HomeMy WebLinkAboutA014 - Appointments to Watershed Management AuthoritiesITEM #:15
DATE:08-26-25
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITIES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Code of Iowa Section 466B.22, Sub-Chapter II allows political subdivisions located within
the same United States Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Code 8 watershed to create a
Watershed Management Authority (WMA) by entering into a 28E agreement. The purpose of
such authorities is to enable cooperation in supporting watershed planning and improvements
for the mutual advantage of the political subdivisions involved. The City of Ames has entered
into two separate 28E agreements as a part of the Headwaters of the South Skunk River WMA
and the Ioway Creek WMA.
Each of these two WMAs hold joint meetings on a quarterly basis. Dustin Albrecht,
Environmental Specialist with the Water & Pollution Control Department, has interacted with
the WMAs and their constituent members for several years, forming partnerships that continue
to benefit the City's non-point source nutrient reduction efforts. He was appointed by City
Council to be the City’s representative for the Headwaters of the South Skunk River WMA on
October 8, 2024.
On July 18, 2023, Council voted to appoint Tracy Peterson, who was the Municipal Engineer
at the time, to become the City's designated representative for the Ioway Creek WMA. With
Ms. Peterson's departure from the City, a new designee is needed. It is proposed that
Dustin Albrecht be appointed as the City of Ames representative for the Ioway Creek
WMA due to the shared meetings and similar goals to the Headwaters of the South
Skunk River WMA.
In addition, both WMAs require each political subdivision to name an alternate representative.
Noel Steckelberg, Civil Engineer I with the Public Works Department, has responsibilities that
align with goals of both WMAs and has expressed interest in becoming involved with the
g r o u p s . Therefore, it is proposed that Noel Steckelberg be appointed as the City of
Ames' alternate representative for both WMAs.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can:
a. Approve the appointment of Dustin Albrecht, Environmental Specialist, as the
representative to the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority.
b. Approve the appointment of Noel Steckelberg, Civil Engineer I, as the alternate
representative to the Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority.
c. Approve the appointment of Noel Steckelberg, Civil Engineer I, as the alternate
representative to the Headwaters of the South Skunk River Watershed
Management Authority.
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2. Name a different appointee to the Ioway Creek WMA and different alternate
representative to both WMAs.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Appointing representatives and alternates to the WMAs with which the City is involved
is important to ensure adequate coordination with watershed partners. Dustin Albrecht
has been involved in the technical aspects of the WMA's watershed efforts for several
years and Noel Steckelberg’s interest and work responsibilities align well with the goals
of both WMAs. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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