Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with various entities to develop a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan.
Summary
DATE: March 22, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kent Cagle, City Manager
SUBJECT: Interlocal Agreement to Develop Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The purpose of the Interlocal Agreement is to facilitate a regional joint effort in support of creating a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation for the conservation of federally listed species in the region of Bell and Coryell Counties, Texas.
Thirteen (13) entities are currently involved - Bell County, Coryell County, Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District, Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, Brazos River Authority, Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the following cities: Belton, Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Harker Heights, Killeen, Salado, and Temple.
The parties intend to apply for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to fund the regional habitat conservation planning efforts. There will be a regional grant match of no less than 25%. Below is the proposed match allocation.
• Four entities commit to fund 50% of the $250,000 grant match requirement: $31,250 from Bell County, Coryell County, Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District, and Brazos River Authority
• Four entities with populations over 25,000 equally share in 66% of the remaining $125,000 grant match requirement ($83,334 ÷ 4 - $20,833.50 each): Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Killeen, and Temple
• Remaining entities with populations under 25,000 (or ‘other’ type entities) equally share 33% of the remaining $125,000 grant match requirement ($41,666 ÷ 5 - $8,333.20 each): Belton, Gatesville, Salado, Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, and Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization
Bell County has agreed to take the lead by preparing the RFP to apply for the grant and develop the HCP, if successfully awarded. Each party will have a designated representative having an equal vote to review RFP submission and the development of the HCP.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Enter into an Interlocal Agreement with various entities to develop a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan to share costs of a grant.
2. Apply for a grant to create a Habitat Conservation Plan for Killeen only.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends entering into an Interlocal Agreement to create a regional plan. Cost-sharing will save the City money and will provide a unified conservation plan.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms with City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The City’s local grant match would be $20,833.50. Additionally, in-kind services are eligible to fulfill the City’s commitment for the local grant match.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One-time
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Non-Departmental account 010-9501-491.47-99.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement to create a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Interlocal Agreement