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 BRANDYWINE CREEK TRIBUTARY & 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 partially fund the “Brandywine Creek Tributary, Stream Restoration Project”. The total project cost is estimated at $231,493 and is being split 80%-Grant/20%-City. Any costs over the grant amount will be the responsibility of the City.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The Ohio 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 March 2020, the City of Hudson partnered with the TCWP to apply for, and was recently awarded, an OEPA 319 Grant to help fund the “Brandywine Creek Tributary, Stream Restoration Project”.
The project is located along the Brandywine Creek Tributary between Owen Brown Street and W. Prospect Street (see attached concept plan). This section of stream has become entrenched, or down-cut and disconnected from the natural floodplain. The project goal is to reconnect the stream to the on-site floodplains and improve the riparian corridor with enhanced natural habitats and stream stability improvements without diminishing the conveyance of the stream. Additional storm water storage to reduce downstream flooding, where readily available within the project limits, will also be reviewed for construction.
The project will also remove vegetative invasive, or non-native shrubs and plants that are reducing the bio habitat in the area. High-quality, beneficial stream, wetlands, and plants will remain where they exist. Trees and vegetation removal will be selective, with only those trees that are invasive, or within the access points for the project, being planned for removal and replacement.
Lastly, within the project limits is a historic stone bridge. The bridge is in poor condition, in the process of failing and is unsafe. The bridge is constricting natural stream flows. The project design will review how best to address the bridge concerns prior to construction commencing.
As part of the project development, staff will review and gather input from the public, the Environmental Awareness Committee, Tree Commission & City Arborist and Hudson Heritage Association.
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 split 80%/20% Grant/City. The Ohio EPA grant amount is $185,194 (80% x $231,493). The City’s cost is $46,299 (20% x $231,493 = $46,299). Any costs over the grant amount will be the responsibility of the City.
The anticipated project schedule is to conduct consultant selection this fall, design and public meetings through the winter, 2020-2021 and construction next summer.
This stream restoration project design and construction will parallel the Owen Brown Bridge Replacement Project which is currently in design. In addition, storm water storage improvement design at the Barlow Community Center is on-going. All three projects were initially developed as part of the 2019 Brandywine Creek Watershed Study conducted in cooperation with NEORSD.
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
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (to be included 3rd quarter appropriation)
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 “Brandywine Creek Tributary, Stream Restoration Project”. The project is partially funded via an Ohio EPA 319 Grant in the amount of $185,194.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, PE, PS, Assistant City Manager Professional Services
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer