Title
Discuss a Proposal by Urban Solutions to Conduct a Watershed Analysis as Part of the Ongoing Urban Solutions Contract with the City of McKinney (Julie Smith) (30 minutes)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: N/A
MEETING DATE: February 15, 2010
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Stewardship
CONTACT: Julie Smith, Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Provide staff direction with respect to proposed use of Urban Solutions contract to analyze the City of McKinneys watershed and propose suggestions for a Watershed Protection Plan.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Staff proposes using the ongoing Urban Solutions contract to utilize the scientific expertise Texas A&M Urban Solutions can provide in terms of conducting a city-wide watershed study. By determining where and what the major contributors are to the degradation of our watershed - both in terms of water quality and reduced water quantity as a result of erosion and sedimentation, as well identifying potential flood hazards - staff will better be able to develop an effective Watershed Protection Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The City of McKinney is in its third year of a six-year contract (renewed annually) with Texas A&M Urban Solutions. The first two years concentrated on water conservation efforts and resulted in the development of the McKinney Green Gardens and other environmental education outreach efforts.
• Staff recognizes the scientific expertise Texas A&M could provide in terms of watershed analysis and protection. Urban Solutions has completed several large watershed studies that involve multiple jurisdictions and more than a thousand-acre drainage basin. As a result of meetings between staff and Dr. Allan Jones, Urban Solutions has developed a proposal to conduct an analysis of the City of McKinneys watershed.
• Dr. Jones proposes using the SWAT (Soil and Water and Assessment Tool) model now used nationally and internationally to assess and troubleshoot watershed issues. However, this will be the first local application where the modeling focuses on the sub-watersheds located within a municipalitys city limits.
• The success of this effort will be of interest not only to our sister cities but cities across the United States. Also the EPA is considering using this type of analysis for developing watershed protection criteria.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The City Council approved the continuation of the Urban Solutions contract as part of this years budget process.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A