AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2020-113R, approving the first amendment of the Interlocal Agreement with Texas State University for the provision of reclaimed water; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: June 2, 2020
Department: Public Services Water / Wastewater - Tom Taggart, Director
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: NA
Account Number: NA
Funds Available: NA
Account Name: NA
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Original agreement approved by Council July 2015; agreement amended and approved by Council in February 2020.
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Background Information:
The City of San Marcos and Texas State University participated in the cost of design and construction of reuse water piping to serve primarily cooling purposes on campus and irrigation in the City Park facilities. The Interlocal Agreement approved by the City Council in 2015 provided for the exchange of surface water rights for reuse water by long term lease of a portion of Texas State University’s San Marcos River surface water withdrawal rights by the City. These rights are among the most senior on the river and the water is currently withdrawn from and above the endangered species habitat area by the university for cooling purposes. The City exchanged reuse water for surface water at a defined valuation up to a maximum amount. With changes to the TCEQ permitted withdrawal point and usage class, the surface water augments the reuse supply, can be stored for future use or treated for potable use in the City system. The withdrawal point is downstream of all the endangered species habitat areas and therefore continually augments stream flows through these environmentally sensitive areas. The agreement creates a sustainable benefit to the Habitat Conservation Plan and helps preserve our river environment. The agreement also sets a rate for reuse water in excess of lease amounts or in the event TCEQ declines permit changes.
The changes to the agreement approved by Council in February of this year were due to Texas State University inadvertently identifying water right permits to be transferred in the original agreement which would not allow for the water to be used for municipal/domestic, industrial, or consumptive uses.
The changes this amendment is proposing are at the request of Texas State University.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment to the agreement.