TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Victor Majtenyi, Deputy Utilities Director
FROM: Suzanne Fisher, Assistant City Manager
THROUGH: George Gretsas, City Manager
DATE: March 3, 2020
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APPROVE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FOR PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTARY FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATIC LINE FLUSHERS, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCCED $40,000, AS PART OF THEIR COOPERATIVE FUNDING PROGRAM FOR WATER CONSERVATION.
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff is requesting City Commission to approve and execute grant agreement No. 4600004187 with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for providing supplementary funding for the purchase and installation of automatic water line flushers by means of cost reimbursement in the amount not to exceed $40,000, as part of their Cooperative Funding Program for Water Conservation.
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Background:
The Utilities Division utilizes fire hydrants to conduct routine flushing on its potable water distribution system to maintain water quality throughout the system. Water quality becomes especially challenging during summer months when temperatures increase and when the demand declines due to our seasonal population. In addition, water quality issues increase when irrigation restrictions are in effect. Flushing fire hydrants to move water helps reduce water age in the system. The installation of automatic water line flushers will help reduce the amount of water used in manual flushing activities. The projected water savings using twenty automatic line flushing devices is estimated at 3.8 million gallons per year.
In July 2019, the City was notified by the District that their Water Conservation program was accepting applications for projects proposed for implementation in fiscal year 2019/2020. On August 16, 2019, the City submitted its application to request funding assistance for the purchase and installation of automatic line flushers; which the City Commission ratified at the October 15, 2019 City Commission meeting. The total cost for purchase and installation of twenty (20) automatic line flushers is estimated at $114,000.00.
At their December 12, 2019 meeting, the SFWMD Board approved their list of grant recipients which included the City of Delray Beach automatic line flusher project in the amount of $40,000. Staff requests Commission accept the grant award and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement for the City.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
Account 441-36-283-536.64-90 (Machinery & Equipment Other Machinery / Equipment), with reimbursement of up to $40,000 upon project completion.
Timing of Request:
This request is time sensitive as it keeps the project on schedule.