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).

The City Council is considering an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for the Water Utilities Financial Planning and Support Project. This agreement, valued at a not-to-exceed amount of $1,049,620.00, will involve two primary components:

1. Funding Planning Assistance: Freese and Nichols will assist the Water Utilities Department with applications and funding for projects through programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including preparing necessary documentation and supporting the full funding lifecycle.
2. Project Health Reporting Dashboard: They will design and implement custom interactive dashboards using Power BI to consolidate project data, enhance financial oversight, and support decision-making.

The Public Utilities Board has recommended approval of this agreement with a unanimous vote of 6-0. The project is expected to continue through 2030 and supports the strategic focus area of enhancing infrastructure.