TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Utilization of Mote Marine Laboratory for the Hydrobiological Monitoring Program Triennial Report for an Additional Cost of $35,000.00, for a Total Encumbrance of $134,972.00 for Fiscal Year 2021.
Recommended Action
Approve the Utilization of Mote Marine Laboratory for the Hydrobiological Monitoring Program Triennial Report for an Additional $35,000.00, for a Total Encumbrance of $134,972.00 for Fiscal Year 2021.
Background Information
The City of North Port's Water Use Permit No. 20 002923.013, as regulated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), requires that the City maintain a compliant Hydrobiological Monitoring Program (HBMP). The HBMP includes the continuous monitoring of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity and pH of samples obtained by permanently fixed equipment in one location in the Myakkahatchee Creek as well as monthly analysis of water samples taken twice each month from ten independent sampling stations throughout the Cocoplum Waterway, Myakkahatchee Creek and the Myakka River.
Mote Marine Laboratory assisted in the development of this program with SWFWMD and has been performing the monthly testing since 2004 in association with County ambient monitoring program and the monitoring program for SWFWMD of the Myakka River minimum flows and levels. Since 2011, Mote Marine Laboratory has also performed the continuous monitoring portion of the program for the City. Other regional entities, including Sarasota County, also utilize Mote Marine's services which enables more complete data collection and analysis, providing crucial information on not only the region's aquatic ecosystems, but also the hydrological and biological composition of the region to state and federal agencies as needed.
In addition to the monitoring, sampling and analysis for the HBMP Program, the City is also required to submit a summary report to SWFWMD with an analysis of the data gathered for the program every three years. Because Mote Marine Laboratory performs the program testing and analysis, they have the necessary expertise to perform the analytical evaluation required for the triennial report. This report was last prepared by Mote Marine Laboratory on the behalf of the City in 2018. The upcoming report is due April 1, 2021.
To date, Utilities has encumbered $99,972.00 for the current fiscal year with Mote Marine Laboratory for monthly water sampling and analysis, and continuous salinity and water level monitoring as required by the HBMP. The City Manger’s policy requires that all competitive procurement exemption requests exceeding $100,000.00 be presented to Commission for consideration. Therefore, Utilities is requesting Commission approval for the utilization of Mote Marine Laboratory to complete the triennial report for an additional $35,000.00, for a total annual cost of $134,972.00.
Strategic Plan
Protect and promote our natural, cultural, and historical heritage that help define the City’s identity, contribute to the economy, maintain balance, and improve quality of life
Financial Impact
The amount of $35,000.00 is budgeted and available in the account number below:
|
Account Number |
Project |
Available Amount |
|
420-6061-533.31-05 |
N/A |
$ 35,000.00 |
Procurement
This purchase is being procured pursuant to Chapter 2- Administration, Article VIII - Procurement, Section 2-403, (a)(2) of the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, procurement contracts between the City and nonprofit organizations, other governments or other public entities.
Vendor Information: Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236
Attachments:
1. Procurement Exemption Request Form
2. Mote Marine Laboratory Quote
3. Florida Division of Corporations Document
Prepared by: Nicole Brown, Business Services Coordinator
Department Director: Richard Newkirk, Utilities Director