Commission OKs Smith Group amendment to consolidate diversion-permit work through 2027

The Waukesha Water Utility Commission approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Smith Group Inc. on Oct. 21, extending the contract through 2027 and bringing earlier Jacobs/CH2M Hill work under Smith Group’s scope.

Kelly (staff member) explained the amendment preserves continuity by retaining the technical team from Jacobs while making Smith Group the lead consultant. The amendment includes migration of data from the Jacobs SharePoint to the city’s SharePoint, development of Power BI reporting capabilities, and allowances for a temperature impact study in 2026 and a disinfection study on the Root River in 2027. Kelly said budget for the amendment is included in the utility’s 2025 projection and that 2026 funding is anticipated in the pending city budget.

Commissioners asked about the duration of river monitoring work (Kelly said about 10 years in prior practice) and noted difficulty securing USGS support because of federal staffing constraints; Kelly said staff are coordinating with the Department of Natural Resources for alternatives.

The motion to approve the amendment passed (motion passed; transcript records no vote counts).