To: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
From: Alonzo Liñán, P.E., Director of Public Works
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas, to provide professional services relating to the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 - Emergency Response Plan (Water & Wastewater Systems) Project, for the Public Works Department; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all contract documents relating thereto on behalf of the City of Keller, Texas.
Action Requested:
Consider a resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 - Emergency Response Plan (Water & Wastewater Systems) in the amount of $74,000.
Background:
America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 was approved October 23, 2018 to update the United States Bioterrorism Act. Section 2013 of AWIA of 2018, requires all community water systems serving populations greater than 3,300 but less than 50,000 to assess the risks to and the resilience of its system and certify compliance with this requirement to the EPA by June 30, 2021. AWIA of 2018 further requires all community water systems to revise their Emergency Response Plans by December 30, 2021. The Project Plan for the City of Keller to implement these two steps has been updated and is attached for reference.
On May 5, 2020, Council approved an Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. to provide the first step required by this federal law, the Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA). Since then, the RRA has proceeded using an all-hazards approach focusing on evaluating malevolent acts, cyber-security and natural hazards. The RRA is on schedule for completion and certification as required by the AWIA of 2018.
Approval of this Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. provides the second step outlined in the Project Plan. Specifically, it is now required to revise the City’s Emergency Response Plan for the water and wastewater system using the protocols detailed in American Water Works Association’s M19 Manual - “Emergency Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities”. Section 2013 of the AWIA of 2018 requires certification of the completed Emergency Response Plan to the EPA by December 2021.
It is estimated to take 8 months for completion of the Emergency Response Plan followed by an online submittal to the EPA certifying its completion by December 30, 2021.
Financial Impact:
The cost of the Professional Services Agreement is $74,000. Funding is available in the Water System Capital Improvement Fund with funds provided by the Water/Wastewater Fund.
Citizen Input/Board Review:
None.
Legal Review:
The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement for Professional Services.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial
Council Action:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution as presented.