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.
