HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Water Supply Capacity Study RESOLUTION NO. 05-324
RESOLUTION APPROVING WATER SUPPLY CAPACITY STUDY,
COMMITTING FUNDS,AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO
OBTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING SOURCES
FOR THE CITY OF AMES
WHEREAS, since the first water restrictions were imposed in the City during the drought of 1977,the City has spent
several million dollars expanding its water resource capacity to meet future needs;and,
WHEREAS, over the past 40 years, the Ames water utility has funded number Iowa State University(ISU) research
proposals,including source water capacity studies; and,
WHEREAS,the last capacity study was completed more than 10 years ago and used only limited modeling techniques
available at that time; and,
WHEREAS, since then,the utility has expanded into new well fields, non-city wells have been installed in Ames and
surrounding areas,and demand for water supply is increasing; and,
WHEREAS,recent improvements in modeling and computer capabilities make an updated study highly beneficial to
identify the current capacity and steps the City can take to ensure a reliable drinking water source into the future; and,
WHEREAS,Dr. William Simpkins,Professor of Hydrogeology at ISU,has submitted a proposal for a comprehensive
groundwater study for Ames, and this study will research both the quantity and quality of groundwater available to Ames as a
drinking water source and the potential use of the Ada Hayden lakes during drought periods; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed research project will be completed over a three-year period at an estimated total cost of
$215,470; and,
WHEREAS,a total of$125,000 from the City's Water Fund haw been included in the approved Capital Improvements
Plan(CIP)over the 2004/05,2005/06, and 2006/07 fiscal years for source water research; and,
WHEREAS,the significant project cost increase is due to an expanded scope of services that will be paid for by outside
funders, and staff will work with Dr. Simpkins to obtain outside funding sources for the remainder of the project expenses that
exceed the City's funds;and,
WHEREAS,the City's financial commitment for this study will only be the$125,000,so if other funding sources can not
be found within the next eight to twelve months,the scope of the project will be reduced to the level of funds available.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council ofthe City ofAmes,Iowa, that the"Water Supply Capacity
for Ames for the 2 1"Century"proposal is hereby approved with a commitment in funding of up to$125,000 for the three-year
study, and staff is hereby authorized to work with Dr. William Simpkins in obtaining supplemental funding sources for the
remainder of the expenses.
ADOPTED THIS 26th day of July,2005.
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Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ted Tedesco,Mayor
Introduced by: Wirth
Seconded by: Goodhue
Voting aye: Goodhue, Goodman,Mahayni,Vegge,Wirth
Voting nay: None Absent: Cross
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 26th day of July,2005.