Submitted By: Rusella Bowes-Johnson
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Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Water & Sewer
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. LPA0709 between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Ocala for the Lower Floridan Aquifer Conversion (Phase V) Project to appropriate additional funding in the amount of $250,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
This Project will reduce the amount of water withdrawal from the Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) and move to the Lower Floridan Aquifer (LFA) which is a suitable alternative water supply. By moving towards the LFA as a source of potable drinking water, the City will limit the amount of water withdrawn from the UFA, which feeds Silver Springs. This new source will decrease the negative flow impact on the Silver Springs and dramatically increase the springs’ water levels.
The Project consists of the installation of approximately 19,000 linear feet of 12-inch concentration transmission main, construction of a three-million-gallon concentrate ground storage tank, and one 2,000 KW Emergency Generator and associated equipment.
On September 19, 2023, City Council approved the original grant funding agreement, Agreement No. LPA 0709, and appropriated funding in the amount of $1,000,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. LPA 0709:
• Provides additional funding in the amount of $250,000 for the purchase of one (1) 2,000kw emergency generator and associated equipment;
• Increases the new total funding amount to $1,250,000;
• Amends the original task end date from 10/31/2026 to 06/30/2027; and
• Amends the original task to change a two-million-gallon concentrate ground storage tank to a three-million-gallon concentrate ground storage tank.
While this grant agreement does not require matching funds, the City of Ocala will cover any additional funding to complete this project.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Under this Amendment No.1 agreement, FDEP agrees to reimburse the City an additional $250,000, which will be appropriated in account #308-050-378-533-69-65010. There is an associated budget resolution for this agenda item for this meeting.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Amendment will be reviewed in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Amendment will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny