Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

FROM:

Beth Krishtalka, Assistant to Director

CC:

Dave Wagner, Director of Utilities

Mike Lawless, Deputy Director

Philip Ciesielski, Assistant Director

Mark Hegeman, Superintendent

Jeanette Klamm, Management Analyst

Date:

December 3, 2013

RE:

Sturm Professional Services Agreement

 

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the December 10, 2013 meeting:

 

Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Belinda Sturm for technical and professional services with respect to water and wastewater treatment processes for a total amount of $39,000.

 

Project History

The Utilities Department has hosted Kansas University Associate Professor Belinda Sturm’s grant-funded, algal growth and water remediation pilot study at its Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities since 2009. This research collaboration has provided opportunities for staff and Sturm to develop a technical relationship about treatment processes and data. In recent months the Department has purchased consulting services from Sturm as an independent contractor related to such processes and data. These consulting services have afforded staff with technical and professional expertise in evaluating ongoing processes, analyzing data and implementing process improvements.

 

Project Status

Staff recommends execution of the attached Professional Services Agreement with Sturm for technical services with respect to water and wastewater treatment processes and procedures, including but not limited to staff training and data analysis. The provision of such services will ensure 13 months of continued support from an independent contractor with professional expertise and knowledge about department treatment processes.

 

Project Funding

Funding is from the Utilities Department 2013 and 2014 Operations and Maintenance Budgets.

 

Action Request

Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Belinda Sturm for technical and professional services with respect to water and wastewater treatment processes for a total amount of $39,000.