HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 1 - Agenda Information Sheet City of Denton
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AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: Procurement
ACM: Christine Taylor
DATE: February 17, 2026
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation,
authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc.,
for planning services for the Water Utilities Financial Planning and Support Project for the Water Utilities
Department as set forth in the contract; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an
effective date (RFQ 8213-012 – Professional Services Agreement for planning services awarded to Freese
and Nichols, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount of $1,049,620.00). The Public Utilities Board recommends
approval (6 - 0).
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This action supports Key Focus Area: Enhance Infrastructure and Mobility.
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND
Water Utilities staff requests approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc.
(FNI) for the Water Utilities Financial Planning and Support Project. The scope of work includes two
primary components. First, FNI will provide comprehensive funding planning assistance for programs
administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act (WIFIA), administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This
support will span the full funding lifecycle for selected projects and includes preparation of critical pre-
application documents, such as the Project Information Form (PIF) for State Revolving Fund (SRF)
programs and the abridged application for the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). FNI
will also assist with the development of council resolutions, post-closing compliance, and ongoing reporting
requirements. This includes guidance on specialized certifications, such as American and/or U.S. Iron and
Steel provisions, and support with monthly or quarterly outlay reports.
The second component involves developing a project health reporting dashboard. FNI will design and
implement custom, interactive dashboards in Power BI using available financial data. These dashboards
will provide both high-level executive summaries and detailed drill-down capabilities to enhance financial
oversight, compliance, and decision-making.
The agreement also includes a Special Services task, which extends the same funding assistance to support
future potential funding applications. These services are crucial to maximizing funding success and
enhancing financial transparency across Water Utilities' capital projects.
City Hall
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas
www.cityofdenton.com
By leveraging alternative funding sources, the City can reduce the financial burden on ratepayers while
continuing to invest in infrastructure that ensures safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater
services for the community.
Water Utilities initiated the selection process for an engineering firm for planning services for the Water
Utilities Financial Planning and Support Project . The utility used its approved pre-qualified list of firms
specializing in Water & Wastewater Planning, Master Plans, and Permitting. The seven pre-qualified firms
for the project were: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Plummer, Freese and Nichols, Inc., Jacobs
Engineering Group Inc., RPS Infrastructure, Inc., Carollo Engineers, Inc, and HDR Engineering, Inc. Water
Utilities staff carefully evaluate candidates for engineering services. With a strong track record in planning,
securing, and managing alternative funding, the staff recommends awarding a Professional Services
Agreement to Freese and Nichols, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $1,049,620. Their expertise will support
the successful and efficient delivery of critical water utility projects.
Request for Qualifications for an engineering services list for various water and wastewater utilities projects
for the Water Utilities Department was solicited using the City’s formal solicitation process. City Council
approved a pre-qualified list of professional service firms on March 5, 2024 (Ordinance 24-390).
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 5, 2024, the City Council approved RFQ 8213 for a prequalified list of firms for engineering
services for various water and wastewater utilities projects for the Water Utilities Department (Ordinance
24-390).
On February 9, 2026, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) recommended this item to the City Council for
consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Award a contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc., for planning services for the Water Utilities Financial
Planning and Support Project for the Water Utilities Department, in a not-to-exceed amount of $1,049,620.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
Freese and Nichols, Inc.
Denton, TX
SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES
The City of Denton is seeking funding support for planning assistance to pursue alternative funding sources
for critical water utility infrastructure. These improvements are crucial for maintaining safe and reliable
water and wastewater services for the community. Accessing alternative funding helps reduce the financial
burden on ratepayers while supporting long-term system resilience and environmental compliance.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
The duration of the Water Utilities Funding Planning Support Project is anticipated to last through 2030.
FISCAL INFORMATION
These services will be funded from a combination of the accounts listed below.
Wastewater 640538541.1360.30200 $549,620
Water 630579517.1360.30200 $500,000
Requisition #173246 has been entered into the Purchasing software system in the amount of $1,049,620.
The budgeted amount for this item is $1,049,620.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Agenda Information Sheet
Exhibit 2: Ordinance and Contract
Respectfully submitted:
Lori Hewell, 940-349-7100
Purchasing Manager
For information concerning this acquisition, contact: David Brown, 940-349-8030.
Legal point of contact: Leah Bush at 940-349-8333.