TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization for payment to the U.S. Water Alliance for the 2025 annual membership dues in the amount of $37,500.00, Account 101-15000-612280
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment, by direct voucher, to the U.S. Water Alliance for the 2025 annual membership dues in the amount of $37,500.00. The term of the District’s membership is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
The U.S. Water Alliance (Alliance) was established in 2008 to support “One Water” management, a concept that emphasizes the importance and value of each aspect of the water cycle and promotes more integrated, sustainable management of water and watersheds. The District has been a continuing member in support of the U.S. Water Alliance’s work in exploring the complex issue of water sustainability.
In 2021, the District joined the Alliance’s Water Equity Network to engage with similar organizations to learn about implementing a range of equitable policies, such as climate resilience plans, workforce development strategies, community benefits policies, environmental justice and community engagement.
The Alliance also coordinates the Value of Water Campaign and Imagine a Day without Water promotional initiatives in which the District participates. The District has marked the occasion by passing resolutions, hosting utility site tours and holding art contests for students to promote water facts using the #ValueWater and #ImagineADayWithoutWater tags that reach millions of people on social media. The 10th Annual Imagine a Day Without Water is taking place today, Oct. 17, 2024, helping communicate how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment.
Two members of the District participate in the Alliance’s One Water Council, a collaborative cross-sector platform that brings together utility managers, sustainability directors, planners, community leaders, environmental advocates, business leaders, researchers, and others who are driving a movement towards One Water management. The One Water Council offers dynamic opportunities for one water practitioners to come together to learn from each other, partner on policy development, develop joint advocacy positions, and advance integrated approaches to water resource management.
Inasmuch as the U.S. Water Alliance membership is not available through any other source, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize payment, by direct voucher, to the U.S. Water Alliance, in the amount of $37,500.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-15000-612280.
Requested, Shellie A. Riedle, Administrative Services Officer, CO
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners October 17, 2024