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Home My WebLink AboutA001 - Council Action Form dated July 28, 2026ITEM #:18 DATE:07-28-26 DEPT:PW SUBJECT:FY 2026/27 WATER MONITORING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PRAIRIE RIVERS OF IOWA COUNCIL ACTION FORM BACKGROUND: In 2020, the City of Ames partnered with Story County and numerous local agencies to develop the Story County Water Monitoring and Interpretation Plan (2021–2030), a coordinated county-wide effort to monitor and improve the quality of streams, rivers, and lakes throughout Story County. Prairie Rivers of Iowa (PRI) has assisted with implementation of the monitoring plan since its inception by providing water quality monitoring, technical expertise, data interpretation, and public education. The purpose of the monitoring program is to collect and analyze water quality data, increase public awareness of local water quality issues, identify watershed concerns, evaluate long- term trends, and support projects and practices that improve water quality throughout Story County. The program also supports the City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements by providing monitoring, education, and watershed planning activities. The City enters into a one-year professional services agreement with Prairie Rivers of Iowa each fiscal year to continue implementation of the monitoring plan. The proposed agreement covers the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 and includes the following services: Monthly water quality monitoring and laboratory coordination at fifteen monitoring sites throughout Story County. Coordination of two volunteer water quality monitoring events annually. Water quality data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Maintenance and support of the public water quality monitoring website. Support for Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) development and implementation. Investigation of bacterial sources within local waterways as funding permits. Public education and outreach related to water quality and conservation. Technical assistance with conservation planning, habitat restoration, and grant opportunities supporting City water quality initiatives. The proposed agreement for FY 2026/27 totals $59,000, an increase of $2,260 (approximately 4.0%) over the FY 2025/26 agreement. The increase reflects annual program costs and continued implementation of the monitoring plan. 1 Funding for this agreement is programmed within the Public Works operating and Water Pollution Control watershed-based nutrient reduction CIP budgets. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve the FY 2026/27 Water Monitoring Services Agreement with Prairie Rivers of Iowa of Ames, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed $59,000. 2. Direct staff to further negotiate the scope of services with Prairie Rivers of Iowa. 3. Do not approve the agreement. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: The proposed agreement continues implementation of the Story County Water Monitoring and Interpretation Plan and provides the City with ongoing water quality monitoring, technical expertise, public education, and watershed planning support. These services assist the City in meeting stormwater permit requirements, identifying water quality concerns, evaluating long-term trends, and supporting future watershed improvement projects. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above. ATTACHMENT(S): 2026-27 Ames Water Monitoring Contract-1.docx 2 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF AMES AND PRAIRIE RIVERS OF IOWA RC&D Water Monitoring Services This Agreement is made effective on July 1, 2026 by and between City of Ames, City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010 hereinafter referred to as ‘AMES’, and Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC&D, 3116 S Duff Avenue, Suite 201, Ames, Iowa 50010. Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC&D is hereinafter referred to as ‘PRI’ for this agreement. The parties have agreed and do hereby enter into this agreement according to the provisions set out herein: A. Description of Services PRI will work with the City of Ames to develop and implement water monitoring and conservation education throughout Ames and Story County. The work will include: 1) Water Monitoring ● Assist the Monitoring Planning Team in implementing goals and strategies for 2026–27 and participate in a minimum of four meetings with the team during the year. ● Coordinate and administer two volunteer events each year. ● Conduct monthly sample collection, delivery to lab, and data analysis and interpretation for 15 sites in Story County. ● Support the AMES Lab by collecting and coordinating all monitoring information to inform the Monitoring Plan. ● Oversee water quality monitoring webpage development and maintenance in partnership with the City of Ames. ● Facilitate the development of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the monitoring program. ● Evaluate sources of bacteria within surface waters as funding permits. 3 2 2) Water Quality Public Education ● Support AMES public education goals related to conservation and water quality by participating in the Eco-Fair, Eco-Vision, and other community outreach events. ● Upon request, prepare one article per year on water quality and/or conservation for distribution through the Sustainable Ames Quarterly Newsletter or other City-approved communication platforms. ● Prepare graphs and educational materials to support public education and outreach efforts. 3) Other Conservation Efforts and Education ● Upon request, present water quality data, analysis, and other educational elements to the City Council. ● Support and participate in the Eco-Fair. ● Support City of Ames prairie and pollinator habitat restoration and enhancement efforts, including projects at the Water and Pollution Control Plant, Moore Park, and other identified sites. ● Support City of Ames in project-related grant seeking and philanthropic endeavors, as needed. ● Provide site-level guidance and conceptual recommendations to support Ames’ Pollinator Plan, including assistance with the Ioway Creek corridor master planning effort. The organization will complete a limited number of site visits annually, as capacity allows. B. Scope of Work Timeline This contract is in effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. C. Reimbursement These services will be invoiced and reimbursed for a total of $59,000. No greater amount shall be paid without a signed written amendment. D. Suspension/Termination Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other, at least 30 days before the effective date of termination. Either party may suspend this agreement. Notification of suspension shall be in writing. In the event of termination by either party, PRI will be paid for compliant services through the date of termination. E. Entire Agreement 4 3 This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties and there are no other promises or conditions in any other Agreement whether oral or written. F. Amendment This Agreement may be modified or amended by written order with mutual agreement by both parties. G. Applicable Laws The terms and provisions of this Agreement are to be construed in accordance with the State of Iowa and applicable Federal laws, and the Contractor agrees to perform obligations under this Agreement in accordance with said laws including applicable audit requirements. H. Independent Contractor Status PRI agrees that the relationship between PRI and AMES is that of an independent contractor for employment tax purposes. PRI shall be solely responsible for all taxes relating to payments made under this agreement. I. Laws This agreement is governed by the law of the State of Iowa with venue in Story County District Court. J. Assignment This agreement may not be assigned or transferred by PRI without the prior written consent of the AMES. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement in duplicate and each copy shall constitute an executed counterpart original. PRAIRIE RIVERS OF IOWA RC&D By: Date: ___________________________ CITY OF AMES By: Date: ___________________________ 5 4 6