Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE TINKERS CREEK WATERSHED PARTNERS FOR AN OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 319 GRANT FOR THE DARROW ROAD PARK STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TINKERS CREEK WATERSHED PARTNERS FOR THE PROJECT ADMINISTRATION THERFOR.
Brief Description: Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) has secured a grant through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 319 grant programs to fund the “Darrow Road Park Stream Restoration Project”. The total project cost is estimated at $250,000 and is being paid for by the EPA grant and managed by Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 319 Grant Program focuses on working with watershed groups who are implementing locally developed watershed management plans and restoring impaired surface waters that have been impacted by non-point source pollution such as runoff from roads and parking lots.
In October 2021, the City of Hudson partnered with the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) to apply for, and was recently awarded, an OEPA 319 Grant to help fund the “Darrow Road Park Stream Restoration Project”.
The project is located within Darrow Road Park (see attached concept plan). The project goal is to reshape sections of the channelized stream, restore sinuosity to the channel and allow flood flows to access the adjacent floodplains and wetlands. Upon completion of the grading, the restoration area will be planted with native species, woody shrubs, and wetland plants to rebuild a healthy forest understory that will blend within the adjacent riparian corridor. It is anticipated that the resulting restoration will create a stable, healthy stream corridor and reduce sediment and nutrient loading downstream from the current incised, eroding stream banks. The project will also place a conservation easement on the restoration area, protecting a significant portion of the park.
The grant will fund a design-build project and will be managed by the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners with oversite by the City. The project work scope includes design, hydraulic modeling, wetland delineation/assessment and permitting, public meetings/outreach, construction, and management. The total project cost is estimated at $231,493 and is being funded via the Ohio EPA Grant. The City’s contribution to the project will be use of the parkland and City staff support. No additional costs to the City are anticipated at this time.
The estimated project schedule is to conduct consultant selection this fall, winter, design and public meetings into 2023 with construction in 2023 or 2024 based upon securing required environmental permit approvals from the Army Corp. Of Engineers, Ohio EPA and Summit Soil and Water Conservation District.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04:
Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
X Other
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
_X__ No Appropriation needed
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes
X No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into the agreement and to accept funding from Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners for the “Darrow Road Park Stream Restoration Project”. The project is being funded via an Ohio EPA 319 Grant in the amount of $250,000.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, Interim City Manager
Trent Wash, Assistant Public Works Director, Parks
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer