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 …
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting July 9, 2024 – 3:00pm Waller Creek Center 625 E. 10th St. Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. 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 commission liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. Members of the public wishing to speak in person on the agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. AGENDA Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9), Vice Chair Susan Turrieta (District 10), Chair Budget Committee Members: Sam Angoori (District 5) Judy Musgrove (District 7) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS The first 10 speakers who register to speak before the meeting in person or by noon the day before the meeting remotely by telephone, will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Approval of minutes from the May 20, 2024, Budget Committee of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 1. Austin Water Financial Forecast vs Proposed Budget Update 2. Austin Water Cost of Services Update 3. Austin Water Capital Spending Plan Update 4. Discussion of the Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Recommendations Report DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 5. Review and possible action for future meeting schedule FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items ADJOURN The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Heather Cooke at Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov.
FY2025 Proposed vs Forecast $3.1 M FY2025 Proposed FY2025 Forecast Difference Austin Water Operating Requirements Significant Items FY2025 Proposed FY2024 Amended FY2025 Forecast FY2024 Amended Wage Adjustment 29 New FTEs 10% Health Insurance Market Study Adjustment Supplemental Retirement Contribution 10% Retention Stipend Wages and Benefits Chemical Pipes and fittings Meter Contract for Engineering Services Electrical 3.5% Inflation Other Contractuals 3.5% Inflation Other Commodities Fleet Fuel and Maintenance Radio equipment Parts for vehicles Rental-other equipment Contractuals and Commodities Go Purple Initiatives Infrastructure Academy Utility Billing System Support Other Requirements Total Operating Requirements $355.2 M $338.0 M $17.2 M $352.1 M $338.0 M $14.1 M $4.7 M $3.4 M $2.1 M $1.8 M ($0.8) M ($8.3) M $2.9 M $3.5 M $1.1 M $1.0 M $0.4 M ($0.1) M ($0.2) M ($0.3) M ($0.3) M $5.1 M $4.0 M $3.3 M $2.0 M $9.3 M $17.2 M $4.2 M $3.4 M $2.1 M $1.8 M $1.3 M ($8.3) M $4.5 M $4.0 M $1.0 M $0.6 M $2.1 M $0.6 M $0.4 M $8.7 M $1.0 M $1.0 M $14.1 M $0.5 M $0.0 M $0.0 M $0.0 M ($2.1) M $0.0 M ($1.6) M ($0.5) M $1.1 M $0.0 M ($0.2) M ($2.1) M ($0.6) M ($0.5) M ($0.2) M ($0.3) M ($0.3) M ($3.6) M $4.0 M $3.3 M $1.0 M $8.3 M $3.1 M Position Title Explanations EUM Category Austin Water FY2025 Proposed New FTE Detail Administrative Senior Operational Optimization AW Treatment O & M Tech Sr Operational Optimization Human Resources Advisor Sr Operational Optimization This position reduces AW's cycle time for HR investigations and disciplinary actions. The current average caseload is 10/advisor which is above industry standard. Human Resources Advisor Sr Operational Optimization This position converts a long-term temporary position to full-time employment that provides administrative support and records management and serves as the SharePoint point of contact for the Internal Audit Division and the Enterprise Strategic Services Team and as AW's Ethics single point of contact. This position supports internal audits, AW Strategic Plan, continuous improvement, and Effective Utility Management. This position supports AW's centralized Biosolids handling facility that treats primary and secondary waste, activated sludge, through a pipeline from the city's two wastewater treatment plants. Recent improvements increased operational needs for a new transfer pump station and additional treatment functions. This position allows for Hornsby to operate in the same manner as other treatment facilities, with …
Austin Water Water and Wastewater Commission – Budget Committee : Cost of Service Update Joseph Gonzales Asst. Director, Financial Services July 9, 2024 Page 1 of 20 Agenda Austin Water – Water and Wastewater Final Rate Recommendations Public Engagement Information Next Steps Page 2 of 20 Public Engagement Information PIC Survey Results 10 responses from PIC Public Input Opportunities Completed 10 open houses conducted, with one in each Council District Virtual open house conducted on June 13th 3 focus groups conducted for more in- depth conversation Speak Up Austin Surveys 3 Page 3 of 20 Engagement By The Numbers Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Local Media 6 Outlets Ran Stories Email Sent Social Media •174,679 email addresses •68.75% open (120,092) •11.5% clicks (20,088) •63 posts (1 paid) •39,830 People Reached •45,650 Impressions Made NextDoor 16,291 Impressions Speak Up Austin • 21,011 Views • 196 Survey Responses Open Houses • 107 Attendees in Person • 20 Attendees, Virtually Austin Neighborhood Council Meeting 32 Attendees Focus Groups •27 Participants to 3 Sessions •More than 300 Applied •56 Survey Responses Page 4 of 20 Public Engagement Information In-Person Open Houses Equity Revenue stability Resilience Conservation Affordability for essential uses Affordability for low income Minimal impact to bills Revenue stability Equity Minimizing impacts Affordability for low income Conservation Resilience Affordability for essential use Affordability for essential use Conservation and resilience Low-income affordability and equity Minimal impacts to bills and revenue stability Affordability (all kinds), equity Conservation and resilience Minimal bill impacts System reliability and revenue stability Speak Up Austin Survey Virtual Open House Focus Groups and Surveys Emailed 5 Page 5 of 20 PIC Survey Results 6 Page 6 of 20 PIC Survey Results What percentage of cash funding for major long-term projects should be recommended? % Cash Financing 7 5 4 3 2 1 0 % Cash Financing 20% 4 25% 1 30% 3 35% 1 I don't know 1 Page 7 of 20 PIC Survey Results How should Austin Water apply rate increases across the 5-tiered volume rates for residential customers? Residential Rate Increase 8 5 4 3 2 1 0 Level % increase- 10% Lower increase for lower blocks- 7%-12% NewGen rates-higher increase for lower blocks NewGen rates-higher increase for lower blocks Other- NewGen rates-slightly higher in lower blocks Other-high increases in higher blocks Rate Increase Pattern 1 4 1 1 1 1 Other-no increase to charges for lower blocks, …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission June 12, 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 May 8, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute ten professional services contracts for engineering services for the 2024 Large Scale Water and Wastewater Facilities Engineering Services Rotation List with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Kennedy Jenks Consultants, Inc.; CDM Smith, Inc.; CAS Consulting and Services, Inc.; Hazen & Sawyer DPC; HDR Engineering, Inc.; AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Carollo Engineers, Inc.; Freese & Nichols, Inc.; and CP&Y, Inc., d/b/a STV Infrastructure, for total contract amounts not to exceed $38,500,000.00, divided among the firms. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project with Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $3,531,000 plus a $353,100 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,884,100. (District 3) 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for sewer inspection equipment, parts, and services with CLS Sewer Equipment Co. Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,310,000. 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for sodium bisulfite totes with Kinetic Motorwerks, LLC, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $910,000. The City of Austin is committed to compliance …
Item 2 # 24-4622 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute ten professional services contracts for engineering services for the 2024 Large Scale Water and Wastewater Facilities Engineering Services Rotation List with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Kennedy Jenks Consultants, Inc.; CDM Smith, Inc.; CAS Consulting and Services, Inc.; Hazen & Sawyer DPC; HDR Engineering, Inc.; AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Carollo Engineers, Inc.; Freese & Nichols, Inc.; and CP&Y, Inc., d/b/a STV Infrastructure, for total contract amounts not to exceed $38,500,000.00, divided among the firms. 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 8.05% MBE and 2.36 WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Capital and/or Operating and Maintenance Budgets of the various departments requiring services. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQS) 6100 CLMP360 for these services. The solicitation was issued on October 16th, 2023, and closed on November 15th, 2023. Of the 22 offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: As a standard business practice, the City routinely engages the services of professional engineering firms to perform analysis, design, and support services associated with construction or improvement of City capital assets. Rotation List contracting allows the City to always have a group of qualified consultants available to perform a specific type of recurring work in a timely manner to meet the project and operational needs of the City. Prior to issuing, this solicitation was reviewed by the City’s Rotation List Advisory Committee, which is made up of staff from the Financial Services Department – Corporate Procurement, Capital Procurement, the Small and Minority Business Resource Department, Transportation and Public Works Department, and other user departments. The total authorization amount, the number of firms to be recommended for selection, and the authorization amount per firm were discussed …
Item 3 # 24-4629 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project with Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $3,531,000 plus a $353,100 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,884,100. (District 3) 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 2.36% MBE and 0.89%% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1032 for construction services. The solicitation was issued February 12, 2024 and closed March 21, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the only 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Longhorn Dam was constructed by Austin Energy in 1960 to create a cooling reservoir for the Seaholm and Holly power plants. Both power plants were decommissioned in 2007 and the reservoir is now used as a recreational facility for the City of Austin. The dam is located on the Colorado River in east Austin and creates Lady Bird Lake. It is owned by the City of Austin and has been operated by Austin Water since 2017, after the transition from the previous owner, Austin Energy. This project focuses on life safety improvements by updating gratings, ladders, and guardrails in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, improving the mechanical and electrical systems, improving the ventilation system, and monitoring wall movement systems on the abutments of the bridge. The project proposes lane closures, detours, and use of temporary pavement at varying locations along South Pleasant Valley Road from Canterbury Street to north of Lakeshore Drive at the existing pedestrian hybrid beacon. Capital Delivery Services will communicate regularly with neighboring businesses and residents using mailings, social media outreach, and press …
Item 4 # 24-4821 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for sewer inspection equipment, parts, and services with CLS Sewer Equipment Co. Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,310,000. 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 Amount and Source of Funding Funding in the amount of $115,500 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: Sole Source. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide parts, maintenance, repair, and software for Austin Water's sewer inspection vehicles. These are specially equipped vehicles used to inspect sewer mains using closed-circuit television cameras to assess condition of City-owned wastewater pipeline infrastructure. The Collection System Services Division (CSSD) has a daily responsibility to perform preventative maintenance and investigation when there is an infrastructure failure. This contract will allow the CSSD to make equipment repairs quickly and to provide preventive maintenance on the sewer inspection vehicles. Repairs are essential to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirements regarding sanitary sewage collection systems. CLS Sewer Equipment Co. Inc. is the sole authorized dealer of parts and services provided under this contract. The contract replaces a contract expiring on October 3, 2024. Requested authorization is based on historical spending and departmental estimates of future needs. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these goods and services. Item 4 # 24-4821 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 If a contract is not secured, Austin Water will be unable to effectively inspect wastewater lines and risk the possibility of raw sewage leaking into the surrounding soil. The use of this system has proven effective in preventing such leakage through inspections and repair. 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 $1,386,000 $462,000 $462,000 $2,310,000 …
Item 5 # 24-4846 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for sodium bisulfite totes with Kinetic Motorwerks, LLC, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $910,000. 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 Amount and Source of Funding Funding in the amount of $15,167 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 KMF1023 for these goods. The solicitation was issued on January 15, 2024, and closed on February 27, 2024. The recommended contractor submitted the only 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide sodium bisulfate, a chemical required to maintain a redundant backup system to Austin Water’s primary sulfur dioxide dosing system. In the event the primary sulfur dioxide dosing system is unexpectedly offline, a large quantity of sodium bisulfite will be required to treat untreated wastewater (effluent). The sodium bisulfite solution is necessary to reduce the residual chlorine in treated effluent before discharging the effluent into the Colorado River. Chlorine reduction is crucial to protect aquatic life and the environment. This is a new contract; previous contracts were for spot purchases of goods. The requested authorization is based on historical spending and departmental estimates of future needs. If a contract is not secured, the City will not be able to maintain a redundant backup system that protects aquatic life and the environment by reducing the residual chlorine before discharging the treated effluent into the Colorado River. Contract Details: Contract Term Initial Term Optional Extension 1 Optional Extension 2 Total Length of Term 3 years 1 year 1 year 5 …
Item 6 # 24-4848 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 the recommended contractor Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for commercial-grade Anhydrous Ammonia with Shrieve Chemical Company, LLC, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,000,000. 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. However, identified subcontracting opportunities. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $83,333 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 TJP1004 for these goods. The solicitation was issued on February 12, 2024, and closed on March 19, 2024. Of the one offer received, the recommended contractor submitted the only 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide anhydrous ammonia for Austin Water Treatment Plants. Anhydrous ammonia is critical to the disinfection process. It is mixed into chlorinated water at the Austin Water Treatment Plants to form chloramines, the secondary disinfectant utilized in drinking water treatment. The use of chloramines as secondary disinfectants is required as part of Austin Water Texas Commission Environmental Quality-approved disinfection strategy to limit the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the disinfection process. This product complies with National Sanitation Foundation Standard 60 which governs the use of direct additives for treatment of drinking water. The contract will replace a current contract that will expire on August 22, 2024. The requested authorization amount was determined using estimates of increased annual usage and historical spending. The recommended contractor is the current provider for these goods. Item 6 # 24-4848 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Not having anhydrous ammonia would cause water quality issues in the …
Item 7 # 24-4849 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for flocculating polymer with Polydyne, Inc., for a term of up to five years in an amount not to exceed $600,000. 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 The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 MLJ1021 for these goods. The solicitation was issued on January 29, 2024, and closed on February 29, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. Funding in the amount of $120,000 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: 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the supply of liquid emulsion flocculating polymer to aid in the wastewater treatment process. The polymer is used to coagulate suspended solids and aid the settling of wastewater prior to filtration and after final clarification. It increases the efficiency of settling, clarification, and filtration and centrifugation operations. This contract will replace a contract which expires July 4, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these goods. The requested authorization amounts were determined using departmental estimates based on historical spending. The City treats over 90 million gallons a day of wastewater at two plants, South Austin Regional and Walnut Creek. If the City is unable to secure a contract, the efficiency of filtration of wastewater could potentially be affected, creating potential regulatory problems at the two wastewater treatment plants. 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 $360,000 $120,000 $120,000 $600,000 Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based …
Item 8 # 24-4850 Water & Wastewater Commission: June 12, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for consulting services to develop the Austin Water 2028 Strategic Plan with Blue Sky Incubators LLC d/b/a Blue Sky Partners, for a term of two years in an amount not to exceed $150,000. 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 services 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 Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is subject to available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) 2200 BJT3012 for these services. The solicitation was issued on December 04, 2023, and closed on January 30, 2024. Of the nine offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated 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: June 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide a consultant to facilitate, refresh and develop a new strategic plan to guide Austin Water (AW) into the future. The contractor will work closely with internal and external stakeholders of AW to conduct a ground-up strategic planning process, gathering comprehensive feedback from all levels of the organization and offering multiple opportunities for community input. The AW 2028 Strategic Plan will align with the City’s Strategic Plan to provide secure, reliable, and resilient utility infrastructure that cost effectively serves the customers. The contractor’s strategic planning expertise enables AW staff to collaborate on plan developments while carrying out core business functions and offers a different perspective on industry trends and emerging risks. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored the plan with Blue Sky Incubators LLC d/b/a Blue Sky Partners as the best to provide these services based on work plan, Item 8 # 24-4850 Water …
Landscape Transformation Activities Water & Wastewater Commission | June 12, 2024 Kevin Critendon P.E., Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning & Development Ser vices Steve Villatoro, Super visor, Enforcement & Compliance Why New Water Conservation Measures? Lakes are 50% full Highland Lakes inflow • 2022 - record low • 2023 – 4th lowest El Niño will shift to La Niña Drought Stage 2 restrictions Per-person use has declined but plateaued 2 Landscape Transformation Strategy From traditional landscaping to plants with reduced water needs New single-family residential Potential limits on turf and irrigation Savings goal of 2,490 AF (811 MG) by 2040 3 Public Engagement & Input Public and stakeholder meetings • February, May, June, & November 2022 • August 2023 Smaller stakeholder group meetings Speak Up Austin! page • 2 surveys (256 and 303 responses) • Majority of local responses favored regulating landscape transformation 4 Internal City Stakeholders Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Development Services Department (DSD) Austin Energy (AE) – Green Building Office of Sustainability Equity Office Planning and Housing Department Wildlife Austin (PARD) Austin Fire Department – (Wildland-Urban Interface) 5 Stakeholder Meetings Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) • Concern about project delays Central Texas Professional Irrigation Association - • Supported increased enforcement • Supported high-efficiency irrigation system components Association of Professional Landscape Architects (CTPIA) (ASLA) Texas Nursery and Landscape Assoc. 6 (TNLA – Region 8) Additional Meetings Other utilities in Texas • New Braunfels • City of Frisco • Model homes with 50% turf reduction • Post-installation inspections (within 1-2 days) • Irrigation check-up • Georgetown • Residential landscape ordinance 7 Steps to Transform Landscapes Build with savings Set customers up for success Encourage alternative water 8 Build with Savings Enhanced Soil Inspections • A minimum of 6 inches of topsoil • Topsoil mix composed of 20% compost • Estimated Water Savings: 10% reduction 9 Required residential plant list • Apply commercial plant requirements to residential • Grow Green Plant Guide as a model Build with Savings Limit irrigation area • Up to 50% of landscape area; front yard or back • Estimated Water Savings: 35% annually per home 10 Set Customers Up for Success Est. Water Savings Potential Cost 22% savings $543 plus labor 10% savings Austin Water inspection 5% …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 12, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on June 12, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Sabrina Reichert (remote) Mike Reyes, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Marcela Tuñón Sion (remote), Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Jesse Penn, Judy Musgrove Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Shwetha Pandurangi, Sam Angoori PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the May 8, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the May 8, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Penn’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Angoori, Pandurangi and Tuñón Sion absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute ten professional services contracts for engineering services for the 2024 Large Scale Water and Wastewater Facilities Engineering Services Rotation List with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Kennedy Jenks Consultants, Inc.; CDM Smith, Inc.; CAS Consulting and Services, Inc.; Hazen & Sawyer DPC; HDR Engineering, Inc.; AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Carollo Engineers, Inc.; Freese & Nichols, Inc.; and CP&Y, Inc., d/b/a STV Infrastructure, for total contract amounts not to exceed $38,500,000.00, divided among the firms. No recommendation was made by the Water and Wastewater Commission due to a lack of the affirmative vote with recusals from Commissioners Penn, Reyes and Tuñón Sion and Commissioners Navarro, Angoori and Pandurangi absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project with Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $3,531,000 plus a $353,100 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,884,100. (District 3) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Penn’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Reyes recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Angoori and Pandurangi absent. 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for sewer inspection equipment, parts, and services with CLS Sewer Equipment Co. Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,310,000. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Penn’s second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Angoori and Pandurangi absent. …
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting May 20, 2024 – 3:00pm Waller Creek Center 625 E. 10th St. Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. 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 commission liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. Members of the public wishing to speak in person on the agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. AGENDA Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta (District 10), Chair Budget Committee Members: Sam Angoori (District 5) Judy Musgrove (District 7) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak before the meeting in person or by noon the day before the meeting remotely by telephone, will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Austin Water Financial Forecast Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Update 2. Austin Water Cost of Services Update 3. Austin Water Debt Management Update 4. Review Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Schedule 5. Review and possible action to approve the Budget Committee meeting schedule DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items ADJOURN The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Heather Cooke at Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov.
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Approval: July 9, 2024 WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES May 20, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee convened on May 22, 2023, at Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the meeting to order at 3:06 pm Budget Committee Members in Attendance: Susan Turrieta (Chair), Marcela Tuñón Sion (Vice Chair) (remote), Judy Musgrove Budget Committee Members Absent: Sam Angoori PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered to speak. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Austin Water Financial Forecast Fiscal Year 2025 – 2029 Update - Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales, Austin Water Financial Manager Songli Floyd and Christina Romero provided updates and answered questions. 2. Austin Water Cost of Service Update – Austin Water Financial Manager, Songli Floyd provided updates and answered questions. 3. Austin Water Debt Management Update – Austin Water Financial Manager, Christina Romero provided an update and answered questions. 4. Review Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Schedule – Austin Water Financial Manager, Christina Romero provided an update and answered questions. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 5. Review and possible action to approve Budget Committee meeting schedule – The Budget Committee will review availability to schedule a follow up meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items - Chair Turrieta and Vice Chair Tuñon Sion requested updates on Capital Improvement Project (CIP) spending and Full-Time Employees (FTEs). ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. by Chair Turrieta. The minutes were approved at the July 9, 2024 Budget Committee meeting on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón Sion’s second on a 3-0 vote, with Commissioner Angoori absent.
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission May 8, 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 April 17, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the contract with MGC Contractors, Inc. for the Walnut Creek Primary Clarifier and Flow Equalization Basin Rehab project in an amount of $127,300,000 not to exceed $160,000,000. (District 1) 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for pre-construction and construction services for Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion to 100 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) project with MWH Constructors Inc. in an amount not to exceed $900,000,000. (District 1) 4. Recommend approval to amend the contract for engineering services for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Improvements with Carollo Engineers, Inc., in the amount of $9,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $14,700,000. (District 1) 5. Recommend approval to amend the contract for professional services for the Walnut Creek Primary Clarifier and Flow Equalization Basin Rehab project with Black & Veatch Corporation, in the amount of $17,000,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $22,024,948. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with …
Item 10 # 24-4488 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with GP Decker, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $531,875.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized water main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5713R that will provide water service to a proposed multi-family and light industrial development located at 9500 Decker Lane. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 8, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Decker General Subdivision project consists of approximately 58.33 acres of land located at 9500 Decker Lane (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water and wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Decker Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. GP Decker, LLC (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 425 multi-family units and 175,000 sq. ft. of office warehouse for light industrial use. The Owner requested that the City provide water utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5713R. Austin Water will provide retail wastewater service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 5714R. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Owner to oversize the water main in order to serve additional properties within the North and North Reduced water pressure zones consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized water main. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of approximately 2,955 feet of 16-inch water main from the existing 16-inch water main located in Decker Ln. to the existing 16-inch water main in Decker Ln. at Central Austin Dr. Item 10 # 24-4488 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 The City will reimburse the Owner for an …
Item 11 # 24-4489 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with GP Decker LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $2,960,100.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized lift station, force main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5714R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family and light industrial development located at 9500 Decker Lane. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 8, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Decker General Subdivision project consists of approximately 58.33 acres of land located at 9500 Decker Lane (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water and wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Decker Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. GP Decker LLC (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 425 multi-family units and 175,000 sq. ft. of office warehouse for light industrial use. The Owner requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5714R. Austin Water will provide retail water service to the Property as proposed in SER No. 5713R. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Owner to oversize the lift station and force main in order to serve additional properties within the Decker drainage basin consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized lift station and force main. The proposed oversized improvements include an oversized lift station (approximately 780 gpm) located within the eastern portion of the Property, and approximately 1,365 feet of oversized force main from the proposed lift station east to and north along Decker Lane and connect to the existing 21-inch wastewater interceptor. Item 11 # 24-4489 Water & Wastewater Commission: …
Item 12 # 24-4673 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to amend the contract for engineering services for the South Area and Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements with CDM Smith Inc., in the amount of $2,850,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $6,350,000. (District 1) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 10.86% MBE and 3.41% WBE Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Prior Council Action: November 1, 2018 – Council approved the original contract with CDM Smith Inc. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 8, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The lift stations and force mains in South and Northwest Austin have been identified for improvements based on capacity of the existing pumps, force main conveyance capacity, and the condition assessment of their major components including the dry well, wet well, and force main. The Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Influent Lift Station project is in the South Area Lift Station Improvements region of lift stations. An amendment to the professional services agreement is required to move the project forward into bid and construction phases. This amendment is for additional funding for CDM Smith, Inc. to provide professional services for Walnut Creek WWTP Influent Lift Station. The professional services amendment includes additional services to the bid and construction phase services which provides construction oversight, submittal reviews, responding to contractor questions during construction, reviewing modifications and preparing as-built drawings. The purpose of the Walnut Creek WWTP Influent Lift Station is to replace the existing influent lift station and to receive the increased flows from the Johnny Morris Interceptor and pump the flow to Walnut Creek WWTP. The existing influent station does not have the capacity for future flows. Item 12 # 24-4673 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 Moreover, this amendment is for additional funding for CDM Smith, Inc. to provide construction administration services for the Springfield Lift Station Abandonment project. No impact to the public is anticipated because all construction work will be completed …
Water & Wastewater Commission May 8, 2024 MY ATX WATER Austin’s Smart Metering System Citywide Implementation • 100% Data Collection Units installed & operational • 210,558 of 250,000 meters exchanged Quality Assurance & Meter to Bill Process Quality control is integral to project success. • Each meter is tested by manufacturer for accuracy before delivery. • Austin Water conducts additional tests on representative sample to validate accurate registered readings. Each meter undergoes 10-step certification process after installation. Manual and electronic reads are conducted simultaneously through two billing cycles before switching to fully electronic reads. COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS AND BENEFITS Communications Since launching in 2020, AW has sent over 4.5M portal communications • drought and water conservation education, water quality report, emergency and planned shutouts, potential water pressure changes, customer surveys, and more. Weekly install and portal recruitment email open rate at ~70% (above industry average). Proactive communication with Downtown customers to encourage them to schedule install appointments Upcoming communications on the horizon are the Water Quality Report, water conservation including encouragement to customize their home water profile, budget, and rates. As of 9/27, 98 open issues currently being worked As of 9/27, 4,242 issues resolved Customer Interactions 123,599 Bill Forecast Notifications • In the past 12 months, nearly 40% billed at or lower volume than forecast, resulting in an estimated 32MG of water savings 159,576 Continuous Usage Alerts 19,185 customer conversations since 2021 Main topics are: • identifying leaks/response to continuous usage alerts • Interpreting consumption data AW and COA Utilities have not experienced an increase in billing complaints and no backlog of open billing cases 720 Million Gallons estimated water savings through customer leak alert system HELP US HELP YOU, and save water too! Sign up for the portal in THREE EASY STEPS 8 1 Locate your account number. You can find this either on your utilities bill or call COA Utilities Customer Care 512-494-9400 9 Type your account number and zip code into this website: austintx.watersmart.com 2 10 Fill out your user profile and start saving! 3 11 As a master plumber I didn’t know what to think about the new electronic meters. Y’all alerted me this morning that I had a leak at my house. I went out and sure enough my irrigation box is full of water. That usually could’ve gone on for months. Y’all …
Item 2 # 24-4616 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the contract with MGC Contractors, Inc. for the Walnut Creek Primary Clarifier and Flow Equalization Basin Rehab project in an amount of $127,300,000 not to exceed $160,000,000. (District 1) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 2.21% MBE and 0.25% WBE. 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: Contract Amendment Prior Council Action: July 28, 2022 – City Council authorized negotiation and execution of a construction manager-at-risk agreement with MGC Contractors, Inc. December 9, 2021 – City Council authorized use of construction manager-at-risk alternative delivery procurement method. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: May 8, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: 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. A portion of the plant effluent is used for non-potable water (NPW) at the plant site and to supply much of the City’s growing Water Reclamation Initiative (WRI) program. The remainder plant effluent is discharged into the Colorado River. The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate and make improvements to Primary Treatment Complex (PTC) No. 1, built in 1977, and PTC No. 2, built in the late 1980s. Each PTC consists of two trains of primary clarifiers and in-line flow equalization basins (FEBs). Wastewater flows through the primary clarifiers, then continues to the in-line FEBs. Following the PTCs, the settled wastewater is pumped to secondary treatment for further treatment, and solids from the primary clarifiers are Item 2 # 24-4616 Water & Wastewater Commission: May 8, 2024 Council: May 30, 2024 pumped to Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant. Most of the mechanical and other components in PTC No. 1 and No. 2 are beyond their useful life and are required to be replaced. The project’s solicited construction value was based on a 2021 preliminary engineering report. Based on the current 60% cost model, the new estimated cost of construction is …
