Agenda - Council - 11/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that approximately 20% of the wetlands, based on similar studies conducted in other communities, would be classified as Preserve or Manage 1, and thus would require full Minnesota Routine Assessment Method (MnRAMs), a methodology used to evaluate wetlands. If fewer or more wetlands required evaluation, costs would be adjusted accordingly. The GIS and data review portion of the study resulted in 136 wetlands, or a little more than twice the assumed number of wetlands, being preliminarily classified as either Preserve or Manage 1. Mr. Anderson stated this is a positive in terms of the ecological health of the wetlands. However, it also meant additional field work. Environmental Consulting, Inc., which has since merged with Westwood Professional Services, has submitted a budget supplement necessary to complete the study, generate the report, and present the findings to the Environmental Policy Board (EPB), the Planning Commission, and the City Council. The additional funding necessary to complete this study is estimated to be $19,163.25. After applying the difference between the original contract amount of $33,320 and the initial transfer of $35,000 (a difference of $1,680.00), the additional funding necessary to complete the study is estimated to be $17,483.25. Mr, Anderson explained a large portion of the budget supplement is for field work that has already been completed (all but 10 wetlands have been ground - truthed). The remainder of the budget supplement covers the expense of completing full MnRAMs on the last 10 wetlands and generating the report and municipal wetland management classification map. Mr. Ron Peterson of Westwood Professional Services has offered to present the findings to the EPB, the Planning Commission, and ultimately to the City Council for adoption, at no charge to the City. Mr. Anderson advised the EPB has been apprised of the fact that costs have exceeded the initial contract amount. Both the EPB and staff recommend authorizing a transfer of $20,000 from the Landfill Tipping Fee Fund to the General Fund to complete the functions and values study. Environmental services are a legitimate use of the Landfill Tipping Fee Fund. Councilmember Pearson inquired about the qualifications of classifying a wetland. Mr. Anderson replied there are a number of different components used to determine this including wetland inventory, the Natural Heritage Database from the DNR, and County biological surveys. It was determined that 331 wetlands meet the criteria and would be looked at, whether in part in the office or as a full ground study. Councilmember Jeffrey requested clarification that the contractor has gone beyond the approved amount. Mr. Anderson explained the work got ahead of the billing. The contract authorized the amount of $33,330, which would be adjusted based on the actual number of wetlands classified as Preserve or Manage 1. There was a communication breakdown between the consultant and staff as to what the actual dollar amount would be after the office component was completed. Councilmember Jeffrey expressed concern in the billing being in excess of the set dollar amount. He noted the circumstance in which the Council has denied additional funds to a consultant that exceeded the authorized amount. He is not sure it is the City's responsibility if the contractor is working ahead of their billing and not keeping track of where they are financially. He does not Finance Committee / September 26, 2006 Page 2 of 8