Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales and staff presented an update on Austin Water’s five-year financial forecast and gave an update on the FY 2023-2024 (FY 24) budget vs. actual, and presented the FY 2024-2025 (FY 25) Proposed Budget. Staff also covered the recent cost of service study including revenue and rate projections, debt service management, and Austin Water’s 5-year CIP spending plan. These items are highlighted below: 1) Enterprise Resiliency - Austin Water (AW) continues to focus on enhancing emergency preparedness and responsiveness, developing operational resiliency for a range of emergency conditions, and identifying and addressing natural hazards resulting from climate change. This is reflected in additional FTE’s to cover various EUM attributes, and new funding for an infrastructure academy to address work force challenges. 2) Key financial performance indicators a) Operating Budget – FY 2024 estimated budget is $741.1 M, FY 2025 proposed budget is $768.6 M. b) Debt Coverage – FY 2024 estimated to be 1.88, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 1.91, well above AW’s goal of c) Days Cash on Hand - FY 2024 estimated to be 313 days, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 312 days, above AW’s d) % Cash for CIP Spending – FY 2024 estimated to be 29.7%, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 27.8%, slightly 1.75. goal of 245 days. under AW’s goals of 35%. 3) Debt Management FY 2024. a) The Utility continues to use capital recovery fees (CRF) for debt defeasance with $60 M debt defeasance b) CRFs are declining, net revenue FY 23 was $30.7 M, net revenue as of March 2024 was $15.4 M. c) Other funding opportunities currently being utilized by AW include: i) TWDB Low-interest loans to date of $267 M. ii) $25 M SWIFT AMI new loan in fall of FY2025 iii) EPA WIFIA for Walnut Creek WWTP $447 M; AW has been invited to apply for funding d) AW’s estimate of debt savings for FY 2024 is $81.5M. includes $20M in CRF cash and $40M in Operating cash for a defeasance transaction in late fall or early winter of …
1 2 3 Cost of Service Objectives • Develop rates that: • Meet annual Financial Plan needs • Ensure water and wastewater services are each self-sustaining • Meet AW objectives while ensuring equitable cost recovery from customer classes • Included a Public Involvement Committee (PIC) to review Cost of Service methodology and provide input and recommendations 4 5 Purpose 1. Bolster transparency in the rate-setting process 2. Raise awareness about the Cost of Service Study 3. Obtain customer input on pricing objectives Approach As of 9/27, 98 open issues currently being worked As of 9/27, 4,242 issues resolved Promotion of Feedback Opportunities Reached 200,000 unique Austinites • Press Release • Media Coverage • Direct email through My ATX Water Portal • Social Media Posts • Reached 39,830 unique people • Displayed content 45,650 times • Notifications to all Council Offices 400 Voices Heard • Nearly 200 responded on Speak Up Austin • Over 100 attended Open Houses in 10 Council Districts • 20 attended Virtual Open House • 56 participated in the emailed survey • 27 participated in Focus Groups • 32 attended an Austin Neighborhood Council meeting Community Priorities Most important to least important: 1. Affordability for essential uses of water. 2. Water conservation to encourage sustainable use of water. 3. System resilience to withstand climate impacts and reliability to minimize outages. 4. Affordability for low-income users. 5. Minimizing bill impacts by gradually increasing rates over time. 6. Revenue stability so that Austin Water receives a stable level of revenue despite fluctuations in water use. Recommendations • Affordability for basic services and system resiliency. • Lower cash financing of CIP for large, generational projects. • Bill discount target of 50% for Customer Assistance Program (CAP) customers. • Community Benefit Charge increase from $0.15 to $0.30 per thousand gallons to support the Customer Assistance Program. • Implementation of water budget billing to address high irrigation for commercial and multifamily customers. 12 Budget Overview & Highlights • Incorporate Cost of Service Study and Community Engagement results. • Balance affordability with necessary operational and infrastructure investments. • Continue resiliency and service reliability investments for essential infrastructure. • Support staffing additions, including temporary employee and contractor conversions. • Continue debt management strategies. • Maintain financial strength with stable bond ratings, as in place since 2016. 13 Budget Overview & Highlights • Proposed average monthly residential bill increase of $8.14 per month. • Smaller …
Update on Water Supply Strategy Implementation Marisa Flores-Gonzalez, Program Manager III Water and Wastewater Commission July 17, 2024 Water Forward 2018 Supply Strategies Emergency Indirect Potable Reuse Update What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? The use of reclaimed water for potable purposes by discharging to a water supply source, such as surface water or groundwater. The mixed reclaimed and natural waters then receive additional treatment at a water treatment plant before entering the drinking water distribution system. What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? There are five indirect potable reuse operating facilities in Texas: • El Paso Water Utilities - recharging the Hueco Bolson Aquifer since 1985. • North Texas Municipal Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Lavon Lake since 2009. • Tarrant Regional Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Richland Reservoir. • The City of Abilene - augmenting Lake Fort Phantom Hill since 2015. • The City of Wichita Falls - augmenting Lake Arrowhead since 2017. How Would AW Implement Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? IPR is an emergency water supply strategy included in the 2018 Water Forward plan The strategy would use Lady Bird Lake as an environmental buffer and convey highly treated WWTP effluent to Ullrich WTP for use in supplementing drinking water supplies Drought Triggers Lakes Buchanan and Travis Total Combined Storage Projection (LCRA) City of Austin Drought Triggers DCP Stage 1 1.4 MAF DCP Stage 2 0.9 MAF DCP Stage 3 0.75 MAF DCP Stage 4 0.6 MAF IPR Operational Trigger 0.4 MAF Progress Update AW Internal IPR Task Force progressing on project tasks • Includes Operations, Engineering, Systems Planning, PIO, and Government Relations staff and key executives Decision on water supply source has been made Staff have developed scopes for further rotation list consultant services to support project components and is moving forward on consultant procurement Water Supply Source SAR has been selected as source of treated effluent for emergency IPR implementation Current plan is to construct and separately permit sidestream IPR treatment facilities to further treat effluent Planned Consultant Support Rotation List Engineering Support Schematic design, design criteria, technical specifications for: • Intake and pump station facilities • Reclaimed transmission main • Sidestream wastewater effluent treatment facilities Design Build Project Full IPR project design and construction Timeline Fall 2024 Development of schematic design, design criteria, technical …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240714 – 012 July 17, 2024 Date: Subject:Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation on Austin Water’s Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025- 2029) as required by Financial Policy Number 8. Seconded By: Commissioner Judy Musgrove Motioned By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission approved the attached report listing Austin Water Capital Improvement projects for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025-2029). Description of Recommendation to Council See attached memo and report from Austin Water to Boards and Commissions, dated March 30, 2024 Rationale: The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW presented the new growth-related projects to the following Commissions as set forth in the ordinance, with the following outcomes: • • June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. Water and Wastewater Commission Vote taken July 17, 2024: For: Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Mike Reyes, Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Sabrina Reichert, Commissioner Sam Angoori, Vice-Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) …
Date: July 17, 2024 WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717 – 014 Subject: Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation of Austin Water’s FY 2024- 2025 Proposed Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion Seconded By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Description of Recommendation to Council The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Rationale: The Water and Wastewater Commission reviewed a report from the Commission’s Budget Committee regarding Austin Water’s Financial Forecast as a basis for Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The Commission also received a briefing from Austin Water staff on July 17, 2024 on Austin Water’s Proposed FY 2024-2025 Proposed budget. Vote For: Vice-Chair Judy Musgrove, Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Chris Maxwell-Gaines Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Chair Susan Turrieta Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Acting Chair Jesse Penn called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Jesse Penn, Judy Musgrove, Shwetha Pandurangi Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Sam Angoori, Sabrina Reichert, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laneta Cooper registered to speak on Item 15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori, and Maxwell-Gaines absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Penn recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total …
