Title
Renewal of Memorandum of Agreement with Northeast Florida Utility Coordination Group (B)
**This item was presented to the UAB on 12/14/17.""
Explanation
Over the last 10 years, GRU has been coordinating with other utilities in the North Florida area on water supply issues in a group known as the Northeast Florida Utility Coordination Group (NFUCG). The NFUCG includes GRU, JEA, Clay County Utility Authority, St. Johns County, City of Atlantic Beach, City of Jacksonville Beach, City of Neptune Beach, and Town of Orange Park. The group has been working collaboratively to evaluate the long-term sustainability of regional groundwater resources to meet public water supply needs and protect natural systems, and participates in the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) water supply planning processes. Participation in the group allows members to cost-share on engineering consulting and legal support services related to water supply issues and to minimize or avoid conflicts between members through collaboration.
The group has been operating under an existing 3-year memorandum of agreement, which recently expired. Staff seeks authorization for GRU to enter into a new agreement that continues this relationship. Under the agreement, GRU will pay 13.35% of the combined cost for the group’s efforts for a maximum of $66,752 per year for a maximum total of $200,256 over the 3-year term of the agreement.
Fiscal Note
Annual costs for participating in NFUCG are included in the approved FY2018-2023 GRU operations and maintenance budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the General Manager or his designee to execute the memorandum of agreement, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
The UAB approved this item on consent.