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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Funding of River Valley Park low-head dam modifications RESOLUTION NO. 09-335 RESOLUTION APPROVING FUNDING OF RIVER VALLEY PARK LOW-HEAD DAM MODIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF AMES WHEREAS,in 1984,the City constructed a low-head dam in River Valley Park,and the function of the dam is to create a pool of water which serves as a recharge location for the City's water supply aquifer; and, WHEREAS,on occasion,the dam is also used by citizens for recreational purposes,including some organized recreation groups,and one such group is the local Skunk River Paddlers; and, WHEREAS, in 2008, the City Council received a letter from a representative of this group outlining the inherent dangers of low-head dams, and, in particular, the letter discussed the re-circulation effect which occurs immediately downstream of the dam; and, WHEREAS,while the City has never promoted recreation on the water crossing the dam,it is evident that this water feature continues to attract members of the public who use the area for recreational purposes; and, WHEREAS, in August 2008, the Council approved a general concept of the proposed modifications to the dam,and since then,the Iowa Department of Natural Resources(IDNR)has proposed a modified design that increases the number of boulders on the downstream side to provide aquatic life benefits in addition to safety; and, WHEREAS,the new design also provides a more stable arrangement to better withstand high flows in the river; and, WHEREAS,the increased scope of the project has thus increased the estimated cost for construction; and, WHEREAS,the IDNR has cost-share funding available in the current year to assist with projects of this nature, and this includes funding for both technical design and construction; and, WHEREAS,the IDNR has estimated a total cost for this project to be$l 44,000,with half of the cost expected to be provided by this funding and half from local contributions; and, WHEREAS, based upon the IDNR budget estimate, the City estimates that its total of $72,000 will be necessary for the local cost share of the project; and, WHEREAS,staff requests that the Council authorize up to$50,000 from savings in the State and Mortensen Elevated Tank Project to be used for this project. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames,Iowa,that authorization of up to $50,000 for the low-head dam modifications project at River Valley Park is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 14t'day of July,2009. C�:�?. LY-d& A. V,/. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Introduced by: Mahayni Seconded by: Rice Voting aye: Doll,Goodman,Larson,Mahayni,Popken,Rice Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 14"'day of July,2009.