Agenda Date: 01/14/2020
Subject:
Title
Proposed reorganization of the Director’s responsibilities at the South Platte Water Renewal Partners facility (SPWRP - Littleton/Englewood wastewater treatment plant)
Body
|
Prepared By: |
Mark Relph, City Manager |
PURPOSE: The city of Englewood is proposing an organizational change with the management of the SPWRP facility (Plant). Staff will present the impacts and benefits to the city. If the city approves, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be executed between the two City Managers.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Mark Relph, City Manager; Reid Betzing, City Attorney
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
The city of Englewood per the 1982 joint use agreement with Littleton is responsible for the daily operation of the jointly owned Plant. The city of Englewood proposes a reorganization that allows the current director of the Plant to also add the responsibility to manage Englewood’s water and sanitary sewer utilities. Attached is a memorandum from Shawn Lewis, Englewood City Manager to Mark Relph explaining in some detail the proposal.
There would be some modest financial savings to Littleton, and thereby to the rate payers of our sewer utility, but the discussion will be more focused on how Littleton’s interest at the Plant would be protected through the proposed MOU. A copy of the draft MOU is attached.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
None
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
While a financial savings to Littleton is of value, the most important issue it to make sure the Plant is operating and performing at the highest level. This requires consistent leadership and direction on a daily basis. The changes the Plant Director has made this past year have been substantial and reviewed with both councils at the last joint meeting this past summer. Clearly, there has been efficiencies gained operationally and a more logical approach to capital investments.
Staff from both cities have reviewed the proposal. This has included the City Managers, City Attorneys, Public Works directors, the Plant Director and the Plant Attorney (David Robbins). The Littleton City Manager and Public Works Director (Keith Reester) have had direct experience with similar arrangements. It is our opinion the draft MOU protects the city’s interest; however, this study session is intended to review the detail and confirm if council is comfortable with the proposal.
Fiscal Impacts
The city of Littleton would be expected to experience over a 3-year forecasting period a cost reduction of approximately $137,000. This would be the result of Englewood assuming a greater percentage of Plant Director’s salary and benefits.
Alternatives
The city could opt for rejecting the proposal and continuing the current arrangement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends support for the proposal.