TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell - Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
FROM: Wendy Swindell - Asst Director, Parks, Recreation & Conservation
DATE: April 8, 2025
SUBJECT: Water & Air Research, Inc. Work Order Number 1, Amendment 2 for Ecological Services in Support of the Environmental Land Acquisition Bond
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On September 26, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved Contract #2023064 for Water & Air Research, Inc. to provide ecological services in support of land acquisition services for the Environmental Bond. The initial work to be completed by Water & Air Research, Inc. was to complete desktop environmental assessments for use by the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel (ELAP) in the review of parcels nominated for potential acquisition. Staff provided authorization for Water & Air Research, Inc. to begin the initial environmental reports May of 2024 up to the Purchasing Manager’s authority of $35,000 through Work Order 1.
On October 4, 2024, the County Administrator executed Amendment 1 to Work Order 1, authorizing Water & Air Research to complete additional environmental assessment reports up to the threshold of $75,000. This level of authorization allowed for completion of environmental reports for the initial ranking period (March 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024). Water & Air Research, Inc. completed fifteen property assessments for the initial ranking period. There are seven additional properties that have been nominated for potential acquisition for the second nomination period (September 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025). This amendment will address the second nomination period environmental reports. In addition, the amendment will provide for additional services towards the initiation of draft management plans for properties that will be acquired through purchase with bond funds.
ANALYSIS
The attachment provides the scope of services and contract rates for completion of Work Order Number 1, Amendment 2 which includes completion of additional environmental reports for properties nominated during the second nomination period, as well as initiation of draft management plans for properties acquired with bond funds.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funding for work performed for Contract #2023064, in the amount of $75,000, will come from the Land Acquisition Bond 2024/Land Acquisition/Other Professional Services account, number 15514639-033190.
|
Account Description |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
Land Acquisition Bond 2024/Land Acquisition/Other Prof Services |
15514639-033190 |
$75,000 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
On September 26, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved Contract #2023064 for Water & Air Research, Inc. to provide ecological services in support of the Environmental Bond.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
None identified at this time
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff respectfully recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve Water & Air Research, Inc. Work Order Number 1, Amendment 2 for ecological services in support of the land acquisition bond, and authorize the Chairman to execute the Amendment after review and approval by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Water & Air Research, Inc. Work Order Number 1, Amendment 2 for ecological services in support of the land acquisition environmental bond.