ITEM TITLE:
Approval of Operations and Maintenance Agreement, Including the Operations and Maintenance Plan for the Valdez Glacier Stream Emergency Watershed Protection Project
SUBMITTED BY: Rochelle Rollenhagen, Senior Planner
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, Including the Operations and Maintenance Plan for the Valdez Glacier Stream Emergency Watershed Protection Project.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On May 16, 2017 the City Council passed Resolution No. 17-16, amending the budget by approving the notice and grant award acceptance of $1,340,250 to the City of Valdez from the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program for the protection of the KCHU radio tower and adjacent infrastructure. This project will help restore the unstable stream banks of the Valdez Glacier Stream by constructing a 1,975 foot long dike and riprap revetment along Copper Avenue, protecting the KCHU tower as well as adjacent infrastructure, and allowing for ingress and egress along a widened Copper Avenue.
Council discussed this project extensively at the May 16th meeting. Discussion on this item centered on whether it is the City’s responsibility to repair damages caused by the nature of braided stream channels. Saving the KCHU tower and other infrastructure even at the cost of buying out property and contributing 25% matching funds was ultimately deemed appropriate. During the discussion, Council established that it is the City’s responsibility to maintain the dike and riprap. It was stated that except for maintenance, Council does not wish to spend any additional money on the area. Staff will propose a line item for maintenance funds during the budget approval process.
Section IV. B.2 of the NRCS Cooperative Agreement states that the NRCS will prepare an Operations and Maintenance Plan, which they have done and is attached along with the Operations and Maintenance Agreement. The NRCS estimates that the average annual cost of maintenance will be $22,000 for this structure. They also suggest the City hold funds for these activities in an escrow account until needed. This is in no way mandatory. There are no special operating requirements except to prevent any operation that would be detrimental to the project. The City is also responsible for ensuring Copper Avenue is maintained and in good condition. The attached plan and agreement further defines responsibilities for operating, inspecting and maintaining the Valdez Glacier Stream Emergency Watershed Protection Project.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Operation and Maintenance Agreement, including the Operation and Maintenance Plan, for the Valdez Glacier Stream Emergency Watershed Protection Project.