ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a CONTRACT with WOODARD CURRAN, in the Amount of $99,950.00 for a Water System Assessment and Technical Support.
Body
BACKGROUND: Staff recently solicited responses to an RFQ and received the attached submission. The qualifications, terms, and scope of the proposed professional services are desirous, and staff recommends proceeding with the initial study outlined therein which is summarized below:
Provide support to the City by providing technical professional services including the identification and report of general factors for the City’s consideration in evaluating its own options with respect to the water distribution system. These factors and work elements are key points needing consideration prior to the City deciding whether to start extensive due process efforts related to the purchase process in the current franchise agreement.
Phase 1 - Develop operations and engineering considerations of owning a water system. Further detailed tasks are outlined within the attached proposal.
Phase 2 - Summarize buyout process considerations - cost to perform valuation and range of cost to purchase. Further detailed tasks are outlined within the attached proposal.
Phase 3 - Presentations to City Council.
To assure adequate time ahead of the November 3, 2023, deadline to notify Illinois American Water Company of any intent to exercise the City’s purchase option, the following days are outlined as milestones for meetings with both City staff and Council members to review deliverables and assure Council members are informed prior to voting on this measure. Additionally, monthly status reports detailing progress and key milestones will be provided to City Staff and Council.
September 26, 2023 - Review draft deliverable with City and receive feedback/comments to incorporate in a final report.
October 3, 2023 - Submit final deliverable to City for approval.
October 10, 2023 - Presentation of final deliverable to City Council.
October 24, 2023 - Clarify Council questions following the presentation and provide support, as needed, ahead of the November 3rd deadline.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: To be determined by the outcome of this study.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Possible transition of ownership and operation of a water utility.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The initial study will proceed and recommendations formulated.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The city will not be in a position to make a determination as to whether to proceed with a due diligence undertaking.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City
2. Grow Peoria
3. Not applicable.
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Keep taxes and fees competitive.
3. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works