Fiscal Note
Total cost $1,555. Funds are available in Account No. ESTM - 54901-563290
Title
Authorizing a Payment to the Friends of Starkweather Creek for Funding of Water Monitoring Activities in Starkweather Creek. (Various ADs)
Body
WHEREAS, Little data is available for current flow and water quality in Starkweather Creek. While volunteers with the Friends of Starkweather Creek (FOSWC) are currently conducting regular water quality monitoring with hand-held equipment, this practice provides very limited data.
WHEREAS, Monitoring on a continuous basis would provide baseline information that would be useful in managing the stream corridor and watershed. The FOSWC propose to install continuous monitoring equipment, which will record water level, temperature, and light intensity (as an indicator of turbidity), in two locations along the creek.
WHEREAS, Data collected by these electronic sensors would provide valuable information in planning and interpreting spot measurements of other parameters, such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients. Collected water level measurements could also be used to approximate actual discharge of the creek, and to track the "flashiness" of the creek (i.e. determine how quickly the water level bounces up and down in response to rainfall events). All the collected data could be used to help determine the impact of improved stormwater management, restoration efforts, and development in the watershed.
WHEREAS, The FOSWC have requested $1555 from City Engineering to cover the cost of purchasing the monitoring equipment, the supporting software, and other related supplies. The FOSWC will install the equipment, will download the data, will deliver the data to the City, will remove the equipment for maintenance or during winter as needed, and will maintain the equipment.
WHEREAS, staff with the City Engineering Division will manage this data on the City's computer system; will provide minor logistical support and advice on installation of the equipment, any required permitting, and on ongoing data collection; and will download from the internet required barometric pressure data needed to correct water level logger data for atmospheric pressure.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Madison (the "City") hereby authorizes a payment to the Friends of Starkweather Creek in the amount of $1555 for purposes described above.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk or their designees are authorized to execute any and all documents and take whatever actions necessary to accomplish the purposes of this resolution.