Submitted By: Rusella Bowes-Johnson
presenter
Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Water & Sewer
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-143 appropriating additional funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Lower Floridan Aquifer Conversion (Phase V) Project 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 By moving towards the LFA as a source of potable drinking water, the City will limit the amount of water withdrawn from the UFA, which feeds Silver Springs.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, the FDEP agrees to reimburse the City an additional $250,000, which will be appropriated in account #308-050-378-533-69-65010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Adopt with Changes
• Table
• Deny
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2025-143
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE LOWER FLORIDAN AQUIFER CONVERSION (PHASE V) PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2023, the City was awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under agreement No. LPA0709 in the amount of $1,000,000; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has provided the first amendment to the agreement to provide an additional $250,000 for the project; and
WHEREAS, the additional $250,000 funds are for the purchase of a 2,000 KW emergency generator and associated equipment; and
WHEREAS, the new expiration date of the grant is June 30, 2027, to cover all tasks.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget be amended as follows:
SOURCES:
308-334-000-000-09-33473 FDEP $250,000
USE:
308-050-378-533-69-65010 Construction in Progress $250,000
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2025.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Kristen M. Dreyer
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney
Reviewed for accounting accuracy & completeness:
By: _________________________________
Peter A. Lee
City Manager